Pick of the Day

So all last month, no matter how hard I tried to keep up with weather forecasts, I was never wearing the appropriate amount of clothing.  I was either sweating because I'd expected cooler temperatures, or freezing because, well, it was warm that morning so I didn't wear a sweater!  Oh, March.  How fickle you were.

And now it's April.  Summer, apparently.  NOT prepared again.  I have found it very hard to settle on a crochet project each day with these rapid weather fluctuations!  For me, that means that whatever yarn I have on hand is just not right for what I want to do... so yarn shopping has become a daily ritual, much like going to the market to find fresh produce for tonight's dinner.

This technique can be quite productive, if I am able to use up the day's pick before the next day rolls around.  LOL.  I've got to get some shelves and organize my collection, so that those older selections stay fresh longer and I can transform their raw energy into useful, lovely items before being tempted by the newest harvest elsewhere. 

It's National Crochet Month!

Until about a week ago, I never knew that crochet had its own month of recognition!  Just knowing that there is an appreciation of my passion is inspiring me to create new things.  Of course, added minutes of sunshine this week has helped boost my spirit, too.

I've taken steps to participate in this year's weekly farmer's market, and begun to make designs that I can stock up on.  This has me VERY excited.  Who knows what will sell, but I'm starting out with organic cotton string market bags, purses and wallets.  The first week, all customers will receive a 10 percent off coupon  for their next purchase and an "extra" item. 

Each week I'll run some sort of charity promotion, too.  Maybe do a summer-long crochetathon, taking pledges per item, such as a baby cap (for the hospital) or bookmark (for the library), or stuffed animal (for the zoo).

Can you tell National Crochet Month has me jazzed?  This month, visit a handmade site like Etsy or Craftgawker, and appreciate the talented crochet artists there!

Hold Your Cards and Wear Your Heart

CreateCrochet Etsy Team member magnoliasurprise has contributed this handmade card holder to the HeartsforHaiti shop!  Remember that your entire purchase is sent to Doctors Without Borders Haiti relief fund.  Please shop generously and often!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39399965

Sweet Legwarmers at Hearts for Haiti

Another fine item for sale on the HeartsforHaiti fundraising site!  This one's by my CreateCrochet Team comember, spac.  They are so sweet and would keep a little dancer's legs snuggly warm after a tough class.  Click and take a look :D!

Stay Warm and Help Haiti

Find this hat in the "Wearables" section of the Etsy HeartsforHaiti shop!  All proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders' Haiti relief fund.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40477621

It's Winter - Think Haiti!

While you're battling the winter doldrums, check out the Etsy HeartsforHaiti shop for something to brighten your spirits.  Anything from artwork to food is there, made by talented artisans, and 100% of your purchase goes to Doctors Without Borders' Haiti relief efforts.

I hear now that they're in need of tents.  Bet I could find a crochet pattern....

Help Haitians Get Crucial Medical Care

I've been obsessed with the news from Haiti this week, praying a lot and wanting so badly to help in whatever way I can.  Well, now I have one more way, and so do you!  HeartsforHaiti on Etsy.

Etsy has set up the HeartsforHaiti shop to raise money that goes directly to Doctors Without Borders for their Haiti relief efforts.  100% of sales from the shop are donated.  Sellers ship at their own cost. 

PLEASE GO SHOPPING!  You will have access to all sorts of handmade items, be able to support crafters, and help Haiti all at the same time.  Please visit:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartsforhaiti

This is the Createcrochet Team's charity event for the beginning of 2010.