The Rainbow Rug

Crafters build relationships with their handiwork. It sounds odd, but it is true. Take the Rainbow Rug, for example. This was one of my first T-shirt Rug creations. I chose the colours to be bright, fun and happy! Working on it made me feel that way, even when it wouldn't lie flat and I had to rip it out and re-work it a bit. When it was finished people smiled when they saw it on my table at the market, it was marked "favourite" with a little heart on my Etsy Store and it was even included in a treasury list. It's a nice rug. I liked it, others liked it, and my daughter had her eye on it (she was angling to beg for it if it didn't sell!).

But sell, it did! It was on display at Access Fitness during the weeks approaching the holidays, and it happened to sell on a day that I was not at the club. Cash sale. Great! I was glad someone chose it. Someone, somewhere. Maybe a member of the club? Man, woman? I didn't know. I was glad it sold, but it was one of the first things I've ever sold and NOT known to whom I sold it!

Crafters build relationships with their customers too! One of the things I really enjoy about selling BusyLizzy Boutique items at markets, craft fairs and festivals is the contact I have with the shoppers. I love to chat with the patrons as they select a unique gift for a special person, hear their comments as they linger over the table, and watch their excitement as they pick up something that "spoke to them" from my table as a little treat for themselves. Perhaps it is a little easier to "let go" of my unique handmade creations when I meet the people who will enjoy them.  Even with online sales, I often have a chance to have some dialogue with the buyer via email, and I know where my creation is going to live. I am thrilled to know that refashioned T-shirt Tank is being sported in Dublin Ireland, those Barefoot Sandals are being enjoyed in Brooklyn New York, and that slashed up Zumba® T-shirt is "joining the party" in Texas. I always send a hand-written thank you along with their package when I send it, and quite often receive an email back with thanks and comments; the personal touch means a lot to me.

Back to the Rainbow Rug.... A few months have passed and I've often wondered where it is and who is enjoying it. In fact, we were chatting about that very subject during our recent "Hooking up to Crochet" meeting at a local coffee shop. As the meeting disbanded, I turned to notice a woman I know from the gym sitting with another lady, who was not familiar to me. We had a quick chat about the crochet crowd and the new friend asked for my card. She might join us to learn to crochet next time we meet. I was floored when she took one look at my card and said, "Oh, BusyLizzy Boutique... I bought your Rainbow Rug!"

There she was, sitting right there in the coffee shop while we discussed that very item! (Insert "Twilight Zone" theme music). I learned that the rug was a gift for her son, and is sitting by his woodstove, brightening up his first apartment.

<Sigh> I feel better now!

Cheers!

P.S. If you'd like a rug, there are a few more of my rugs on ETSY or I can make you one in your colour selection... just be sure to say "hi" when you purchase it! :o)

Hooking up to Crochet - February 2012

Working on a Barefoot Sandal

I just realized with some embarrassment that my last post regarding our Hooking up to Crochet (January 2012) gathering was still sitting in the "draft" folder unpublished! It has a great list of online resources for yarns and patterns, so do check it out! Better late than never, right?

Here are the highlights of February's Hooking up to Crochet ...
We met Monday, February 13th at Mochaberry 11:00 am.

Stash-busting with Granny Squares!

In attendance for this month's gathering were: Beckie M, Sarah L, Sarah S, Elizabeth G (me), and Sheila, who joined us by chance. Sheila knits and crochets, and often enjoys stitching away at the coffee shop (or wherever she is). In fact, we've spoken casually several times but today our crafting brought us together further... a chance to exchange names and welcome her to the group. That is what it is all about, right!

Sarah and Sheila

Sarah S - knotting a shopping bag.

As a group, we bounced around several topics over our coffee including the 'street art' known as "yarn bombing" or "guerrilla crochet." It is essentially a public act of covering a natural or man made item in crochet or knitting - here are some photos for reference). Of course I can neither confirm nor deny whether we actually hatched our own plan for a local bombing.

PUBlic Crochet - the evening chapter! 
Winchester Arms, Orangeville, 7 pm Wednesday February 15th
This was the first attempt at an evening gathering of Hooking up to Crochet. As it turned out, the date and time fell off the radar for some, and others had last minute duties that prevented them coming. I spent about an hour in the local pub feeling a bit like I'd been stood up... until Virginia arrived! Virginia is actually a knitter, but I wasn't about to be picky about my company considering hanging out at the local watering-hole by myself is not exactly my usual Wednesday night activity! We chatted away while Virginia worked on a long-term project -- a tunic that she's hoping will be done in time to wear this season! Tiny yarn, tiny needles... I was certainly impressed! I have a bit of a commitment issue with my projects. I tend to favour those projects that can be tucked in a purse, and completed in a few sittings. I sometimes venture into those that could last a week or even a month or two (afghans and the like) but that is much more rare! Joining us about a half hour later was Kat A. She was sporting a new "baby bump" so with all of us being moms, the conversation turned to plans for baby and our 'war stories' about birthin'... and we won't get into the details in this forum! Despite a slow and low-key start, I believe the PUB-lic Crochet nights will also become popular over time. Again we'll aim for a monthly gathering and see where it takes us!

Bottle Tags: available on ETSY

Upcoming Events:
(Just a few shifts in "regular" days and times to avoid "March Break" and to adjust for some less busy times at our coffee shop... let me know how these work for you! Please RSVP by adding yourself to the group on Facebook. Just follow the links below!
Hooking up to Crochet (PUBlic Crochet) - MON MARCH 5th 8pm at Winchester Arms 171 Broadway, Orangeville
Hooking up to Crochet (Coffee Club) - WED MARCH 7th 9-11am, at Mochaberry 177b Broadway, Orangeville

We'll talk soon!

Jelly Bean Jar Game... sort of!

What a FUN project! I used up a ton of those tiny little skeins of yarn in my stash that were, well, to good to throw away... but isn't ALL yarn too good to throw away? In a lot of cases, I hang onto bits and pieces that would never make a full project. Finally some validation for my pack-rat yarn habit!

Here is the pattern I used for inspiration! Scrappy Steps Afghan. I sometimes have commitment issues with a newer technique or pattern, so I decided to create a scarf for starters.

When I was nearly finished creating the scarf I realized I had not yet repeated any colour! Game on! I hunted, scrounged and dug into old-forgotten project bags, and even my daughter's craft bin to find just a few more yarns to complete the scarf. I had to use 2-strands of a lighter weight yarn a few times, but I did it. No two stripes were the same!

I love wearing this scarf, and it is a great conversation starter:


Stranger in coffee shop line up: "Wow, did you knit that?" (I know, it's crochet, but I'm usually too polite to correct them. I'll sneak that information in later in the conversation!)
Me: "Yes, this is my own work!"
A-bit-less-strange Stranger, smiling: "Cool! It's so colourful!"
Me: "Can you guess how many different colour yarns are in it? It's like the jelly bean jar game at the fair... if you guess right, I'll buy your coffee!"

It sure beats discussing the weather! And nobody has guessed right yet... usually too low! ;o)

Sooooo?.... How many different colours (verigated yarns count as one colour) are there represented in this Scrappy Scarf? Drop me a comment or Facebook post and have a guess!

Cheers,

BusyLizzy

Hooking up to Crochet - January 2012

January's "Hooking up to Crochet" meeting was held at Mochaberry (one of our local coffee shops) and we boasted a 56% increase in Hookers if my math is correct! Okay, so I'm spinning the numbers a bit... but we've gone from 3 to 5 to 9 participants with each month, so we are definitely on to something with our little group!  In attendance this month: Dale M*, Sarah L, Beckie M, Paula S, Kate B*, Sarah S*, Basia, Donna W* and me!

This month there was a lot of banter about supplies and patterns: where to get them, and at what cost! Some of us are real "stash" junkies, buying up yarn at specialty stores, online and at yarn outlets, and others (like me) tend to keep to local department stores and thrift stores for bargains! Here is a great list of online resources that Dale M put together for us! Thanks Dale!

NOTE: Not all the patterns are free, but some are! www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php   (tons of free patterns) www.herrschners.ca   (mail order patterns/yarn and other crafts)  www.e-patternscentral.com www.crochetgarden.com www.maggiescrochet.com www.gourmetcrochet.com www.freepatterns.com www.stitchnationyarn.com www.coatsandclark.com www.redheart.com www.karpstyles.com  (Canadian mail order site for patterns/supplies) www.caron.com www.anniesattic.com  ( US mail order for patterns, yarn, supplies & other crafts) I'd like to mention that I'm very proud to have sold my first crochet pattern on ETSY, just before Christmas. I have posted 2 patterns on my Etsy Store now, and am very happy to have someone crocheting up one of my original creations: Texting Mitts http://www.etsy.com/listing/84644268/crochet-pattern-for-fingerless-and Texting Mitt Pattern by Elizabeth Glenday, BusyLizzy Boutique As always, it was great to gather, hook, chat and share some great resources. We welcome any local crocheters to join us for the next meeting(s):  Hooking up to Crochet - daytime meeting DATE: Monday February 13th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (2nd Monday of each month) LOCATION: Mochaberry, 177b Broadway, Orangeville Facebook Hooking up to Crochet Event ...and introducing an EVENING gathering... entitled "PUBlic Crochet"...at a local pub ... get it? DATE: Wednesday February 15, 7pm - whenever! LOCATION: Winchester Arms, 171 Broadway, Orangeville Facebook PUBlic Crochet Event Contact me via a blogger post or respond to our Facbook event to get involved! Or you can just show up and introduce yourself, we'd love to see you! We'll talk soon!

Hooking up to Crochet - December

BusyLizzy

In chatting with a fellow crochet enthusiast at one of the craft fairs this year (a slow event that lent itself to  vendor chat) we were both lamenting that there are not a lot of young people taking up the fine art of Crochet anymore. At least, neither of us could think of any!

I'd been thinking about that very thing of late and we hatched a plan! Bringing crochet out in the open with acts of public "hooking" might just be the ticket! We decided to meet in a local coffee shop with our latest WIP (work in progress) to boldly perform our craft with the eyes of the public upon us! I know what you are thinking: "What brazen hussies!"

November Meeting:

Beckie M

The first gathering happened Monday November 14th, and was very casual with only 3 of us in attendance: Sarah of Sarah's Knit Bits (she does crochet too!) and Basia (my cohort from the quiet craft show) and myself. It was last minute, so we were happy to start with a few of us. We met at a lovely local coffee shop (Mochaberry) in Orangeville, grabbed some coffee, and sat on the couches with our yarn and hooks flying! Quite a few people stopped to chat with us about our projects and commented how lovely it was to see us crocheting.  We decided to gather each month on the 2nd Monday -- a random choice, but something to start with! Our crochet group was born!

December meeting: Entitled "Hooking up to Crochet"
So that brings us to today! This time I set up a Facebook event, and while the original group had some things to attend to this week, there were 4 new participants, including a fledgling Crocheter in her early 20's (we're guessing, we didn't ask!) who heard we'd be there and stopped by for advice on getting started. Success! It was incredible to have this mandate (bringing crochet to the next gen) already showing some promise of being fulfilled!

Dale L

Here is a bit about each participant, and what we got up to:
Beckie M- Has been crocheting about a year. All her housemates are hand-crafting their holiday gifts this year! I can't reveal her project, or who it's for, but I'm hoping she'll send pics when it is done and delivered Christmas morning. Trust me, the recipient won't find one of these at WalMart any time soon!
Dale L - Very experienced in both crochet and knitting, and a sock monkey maker (sewn, not knit/crocheted, but they're oh so cute!). My favourite quote from today's meeting was Dale's: "Anyone have scissors? I left mine in my monkey box."
Paula S - Taught to crochet by Beckie this year. She's working on a glove to match the one she lost! Apparently she's remade herself this lost glove before... so Dale suggested she crochet a long chain that she can string through her coat and attach to each glove to avoid further MIA mitts!

Paula S

Liz G (Me) - Crocheting since I was a teen. Also working on matching a mitt today! I made a real "novice mistake" a few weeks back: I ran out of yarn bought more to whip up a second glove, but only weeks later (in a good light) did I notice the brown was off! I had to make another glove with the new yarn. I still have ONE mismatched glove... so I have the perfect Christmas gift for any one-armed people on your Christmas list!

Candice

Candice - Our newbie, working on her first projects: A single crochet dish cloth, and a Granny Square dish cloth. We were able to help her solve two issues. A misprinted bracket in the pattern was causing confusion in getting the 2nd dish cloth started, and Dale caught that she was wrapping her yarn in the wrong direction, making all the stitches really tight and twisted. Good catch, Dale!

Topics of discussion included:

• Best ways to do "ribbing" in crochet: Liz likes the crochet in the back loop method (Here is a YouTube video I found using my fav technique).
• The business of Crochet/Handcrafting... how to set prices when you sell your stuff? By how long it takes to make? Materials used? Obviously this have to be accounted for in some way. Nobody came up with a definitive answer, so I'm thinking this will be an ongoing discussion!
• Use of patterns vs making it up as you go along! Most of us "just crochet" out of our heads, but admit we started with patterns, and that they are a great way to learn new techniques, and essential for beginners! Liz equates a pattern with a recipe in cooking. A new cook needs to work with a recipe until he or she learns what flavours, combinations and techniques go together well. Then the pantry and the skills are just "let loose" to create new dishes. It is the same with crocheting. Use a pattern as a guide and an inspiration, but not always to the letter! Liz has started writing out her own patterns and just sold her first one for fingerless gloves on ETSY last week!

If you are a "Happy Hooker" and live in the Orangeville area, please look us up on the 2nd Monday of the month for our Hooking up to Crochet group... we'd love to see you!

Cheers,

BusyLizzy

Elizabeth Glenday

BusyLizzy Boutique - NEWS

BusyLizzy Boutique

This is a little introduction to BusyLizzy Boutique. It's my little virtual shop, that sells internationally and makes local appearances! 

Barefoot Sandals By BusyLizzy

It all began with Barefoot Sandals... someone saw a pair of these neat things and asked whether I could make a pair. Here is the story of The Beginning of Barefoot Sandals by Elizabeth, on my Facebook Page. Over the years I wore them in yoga, at the beach and just about everywhere, and filled quite a few orders without ever advertising at all! All the while, people kept saying "you need a website" or "you have to sell these things in stores" and even suggested I go on Dragon's Den with them... well, I don't think I'm ready for that. 

BusyLizzy Boutique on Etsy...

I was listening however, and early in 2011, I discovered ETSY. Etsy is a marketplace for all things vintage and handmade. This is my shop: BusyLizzyBoutique  

BusyLizzy Boutique's first appearance at the
Arts on Main in Alliston, Ontario June 11, 2011

I also made plans to start visiting local craft fairs, artisan's markets and other venues where I could display my creations... so there had to be more than just Barefoot Sandals on display!  I knew that I wanted to use a variety of crafty, creative skills to bring things that were unique and special... and fun, it had to be fun! But the practical side of me also wanted to be sure that active, busy people could get some good use from the items featured, so the motto "FUN ~ FUNKY ~ FUNCTIONAL ~ HANDCRAFTED" was born!

Crochet Creations: 

A long-time crochet and knit enthusiast... creating things that are a bit out of the mainstream is my specialty. I use a variety of materials but specialize in fine crochet cottons, using tiny steel crochet hooks that I inherited from my grandmother and her mother before her! Barefoot Sandals are my 'signature item' of course, but I also create jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, anklets) housewares and gifts (coaster sets, wine cozies, cell phone cases, lanyards, cup cuffs).

T-shirt Transformations: 

 I decided to take my passion for tearing up T-shirts and put that to good use. Upcycled T-shirts (pre-loved, used, thrift store... you get the idea) are laundered and then cut up and given new life. T-shirts make great apparel (t-shirts, shrugs, halters, tanks, dresses, skirts..) accessories (hats, scarves, crazy cowls...) housewares (rugs, bowls and baskets, shopping bags, stuff-sacs) and even things for baby and you pets! No two creations are ever exactly alike, and I love the process (see the previous blog post for a T-Transformation in progress). 

The result is a traveling boutique with "Fun, funky, functional active accessories for your busy lifestyle!" If you are local to the GTA or areas just north, please consider popping by for these local appearances of BusyLizzy Boutique:

SAT NOV 5 - 9AM to 4PM - SPCA Paws for a Cause Craft Show, Orangeville Christian School, Orangeville

SAT NOV 12 - 10AM to 2PM - Women's Christmas Showcase of South Simcoe, Community & Fitness Centre, Tottenham

SAT NOV 19 - 10AM to 4PM - Orangeville Mall Gift Show, Orangeville

SAT DEC 10 - 9AM to 2PM - Community Living Dufferin Craft Show, CLD building, Orangeville
VARIOUS DATES: Access Fitness, Lobby and during Liz's Zumba Fitness classes

Now accepting VISA for your shopping convenience!

And you are always welcome to shop the online store...

www.busylizzyboutique.etsy.com

With thanks,

Shirt-in-Progress

Wash and dry the T-shirt. Lay it flat.

Here is a peek into the process for a T-shirt transformation.

I picked up this T-shirt at a local thrift store and washed and dried it so it was ready to rip up! Here is a view from the back on my cutting board awaiting its transformation.

But let's rewind for a second. The first thing that attracted me to

Removing the collar makes a
T-shirt more feminine.

the shirt was the asymmetrical design, and the tattoo theme. I recently got "inked" so I'm open to exploring the culture and expression of this edgy style!

Back to the cutting board... Here it is minus the collar (usually the first thing to go, when making a shirt more feminine). Now you can see the asymmetrical design on the front. This was defin

itely going to be a theme for me in designing this T-shirt.

Next steps:

• Cut off Right sleeve
• Slits and braiding technique for 'shirred' effect up the Right side
• Try it on the mannequin to see how it drapes... so far so good!
• Slits and a braiding technique used to create a capped sleeve on the Left

Now for the back: Using the dagger idea from the front, I decided on a simplified motif for the back, to be carved in 1" strips. The chalk marks will come off with a damp cloth or next time it is washed. You can also see the detail on the Left shoulder here.

Draw your design with chalk.

The chalk wipes off with a damp cloth.

When viewing it on the mannequin again, I made a few more adjustments

• Made the armhole a bit smaller with a few tiny ties
• Added an off centre plunge to the neckline for more asymmetry

And here it is from Right, Back, Left and Front.... "Inked"

You can purchase this in my ETSY shop!

Thanks for listening,

BusyLizzy