As you can tell, I have a few free patterns already available! And they had to go through many edits to see what worked and what didn't work. Not to mention numerous edits on the written pattern. As I am curtently working on numerous patterns at the moment, I need a good group of crocheters to test out some patterns that I have in the works. One still needs to be written out still and I'm currently making a chick.... just in time for Easter (It's on April 1st this year, just as an FYI).
So anyways.... I'm currently trying to build up a database for my pattern testers. I'm currently looking for crocheters of all skill levels and have a good sense of humour. The crocheters need to be willing to expand what they are comfortable with as well as give me feedback and/or questions to help me edit the written pattern prior to release. The crocheters that I need must also be able to finish the pattern in a timely manner as I hope to release the pattern up to a week after I recieve any and all feedback as I will need to edit the pattern before the release. Also, the crocheters must also be informed that posting pictures of the pattern(s) in question at the time of being tested are allowed to be posted on social media as long as I am being tagged in the post and/or the hashtag #thecrochetaholic is being used. Any pictures of the written pattern or sharing of the pattern is strictly prohibitted prior the release of the pattern as I have chosen a select few during each pattern testing. Any violations of this request will result in your removal as a pattern tester. With that being said, I hope that anyone who is considering to be a pattern tester will understand and, if chosen, follow these rules and requests. Now off to the part where you can apply!! Any and all candidates must email me the answers to [email protected] 1) How long have you crocheted for? 2) Why would you think you would be a good pattern tester? 3) Apples or Bananas? 4) Have you tested a pattern before? 5) What can I do for you as a pattern designer? 6) What can I expect from you, as a pattern tester? 7) Tell me about yourself! I want to know more about potential pattern testers! Thank you in advance for applying for those who wish to become a pattern tester! Good luck!
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What you need:
Fingering weight yarn Scissors 4mm hook Yarn needle Pom Pom (optional) Directions Brim: Chain 26 Row 1: *Sc, skip 2, 5dc in the next stitch, skip 2. Repeat from * until there are 3 chains left. Sc in the last chain. Row 2: Chain 3, turn. 3 dc in sc. *Skip 2, sc in the middle of the 5dc, skip 2, 5dc in sc. Repeat until the last 5dc. 3dc in the last sc. Row 3: Chain 1, turn. *Sc in first stitch, skip 2, 5dc in sc of previous row, skip 2, sc in the 3rd dc of the 5dc, skip 2. Repeat from *. Repeat rows 2 and 3 until it measures 20 inches. Hat: Row 1: Chain 1, turn piece over to the side. 70 sc along the side evenly. Row 2: Chain 3, Dc in each stitch across. Repeat row 2 until the entire piece measures 10 inches (including the brim). Cut a long tail and then sew the long sides (the short side of the brim should be meeting). Cut another tail and then weave it along the last row of the dc (make sure it’s tight) and tie off. Flip inside out so you don’t see the seams. Add pom pom. The hat should have a bit of a slouch.
Elizabeth Stitch How To: Multiples of 2 plus 4. Row 1. Hook into 4th ch from the hook and pull up a loop, yarn round hook and into the same st and pull up another loop, yarn round hook and through all four loops on the hook. *ch1, skip 1ch, hook into next st, pull up a loop, yarn round hook and into the same st and pull up another loop, yarn round hook and through all four loops on the hook; repeat from * to end, turn. Row 2. ch3, *hook into first ch1 sp, pull up a loop, yarn round hook, into the same sp, pull up another loop, yarn round hook and through all four loops on the hook, ch1; repeat from * across with last st under turning chain, turn. Repeat row 2 for pattern. The Elizabeth Stitch Headband Hook size and yarn weight does not matter for this pattern. Chain 14 Row 1: Skip first stitch and single crochet until the end of the row. Row 2: Chain 3. Elizabeth stitch in the first stitch and then throughout the rest of the row. There should be 7 Elizabeth stitches in each row. Row 3: Repeat row 2 until headband measures 20 inches or until it wraps around your head comfortably. Single crochet around the entire piece then slip stitch ends/ together using back loops only. And no, I don't mean with fireworks. I'm already done 2 orders, got 2 more on the way that I just need to get the yarn for, looking for craft shows that I can do in the spring, and trying to stock up for them before I even consider signing up for them. Not to mention, I got a banner in the mail last week not even 24 hours after I ordered it. Say what? With that being said, I'm starting to get my things for my New Year's resolution crossed off, one by one. What is it, you may ask? To take my business more seriously... Because that is what The Crochetaholic now is... A business. I've started making some things for spring craft shows that I am looking into and different patterns that I think will sell super well during the spring craft shows. I just recently made a bunny and a water bottle holder just to see how quickly they can be worked up. They can be made up super quick by the way! Like 2 hours kind of quick, both considering it was my first time making them. Over the next little while, I will be testing different patterns to see if things can work out in time for any of the craft shows that I am thinking of doing. I know that what I sell during the spring and summer months will be completely different than what I would sell during the fall and winter months. I'm trying to build up my inventory as time goes on. I seriously can't wait to see what sells and what doesn't during the spring and summer shows! I am feeling really hopeful for this new year. Seriously... Really hopeful! That is a feeling that I rarely have for new years in the past. Party because I never really had anything worth while to be hopeful for. But now, with this new business taking off, things.... and times.... have changed. I am hopeful. I am feeling like a new version of myself. I am starting a new chapter in my life.... with some changes (like the obvious name change). I am glad to be embarking this new chapter of my life! I am really excited for this. New and better things are coming my way this year. I can feel it. 2018 will be my year!
So this year, business wise, has been a great year. Personal wise too. I have learned many lessons on customer service and when to actually pick up payment. I am still learning on how to say NO to orders. Especially if the first order didn't follow through for one way or another. I am working on a few orders at the moment and can't wait to get more orders in during the new year! I have learned new stitches this year and posted three patterns on Ravelry. One of them is over 100 download! I guess I know what people want out of the three patterns that I have up for download. Scarves! I guess I will be trying to make more wearable patterns on ravelry in 2018. I can't wait for 2018 to start. With all the things that I am hoping to do in the new year is remarkable! I want to try to make more of a name for myself as a crocheter. I want to build my business more and more and see what sells and what doesn't. I know what cowls people have been asking for this past season and I can't wait to make a constant stock on that cowl. I am hoping to get a banner soon for future craft shows. I am hoping to design more and more patterns this year too. I am hoping to have a pile of orders on the go and have some kind of consistency with my income with this business that I have started. I am trying to take my business more seriously as it is no longer a hobby. It is now a business. A business that I thoroughly enjoy doing. If I am able to do this full time at some point, I'd be extremely happy. I know I will never be a millionaire with this craft. But I know that people want handcrafted items as they know where they are made and feel comfortable that the item that they purchased is not made in a sweat shop in China and/or uses child labour as so many things use both methods to make profit (I can use Nike as an example. Just look up Swoosh on youtube!). I am still figuring out prices for my stock and can't wait to learn more about the business woman that I am. Wow... it feels good to actually type that out.... Business woman. I really hope that 2018 is going to be my year for my business to grow and flourish! I am always on the look out for new patterns that I can work on and craft shows that I can do. I think 2018 will be the year of the learning my business for me. I'm going to try to keep my receipts together all in one place and to keep track of my sales. I really want to try to expand my business in the upcoming year. For those who use crocheting or knitting as a business, is there any recommendations that you can offer for me who is starting to seriously treat this business AS a business? Anything at all will be helpful!
All the best in the new year! Natalie |
AuthorNatalie lives in southern Ontario in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). She loves to crochet, read, and spend time with friends and family. Archives
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