1000 Sales on Etsy

I know it has been a while... but hey I got some news to share I reached over 1000 sales in my Etsy shop 1002 to be exact! How cool is that? I was pretty surprised when I saw it and you know I had to do my happy dance. Just in case anyone stops by my blog on occasion apparently like I do just wanted to share the happy news!

I actually started selling on Etsy in 2011 but no matter the date I am still happy!

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Why I Crochet...

Today is international crochet day! How cool is that a day just for "hookers" got to love that crochet humor but since it is our day I thought it a great day to share with you my top 10 reasons why I crochet although the list could go on and on and on so here we go...

Ten Reason Why I Crochet:

Reason 10: Because I can't sleep at night... so I crochet

Reason 9: Because I don't have cable, which means I spend a lot of time on Netflix, which means I can watch entire seasons of shows like Breaking Bad and make a hat for every episode.

Reason 8: Because last time I checked I had over 100 projects on my "I want to crochet this" list and I add at least one project to that list everyday.

Reason 7: Because I have a yarn stash that could fill up one of the rooms in my house but I spread it throughout the house so it doesn't look like I have too much.

Reason 6: Because of all the other wonderful "hookers" I have connected with, everywhere I go I can find someone who crochets even when in another country we don't have to speak the same language as long as we can speak crochet!

Reason 5: Because I work for a major airline where people think I have a crystal ball and can control the weather as well as the weight and smell of the person sitting next to them on the plane :). I crochet to keep me from going crazy on my "day job".

Reason 4: Because sometimes I pray while I crochet, I turn everything off it is just me yarn a hook and I have a little talk with Jesus!

Reason 3: To teach, I love to share the art of crochet with others so I crochet to stay updated on my skills to share with others.

Reason 2: To make things and share the art of crochet with the world, I have been lucky to have a crochet business that continues to grow every year Don't Get it Twisted Crochet.

Reason 1: To honor my Great Aunt who put hook and yarn in my hand for the very first time. Love you Aunt Lucindy wish you were here to see how much you have changed my life.

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Yarn Review Lion Brand Lion's Pride Woolspun

So over the Labor Day Weekend I was able to get my hands on some of Lion Brand's new Lion's Pride Woolspun yarn... not sure why they decided to go with the name Woolspun considering they have previously released two other yarns with the same name even though they have since been discontinued. Regardless I was still excited to finally add this yarn to my stash. You can see my video review of the yarn below.

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So a couple of months ago I talked about crochet "Patience" crocheting my first doll. I didn't know then exactly where the journey was going to take me all I knew then is that I was in LOVE! It amazes me the things that can happen when you put yarn and hook in hand.

Since "Patience" I researched and experimented with several different doll making techniques from head down, to body up, to adding hair first to adding hair later, I have also tried different yarn types from using my go to yarn Caron Simply Soft as well as Red Heart Super Saver and Sugar and Cream Cotton. I have found that I prefer making the head separate and then crocheting the body from the legs up and I prefer a cotton yarn over acrylic as it seems to give the doll a more sturdy body, and I absolutely love dressing them up; the moment I put on her tutu, or dress, or skirt it is like immediately the doll comes to life with her own little personality and I am immediately in love.

Something else that happened that I didn't even expect is all the love for the "brown dolls" when I crocheted "Patience" I decided to make her with brown yarn simply because I wanted a doll who looked like me; it did even occur to me that so many other women would want the same that in 2014 there would be a gap in the market for dolls of color. After doing a little searching on Google I realized that I had my crochet blinders on... I am a true believer that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and COLOR; but as an African American woman it is important that our little girls know and see the beauty in every shade of brown. With that being said I am super proud to introduce an extension of Don't Get it Twisted Crochet ~ My Pretty Brown Doll handmade crocheted brown dolls!

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Crochet Patience

I made a crochet doll. Her name is Patience. I have had several different crochet doll patterns on my never ending "things to crochet list" for quite some time now, but when i saw the doll in issue 10 of "Simply Crochet" crocheting a doll moved to the very top of my to do list. A quick read over the pattern it seemed pretty simple the majority of the pattern was single crochet which is the first stitch most crocheters learn after learning the chain; so making a doll should have been a quick and easy task for me. Six legs, two arms, and two heads half full of hair later we finally have Patience. Never in my crochet life have I had so much trouble with such a basic stitch. Needless to say I made quite a few modifications to the pattern and under close inspection there are quite a few things I need to do better, but I so love her. My favorite part is her hair.
Some deets on Miss Patience:
Pattern: Heavily modified version of doll from issue 10 of Simply Crochet
Yarn: Head and Body Caron Simply Soft color Chocolate
Hair: Loops and Threads Charisma color Black
Clothes: Made by my Aunt Sally
Stuffed with Poly-fil Height: Approximately 14" from top of head to bottom of leg.

I plan to make a few more dolls and try different techniques and dress this lady up in different outfits.

I would love to know what you guys think about Miss Patience... and if any of my fellow hookers have any experience making dolls and any tips you may have.

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Dress Up Your Cup Coffee Cup Cozy

I will be honest I have never really understood the concept of a mug, cup, or bottle cozy. That is not until I crocheted my first one and after doing so I realized that like many things that are hand made it really is an extension of ones personality.

So when one of my Instagram contacts asked if I had any to share I was on the hunt once again for a cute cozy that I thought would fit her personality. I think I hit the jackpot with  the "Bow Tie Mug Hug" from issue 11 of Simply Crochet.

I pretty much followed the pattern for the most part only changing the accent trim from crab stitch to a simple single crochet stitch all the way around and I noticed that I placed my bow a little lower. The pattern worked up quickly and I absolutely love the way it turned out.

Yarn: I used "I Love This Yarn Sport Weight" in Ivory Tweed and Lipstick double stranded for both the cozy and the bow.

Want to dress up your own cup with a cozy of your very own head over to dgitcrochet.com I have a few of these already made up ready to be sent off to a forever home.

 

Also shared on Too Cute Tuesdays

 

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Pin It to Win Valentine's Contest

Wow! What they say is true time really flys when you are having fun! I can honestly say that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year have all been a blur of yarn and crochet hooks and I am not complaining one bit!

Now that 2013 is in full effect I couldn't think of a better way to kick off the New Year than with a contest. I was inspired by the beautiful Lynzy from Sparkling Footsteps who paired a Red Big Hook, Big Yarn Infinity Scarf with a gorgeous pink sweater, and a pair of Shoemint Adrienne Heels in you guessed it pink and red!

Now I can't help you create this entire look but I can help you create the part that I created and just in time for Valentine's you can enter the Don't Get it Twisted Crochet Pin It To Win It Valentine's Day Contest. All you have to do to enter is pin the picture below to Pinterest and then come back and leave a comment with a link to your pin. Contest will close January 11th at 7pm EST and winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will receive a Red Big Hook, Big Yarn Scarf by February 11th.




Red Big Hook, Big Yarn Infinity Scarf

 

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Don't Get it Twisted Crochet Signature Infinity Scarf Back for Fall

Wow...I can hardly believe it has been three months since my last post. I guess what they say is true time flys when you are having fun! I wish I could say that I have spent my summer crocheting away but really I have spent most of my summer enjoying my mini me son.

With the first day of school less than a week away and fall right around the corner it is time to put my hooking into full effect.  First on the hooks is my most popular item, which is probably why I have made it my Signature Item the Don't Get it Twisted Crochet Infinity Scarf. I love crocheting this scarf. I love using the bulky yarn and the larger size hook. I love the different color combinations you all request but also learned very early that Black seems to be everyone's favorite color. So I am happy to say that it is back I have already worked up a few of the black ones and they are ready to ship; but as always I am happy to take your custom request.

In addition to the finished infinity scarf I have also decided to release the pattern so my fellow hookers can make their very own. The scarf is not difficult to make at all and makes a great beginner pattern if you are new to hooking but also a great pattern for the more experienced hooker. The pattern is available on Craftsy or in my Etsy Shop.

I have a few other things in the works for this fall so be on the lookout for a fall preview soon. In the meantime remember Don't Get it Twisted, Get it Crocheted!

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Don't Get it Twisted Crochet part of FOTH family!

It is official! I am a part of the "Fresh off tha hook" family. Have no idea what I am talking about...well a fellow "hooker" that I follow on Facebook Marcelle's Creative Crochet, she does absolutely amazing crochet videos, one of her video series that I have always been a fan of is Fresh off tha hook Fridays. Recently Marcelle was gracious enough to open up Fresh off tha hook to others to share there work as well and at first I was a little hesitant, I came up with every excuse why I could not be a part of it; but since this is my year of "Do Better" I decided to stop making excuses and just do better. I submitted my audition video and guess what? I got accepted! I am beyond excited so excited that I am going to share my audition video here on my blog, but be sure to check back on Monday for my 1st official Fresh off Tha Hook video better yet check out the official Don't Get it Twisted Crochet Youtube channel to stay up to date on all videos, I have a few in the works. Don't be shy leave your comments would love to know what you think!

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Spring and Summer Crochet

I was prepared for winter. Like really prepared I got snow boots, a new coat and crocheted myself a really nice thick chunky infinity scarf that I absolutely love but somehow I didn't get the memo that this was going to be a really mild winter. Don't get me wrong we have had some cold days, days like today where I am all bundled up but the temperature has been above 55 degrees more days this winter than it has been below freezing. So as we close out another week in February it is clear that Spring is in the air and I am happy to oblige with crocheting some beautiful things for spring and summer.

A lot of people think crochet is just for scarves, hats, and beautiful blankets and I get asked often what do I crochet during the spring and summer months and honestly I crochet a lot of scarves, hats, and blankets to prepare for the fall rush but I also love to put some lightweight yarn on my hook.  Check out some looks I have found that are inspiration for Don't Get it Twisted Crochet Spring and Summer Collections.

Crochet Poncho from Chico's Spring Collection.

Scally Newsboy Cap found on Raverly.
How cute is this for spring

Love this crochet Maxi Dress
A friend found this on Etsy
Vintage and modern at the same time.
I may do a crochet a long for this one so stay tuned

Would love to know what you have on your hooks and or needles for this spring and summer.

As I prepare my shop for spring enjoy 15% off everything in the shop. No coupon code needed. Happy Shopping!

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Great Gifts For the Yarn Lover in Your Life

So the holidays are fast approaching and I can almost guarantee what I will be unwrapping this holiday season.  Yarn, Yarn, and more yarn and probably a few gift cards from some of my favorite craft stores like Michaels, and JoAnns.  I am always grateful for this gifts because really and truly I don't think I could ever have enough yarn; but if you want to be a little more creative with your gift giving this year check out the list below for some great gifts for the yarn lover in your life.

1.  Stress Relief Gloves:  These are the perfect stocking stuffer; whether they are just getting started of have been working with yarn for years there will come a time when those hands will get sore.  These gloves are great to relieve the pressure and come in three sizes.  Show your loved one you care and keep their hands healthy for years to come.


2.  Pom - Pom Maker: This gift is sure to put a smile on the face of the yarn lover in your life.  This easy to use tool will allow the crocheter to add cute full, fluffy pom-poms to their crochet items.  Pom-Pom maker is great gift for even the beginner crocheter and comes in 4 sizes.  There is even one that makes heart shaped pom-poms.


3. Ball Winder:  Talk about love.  The person who gives this gift to a crocheter is sure to get a few special items made just for them.  Tangled yarn is the worse for any crocheter and this Ball winder is the perfect gift to keep yarn in the perfect ball so the crocheter can simple pull the yarn from the center.  Not only does it stop yarn from being tangled but also helps with tension and pull of the yarn to make those crocheted items beautiful every time.


4. Yarn Swift:  The perfect companion to the the Ball Winder is the Yarn Swift.  The Swift keeps yarn neat as you use the Ball Winder buy them both together add yarn and you can mark the crocheter in your life off the list as you will have given the best holiday gift!


Have other ideas for great gifts for a yarn lover be sure to leave a comment below.

Happy Holidays and Remember Don't Get It Twisted ~ Get It Crocheted!

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Welcome To Don't Get It Twisted Crochet

So I have had this blog on my "to do list" for quite a while and with the holidays fast approaching I was actually going to make it one of my 2011 goals; but as I was sitting here on my couch reading one of my favorite crochet blogs I decided that it was time to Just Do It! So it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Don't Get It Twisted Crochet or DGITCrochet as it will be referred to quite often.

So what is DGITCrochet all about?  Well, CROCHET of course.  A place where I will share crochet projects I am working on, want to work on and inspiration for new crochet projects.  I will also write about crocheting tips and tricks that have helped me along the way.  I may throw a video in here and there and I am sure there will be other things to talk about other than crochet...but who wants to read about that?

So to all my other "hookers" out there welcome to Don't Get It Twisted Crochet!

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