Ruffle Infinity Scarf Contest/Giveaway

Here it is.....your chance to win this beautiful

Ruffle Infinity Scarf!

Made with 100% Acrylic Yarn with Ruffles on one side that feature a beautiful, soft and fluffy edging.

The multiple blues in the ruffles combined with the light blue color make it a great item to pair with a favorite pair of jeans!

Not only is it nice and big without being bulky it is sooo incredibly soft and comfy because I created it using BABY yarn!!

This scarf is long enough to wrap around your neck 2 or even 3 times!!

Keep is for yourself or put it aside and start your holiday "shopping" early for someone you love  

Comes wrapped in a beautiful Ivory Ribbon

**You must be a fan of my Facebook page to be eligible to win**

For complete Contest Terms and Conditions please visit the "Notes" Section of my Facebook Page or click here:

The Crochet Corner-Contest Terms and Conditions

Good Luck to everyone who enters :)
Be sure to bookmark this blog and visit each day of the contest to earn an extra entries!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****CONTEST/GIVEAWAY!!!!*****

I have been thinking about having a contest where the winner gets this Ruffle Infinity Scarf,

       

This scarf would make a GREAT Holiday Gift for someone you love, a co-worker, or even for yourself!
(It's never to early to think about your Holiday Shopping List  )

If you would be interested in winning this scarf*, please visit my Facebook page and like/comment on the pinned post at the top of the page (for your convenience I have provided the link to my page below).

If I reach a minimum of 15 likes/comments, I will most definitely run the contest!

The Crochet Corner on FACEBOOK

**Please note, in order to be eligible to win contest, you must be a fan of my Facebook page. For complete terms and Conditions regarding contests please visit the NOTES section of my Facebook page. Thank you :)**

My Items featured in the Island Gazette

This weeks edition of the Island Gazette Newspaper-Spotlight on Business in Carolina Beach, N.C. features the Pet Salon where I have my hand crocheted items available for in-store purchase. Included in the story is a pic of MY ITEMS! I am so super excited about this :D
This is the very first time I have ever seen my items in print and NOT just online where I have posted them and when I found out about it, I couldn't contain the smile that came across my face!

A sad day in our world

Last night when I learned about the passing of Robin Williams, I felt like my world had been turned upside down. Like everyone else, I am sure, I saw a Facebook post here and there and immediately thought it was another internet death hoax so I just moved on and didn't think about it again. Then about an hour later I logged back online and saw post after post after post from online friends and news sources (like ABC and E!) and my heart went into my throat.

He was so open about the issues that he struggled with from substance abuse to severe depression. I myself have been diagnosed with severe depression since the age of 14. My first real suicide attempt was in February of 2009. The reason I say "real" attempt as opposed to just attempt is because that one in 2009 was what put me in a psychiatric ward for the first time in my life. Yes, I had been in and out of therapy but never before had I experienced the world of the "Mental Institution". Since 2009 I have been in and out of a few hospitals, rehabs etc. I also battled with substance abuse (prescription medications) so when I heard about Robin Williams my first thought was (and maybe this is a selfish thought, I don't know) "My God, if Mental Illness got him, what chance do I have to survive it??"

All day today I have been a little "out of it" so to speak. I couldn't turn on the TV, only listened to music and did my crocheting. I was too scared that the movie channels would play his movies and it would trigger more thoughts in my mind. I just wasn't ready to face it yet. There have been SO many times in my life when I was down and struggling to find a way to laugh. Somehow I would come across one of his movies and KNOW it would bring laughter into my darkness. Whether it is The Birdcage, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook, or Night at the Museum I KNEW a smile would cross my lips and joy would fill my heart and mind. We were so blessed to have him entertain us for all of these years.

Every day of my life I have an internal battle. Every day I wake up and it's is a struggle. But, each day it does get a smidge easier. Just a smidge but I think even a tiny little bit in the right direction is better than going in the opposite direction. Granted, there are days when stress and aggravation and outside elements do cause me to go in the other direction with my mind but as long as I don't STAY pointed in that opposite direction when I lay my head down at night, I think that is the reason I am still here today.

Who knows how long we have on this earth. Anything, on any day, could take us out. An accident can happen, terrorists can hit again, a robbery in a store, or even mental illness can overtake someone and end their life. What matters is today, and "today" is all we have every single day.
Please make sure that "today" is the day you cherish and that will lead you into your tomorrow.

A great way to begin the week :)

Since I am on antibiotics because of my broken, impacted, infected wisdom tooth (which will come out this Friday) I cannot be out in the sun for too long. I have very sensitive skin to begin with so I could only imagine what would happen to my skin if I were to stay out in the sun right now. Hospital ER visit would most likely be in the near future lol. So my husband and I have been doing some night swimming in our pool and it has been so amazing. The water is like bath water, it feels so good with my bones. Which are weakened due to the hormone treatments I endured with my Endometriosis. 

This morning after my husband left for work (about 6am) I decided to go for an early morning swim. I am determined to lost these last 20 pounds I gained while I was sick, and it was the BEST way to start my morning and week. The water was warm but had a little chill to it, not enough where it would make my teeth chatter, just enough so it would gently wake me up. As I swimming and doing some water exercises I stopped to just enjoy the morning and the world waking up. It had rained last night so everything around me was green and lush. The birds were just starting to chirp, a rooster off in the distance was greeting the morning with his song. (Yes, I am way out in the country) The world around me was an oasis at that very moment. I couldn't think of a better way to start my day. 

Now, to actually begin my day. I have a few projects in mind that I want to work on, just not sure which one I am going to start with today. Or, I may just take this day and relax. 

If anyone is reading my blog (I hope) I wish you all a wonderful day and a beautiful, calm week filled with joy and happiness. 

Four Dogs Pet Salon & Treatery in Carolina Beach, N.C.

If you are in the local Wilmington, N.C. area you have the option of purchasing my line of Crocheted Pet Items, Toys Apparel and Accessories either through me or in-store purchase at:

Four Dogs Pet Salon & Treatery
807 North Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, N.C.
(located behind Sumthin' Beachie Consignment Shop)

Link to: Four Dogs Pet Salon & Treatery




Some of my items that you will find there are:

Bowtie Collar Slides

Poncho Set              

Pawprint Bandana

"Buddy Bear" Dog Toy       

Ruffles & Beads Pet Collar - Red/Silver

Ruffles & Beads Pet Collar - White/Silver

Pooper Scooper Bag Caddy

Sailor Dog Coat Set w/ Matching Bag Caddy

My Knock-Off Dolce & Gabbana Purse Project

Last year I came across the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Crochet Handbag and I absolutely fell in love with it, well with the purse itself NOT the price (I don't remember the exact price but I do know it is well over $1,000.00).  Last year I had only found the black and multi-colored one but now I came across these other two and I just love them all!

 So I had made a vow that one day I would make myself a purse inspired by this bag. I am going to keep track of my progress here on this blog and hopefully one day soon have a really great finished project to show off. Each time I have a free moment to myself for my own crocheting, haha which isn't too often lately, I am going to work on it a little bit. I've started off with the front flap of Granny Squares and am working from there.

Here is my version of the front flap of the bag:

My vision for this bag is white instead of the black and then I want to look for a wooden handle to use instead of a leather one. I wanted to make it more of a spring/summer bag. 

As I move along with this project I will update this blog :)

Big Cup Cozy

So I was looking around for something new to add to my item line and I found a pattern for pet themed Coffee Cup Cozies from Posh Pooch Designs. But then I thought to myself, it's just about summertime in North Carolina and it's above 90 degrees and as I am thinking this I am reaching for my large Lemonade cup from a fair/festival that I've kept around.  I know I can't be the only person who keeps these lol They are great, right? But don't you hate when it's hot and get a handful of condensation when you grab it to take a sip? So I took this pattern I found:

http://poshpoochdesignsdogclothes.blogspot.com/2013/05/coffee-cozi-with-dog-bone-and-paw-print.html

and I made it to fit my Lemonade cup and here it is now:

Now I am going to make some more and add some different appliques to them like; stars, paw prints, dog bone, hearts, and whatever else my little crazy mind comes up with!


Paw Print:

Dog Bone:

Facebook Milestone / Summer Giveaway Contest for fans of my FB page

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Monday! 

I hope you all have a great start to your week, I know Mondays are usually rough ones all around.
So I am only SEVEN (7) more likes away from hitting the 100 mark on my Facebook page, YAY! Then I will begin my Summer/Milestone Giveaway.

What kind of item would you like to see in this giveaway? I have a couple ideas but was hoping to get some feedback from you.

First I was thinking about a set that includes can cozies and freezer pop cozies.
OR
How about a kitchen set that includes dishcloths and dishtowels with the crochet topper on them or a Grocery Bag Holder.
OR
A pair of comfy loafer-style slippers in summery colors.
OR

A Beach Bag Tote

OR

A collection of Pet Items (toys, collar accessories, poo bag caddy)

I have attached example pics of these items. Please note that the items pictured are not the exact ones that will be included in the giveaway. These are just for example purposes only and a pic of the final contest prize item will be included when I post the Contest Event and announce the start of the giveaway.

I would love to hear from you all about what item you would like to see in this giveaway. Please comment below with what your choice would be. Or if you think of something that you would like to see offered, please let me know, I would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks 

Weekend Wrap-Up

Hi Everyone :)

I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend. I know that i did :D

Yesterday one of my dearest friends came to visit us, it so was great to see her and her family. She and I grew up one block away from each other, we were in Girl Scouts together (my mom was a troop leader) and then I had to move away in 5th grade :( But, I moved in with with my grandmother back in my hometown before 10th grade and, again, she and I lived a block away from each other. Now, we are both living in North Carolina (not a block away though but still close enough to visit) and I couldn't be happier!

Today I discovered something about my puppy and his toys. He had a couple plastic toys and many crocheted ones (of course lol). He had 3 plastic squeaky toys at one time and now he is only down to one of them still in good shape. However, the crocheted ones have stood the puppy test so far. Check this out:

He took the squeaker out of the barbell toy and completely ripped it apart, pieces all over the living room rug. But, my crocheted ones (the darker colored ball has a rattle that I made and included in it with the fiberfill stuffing) are all still in intact. Needless to say, my little Roman Jasper (that's my puppy's name) will no longer be receiving plastic toys with squeakers lol he will be spoiled with all crocheted toys from now on.

You can view and order my Pet Items via my Online store link at the bottom of my blog page or come and visit my Facebook page:

Facebook-TheCrochetCorner

If you are in the local Wilmington, N.C. area you will find a selection of my Pet Items (toys, apparel and accessories) available for in-store purchase at:

Four Dogs Pet Salon & Treatery  in Carolina Beach, N.C.




This week I will be publishing on here, and on Ravelry, the pattern I made for these two baskets. They are both the same pattern that I came up with just the purple one is about an inch higher than the pink.

Well, time for me to get the house in order and get ready for the week to come. I hope that everyone has a good Monday, may your day fly by fast with no stress :)

FREE PATTERN-Business Card Holder

Here is one of my first few patterns that I have designed.  I wanted to make a standing Business Card Holder rather than buy a cheap looking plastic one for my cards. Why buy something when I know if I put my mind to it, I can create one that not only holds by business cards but represents my business perfectly!

You may do anything you want with an item you make from this pattern but please do not sell this pattern and I do ask that you reference my blog if you share this pattern on your page(s) or post pics of items you have made using this pattern.  Thanks :)

This is my first time writing up and publishing a pattern, please bear with me.  If you come across any issues with the pattern or have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me so I can help you along and make any necessary pattern step corrections.

Here we go:

Materials:

Worsted Weight Yarn
'G' Hook
(you want to get nice tight stitching to help it stand on it's own)


Main Part:

1. chain-18
2. sc in 2nd chain from hook and ea ch across (17 sts), ch-1, turn
3. sc in ea sc across, ch-1, turn for FOUR (4) rows
4. next row: sc in BLO (back loop only) across, ch-1, turn
5. sc in both loops across for ONE (1) row, ch-1, turn
6. sc in ea sc across, ch-1, turn for SEVEN (7) rows, in last sc on last row work 3sc
7. rotate project to work on sids (*note-you will only work on THREE (3) sides around)
8. 1 sc in each side row down to foundation chain row side, work THREE (3) sc in corner
9. turn and work in FND CH side, 1 sc in ea ch across to last ch, work THREE (3) sc in corner turn and work ONE (1) sc in each row up side. In last row, work ONE (1) sc and then do an Invisible Round Join to the first sc you made on the last row  of the SEVEN (7) row repeat earlier

Main Part Sides-Make TWO (2):

1. chain-6
2. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea ch across, ch-1, turn
3. sc in ea sc across, ch-1, turn
4. repeat step 3 ONE (1) time
5. Fasten Off (F/O), Leave long tail for sewing

Sew the side parts to the mail part on the bottom opening where they match up.


Back Stand Sides-Make TWO (2):

1. chain-6
2. sc in 2nd chain from hook and in ea ch across, ch-1, turn (5 sts)
3. sc in ea sc for TWO (2) rows, ch-1, turn
4. sc in next 3 sts, sc decrease in next 2 sts, ch-1, turn
5. sc decrease in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, ch-1, turn
6. sc in next sc, sc decrease, ch-1, turn
7. sc decrease in the 2 sts remaining, F/O leave long tail for sewing

Sew the two slanted sides of the Back Stand Sides together.
Sew Back Stand to back of Main Part around all THREE (3) sides of the stand to form a triangle stand. If you pinch the Back Stand Sides as you sew around, it may make it easier to sew. You want the bottom part of the stand to be a little bit flat with a point sticking out in the middle so that it will rest on a tabletop.
Spray with fabric stiffener, position standing up and straighten out all sides to form the rectangle holder, and let dry overnight.

I use a spray bottle for my fabric stiffener solution. I took an old Febreeze bottle, combined the stiffener solution with water and just start to spray away. Much easier than soaking items in the solution plus, it has the added leftover scent of Febreeze!




The next time I make one, I will take pics as I go along and update this pattern with step by step pics.

I hope you enjoy making the card holder. Another idea for it would be to embroider your name or your company name on the front part. I was thinking about doing it for mine too. 

Happy Hooking :)

Welcome to my Blog!

So I have finally taken the leap and started my own blog :)

I wanted one place where I could link everything about my crocheting and other passions that I have. I also wanted to start unclogging my Facebook page with crochet pattern links (for the fans of my page who aren't into crocheting as much as I am lol) Plus, I have also started coming up with a few patterns of my own here and there and now I will have a place to post them to share with everyone in my crocheting community.

I have a few Links sections on my page. One is a list of my most favorite crochet pattern and info websites. The second is a list of local links around the Wilmington, N.C. area. Festivals, fairs, local stores and information sites that you may find useful if you are in the area. If you want to recommend some local websites that you think would be useful to list, please let me know. I will be adding to the lists probably every other day!The alst set of links is to individual patterns I have found on the internet that inspire or intrigue me.

A goal that I have for this year is to start a local crocheting group in the Burgaw, N.C. area. Another reason for the blog, so I can put up a calender of events as well once the group gets going, I am hoping to start holding meetings this Fall. 

I hope you enjoy my blog. If you would like to see anything featured on here or added, please contact me. I am always open to new suggestions for content. 

Have a wonderful day!