Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Great site for advertising

I found a great site today, thanks to a fellow artisian at Artfire. www.merchantcircle.com
You can link up with other local buisnesses, make cupons, and get more exposure all for free.
Of course there are options for other things which you can pay for, and their prices are very reasonable, but you can get plenty of exposure with the free listing if you take the time to set your listing up nicely.

You can upload pics of your work/studio, make cupons and have them advertised on other local businesses listings for free. It's really great - check out my listing to see what it looks like. http://www.merchantcircle.com/neighbor/972001

Just thought I'd share my findings - happy selling, and happy crocheting!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

What to design now?

Ok, so I am working with the Irish lace, now I am wondering what is the best thing to make with it? What are people wanting to buy right now? clothes? I could make a really pretty vest. Home decorations? How about a pillow. Maybe just some little apliques to use on your own creation.

Well, lots to think about while I crochet that tiny thread into pretty flowers, leaves and swirly things! I think I should be able to decide something by the time I get a few of the flowers done.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Sore fingers

Well, I am still working on the first Irish lace project, the tight work and tiny thread is hard to work with, it causes my fingers to cramp much more quickly than usual.

For those of you who don't know yet, I have Lupus and it sometimes causes arthritis like pain in my joints and muscles. I love to crochet and sometimes do it more than I should, but when I have a flare up it is harder than ever to work. Not that I mean to complain, just a little insight into why my work means so much to me I guess.

I have been having some pain lately and so the project is going slower than I anticipated, but the Lace is going to be beautiful! I am working in colors rather than just plain white, I have yet to decide what shape the lace will take - vest, pillow, purse, what do you all think?

I did take a break today, my son had his first soccer game, and so we went to cheer him on.
They played great, but still lost. I am sure they will do better next time. Just have to keep practicing!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

I have recently begun to seriousy learn how to crochet Irish lace. Irish lace is one of the most durable laces, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and artistic. From what research I have done on this, it appears that it was once worked in factories by many workers at once, it is worked one motif at a time, then placed and sewn on a peice of cambric in the design it is to become. once all the main motifs are crocheted, placed, and sewn, then the filling lace would be worked to put it all together as one piece of lace.

I love Irish lace not only for it's beauty and durability, but also because it is very freindly to artistic licence. One can work the motifs in slightly different ways to create different effects, as well as the artistry it takes to place the motifs in a pleasing manner. I hope to have some work soon to show all of you, but in the meantime, go check out my artfire store to see what is available now. http://www.crochetaddict.artfire.com/