Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Raffle-poloosa and great Crochet Knowledge!!

After months and months of watching and waiting for "likes" on my Facebook page, I received my 100th "like"!  I pledged that once I reached 100 I would do a raffle/give-away to one or two of my fans.  Well, I also began a quest to find fellow crochet-addicts on facebook.  I did a quick search and found a few pages that I began following and posted my hello and introduced myself.  Before I knew it, I got several new fans and began friendships and learning new things.

I got so excited and engrossed that I realized I was up to 125 fans and hadnt raffled for the give-away.  So, yesterday I decided what I would give and my son (who I am so glad is still alive) selected the winners for me.  One winner, Keisha Rogers, lives in Los Angeles, CA and the other, Brittaney's Crafts, lives in Oklahoma city, OK and was introduced to my by my Aunt who resides there.  They were excited to learn that they were the winners and will be receiving their prizes soon!

Well, while I was searching for crochet and yarn enthusiasts, I friended someone who later suggested that I join a group called "blogging hookers" on Facebook, I also ran across a page of a woman who is a consultant for people who have exsisting or would like to began a crochet business.  Her page is "Yarb Obsession"  She is on facebook and has a website, www.yarnobsession.com.  She recommended a book that I found on Amazon.com and downloaded to my Kindle which is her book, Pricing Crochet fairly for Maximum profit by Sedruola Maruska.  While looking for that book I also found others such as "Hooking for Cash" (10 ways to earn money with your crochet blog, by Sara Druggan; Crocheting for Profit by Sarah Holmes and The New Guide to Knitting and Crocheting by Marie Jane Cooper.  I have alot of reading to do but I so excited to turn the page and gather wisdom that others have learned while on the same journey that I am now traveling.

I run my business from home and hardly network with other crocheters.  I now realize that you must connect with like-minded people so that you can learn from eachother and encourage eachother while you are building your business or simply crocheting for recreation.  I have been praying that God open doors for my business to be successful.  I am so glad and blessed that He directed me to begin reaching out and therefore meeting new people and learning things that I did not realize were available to help me.

So, I am happy and excited to be able to share this information with you.  I hope and pray that if you were not aware of these books or pages that they are useful/helpful to you as they were for me.  Have a blessed day and Happy Hooking!!



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Wonderful Wednesday!

I woke up this morning renewed and energized.  I read my favorite scripture (Psalms 37) and was ready to begin my day.  So, I made my tea, fed the dog and logged on the my facebook page.  I did something today that I havent done in a while which was . . . invite a few of my fb friends to "like" my page.

The reception was wonderful!  I got 10-12 new likes within the hour!  I also got lots of wonderful feedback and positive comments.  That boosted my ego! lol.  But, it also reminded me that no man is an island.  We cant exsist alone.  We need our friends, family, and acquaintances to bounce ideas, spread love and words of encouragement and also just to network. 

As I begin this journey to expand my crochet business and to tread into territories unknown, I know that without the Lord, and the encouragement of others it would be impossible.  So, Im feeling good, and encouraging any and everyone to keep forging ahead.  Even if the obstacles are staring you in the face, blocking you at the door, or screaming in your head. . . keep moving, you might have to cry but . .  keep moving, it may look impossible, . . . KEEP MOVING!

Any and every day that you are alive and breathing is another day to try again.  Any day, every day, is a WONDERFUL day.  It is a gift from God and we must use it to the fullest.  Today is "hump day" it is Wonderful Wedesday.  What are you going to do with your gift?  Dont hide it.  Use it and share it.  You may just bless someone without knowing it.  I love you but God loves you more.

Smooches!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Tuesday Love!

I am currently working on so many crochet projects that it is overwhelming.  I eat, sleep and play thnking about crocheting new and old projects.  I wake up with new designs in my head.  I have started so many but do not complete them because of orders or life's circumstances.

Recently I had the most life changing, mind altering circumstance happen in my life.  My son (who is 19 years old) was almost fatally wounded leaving a party.  The blessing is that he is alive!  He is walking, talking, laughing and PRAYING, thanks to the mercy of God!!!

With this act of mercy, grace and unselfish love that God has placed in my life and the life of my family I have a renewed since of power.  The scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" takes on a new meaning.

Now, I know and believe that this new calling on my life to crochet and create beautiful clothing and accessories is reachable.  There is no one who can stop me from meeting this goal but me.  Once God equips you with life and a gift it is up to you to nurture it, to believe in it and to multiply it.  God gives you a gift to be a blessing to yourself, your family and others. 

With this new profound sense of awesome power you will see beautiful crocheted and (eventually) knitted items manifesting on behalf of Lovepetals Crochet.  Im not saying that there wont be days that I wont be discouraged, Im only human, but I will say that I wont let it overwhelm me.  I will use my son's life to remind me that tomorrow isnt promised so I must push forward and make the most of today.  I hope you will follow me on this journey.  It will be a wild and bumpy ride but I believe it will be well worth it.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

God is Able!

Good Morning!  I woke up with low spirits this morning.  I have alot on my mind.  So, I turned on my ipod and began listening to "God is Able" by Smokey Norful.  I put the song on repeat so that it could mentor to my spirit.  I immediately began feeling lifted up.

The key is to link into God's spirit and not let people, obstacles, your surroundings and even your thoughts to hinder you or defeat you.  "God is able to do immeasurablly more than all we ask or imagine, accordingto his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20.

Im saying these things to you as well as to myself.  I have spent alot of time worrying about what other people think or say instead of listening to God and what his word tells me that He thinks of me.  That is the only thing that is important.  He loves you more than anyone else.  Believe it and walk in it.  God Bless You!!!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

GOT PICS?


peach-multi beach coverlet 

As I prepare myself to participate in my first Fashion Week  it was suggested that I have a photo shoot to send PICS and a bio for the website. So, Saturday was my first photo shoot. It was planned at the last minute but I was VERY pleased with the results. My daughter, Aysia, and her friend Lexi were my models. They made my work look beautiful!

I didn't realize the work that goes into photo shoots, garments, accessories, make- up, poses, lighting, etc.  It was exhausting but worth it! I now have more of an appreciation for designers, models and everyone else involved in the process.  This was just a glimpse of my future. ( I'm claiming the success of my line. lol!)

Once I get the finished pics I'll add a few a day and notify you when my bio and PICS are posted on the Oklahoma Fashion Week website. My daughter had a few that the photographer gave her to upload to instagram.  She shared with with me so I will share it with you!  Keep me in your prayers. Enjoy & Smooches!


Thursday, January 3, 2013

My Design Frenzy!

I have been on a knit and crochet frenzy for the last few weeks.  I eat, sleep and play thinking about yarn, design and texture.  I wake up and immediately begin drawing or creating the design that was in my dreams or vision.

Side view of dress

Turquoise Pineapple Racerback Dress
www.lovepetals.etsy.com
Yesterday, the garment that began as a skirt was transformed into a dress.  Once I begin creating with the yarn the garment takes on a life of its own.  Before I knew it, my vision for the design changed.  It took a while for it to come to life.  I would spend a day crocheting and then unravel the entire thing.  This went on for a couple of days until I was satisfied.

I think this year I will reincarnate my shop so that I will also sell patterns for my clothing.  I dont write the steps down as I go but I can go back and figure it out.  This will be a new endeavor for me and will take a little time to do this for each item, but I need to do it for me as well as for other crocheters who can make the item themselves.  What do I have to lose?

The weather is cold and windy which makes for a great atmosphere to cuddle up, put on a good movie and design.  So, the new year brings about new opportunities, and a chance to transform, or reinvent yourself to be what you want.  You are the only obstacle to your dreams.  So with that in mind . . .  I will continue on my design frenzy and continue on the road to making my wildest dreams come true!  Ill take you on the journey with me and please give me your opinion along the way.  Have a blessed day!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

Today is the beginning of a new year! I am excited about the possibilities that await-. I am also preparing to present my line at the first Oklahoma Fashion Week in April.

This endeavor is a dream come true and will test my faith, skills and confidence'. This is something I've wanted for a long time-. I feel it will advance me to the next level in my career.  One thing I know for sure is it will force me to make my business a priority and invest the time and money necessary to make it what I've hoped and dreamed it will be.

I believe we all have desires that can and will manifest only when we submit it to prayer and put feet to our faith. I'm praying that those things you desire will manifest in your life and ask that you do the same for me. I will definitely keep you posted.

New designs and logo will be coming soon. stay tuned. Remember: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams are realized there is life and joy! Proverbs 13:12.  Smooches.