Heather's Musings and other thoughts

RuneScape is my MMORPG

2007-01-22T15:13:00.000-05:00

I've been reading a bit about the latest expansion for World of Warcraft. It sounds like it's a much needed improvement to a game that hasn't really been out that long. Well, as long as RuneScape has been out anyway.

I love RuneScape! It's a "live" role-playing game that you can log into via internet through your PC. No need to buy extra software, no need to buy the main program either. All you have to do is go to the main page (www.runescape.com), create your character and begin the fun. Well, if you want a smaller version of the game anyway. There is a free to play version of the game, which only lets you access 1/4 of the entire RuneScape world, but you get to complete quests, level up many different skills, including mining, smithing, crafting, cooking, fishing, etc.

The pay to play section gives you complete access to the entire RuneScape world (assuming you have completed certain quests to have access to certain parts of the world, anyway) and the ability to train in all skills, such as hunting, farming, agility, fletching, etc. The membership fee is only a paltry $5 a month to enjoy hours and hours and (in my case) HOURS of computer fun. Nothing to buy, no extra software, no worrying if your computer has the right connection speed. Dial up users can play as well as DSL or faster users.

I have been playing for about 2 years now and I absolutely am hooked on it. I just wish there were more hours in the day to play. True, the graphics may not be as flashy as WoW, but the skills more than make up for it. To tell you the truth, I am so busy having fun talking to my online friends that I don't even care about the graphics, unless I'm being attacked by a tree spirit, or the Mysterious Old Man pays me a visit. I've even had a mime come by and get me to play a rousing game of monkey-see, monkey-do.

As far as my stats are concerned, well, they aren't the best in the game, but they are rather decent. I am currently in the top 86,000 overall scorers, and I am in the top 25,000 on several stats as well. I have now progressed to the point where higher leveled players are impressed with my stats.

Go and check it out. You'll have spent 3 hours there without even realizing it. Give me a PM too, I'm under the character name of Ashlyn Hart. I could even help you learn your way around the world too.

See ya there!

Pain is in the eye of the beholder

2007-01-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, strange title, I know. But let me explain.

Last Tuesday, I felt a strange "pop" in my lower back region. Next thing I knew I was out of work for three days lying flat on my back in bed, barely able to move. Is it too late to ask Santa for a new back? Anyway, here's a brief rundown of what's going on.

About 4 years or so ago, a good friend of mine decided to give me a good bye hug. Only this friend did not come straight at me, he came at me from about a 45 or so degree angle. He gave me a tremendous bear hug which torqued my back farther than it really wanted to go. Approximately 3 days later, I woke up with tremendous back pain that left me in bed for a week solid.

I went to doctors, chiropractors, had MRIs and X-rays done. I was diagnosed with a dessicated (sp?) disc, a degenerated disc, and a pinched nerve. I thought I finally got a handle on the pain, and my limitations after about 1 1/2 years of chiropractic treatment. Apparently, I was mistaken.

I am now back to square one with a high possibility of surgery in my future for replacement discs. That will be an option of last resort. I am now on Vicodin three times a day and have heat placed on my lower back 13-14 hours a day. It's a very good thing that I work in the equivalent of an igloo. My coworkers are all menopausal and are having hot flashes from Hell.

Anyway, I hope that this will be the last time I have to go through this level of pain. I wouldn't even wish this kind of debilitating pain on my worst enemy. Just keep me in your thoughts.

Thanks for continuing to read this blog through all the changes.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

It's a brand new year and a brand new look for my blog. Since Carrot Top Crafts did not go as well as I expected, I decided to use this as my "whatever" blog. I will talk about anything and everything that comes to mind.

If you have any comments or questions that you would like me to talk about, feel free to contact me and give me something to talk about. Otherwise, it's a moot point. There are only a few rules I personally have about this: No vulgarities, no adult/mature (NC-17 or above) topics will be discussed, and above all, have fun.

And to a certain reader, congrats on your new Mustang! May you have fun in it, but don't get any traffic tickets. And come and pick me up and we'll go cruising!

May you all have a wonderful year!

Heather

End of an era, unless you order now

2006-12-11T16:16:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't been posting for a while now. Unfortunately, it's not because I have been very busy with the crafts...

Unless you, my loyal readers, inundate me with orders soon, Carrot Top Crafts will go the way of many small businesses have in this day and age. I will no longer create new inventory, I am drastically trying to sell off what inventory I have. I wish I could say this would be good news, but alas...

So I guess this will be my announcement of a "Going out of Business Sale." All orders I get will have free shipping until my stock has completely been sold out. I still have over 100 pieces of jewelry, many crocheted items, and several cross stitch pictures waiting for homes.

I had really hoped that things would turn up better for me and this venture, but the timing just wasn't right, and life threw me some curve balls that couldn't be avoided.

But fear not, I will still try and do some special orders here and there.

Anyway, I guess I'll just leave you with a smile and say that it has been a pleasure and hope to hear from you all soon.

Keep stitching,
Heather

More things added to Carrot Top Crafts

2006-09-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

I have now started volunteering for Project Linus. I think this is a wonderful organization that gives stitchers like me a chance to put my talents to very good use. I already have 3-4 blankets made for children ages 1-5, and I am now working on a hexagonal afghan for a twin size bed. They desperately need more blankets for the bigger kids. Not to say that they don't need infants blankets as well. I have decided to keep my "blanketeering" narrowed down to the kids that always seem to fall in the cracks, the ones too big for baby blankets, yet too young to care for themselves.
Please take a moment to visit Project Linus. Not only do they need dedicated "blanketeers", but they also need donations to keep this wonderful idea going. If you can't crochet, knit, or quilt, please consider giving them a small donation to keep it going?
I am taking yarn donations as well, to keep my part of the chain going. If you happen to have some yarn that is in good shape, I would be happy to take it to integrate it into my next blanket. If you are seriously wanting to help me out, send me an email (at carrottopcrafts@mail.com) and I can give you the specifics of how to get the yarn to me.
Until then, happy stitching!
Heather

another project I have worked on

2006-07-09T14:32:00.000-04:00

This is another cross stitch pattern that I have worked on in the past. It is called "The Guardian" and it was designed by Teresa Wentzler. She designs a lot fantasy genre pictures and the colors are absolutely gorgeous in person. This picture really doesn't do it justice, but it's hard to portray the mulitude of hues in a snapshot.

She designs fairies, dragons, merlins, and all sorts of other designs. I am partial to the fantasical though.

I will be posting some other pictures of either items I have worked on, or something similar to what I have worked on. I have done all sorts of things, so there is a vast array of cross stitch I can do.

Please email me (at carrottopcrafts@mail.com) or Instant Messenger me (at yahoo! carrot_top_crafts). I would love to hear from you.

Thanks,
Heather

New Items to be added

2006-07-06T09:57:00.000-04:00

I will now be taking special orders for cross stitched items. My specialty is larger items such as the pictured quilt patterns here. Each completed cross stitch pattern is around 8 inches by 10 inches (or larger depending on the type fabric used) and is absolutely gorgeous. I have completed several of these patterns already as Paula Vaughan is my all-time favorite designer. They turn out absolutely beautiful.

I have also completed a Thomas Kinkade cross stitch picture in the past. For those of you who know his works, the pictures are very intricate and colorful and well worth the effort.

I also work on smaller cross stitch items, such as tea towels, samplers, cross stitch baby blankets, and pillow fronts.

If you are interested in having a personalized item, I do have a cross stitch software program at home that can convert .jpg images into cross stitch patterns and I can cross stitch your family or pet from your own image you send me. I will be trying to take some pictures of projects I have already completed to post so that you may see the quality of my work.

Some of my completed works include: Precious Moments pictures, Thomas Kinkade patterns, Paula Vaughan patterns, stamped cross stitch baby quilts, cross stitched name tags, personalized clothing (send me the item you want the picture or monogram on and I will add it, or tell me the size needed and I can send it to you that way), samplers, animal patterns, Biblical patterns, mythical creature patterns, triptychs, and Christmas patterns (like small ornaments).

Please feel free to contact me with your specifications. I will begin working on Christmas orders this month, so don't delay. I want to make sure that you get your gift in plenty of time before the Christmas rush, I work quickly, but not THAT fast!

I can still be reached via email at carrottopcrafts@mail.com or you can send me an instant message through Yahoo! by my ID of carrot_top_crafts.

Have a great day!

Heather

Yes, I'm still here.

2006-07-03T17:50:00.000-04:00

Oh, my. I never meant for it to be so long between my posts. Fear not, craft enthusiasts, I have not disappeared from the face of the earth. It's been the exact opposite. I have been so busy that I haven't had the time to sit down long enough to post anything.

Let's see, to summarize what has been going on since the beginning of May.....

1) The last time I went to the local flea market was the Saturday before Mother's Day. You would think that it would be a busy day, with everyone buying last minute gifts for Dear, Sweet Mumsy. Nope. I only sold one item that day, and it was to my own mother.

2) I sponsored a contest with a group that I am affiliated with and offered 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for them. Again, I only sold one item that night. And only the 1st and 3rd place prize winners picked up their prizes. Hmmmm.

3) I am starting to work on special orders for crocheted items. I'm getting ready for the fall season by promoting my hand crafted sweaters, coats, scarfs, and other cold weather items. Place your orders now, before I get so busy that I won't be able to fill yours before the cold weather hits.

I will try and make more time to post more pictures of the new jewelry I have made since April. I have several different necklace patterns now that I think you will really like.

Until next time,
Heather

The Big 100

2006-05-08T20:37:00.000-04:00

Great news! I made my 100th piece over the weekend! No, this is not the 100th piece, but it is one of my favorites so I will use this picture for my celebration post.

This particular pair of earrings is made from purple and lavender acrylic beads with a long bicone bead as the centerpiece and small gold beads on the end. They are very, very light to wear and a popular piece as well. I have sold about 5 pair (in different colors) so far.

They only sell for $4 and come in the following colors: blue, purple (shown), red, green, teal, aqua, pink, and earth tones.

I am ready for the Mother's Day last minute shopping rush this weekend. I will be helped this weekend by a good friend of mine, and I truly appreciate her help.

I will be taking new pictures hopefully next week of all the new items I have in stock and will be posting some of the newer items I have. I am really looking forward to the photo shoot.

Until then, be"ad" happy!

Heather

A bracelet and new advertising

2006-05-02T20:55:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite pieces. It's made with dark and light purple beads on a double hasp clasp. It's made ladder style and is also stretchy. It is very light to wear and goes with almost anything. This particular piece only sells for $6.00. Please contact me at carrottopcrafts@mail.com if you are interested in this particular piece.

I am also sponsoring a local get-together at the end of this month for some friends. They are going to be having a contest and I will be giving out gift certificates for the first, second, and third place winners. I will offer gift certificates in the amounts of $25, $20, and $15 respectively. I will also be given a small ad on their website free of charge for about 2-3 months while they work out the kinks. I did very well with them this past Sunday, and I think the advertising will do us both good.

I am still planning on going to the fleamarket the Saturday before Mother's Day to help the poor souls that are doing some last minute shopping for Dear Old Mum. I really hope to see you there (if you live in the area, that is...).

As usual, please email me (carrottopcrafts@mail.com) if you have any comments, or requests and I will be sure to get back in touch with you.

Be"ad" happy!

Heather

New necklace photo

2006-04-30T09:28:00.000-04:00

This is one of my necklace creations. It is made with glass pearl beads with a silver toggle clasp. It is very light and airy and drapes wonderfully around the neck. It comes with a matching bracelet and dangle earrings. The bracelet also has the silver toggle clasp. The necklace on its own is only $10, or if you want the set, it's only $20.

I am going to be taking MORE pictures in the next few weeks. I now have over 90 pieces available for sale and there are more coming every day. I can barely seem to keep my inventory in stock. Every time I show it to people, they buy everything I've made so far. In fact, there is one particular piece, which I might post next, that I have had to remake 4 times already due to the popularity. I love that!

I will be at the local fleamarket the Saturday before Mother's Day, May 13. Any of you readers living in the Hudson, FL area are more then welcome to come by and visit me and my new partner (my daughter) and see what we have available.

Until then,

Heather

National "Take your child to work day"

2006-04-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

You know, this is an interesting situation in my case. I work outside the home, and I also have my craft business at home. So which job DO I take my child to work with me? Actually, my day job is going to be nice enough to do this, so I will be able to bring my child to work with me tomorrow. She is really excited about it.

I am also teaching her how to make jewelry. She already has made several very pretty pieces that have gotten many comments on them. She is really enjoying working with me at the shows too. I'm hoping that she gets a lot out of running a small business.

I know I haven't posted any other pictures lately. I will post another picture on the next post I do. I hope you are enjoying looking at what I have completed so far. As it stands now, I have over 85 pieces of jewelry available for purchase.

As always, if you have any comments, please feel free to contact me at carrottopcrafts@mail.com or you can now send me an instant message on the Yahoo Messenger system at carrot_top_crafts.

Look forward to hearing from you all.

Until next time,
Heather

Flea Market was much better this time

2006-04-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

My daughter and I did the flea market this past weekend and we did MUCH better this time around. We made three times more than we did the first time during the Arts and Crafts fair. We will be going back the Saturday before Mother's Day to utilize the last minute rush for Mother's Day gifts.

I now have over 85 pieces of jewelry. Of which, I have around 14 3-piece sets. I am getting new inventory every week and my regular customers can't wait until I bring in my new items. I am getting quite a following around here.

I have recently gotten access to DSL on my computer at home and am now able to do things at home much easier now. I have also created a Yahoo! Messenger Chat account and anyone who wishes to chat can contact me at carrot_top_crafts. I do not have an email account through Yahoo!, I will still use the carrottopcrafts@mail.com for all of my emailing. But I definitely look forward to hearing from you all. As an added bonus, if you have the latest Yahoo! Messenger with Voice, I have added my actual picture to my name so you can actually see me.

Please feel free to contact me at Yahoo! Messenger (carrot_top_crafts). Look forward to hearing from you!

Be"ad" happy!
Heather

Changes at the top

2006-04-10T12:17:00.000-04:00

I am sorry to say that there will be no picture today. I wanted to let you all know what has happened here at Carrot Top Crafts.

Mandy, my partner, has had some family issues arise and will no longer be able to be a part of Carrot Top Crafts. I wholeheartedly support her decision in this matter and want to say that I will miss her and hope that all goes well with her and hers.

I will still be making items for CTC, though. I will be having a table at the flea market this weekend, and will be debuting the jewelry for the first time. Up to now, it has only been shown to a few people and the response has been fantastic! I just hope that the crowds at the flea market will be as excited about my items as much as everyone else has been.

I just want to take this opportunity to say, "Goodbye, Mandy". Just remember that our thoughts are with you and hope all goes well. If any of you readers want to leave her a thought or well-wish, you can still email me at carrottopcrafts@mail.com and I will forward it on to her.

Thanks,

Heather

It's almost swim suit time

2006-04-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

As promised, I am now posting a picture of one of my creations. This is a two piece sunbathing suit that can fit almost anyone. The one pictured fits a D-DD cup size and size 16-18 pant size.
I make this set to fit-to-order, all I need is your cup size and your pants size, and what ever color you want it. It is a very comfortable piece and one of my better sellers! I can also separate the pieces if you only want the top or only the bottom. I charge $10 for each piece or $15 for the set. It can be washed in a regular laundry load and will not shrink in a gas dryer (believe me, I've tried).
Please contact me if you are interested in one of my bikinis. You can always contact me at carrottopcrafts@mail.com.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Heather

P.S. - Will be working on a web space soon so all the pictures will be posted. Until then, I will continue to post a picture here every time I post.

H.

A pair of earrings

2006-03-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

This pair of pierced earrings is made from 2 different sizes of glass pearlized faceted beads with shiny black bugle beads between. I used gold fishhook ear wires and head pins to bring it all together. They measure just over one inch long and are very light to wear.
This pair can be worn with casual wear or even with that little black dress for a night out on the town.
I am currently selling these for $5.00 plus the cost of taxes and shipping and handling.

If you like these earrings, please contact me at carrottopcrafts@mail.com. I will be sure to answer any emails that I receive.

Thanks for stopping by.

Heather

P.S. - The next picture I post will be a crocheted piece. Stay tuned!

The first picture is posted

2006-03-27T10:31:00.000-05:00

This is the first picture that I am posting of my jewelry. I will be posting one picture every time I post now. I will give all the information on the item posted as well.

This particular piece is a ladder style bracelet made with different sizes of green glass beads. It has a silver spring ring clasp with silver wire and silver eye pins. I am offering this piece for $8.00 plus the costs of tax and shipping and handling charges. If you are interested in this particular piece, please contact me at carrottopcrafts@mail.com and I can give you the mailing information.

Thank you for your continued viewing.

Heather

P.S. - Sorry for the huge size, I'm still working on the specs.

Thank you so much!

2006-03-23T10:06:00.000-05:00

I have received several emails from people who have been reading this blog. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to email.

One of the most asked questions is: Will I be posting pictures of the items we have made?
The answer is yes! As soon as I am able to get some free time this weekend I will be taking pictures of the jewelry I have left (everyone buys it as soon as I make it) and posting it here. I will try to post a pic everytime I post an entry.

I will try and post some of the other crocheted items we have made soon.

Thank you all for reading our blog, and please continue to email me. I will do my best and answer every one I get.

Thanks for all your support, we couldn't do it without you.

The jewelry is a hit!

2006-03-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

I have been making jewelry left and right and haven't been able to keep it in stock! Everyone loves the idea of sets and I have about 6 or 7 sets (necklace, bracelet, earrings) completed and people are even asking me for special orders, and repairs as well.

Just since Thursday, I have sold 4 bracelets, 2 sets of earrings and 1 necklace. I never knew how much people really liked jewelry.

Mandy is still crocheting her fingers to the bone, just finishing and selling a 3-ring binder cover for someone and lots of scrunchies. Her scruchies are absolutely adorable! If I had longer hair, I definitely would be using them myself.

I am now at the point where I have so many ideas for jewelry floating around in my brain, I don't know where to begin! AAUUGGHH! I love it.

I will definitely let you know when we are going back to the flea market, or even at another craft show locally. We would love to see you all there.

On April 1, my family and I will be going to the Renaissance Festival in Tampa and I will be looking at all the handcrafted jewelry there to get some ideas for my items. I can't wait.

Until we speak again,

Heather

We'e been busy, honest.

2006-03-13T12:10:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a whirlwind couple of weeks since the last time one of us posted. I sold the roses and have an order for a long sweater coat in the works and Mandy has been whipping out items left and right. I have started making jewelry too.

I have only been working with beads for about 2 weeks now and already have 16 pairs of earrings, 17 bracelets, and 2 necklaces done. I am using all sorts of components for my jewelry. Acrylic and glass beads, wire and stretchy line for the base and all sorts of different clasps to tie them all together. I am now working on a way to have them all have the option for sets. Such as if you like the earrings, you can also buy the necklace and bracelet to go with it in the same color scheme. It's really fun and I am really enjoying doing the sets. I hope to have enough in the next couple of weeks to have enough to display at our local flea market again.

I haven't been back to the flea market since the Crafts Fair, but I'm hoping now that the snowbirds have flocked, and the locals are out more, more of our items will sell. I will definitely post when I will purchase the table and for what weekend, so those of you in the Central Florida area can come by and see me.

Until then,
"Be"ad happy and keep stitching!
Heathe

Thoughts from Mandy

2006-02-28T12:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, ok I know it's been a while since my last entry. Things have been busy.

Some (well, a couple) lessons learned while crocheting. 1 alway's check your gauge. 2 when working on a project, write down the type of yarn used and washing instructions.

I am presently working on a vest, it's the first one I have ever made. I am also working on my first scarf. The material I am using is hand wash only in which someone else had pointed out.

I need more orders. Running a business can be (really hard) at times. But you have to be patient and understand that it takes money to make money. It also takes a lot of time.

Well, thats all the news my way. I have a lot of scrap yarn to use up as well so I am looking for one or two skein patterns for my projects. Chat with you all later. Hope all is well your way.

Friends,
Mandy

New items and new orders

2006-02-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

New orders? We got the rose order! I have been asked to make 14 yellow roses of friendship for the sorority ladies. I will have them done by the end of this week. I have also been asked to make another full length sweater coat for a teenager. I will start on that one at the beginning of the month and should have it back to her by the beginning of April.

New items? I have now started adding handmade jewelry to our inventory. I (with my daughter's help) have been working on some beautiful beaded bracelets in different colors. They are turning out wonderful and should be getting some pictures of them done soon. I feel like these will be a very hot item and should sell very quickly.

I will branch out with the jewelry to add earrings and necklaces as well. I am in the process of getting all the supplies to work on that.

I will probably do the flea market thing around once a month, so other people can see our work. I'm not planning on getting a table for a few weeks, though.

Until next time,

Happy stitching!
Heather

We went to the Arts and Crafts Fair

2006-02-16T11:28:00.000-05:00

Well, we went to the craft fair. Paid our money and stayed there from 8am - 5pm and...

That was the highlight. Unfortunately, it was a very bad day for all the crafters there. Weather and lack of advertising was what did us all in. The only advertising the fleamarket used was their fancy electronic billboard that is such an eyesore that no one on the highway even looks at it.

Our table location was great though. We were stationed directly in front of the busiest booth in the place. We were in front of an authentic Italian bakery that had people streaming in and out all day. So we did get a lot of eye traffic, and were able to get out a lot of business cards to people waiting in line. So there was a small spark of hope.

I got a few people asking me about special orders and they say they are going to call either one of us, but I have yet to hear from them. We shall see if they call or not.

On a lighter note, Mandy's creations are flying off the shelves and we can't seem to keep any of her items for more than 2 days at a time. WAY TO GO MANDY!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!

I'm considering working on some nice beaded bracelets and necklaces to add to the inventory. Haven't purchased any supplies or anything, it's just something I am tossing around. There are some beautiful beads out there that would make some absolute gorgeous bracelets.

So, keep up the great work, Mandy. And for all you others out there...

Happy Stitching!

Heather

Pictures are done!

2006-02-07T15:35:00.000-05:00

I got all but one of the pictures taken last night. They came out rather nice. I burned them onto a CD for my friend who will be designing the web site for me. We have over 30 items for sale right now. Not bad for just a couple of months work.

I am working on a logo for Carrot Top Crafts in crochet. It's about the size of two mouse pads. Should be really nice. If it works out, I will take a picture of it and it will be the opening shot for the web site. This is a totally original design and it was a blast to plan.

There will be a arts and crafts fair this weekend at a local flea market and I am in the process of trying to get a table. We now have enough stock to be able to go public and get special orders as well. I can't wait.

Until then, hope to hear from you.

Happy Stitching!

Heather

It's finally going to happen!

2006-02-06T11:28:00.000-05:00

Finally. I am going to be taking pictures of the pieces I have done so far! I can't believe it has taken me so long to do this. I think the reason why I haven't done it yet, is the fact that I really don't want to have to repack everything back in the totes. Unpacking is fun, packing is not.

As far as commissions go, I may actually have a large assignment coming up. A woman in one of the local sororities here in town bought a couple of rose lapel pins from me and will show them to her sisters in their bi-monthly meeting tonight. If they like them, they will commission me to make a lot more for a fundraiser they are planning. Their official flower is the yellow rose (of friendship) and the ones I made for her were absolutely beautiful. Beautiful and quick to make. Their annual meeting is in May and I am certain that I will have more than enough time to make as many as they need.

I am about to start shopping around for screen printing places in my area to make up a couple of T-shirts for myself and Mandy so when we do open up a booth somewhere, we will be dressed for the occasion. I already have several good leads on where to go.

As always, if there is anything that you are interested in. Please email us at carrottopcrafts@mail.com. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

Happy stitching!
Heather

Some thoughts from Mandy

2006-02-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Hello all, another busy day for us.( long story) Mainly good news.

My partner has a lot of work cut out for her in the near future. I, on the other hand, am going to try to finish a couple more projects and try a couple of new patterns.

Hopefully we will have pictures for everyone to look at soon. Let us hear from you. We love to get new ideas, and hear your comments.

Take care all,

Friends,
Mandy

Busy, busy, busy

2006-01-26T09:55:00.000-05:00

Things are starting to get really busy around here. I have orders for several bikinis and have patterns for several more. I am in the process of adding to my basic bikini pattern some embellishements, such as dainty hearts for Valentine's Day.

I am about to start working on designing my own patterns next. I have in mind a basic pullover sweater for all ages, child to adult. It will take me some time to get the gauge just right, but that's the fun part of designing.

In addition to all the bikini orders, I am working on expanding the inventory for our first public appearance. I will hopefully be working on pictures this weekend of all of our inventory, so I can get started on commissioning a web site.

Until then, I am seriously considering posting on E-bay for some of the items. I'm still in the thought process for that and have a lot of research to do before I do anything though.

I've even thought about making a few t-shirts with the Carrot Top Crafts logo on it in cross-stitch. I think it would be cute, free advertising for when we really go public. I just need to get the supplies and some free time. Still not sure if I should make something small over the heart, or bigger on the back of the shirt. Maybe both? I love research.

Until next time...

Happy Stitching!
Heather

And now a word from Mandy....

2006-01-23T12:04:00.000-05:00

Hello All, Great news! I recieved 3 orders for my granny square angels. I am so excited about the upcoming year. We have been busy getting our supplies and pictures together for when we start selling our merchandise. I am also busy working on dishbottle aprons. I have an order for those also. Some other things I have been working on are, a table runner and a as a set, a pillow and rug combination. I might even make a small lap blanket to go with it as a set. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions or would like to order something, please let us (Heather & I ) know. Thanks for all of your help and input. I will chat with you later, gaters.

Mandy

As always, please feel free to place your comments here or email us.

Happy Stitching!!!

WE are Carrot Top Crafts

2006-01-19T14:43:00.000-05:00

First of all, I want to apologize. It was brought to my attention that I have been talking too much about MY work, and MY plans, and what I am planning to work on. I have not said anything about my partner, Mandy, helping me in any of this. Again, let me apologize.

A partnership is exactly that, more than one person. I did not mean for all of my posts to sound all one sided. We are constantly talking to each other on a daily basis through emails, phone calls, and notes passed through my husband, who works with her in her day job. We both are working very hard trying to get our inventory up enough to open a small booth at the next arts and crafts fair nearby.

I never meant for it to sound like I am the one doing all the work. As soon as Mandy can sit down and think about how she can describe her side of this whole process, she will publish a post of her own. That way you can get to know her as well.

As always, if you have any questions for either one of us, please feel free to email us at carrottopcrafts@mail.com.

Until then,
Heather AND Mandy (designers)
Carrot Top Crafts

"Ripping is Learning"

2006-01-18T09:04:00.000-05:00

I have had to tell myself this all last night. I had to rip out the same 4 inches of pattern 3 different times last night! I finally am getting it to work correctly this morning.
First problem, I miscounted the stitches and had to rip out about 2 inches worth of work. Then I found out that the hooks the pattern calls for is really not the right gauge, again ripping out 3-4 inches of work.
Finally, increasing my hook size and locking myself in my bedroom away from all distractions, I was able to get the piece to work right. Sheesh! I have never had so much trouble with any one pattern in my entire life! It's not as if this piece were the Mona Lisa or anything like that, it's just a ribbed sweater.
Anyway, I finally got my latest project going and the colors are absolutely beautiful. Variegated purples and greens. The pattern is making the yarn lay wonderfully and it is so colorful.
I will be working on taking pictures of all my work so I can post later on. I just hope I will be able to let go of my projects, they are just too good looking to release!
Well, I have to get busy stitching. It's been nice talking to you all.

Heather

A busy little bee

2006-01-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

This was a long three day weekend for me. I didn't have to report to work on Monday so I used the long mini-vacation to get some projects done. I completed FOUR items this weekend!

1. A kids, size 8-10 sweater (great for those Green Bay fans).
2. A door sachet pillow accented with puffy hearts.
3. A floppy hat for little girls.
4. A thong one piece bathing suit for those daring to bare.

I was a whirlwind this weekend, I swear. I am in the process of making a size 12 polo type sweater in variegated purples, and greens. I should finish this piece by the end of the weekend. After that, I don't know what I am going to work on next.

A friend of mine actually asked me to make a bikini in honor of Mardi Gras. It fits her to a T. She is going to wear it for her Mardi Gras party at the end of this month. She is expecting to get a lot of comments on it, I'm sure.

Anyway, please contact me if you have any requests, comments, or questions. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Until then,
Heather

What I just completed

2006-01-13T12:19:00.000-05:00

This morning, I just finished a beautiful toddler girl dress (size 24 months). It is so adorable! It makes me wish that my daughter was still small enough to wear it. It has a lime green bodice with a white skirt and the cutest little lime green heart pocket.
Ok, enough with the gushing.
Honestly, it is a very pretty dress and I am definitely going to be making more of these. I plan on getting the material together to make one in pink, yellow, lavender, and maybe a combination if I can find the right yarn for it.
I have an interesting schedule for working on clothing. I do one piece of adult work, then finish a kid's piece and back to working on an adult piece. It seems to make it go by faster when I do it that way.
Well, give me some ideas of what I should make next. Another dress, or a bikini, or a couple of scrunchies? Talk to me! I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Thanks for visiting!
Heather

Let me introduce....

2006-01-12T14:38:00.000-05:00

My partner!

My partner in Carrot Top Crafts is a good friend of mine I have known for quite a while and she loves to crochet and knit too.

Her name is Mandy and she has been a big help to me in getting my dream up and running. She will be posting here sometime in the future, but for now she wants to give a big "Hello" to everyone out there.

As always, please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions, comments, or even advice for me or Mandy.

Talk to you later,
Heather, Designer (and Mandy, Designer)
Carrot Top Crafts

Welcome to my world!

2006-01-06T15:59:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

Just wanted to welcome you to my spot in "cyber"space. In here we can talk about anything needlecraft related.

I cross stitch, crochet, knit, and needlepoint. I am in the process of making my dream come true and open my own store of handmade items. I have several sweaters, blankets, gloves, mittens, booties, scrunchies, etc. that I have made, and will sell if you are interested in any of them.

Please let me know what items you are interested in and I will be sure to contact you shortly.

Thanks for visiting!
Heather, Designer
Carrot Top Crafts