Brain Waves Beanie Video Tutorial

My Brain Waves Beanie video tutorial is finally LIVE!! It took me two filming sessions, cooperation from my kids, some of my sanity, and lots of hours to create (what I hope is) a helpful video tutorial for you. Find the pattern under "Free Pattern" above where you can view it directly on the page or download the PDF file to your computer or mobile device by clicking the link at the top.

I've also spent several days debating whether or not to charge a small fee for access to the video (I'm talking just $0.99). For some reason this decision didn't come lightly. I know I may get some grief over this and if it offends you I hope you'll forgive what I'm about to say. I have spent literally hundreds of hours creating and updating the pattern, personally responding to each question, and creating photo and now video tutorials for what always has been, and always will be a free pattern.

*gets on soapbox* I know there are some who believe that all crochet patterns and tutorials should be free. But seriously, who among you would go to work and willingly give up your paycheck? Yes, this is my job - I'm fortunate that it's also my passion. Even though I don't go to a traditional office everyday, I work extremely hard (with long, odd hours) creating patterns, responding to questions, taking and editing photos, promoting, web building and designing, balancing my accounts, and of course... crocheting. (Trust me, I'm not complaining. I absolutely love what I do and I'm grateful for what the crochet community has given me and my family) I figured that $0.99 would be a small price to pay for the video and help compensate for all the time and energy I've put into it. (PS - had I charged for the video, the pattern would have remained free.) *stepping off soapbox*

On the other hand, I gave you my word that the pattern would always be free. In the end I felt that my promise encompassed any and all tutorials and trumped my ego. IF you feel so inclined, I added a "Donate" button at the top of the pattern page and I would be honored by any contribution you deem worthy. But you can rest easy and feel free to enjoy the pattern and ask me questions without a donation.

So there you go... not sure if that was too much information, but it's been weighing on me lately and it feels good to say it. And don't forget... here's the long awaited video! ENJOY and I hope it helps!





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Craftsy Trends

YAAAAYYYY!!!! I can't believe it, but I'm on the top of the Craftsy Top 20 Free Crochet Patterns Leaderboard! My Brain Waves Beanie moved from 20th to 1st on the trending leader board in less than a week! I'm also the featured seller!! What a cool thing to happen during National Crochet Month!

If you don't already have the pattern, check it out. It comes with a photo tutorial and detailed instructions to make your own beanie for guys & girls.

Thank you!!

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Brain Bender

Hey everyone! I'm so sorry it's been forever since I've posted! I've been really busy and even got to quit my day job (mini-interview coming soon!). But for now, I'm going to give a little attention to my Brain Waves Beanie since it seems a few people have been having trouble with it lately. AND it will be appearing in a small Mom-centered magazine out of Omaha so I figured I needed to give it a little TLC. I'll let you know as soon as I finish tweaking it.

Now that I don't have a job to go to at night, one of my goals is write a LOT more on my blog so stay tuned because I have a LOT of really exciting news coming up!

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I'm Rambling...

Thank you to everyone who voted for your favorite font! I am just waiting to get the proof back so I can approve it, then she'll hand-carve my stamp! I'm so excited to see it in person!!!

On another note, I can't believe how busy I've been. I just started another part-time job during the day. I stay at home with my kids, but I can take them with me to the office. It's not a normal schedule so some weeks I'll be working more, some weeks, less. But it's a really fun environment. The job only goes to October so even if it's really hard to work with my schedule, it's not forever.

AND I'm only 3 sales away from my 300th Etsy sale! Since being in Etsy Finds a few weeks ago, I've had several sales, including my first international sale of a finished hat. I've sold several patterns abroad, but never a hat! It's going to Belfast, Ireland and the buyer says he's going to take it with him on a trip around the world! How COOL!! PICTURES!!!

World-Travelling Beanie

My only problem is that my local supplier stopped carrying the yarn I use. So now I have to order it and wait for shipment. It's been delaying some of my orders, but all my buyers have been super understanding. It's just frustrating and I feel it's a little unprofessional. But as long as I keep in contact with the buyer, it's been ok.

I also have a new line of products that I'm trying to get listed, but I haven't had any spare time!! I got some pictures back on Friday and I REALLY want to get them in my shop. Hopefully soon!!!

First look at what's new at Playin' Hooky

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Thank you SO MUCH to Jess Melton from Jlight Photography for the awesome new photos!