Be Happy Reggae Wrap Crochet Pattern Release

don't worry

Be Happy

Reggae Wrap

A Bob Marley Tribute

Design inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes you can pinpoint it's origin, others, there is no clear source, but more a feeling, or emotion. 

Recently, I found myself feeling nostalgic, I was playing with yarn, as I do, every day.  a design formulating, Retro, Fun, Bright.  Without wanting to tip anyone off to exact shape and form, I started chatting with a group about thoughts evoked with particular keywords.

Be Happy was used in one of the replies.

Of course, that brought a smile, how could it not?

When I learned from the yarn company that my efforts were going into a soon to be discontinued product, I got discouraged, and set it aside. This happens a lot more often than I want to think about.

Fast forward a few days.  May 5th, 2015, again feeling that twinge of nostalgia, on Youtube, listening to the songs that I hope will evoke a good cry, so I can get over this.  

Up pops Don't Worry, Be Happy in the suggested tunes.

Of course, that brought a smile, How could it not?

In less than half the song's  duration came the vision. 

Who is this man?  Bob Marley, A name I know, my grown kids all have varying reverence. It was the question

A quick Google Search revealed So MUCH more than I ever thought about. 

Doing something to express the feelings bombarding my brain was paramount.

I had missed his Birthday, but, it was just a few days to the anniversary of his passing. 

A fresh Goggle Doc was opened, the pattern started spilling on to the page.

I found myself wanting to Stir it up

As you look at this pattern, you will find numbers that correlate to Bob's History.  Nothing Earth Shattering, but calculated to be key.

The pattern is actually simple, As are the Philosophies behind the man.

Get Up, Stand Up, Don't give up the Fight!

I have a personal attitude, that is fretful. I worry the warts off a toad. always questioning, always challenging myself, and those close to me.  I never settle. I could so use a dose of the peace this man found.

I am happy with this design, and it is my hope you will find joy in it for yourself.

Get Your copy of the pattern here

Grammy's Reflective Infinity Scarf

The pattern was released, I was so excited to be able to present it to you.

The Reflective Infinity Scarf

It is so squishy, and warm, and cuddly, and pretty, Imagine it in the other colors available.

Guess what I forgot to do in all my exuberance.  I forgot to tell you about it!

OOOOps.

Well, Now that it is really Cold, it is the prefect time to get one made up, it won't take the experienced crocheter long, just a couple of hours.

Check out the fab colors available to use in this design and have this reflective yarn come to life in a camera flash, or when headlights hit it in the dark

Check out the detail in this. You could certainly work it in two different yarns, Maybe Red Heart Heads Up for one layer, with Reflective as the other?

Maybe you like the Lion Brand Yarn Better, You want the comfort of Wool Ease Chunky. With seven colors, it is quick to narrow down your favorites together.


Or another direction entirely, How about Lion Brand Country Yarn and Lion Brand Homespun  Which would offer you amazing colorways and the ripply bumpy texture that is pure delight to have snuggled up next to your skin.
Just a design note here, I would use the Homespun for the interior color, with the post stitches being worked in a smoother fiber. It will allow your stitches to retain their beauty, and corral the texture of the Homespun.  The more I think of this, the more I want to assemble one for myself!

Seriously, this design is a snap to work, and it is amazingly pretty to look at, no matter which of the fabulous gems you select.  Just follow the pattern and enjoy your results.


As always
Happy Hooking,
http://shrsl.com/?~74pu Until Next time

Becky

Pep~Rally Pattern Release

I cannot express how excited I am by this pattern.

The help from testers, the colors they chose to work with.

The potential for this is unbelievable.

Your favorite Sport's Team colors?

Your Son's Football Team?

The Elementary School Colors?

Or do you want a new look to go with the new car you bought?

What ever the motivation is for the color scheme, this hat wears it well.

Get Your Copy of this pattern in my Craftsy Shop

As always, happy Hooking,
until next time
Becky

PPD~Post Pattern Depression

Wow!
I admitted it!

I am really DOWN!

I developed a concept, created a sample, wrote the pattern. It has been created, tested, photographed, and presented. A discount was offered.
ONE copy of the pattern has been purchased.
In essence, if I break this down for you,  OVER 50 hours of work went into creating this one pattern, and I have been compensated with $2.00. ( actually 1.86, as paypal got their cut)

Can I share a not so secret fact with you? Besides the math, (that is less than .03 per hour)

This is why blogs are being monetized. Why there are highlighted words with pop ups that have nothing to do with crochet, in the middle of a free pattern.

This is why you are being chastised for sharing patterns on other sites, and why MANY designers are ready to throw in the towel.

I know that the pattern I created is not to the everyone's liking. I understand that there are significant patterns out there, some free, some paid. There is a monotony of competition for your dollars. It is painfully clear that people have been conditioned to look for discounts, and to get as much as they can for as little as possible. I too do this.

It is heartbreakingly clear that as people demand higher pay,  the demand for higher prices on the retail end have to follow. It is a vicious circle. There is no end; Except for the independent business person. The little guy, who has invested 96 hours a week, has  tried everything they can think of, and has been trampled by corporations able to spring up on the corner that was your favorite place to play as a child.

My entire life, I have been a fighter. I spent 38 years hearing my mom's voice say "You're a survivor; You're gonna make it!"  One day, through tears, I asked her "WHEN, Momma? When am I gonna make it?"   She laughed at me, and told me it is an ongoing process, and that I had been doing it for years.  She has not uttered that phrase since that day.  I still hear it, at times like this.

This is not a pity party, this is not a beg for sales pitch!  This is fair warning.  You may find yourself in a world of hurt looking for a great new pattern, that simply is in the mind of an artist who cannot afford to share with you.

With every ounce of courage I can muster, I am hitting the publish button, in hopes that you will recognise what each of the designers out there goes through. How much time, energy, heart goes into each pattern presented.
Be kind, thank the designers, purchase the patterns you love, honor the copyrights of these independent little guys.

I Love doing what I do,  I will survive, or I will die trying.

Grammy

Fantastic Pattern Roundup!

Have you ever set out to do something, that just did not work out the way you envisioned, so, rather than give up you alter the plan and move forward?  Yes, that is me today!   I wanted to do A
       Fantastic Pattern Round-Up
 we are all loving them these days. I sent out requests for links to SETS, asking people to surprise me, as long as it was multiple items that went together, I wanted to share.  I got fantastic links, some Free Patterns, Some Paid. All Great.
I was unable to create a collage that was worthy.
This is something I will be looking into more. I want to be able to do this.
In the mean time, I am sharing the items that were sent to me

Hey, It isn't Perfect, but I did it!




1) Jessie Rayot, Jessie at Home   Spa Bath Set

2) Celina Lane,   Simply Collectible Crochet  Ninja Set










          3)Tamara Kelly, Moogly,  Jungle Friends Finger Puppets and Case

4)Kim Guzman, WIP's N Chains  Kitchen Set

5) Elana Hunt, Beatrice Ryan Designs, Sunshine and Shells Baby Set 

6) Katy Peterson, KT and the Squid, Dr & Stethoscope 

 
7) Tamara Kelly, Moogly Blog  Baby in Bloom Bonnet and Sweater


I was directed to this link, and Frankly, was not willing to select one set over another. These are
Designer Collaborations,
and they need to be checked out. But do not ask me to choose.