Happy Saturday!

I had such a great time last weekend up in Northern California at my family reunion. I haven't been with everyone for over 15 years. My close cousins started a group chat so now there are 5 of us that text each other all the time and stay in touch. We are the middle generation cousins and are planning our next get together for early next year.

Even though my entire weekend was spent traveling, I felt so great at work this week and had a new pep in my step. I really needed to spend time with family. Being all alone in Southern California can get lonely, being lonely is no fun. My husband is a yacht captain so he works most weekends leaving me home alone. I don't mind at all now that I'm all into my crafts and this blog. Thank you for being here.

My hometown is Pleasanton, it's in the Bay Area and was a great place to grow up. My step dads sons were rebellious in their youth, I learned they snatched a ton of street signs from around my hometown. Like this beauty pictured above. I can't believe they never got caught! Don't do this at home kids.

My blog is for yarn and fabric crafters. I know some of you may sell handmade items like I just started doing. Isn't it fun, scary and a big learning curve? Besides making your handmade goods you also need to be tech savvy and do advertising. That's part of growing, you need to get out of your comfort zone sometimes. Just remember to breath and don't let it overwhelm you.

This morning I just posted a thrifty way to make your own personalized labels. The post says sewing labels but depending on the fabric you use and the size of your label, you could definitely use these on crochet items. If you are a maker selling these items, I've included my label template for free, just download it but please don't judge. I almost didn't share it because it's not perfect. I'm not a perfectionist if you haven't noticed. It's pictured below, I made it really fast just to print fast labels. You can make it prettier and you don't have to start from scratch.

I created this in Canva but the templates didn't fit what I was looking for. I just wanted a fairly thin label with just my blog name. All in black print. I used scrap yardage but it was a natural shade of muslin so my labels look a little dull. I suggest using white cotton so it's brighter. For the full post, just click here.

Labels should always be on your handmade items. For me, I always forget this step or feel embarrassed to add it but do it. Especially for crochet blankets. If you gift a blanket and for some reason it gets passed along to someone else, you should at least include your name on it.

Or you can purchase all sorts of labels online. Read my quilt label ideas and how to sew labels post. While this shows how to sew onto a quilt, you would need to modify for attaching to a crochet item. If you have a sewing machine, use that or hand stitch it down. It has a ton of links for purchased labels in all shapes and sizes depending on your budget. Labels can be added after it's washed.

I finished the book "The Last Garden in England" last night and I'm so sad I'm done with it. If you love England, history and gardening you must read this. Now I'm started another Julia Kelly book called "The Last Dance of the Debutante". It has really good reviews and I order 4 more books earlier this week. What was I thinking? Who has time for books? Apparently I do and reading a physical is great in the evenings before bed. What are you reading lately?

Pick a free pattern from my Pattern Index and make something today.

Did you know that now you can print my blog posts without any ads? Just go to the shop and search under digital crochet patterns.

This easy granny stitch blanket below is the perfect summer project. You can make it whatever size you want, just look at the stitch count you need in order to multiply. That's the secret sauce to doing any crochet project. Knowing the stitch count needed.

If you love scrappy and colorful crochet, this is the pattern for you. It just repeats and you can use fabric from your stash. Don't leave out the ugly yarn either. The more the merrier for these granny stitch blankets. They look so good when you have a lot of different yarns.

I haven't been crocheting lately, mostly learning how to sew items to sell on Etsy. Let me know if you are interested in blog posts about having a small business and selling your handmade items in markets or online shops. I know there are crafter who sell, I want to meet you and see your shops!

I'm thinking of making crochet bags with a fabric lining. Looking at metal and wooden handles with round knobs to open and close the crochet purse. I found knittrolley in my Instagram feed and love her crochet stuff. If you love colorful crochet and upscale items, check out her stuff. Who do you follow on Instagram for crochet inspiration?

Happy Saturday and have a great weekend. I hope you find time to crochet.

I'm Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you'll find easy to follow patterns, helpful tutorials, and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. I'm here to make the process fun and stress free. Grab your fabric (or yarn), and let's create something beautiful together!

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