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Improving my Quality (of) Life

By JJCrochet on January 25, 2012 in Projects, Uncategorized

I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. If I want to do/ change/ fix/ enhance something, well then I do it. But now that I’m on my own and making money, I decided I wanted to improve my quality of life.

This idea of improvement stemmed from “Treat Yo Self Two-thousann’leven” from Parks & Rec (watch the video – you won’t be disappointed).

I decided, no more eating frozen chicken nuggets for dinner. No more buying clothes that are only on sale. No more skimping and being frugal (within reason, of course). No more! This year, I’ve determined to improve my quality of life. If you remove the “of” in that statement, it sounds even more exciting: I want to improve my quality life. Yes, much better.

So besides cutting out frozen poultry from my life, what does “improving my quality life” entail? Great question. Essentially it’s just me spending more money on myself, but here’s a list of things I came up with just now:

Buying sweet smelling, loose-leaf tea
Crocheting something for myself (done)
Picking up the bill for a friend’s dinner (done)
Designing new business cards for JJCrochet (done)
Purchasing a pair of shoes at full price, just because I love them (done)
Splurging on that cookies ‘n cream milkshake (done)
Making it a priority to call out-of-state friends (done)
Ordering custom stationery and writing to friends (partially done)

In completing that list, I realized most of my “treat yourself” things include food, but I guess it is what it is. The stationery I marked as partially done because that is my latest endeavor.

You see, I came across PowderBluePapers on Etsy and figured custom stationery was the perfect place to start. I told myself it was okay spending over $1.50 on a notecard–I was worth it– and placed an order.

My cards arrived in the mail today and can I just tell you, they have improved my quality of life. I am so happy. I didn’t know it was possible to get this much joy from notecards, but I did. Here they are:

I cropped my address off from the bottom of the notecards, but know that it is there and it is beautiful. I can’t wait to improve the quality of life of others when they receive little notes from me in the mail.

I also splurged and bought myself mini-moo cards (from Moo.com), and as expected – LOVE. I ordered half the cards with a floral design, half with images of crochet hats and knitted cowls. My family hated them, mocking: “Hi, here’s a half-business card,” (giggles) “Hello, do you want this tiny piece of paper?” (mocking laughter), but I think they’re great. Just want I wanted for JJCrochet. I treated myself and I enjoyed it!

I have started 2012 off treating myself and I must say that I am enjoying it. I am too thoughtful and good to myself, ha. But what it really comes down to, is what am I willing to spend my money on and why don’t I spend it on others? I’m trying to be more conscious of my spending, more purposeful, but also remembering it’s okay to let myself go sometimes.

What are some ways you could treat yourself to improve the quality of your life and the lives of others? Maybe it’s going to a movie or buying that new purse or calling an old friend. Whatever it is – DO IT! Life is too short and you deserve the finer things in life, and that most certainly excludes frozen chicken nuggets.

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Jo-Ann Fabrics: Coupons, Discounts, & Reward Cards

By JJCrochet on October 13, 2011 in Uncategorized

Jo-Ann Fabrics has their very own coupon page.

Yes, you read correctly. This new page is regularly updated with printable, online and in-store current Jo-Ann Fabrics coupons and hosted on Joann.com. I don’t want to take full credit for this, but I’ll take partial credit. I help manage Jo-Ann’s online advertising (I know – dream come true, right?) and one of my suggestions to their marketing team was to have a dynamic coupon page hosted directly on Jo-Ann’s site.

I’m thrilled to see this new design because, like you, I’ve been there.

I’ll peruse pages on Jo-Ann’s site looking for crafty supplies, load my cart up, but right before I check out, I’ll hit up Google looking for Jo-Ann coupons. Sometimes I’d find coupons on other sites, sometimes none at all. But now Jo-Ann has current coupons located on their site. Yes, please.

To view Jo-Ann Fabric’s Coupon page, visit here: http://www.joann.com/joann/common/content_noleftnav.jsp?catName=coupon

Along with coupons, Jo-Ann’s offers a number of discounts cards and programs. If you haven’t heard of them before, now is a great time to sign up for one. Last year, I wrote about Jo-Ann’s VIP card, but I’m happy to tell you Jo-Ann now offers a lot more reward programs (outlined below)

You can receive one of these discounts (ranging from 10% – 15% off your total purchases). Jo-Ann offers 3 different types of reward programs and chances are, you fall into one of these categories:

Teacher Rewards (15% off every purchase for any teacher - home school, private, or public)
VIP Card (10% off every purchase)

A Reseller (work those crafty genes!)
Part of a crafting guild or organization (ie. Quilters of America or Your Local Knitting Group)
Any Non-Profit

3. Student Discount (10% off every purchase. New! Jo-Ann now offers discounts for high school and college kids!)

With any rewards card, you’ll get either 10%-15% off every purchase – that includes regular AND sale price items. An extra bonus that is great when stocking up on craft supplies!

Jo-Ann Fabric VIP Non-Profit Discount Card Rewards Program

To read more info about the VIP reseller and non-profit cards, go here: http://www.joann.com/joann/common/content_custservice.jsp?catName=VIPDiscounts

To sign up for Jo-Ann’s VIP rewards card, check out this page: http://www.joann.com/joann/common/content_custservice.jsp?catName=discountCardForm

Jo-Ann Fabrics is all about rewarding their customers, which I appreciate. They’re really tying to improve user experiences and care a lot about customer loyalty. Hey, they have the best selection around and with great prices and reward programs like their VIP card, they have my business.

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Top 8 Reasons Why Crocheting is Better Than Knitting

By JJCrochet on August 9, 2011 in Crochet, Knitting, Uncategorized

It’s time to hang up the gloves.

The question of which is better–crocheting or knitting– has been discussed since the first sheep’s wool was spun into yarn. Knitters hold their needles high as they offer delicate stitches and sweaters that took weeks to knit, while crocheters fight back with the functionality of their knotted work.

As someone who has been crocheting since she was 8 and knitting since she was 13, I want to end this argument for good.

Crocheting is Better Than Knitting. (Don’t tell me you couldn’t see that coming…C’mon, I have a crochet company.)

Here’s 8 reasons why crocheting is better than knitting:

1. Crocheting takes 30% more yarn than knitting. While some might view this as a disadvantage, I view it as a positive. Any compulsive crafter would have to agree. The bigger dent you make in your overwhelming yarn stash at one time, the better.

2. Crocheting uses one hook instead of two needles. Why phenangle two things when it’s easier to hold just one?

3. Crocheting is faster. Knitters see patterns for 5 1/2-hour crochet afghans and cringe. They dream about the day they could make something that fast. For crocheters, making an afghan in two evening sittings isn’t anything new.

4. Crocheting is easier to learn. I’ll admit this one is subjective… but it’s factual and true.

5. You have more freedom when crocheting. Crocheters use one hook with one loop of yarn on it. Knitters, on the other hand, have perfectly aligned loops sitting obediently on their needles. Where’s the freedom? When crocheting, if you suddenly want to go over the side, go for it. Back the way you came? Sure – not a problem. Want to join something together? Just fold and stitch along the top. Ladies, it doesn’t get more free than that.

6. You can easily make a crochet flower and other accessories. I put crochet flowers on pretty much every hat I crochet because I think they’re adorable. (In fact, I love making crochet flowers so much that I created a Video Tutorial on how to crochet a flower.) Patterns for knitted flowers involve no less than 12 steps and lots of sewing together. All that work takes the joy out of flowers.

7. There are less crochet patterns than knitting patterns. Also might seem like a downside, but the thrill of the hunt makes this a plus for crocheting. Finding a good crochet patternis like finding GOLD. Hundreds of books have been written about knitting, but good crochet patterns are harder to trace down and more rewarding when you find them.

8. And finally, the most compelling part of the case: Crocheting creates a heavier, stretchier fabric. This heavier fabric is useful when making:

Hats
Scarves
Afghans
Baby Blankets
Scrubbies & Dishcloths
Dishtowels
Bags
Purses
Cowls
Socks/ Slippers
Rugs
Ponchos (are these still in?)
Cozies (iPod, Coffee Cup)
Pouches (Laptop, Cell Phone)
Flowers
Mittens or Gloves
Amigurumi (little crocheted animals)
Even Dog Sweaters are better crocheted.

Pretty much the only thing people would rather knit than crochet is a sweater. So for projects that are a sweater, pull out the knitting needles. For everything else, grab a hook because crocheting’s where it’s at.

And so, I think you will find that crocheting, as whole, is better than knitting.

What’s your preference? Are you a one hook or a two needle crafter?

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Fred Has Been Bombed

By JJCrochet on July 25, 2011 in Uncategorized

Hide yer women, hide yer kids. Fred, AKA Mr. Rogers, HAS BEEN BOMBED.

Yarn bombed, that is. (Though not by me.)

I was on my way to the Pirates’ Game this weekend, walking along the River, when I spotted Fred in a lovely red crocheted sweater. Too cool. (Although when I saw it, the sweater looked more like a poncho with a front zipper… What happened to the sleeves?)

Turns out the sweater was designed by Alicia Kachmar, a Pittsburgh crocheter and artist. You can read more about the sweater construction here on her blog.

If you happen to be near Heinz Field or PNC in the next weeks, you should stop by and see Freddy for yourself. Man, how I love Pittsburgh.

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Hand-Spun Merino Yarn

By JJCrochet on July 2, 2011 in Craft Shows, Uncategorized

Read the title of this post. I’ll give you 3 guesses as to what I bought at an Arts Festival this weekend. If you guessed a skein of hand-spun merino yarn, you’re right! Woo!

My mom and I spent this hot Saturday afternoon browsing at a local Arts Festival. It was a pleasant few hours and certainly nice to be on the other side of the booths for a change.

One of the tents caught my attention: It was a booth with hand-spun yarn! Although the yarn was lovely, the lady working the booth was not. She was a little distracted and not very helpful, but I thought the yarn was worth it despite her poor customer service. See pictures below, I hope you’ll agree.

I ended up purchasing 104 yards (1.4oz) of hand-spun, hand-dyed Merino wool yarn. Yum. It was a special treat (from myself to myself). I think it’ll be just enough yarn to make a hat.

One of these days, I’d love to learn how to spin. I have some roving I purchased a while ago, but never got around to learning how to do it. Anyone know how to spin and want to team me? I’ll make you a haaaat.

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The Deceptive Summer

By JJCrochet on June 20, 2011 in Uncategorized

My goal this summer, like summers past, is simple.

Crochet. Blog. Live.

A month into summer and I’ve done all three, just more living than blogging. I haven’t meant to be deceptive, it’s just that I’ve been…

1. Climbing mountains in Maine with Apartment 416, (Yes, we can be active)

2. Walking the Strip and seeing Celine Dion in Las Vegas,

3. Seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time with my 81 year old grandpa,

4. Walking down Hollywood Boulevard and seeing Charlton Heston’s imprints (You know, the HUNK from “The Ten Commandments“)

5. Even seeing Taylor Swift and NeedtoBreathe in concert.

I’ve been away from home from May 29 – June 16th traveling to PA, New Jersey, Maine, Boston, Las Vegas, LA, and Hollywood. Some trips with family, others with friends. I saw the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the same week. It was fantastic, but it’s good to be home.

So much has happened. I finished hexy and mailed her off a few weeks ago (pics coming in the next post!). My time traveling provided me with inspiration for new patterns so I’ll be offering new free crochet patterns in the upcoming weeks.

I know it’s summer, but keep those hooks busy!

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My Best Friend’s Engagement (JJCrochet Style)

By JJCrochet on May 8, 2011 in Uncategorized, Videos

While this appears be a personal blog post commemorating my friend’s engagement, it is related to crochet. You see, one of the benefits/ awful requirements of being my roommate is helping make ridiculous JJCrochet videos. What better way to celebrate an engagement than with JJCrochet?

Rachael Genders is one of my good friends. We met freshman year and have been friends ever since. Despite our slightly awkward start (I called her “Ashley” for 3 weeks straight…), we’ve become kindred spirits. Currently, I’m living with Rachael and 2 other girls in Room 416.

Not only have I been friends with Rachael, though, I’ve also known her now-fiance, Andrew, for a while. He is a gem.

Rachael and Andrew started dating 3 1/2 years ago and got engaged last Friday, April 29th. We couldn’t be more thrilled! They are a radiant couple that exude joy and happiness.

Here’s the thing: Getting engaged at our college is a big deal.

: Andrew’s Friends Jumping Him after a Basketball Game

We celebrate engagement by “Creeking” the guy. When two students get engaged, the guy’s friends jump him and take him to the creek that runs through the middle of campus only to plunge him into the waters as a “right of passage.” Loud cheers of “Wolffffff Creek, Woooolf Creeeek,” can be heard ringing throughout campus.

The best part about a Creeking is to see if the guy will struggle. Last week, Andrew was creeked by his friends. Let me tell you, he was a fighter.

: On the Bridge Down to the Creek.

Andrew Still Struggling to Break Free From the Mob on the 10 Minute Walk Down to the Creek.

: The Happy Couple Post-Creeking! Rachael Receives a Wet Hug From Her Groom-to-Be.

And now, as promised: The link of how Rachael’s and Andrew’s engagement is related to JJCrochet. It’s magical, really it is. Watch the video below to see how Andrew proposed!

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Gus the Spud

By JJCrochet on March 30, 2011 in Uncategorized

This is a non-crochet, but real-life blog post. One of those moments you know will slip away if you don’t chronicle it. A moment that won’t be funny in a week, but one you’d like to remember. I couldn’t think of a better way to immortalize my dear friend Gus than to blog about him so here goes.

Allow me to start from the beginning by introducing you to the latest member residing in Apartment 416: Gus the Spud. Though my college has a single-sex residence hall policy, Gus has been living in our apartment, or more specifically, on our kitchen counter, for the past 2 days. He was an old spud, but was happy and optimistic, cheery and gregarious.

As Dave Matthews said, “Life is short, but sweet for certain.” Gus truly lived by that principle.

Gus was first discovered by my roommate and me as we were cooking dinner two days ago. We wanted a side of potatoes with our chicken so we reached into the 10-pound bag of potatoes we’d bought three months ago. We were greeted with SPROUTING SPUDS. Gross. Some potatoes had a few sprouts, some more than others.

One spud in particular stood out: Gus. Unlike his fellow potatoes who had spuds growing every direction, Gus had an unusual cluster of sprouts only on one side. I saw him and knew he had to stay. After drawing on a face and propping him up against a vase, Gus was born.

It was simple and just felt right.

The following morning, Gus mysteriously left a note for our apartment, wishing everyone a good morning and a great day. (I’ll let you in on a secret – it was me. I wrote the note). In the evening, when we returned from classes and meetings and busy days, we were greeted with a less positive note. Gus had taken a turn for the worse.

He had given up on life. After only two days, it became too much for him. Instead of the cheery face we had gotten used to seeing, he was dead. Dead. Just like that. I was devastated. Gus had left a single, simple note reading, “Girls, life is rotten… it’s time for me to go.”

I’m not certain who wrote the note, but my suspicious are my roommate, Jenny, who wanted Gus gone from the instant he was born. She denies her involvement, claiming she loved Gus, but I have my doubts… Either way, it’s truly a tragedy.

Gus, was given an honorable burial (read: pitched in the trash). You will be missed, my little spud friend. Thank you for all the laughter you brought to our life.

RIP GUS March 28 – March 29th, 2011.

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Room 416: Heaven on Earth

By JJCrochet on February 27, 2011 in Uncategorized

A home is an intimate place. It’s a visual representation of who you are as a person, but more importantly, who you are as a designer. When I see someone’s house, it’s the final piece that reveals their true personality. But let’s face it: A college dorm is all about being cheap and functional – personality can wait until we actually have money.

While this isn’t technically my crafting studio, it IS the apartment I’ve been living in the for the past 6 months and will be my home for the next 3 (ah is graduation really that soon?!). I love my little apartment. It is warm, it is cozy, and has affectionately become known to others as “the dessert apartment”. I share this home with 3 other girls – Alana, Rachael, and Jen – and we have the time of our lives. That is not an exaggeration.

Making pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, nearly burning down the kitchen, talking until 3 am, training for half marathons, learning to write simultaneously with both hands, or watching Friends while eating dinner – we do it all. I am so thankful for them and the enjoyment they’re brought to my life.

Rachael, Me, Alana, and Jen with our contributions to Thanksgiving dinner

It also helps that I’m living across the hall and the down from 7 of my other good friends. As a senior class, the girls in my sorority decided to move down to the lower-campus apartments to spend our last year at college. We traded in ratty old dorm life for HEAVEN. It’s the best.

Alright, enough gushing. I’m starting to get nostalgic and nostalgia leads to tears. If you haven’t gotten the idea that I love my apartment, my roommates, and my friends, I can’t say much more that will convince you. A picture truly is worth a thousand words so here, dear friends, is my apartment… Room 416.

Our room on a busy weekend - getting ready for a bridal shower while watching "The Wedding Planner"... Typical.

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Craft Show Update

By JJCrochet on November 16, 2010 in Uncategorized

November has long been here which means JJCrochet’s craft show season ended last month. Oh what a time of fun, sleepless nights, mad crocheting, and meeting wonderful people. Here’s a slight recap of JJCrochet’s craft show chaos 2010.

Number of shows: 3
Total Crafting Days: 5
Furthest Distance Traveled: 4 1/2 hours round trip
Total Crochet Hats Sold: 154
Times Getting Hit on: 8

To see real-life JJCrochet customer footage check out this VIDEO:

This year’s craft show season also marked JJCrochet’s most profitable day of selling EVER. JJCrochet sold 1 crocheted hat ever 6 minutes. Yes, 86 crocheted hats were released into the market at the Clarion Autumn Leaf Festival. And in case you’re wondering, seeing people walk around wearing your designs is still a rush, even after 6 years of doing craft shows.

Now that CSS (Craft Show Season) is over, it’s time for JJCrochet to start building up next year’s inventory. Crocheted hats, crochet berets, knit caps, and even a crocheted hexagon blanket are in the works. [Perhaps even a "How to Crochet a Flower Video Tutorial"...]

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JoAnn Fabric’s VIP Card – 10% Off for Crafters and Non-profits

By JJCrochet on August 26, 2010 in Uncategorized

I found some exciting news about JoAnn Fabric’s. As a small business and crafter, I thought I’d pass along the news. Everyone’s favorite craft store, JoAnn Fabrics, is offering a free new VIP card that’ll get you 10% off every purchase. I spent too much there as it is so I might as well get 10% off every order, can I get an “Amen”?

The details:

10% off every purchase, including sale items
Eligible if: a reseller, member of sewing or crafting guild, or a non-profit
Must show tax exempt license or proof of 501(c)3 status
Sign up at joann.com/vip. It’ll take 3-5 weeks for your card to arrive

So simple, right? If you qualify for JoAnn’s new VIP card, sign up and start saving 10% off your purchases. You never know, those dimes might add up after a while. Happy crafting!

UPDATE 9/15: My JoAnn Fabric VIP card arrived in the mail today. Time for a yarn run.

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The Newest Member of JJCrochet: Nikon L110

By jjcrochet on June 2, 2010 in Uncategorized

Confession: I purchased a Canon SLR EOS Rebel Camera with the intent of getting into photography and taking better pictures of my crochet hats. Fail. The camera was a tad too advanced for me and I always felt weird pulling in out at parties or events because then I was that girl. The girl with the big camera who was trying to be all indie and artsy.

So I sold my Rebel on Craigslist and shopped around for an easier camera. Enter the Nikon Coolpix L110.

Specifications:

Digital, not SLR (so easy to figure out – just point and click)
Small and convenient to tote around
12.1 mega pixels
15x zoom
Great Macro Pics
Decently priced

I was converted.

The camera is perfect for what I need it and I’m already finding it to be a refreshingly simple downgrade from my Canon. Here are some pictures of flowers I took while experimenting with the macro setting… not too shabby for a camera under $250.

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Book Review: The Handmade Marketplace

By JJCrochet on May 27, 2010 in Uncategorized

So after looking for some books with which to fill my summer days, I came across this list (found on Design Sponge) listing some must-read books for “Biz Ladies”. One particular book caught my eye: The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line by Kari Chapin.

Because my mom is the director of our local public library, I thought she might be interested in picking up this praised crafty book for the library’s collection. And of course, in doing so, I could be the first to preview its contents without actually buying it myself. Shady? No. Resourceful? Yes. I asked, she took the bait, the book was ordered. Came in the mail today.

I have only read the first 4 chapters, but I’m already in love. When other people said this book was chalked full of pertinent information, I didn’t know they meant it would keep me nodding my head every 5 seconds or re-reading sentences because of the useful info. There are resources about taking better photographs of products, where to find inspiration for your next product, ways to connect with others in the crafty community, marketing lessons, a list of tax writeoffs, tips from crafting pros, and that’s only the first 4 chapters!

I will certainly be finishing this one up in a the next day or so, then it’s off to the library so others can share in its goodness. What are some of your crafty business must-reads for the summer?

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