Cotton Blossoms Handmade Blog

New Blog Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:02:00 +0000

I know this blog has been terribly neglected. The good news is that a whole new blog is just around the corner. With a new design and new name there will be lots to talk about...not just crochet. It will be more of a glimpse into my life of as a WAHM of four little ones. How I balance (or at least try) working at home while being supermom and wife. What inspires me not only in the art of crochet but in life. There will be free patterns, tutorials and giveaways. So stayed tuned...the big reveal will be in a few short weeks.

Baby Bunny Hat

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:27:00 +0000

Here comes Peter Cottontail. Hopping down the bunny trail. Hippity Hoppity Easters on its way!

I am just in love with this little hat. It is Uber-Cute! Crocheted using organic cotton yarns make this bunny hat super soft. The body of the hat is crocheted in either a warm brown or soft ivory accented with strawberry for the ears. What a great photo prop for baby's first Spring or Easter. Flower is optional for the lil dudes. Order your bunny hat early...beat the rush!

Sign Our Guest Book

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:33:00 +0000

Come on in and don't be shy. Sign our Guest Book and let us know you stopped by. Tell us your favorite hat and why. Recommend a new hat style, yarn colors or fibers you would like to see added to Cotton Blossoms. Did you already order a hat and want to spread the word? We would love to know what you think of our hats. Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated.

As a Thank You for signing our guest book we will email you a coupon code for 20% off your entire order! Offer valid through March 31, 2010.

Technorati Blog Claim

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:10:00 +0000

Claiming My Blog :)
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Another Free Hat

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Each photo submitted earned a FREE hat!
How adorable are these two babes?

Free Baby Hat

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:48:00 +0000

This ADORABLE photo earned one of our customers a FREE HAT!

How can YOU get a free hat? IT'S EASY!!!

1.) Order your favorite Cotton Blossoms Hat.

2.) Send us a professional quality pic of your little one modeling our hat.

3.) If we use your pic on our site, you earn a free hat...your choice!

Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful picture!

We've Been Spotted

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

I am so excited! I just checked IndieSpotting this morning and right at the top of the page was one of my hats, The Caribbean Breeze Beanie. This is such a cool website highlighting some great handmade finds. I am very honored to be listed. Check out it...it's well worth your time. Support Handmade (just click on the banner).

New Yarn Colors

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:11:00 +0000

MULTI COLOR ORGANIC COTTON

Just In! Multi Color Cotton 100% Organically Grown Cotton Yarn. Wrap yourself in a cloud of comfort. We just love Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cottons, the new Multis have the same springy feel and softness you expect with even more inviting colors. A mixture of vibrant oranges and pinks to the softest shades of pale pinks and cloud blues make these a perfect choice for Spring and Summer. A fantastic palette for your favorite organic cotton!

PUNCH: A mixture of hot pinks and oranges. So Hot!

MARMALADE: Pinks, oranges and yellows reminds me of summer citrus.

GHERKIN: Go Green with the multi shades of greens from sage to lime.

SLUSHIE: A myriad of bright aqua blues will make you want to dive right in!

LIMEADE: Just the right mixture of lemons and limes. So refreshing!

SPEARMENT: Cool shades of blues of greens for a barely there blue.

ICING: The most beautiful soft shades of pinks and white clouds.

Create Your Own Custom Hat Today.

Website for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Due to the success of Cotton Blossoms I am selling Bebe Tutu. My intentions were to run the two businesses to compliment each other, but I am just too busy. I am asking $250 for a quick sale. If you are interested or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
================================================================

Included in the Sale:

Domain - http://www.bebetutu.com/

Template

Graphics (home page, catalog, etc)

Content (home page, faqs, contact, etc)

Drop Ship list for Tutus, Hairbows and Accessories

Hosting - Merchant Moms & paid through 2/10

This is a great opportunity if you ever wanted to run your own business from home.

Last Day for Holiday Orders

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:42:00 +0000

Thank you to all our wonderful customers for making our first holiday season a success! Due to an overwhelming amount of orders we are bumping up the holiday cutoff by 2 days. This will ensure that all hats are shipped in time for a holiday delivery. If you were hoping to order a baby hat for that special baby in your life, today is your final day. Thank you.

Ready to Ship Hats

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:52:00 +0000

We just added a new section to Cotton Blossoms. Ready to Ship Hats. These are great for last minute baby gifts or for those who are just a little too impatient and don't like to wait. We will be adding more Ready to Ship Hats as time permits so please check back often.

Cyber Monday Sale

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:56:00 +0000

For one day only all hats are marked 25% off. This will not last.

Sale ends at midnight EST November 30, 2009. As always...FREE SHIPPING!

On Sale Santa Elf Hat

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:22:00 +0000

The much anticipated Elfin Hats are now available. Please be sure to order early and beat the holiday rush. Deadline for Christmas orders is December 11th. Any hats ordered after that will not be guaranteed before the holidays. Choose your own colors and create a custom baby hat or order a red and white candy cane hat or holiday stripes hat. It's up to you! All hats are hand crocheted using certified organic cotton yarn accented with an oversized tassel. Sized from preemie through child. Need a pre-teen or adult size? Just contact us for a custom order. Makes the perfect photo prop!

Save 20% on your Santa Elf Hat.
Sale ends November 30.

Baby Photography Props

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Baby pictures are sweet, wonderful, heart warming, and we all love to take them. Upon the arrival of a newborn, parents take hundreds and thousands of baby portraits in the following months. They help convey perspective, size, fragility or add a hint of color to show whether it’s a boy or girl. Since you're going to be taking baby pictures anyway, wouldn't you rather capture photographs that are truly spectacular? Ones that capture the true innocense and pure beauty of early childhood. Babies grow so fast; it's important to capture the happiness and beauty of your child as she grows from day to day. Prop’s though, when tastefully used, are truly wonderful. Just like the handmade cocoon shown. So precious.

Although I hadn't planned on making the newborn cocoons you see used for photo pops, I had a request from a current customer. I decided to give it a try using a few patterns I found on Etsy. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they work up rather quickly and turned out so dang cute. I wish I knew about these when my kids were babies. I would have definately had their pictures taken in one of these snuggly cocoons.

I added a few organic cocoons to start and will add more as time permits. The Sweet Pea Cocoon is made from an organic cotton yarn with a rolled brim that can be flipped up to cradle baby's head or rolled down to fit around the shoulders. The Swaddler Cocoon is made with bamboo yarn and is luxurious soft against baby's skin. Look for more earthy colors using organic cottons and bamboo yarns. I will be offering a few different styles from an open weave pattern that allows fingers and toes to peek out to the more snug swaddler cocoons. I will also be accepting custom orders. If you have a color combo or shape in mind, please ask. If you are a photographer, please ask about our special discount. Don't forget to add a matching hat for your Baby Photography Props.

Baby Santa Hat

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Make their first Christmas a special one with a crocheted santa hat. Now that fall is upon us it's time to start thinking ahead to the holidays. Launching next week are our adorable handmade santa hats and elf hats. A combination of long and short with tassels and pompoms these crocheted hats will make the perfect photo prop for christmas cards or holiday portraits. Using organic cotton yarn the hats will be offered in a variety of holiday colors from classic red and whites, warm cranberry and pine greens to soft ivory and sugar plum. Available in newborn sizes through 2 years. They make a wonderful keepsake baby gift treasured for years to come. Beat the holiday rush and order early. As always custom orders are always welcome! See all our entire collection of handmade Holiday Hats here.

Learning How to Crochet

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:56:00 +0000

The art of crochet has been around for thousands of years. People in earlier times who had means would purchase hand crocheted and knitted laces and fabrics for their opulent garments and décor. Having these items showed others that you were a person of means and you led an opulent lifestyle.

Over the years, through industrialization and mass production of lace and fabrics, items made with crochet and knitting have gained popularity in the lower to middle classes and the upper classes started showing their wealth in other, more material, ways.

Today, crochet and knitting are the craft art of choice for many people all over the world. They are both handicrafts which are challenging to learn yet affordable for nearly everyone. Supplies are easy to find to create some very amazing hand crafted items with the emergence of new yarns and colorful fibers.

As a beginner to the art of crochet, there are some simple things to learn to be successful. Here are simple steps to get you started on your road to crochet success:

Step #1 – Gather Up Your Supplies – To crochet you will need a crochet hook, yarn, scissors and a large-eye needle.
Step #2 – Holding Your Crochet Hook – You will want to hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand. Create a slip-knot and place it over the end of your hook.
Step #3 – Create a Continuous Stitch – Slide the hooked yarn to the slip-knot on the hook. This will create a chain of stitches. Continue to make this chain by brining your yarn to the top of the hook and pulling it through the slip-knot.
Step #4 – Move Up The Chain – Move up the chain allowing the first chain stitch to knot on the hook. This allows the yarn to stay in place and not loosen. It is generally a good idea to make this first knot tight rather than loose.
Step #5 – Creating Two Loops – Next, insert your crochet hook into the hole of the next chain stitch and slide the passing yarn through its center.
Step #6 – Bring Your Yarn Back – Bring your yarn back on the hook from back to front and slide your knot in the center of the loops which you have already created on the crochet hook.
Step #7 – Making Rows – From your second yarn loop, create another single chain stitch and make a counter-clockwise loop. Start again and create the same loops as the previous stitches.
Step #8 – Crochet Until Done – Continue this basic crochet technique until you have a swatch of fabric.
Step #9 – Cut your Project Off – Once you have completed a swatch of fabric, it is time to remove it from your ball of yarn. Cut it with about a 6” tail left at the end.
Step #10 – Fasten Your Project so it won’t Unravel - Bring your tail of yarn back through the last stitch to fasten it.
Step #11 – Cut the Excess – At this point you are finished and can cut off the excess tail of yarn.

Using these simple ten steps you can learn to successfully complete a basic crochet fabric. Like any new skill, crochet takes time. You will want to practice a lot at first and see what techniques and hand holds are the most comfortable for you.

What You Can Do With Your Extra Yarn

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Traditionally, handicrafts were born out of invention and necessity. People needed warm blankets for their bed so they learned to weave threads and eventually how to make quilts; they needed clothing so they learned to make fabrics and sew them together. Today’s handicrafts are similar for many of the people who believe that sustainability of our planet is a big issue for those living in our current times. The idea of recycling is often practiced in craft work through the reuse of yarns, fibers and fabrics.

While it is fun to shop your local craft or yarn store looking at all the variations of yarn skeins you can buy, it is also important to take the time to look around you own house, and your ever growing yarn stash, and use up those left-over yarns from previous projects. Each of those skeins of yarn at your local store has had to be grown, processed, created, shipped, etc and each task has taken its own small toll on the earth we all live on.

While buying yarn is a necessity for those of us who choose to knit or crochet, it is important also to use the yarns we already have, and those others have cast off at the local thrift and charity shops as well, when we can. It is just as important to also use knitting needles and other supplies to their fullest usefulness as well.

Wasting your scraps of yarn is simply throwing money out the proverbial window. A much better option is to find a project where you can best utilize your scraps and make them into something beautiful and useful. What this is depends on what scraps you happen to have lying around the house.

Start by sorting your yarns by color. This can help you to make new project such as scarves and blankets where you can mix and match colors in new and unique ways. Look at each color combination and think about the projects you could make with them.

Dealing with yarns of different weights can be an issue if you attempt to knit them using techniques like stripes. However, you can knit them in other patterns where they will flow nicely together and the variation in weight is an added bonus. One of the best stitches you can use for combining variations in weight is the granite stitch.

Take your scrap yarns and make some quick swatches. Combine colors and techniques to get ideas about what you could make with all of the scraps you have of one color or another. Another fun way to deal with yarns of different weights, colors, and textures is to knit granny squares and then combine them all into a blanket or shawl. With this application your variations will enhance your project and not take away from it.

As you become more and more skilled at knitting and crochet you learn that free-form projects allow you to craft and create new and exciting items which are 100% unique and one-of-a-kind. Use a free-form technique and see what you come up with.

Whether your ultimate goal is frugal living or saving the plant, you can make great strides by shopping in your own yarn stash before you hit the craft store or yarn shop. Challenge yourself to use up your odds and ends and see what you can come up with!

Cotton Blossoms Goes Green

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:35:00 +0000

We are proud to announce that Cotton Blossoms is now a certified green website. 100% of the combined electricity used by computers visiting this site, the servers providing it, and the networks that connect them are offset by the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The generation of wind and solar energy is subsidized in order to displace electricity generated by non-renewable methods like burning fossil fuels.

We are happy to do our part to make our website carbon neutral and energy-efficient. Taking the extra steps to make Cotton Blossoms environmentally friendly by opting for an eco-friendly solution to help make a difference.

You can view our certificate by clicking on the GREEN link on the bottom left of our website.

Cotton Beanie Hats Are Here

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:36:00 +0000

Just Added! These are quickly becoming a Cotton Blossoms favorite. The body of the beanie hat is crocheted with an open weave shell pattern with a banded bottom for the perfect fit. Each hat is accented with a pretty posh flower for added glam. These beanie hats are super comfy and fun to wear. A great way to spice up any outfit. Every hat is handmade using either 100% cotton or certified organic cotton.

Shown to the left: Caribbean Breeze Hat

Can you hear the steady woosh of the ocean, the gentle breeze on your face and the warm sand between your toes? A Caribbean blue hat accented with a pure white flower, trim and hot pink bobble. A beauty all on it's own. See the entire collection: Cotton Beanie Hats

Baby Pumpkin Hats: Fresh Off the Vine

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:53:00 +0000

These little hats are the newest edition to Cotton Blossoms. Homegrown and 100% Certified Organic. These lil baby pumpkin hats are crocheted using super soft organic cotton yarns. There are three hats to choose from in the pumpkin patch series...one to fit any style. There is the Lil Pumpkin Patch (shown left) for those that enjoy the simpler side of life. Then there in the In Full Bloom for those that love some extra fashion flare. They come complete with vines and flower bloom. Your lil one is sure to win the blue ribbon for best pumpkin at the patch! These crochet hats can be made in any size. Check out the entire Fall Harvest Collection.

Crochet Yarn Selection Tips and Tricks

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Most everyone who crochets appreciates all of the variation in the yarns and fibers available on the market today. Even in a large store like Wal-Mart, you can discover many different kinds of yarns to work with. As you move to craft stores and yarn shops your yarn selection options go through the roof. At these specialty shops you can find yarns made of some of the most exotic fibers such as alpaca and cashmere. For someone who crochets, browsing through all the options in a store which carries yarn can take hours and is a very enjoyable pastime in itself.

Yarn selection for your crochet projects is a much more complicated process than simply selecting a color which appeals to you. While yarn color clearly matters, the most important thing about the yarn you select is that it matches your project and that it is the highest quality available in your price range. The product you end up with is a direct result of the yarn you choose; if you choose quality you will have a quality end product, if you choose a lesser yarn it will show in the quality of your finished work.

If your crochet pattern calls for a very lightweight smaller yarn and you use a larger chunky yarn, then you can count on your end project being a very different size than the pattern states. While this is easy to adjust for in the case of scarves and blankets, it is not as easy when you are making things like socks, hats, and sweaters. It is important to keep this in mind when you are selecting yarn for your crochet projects.

Some of the highest quality yarns available are made from natural fibers from animals and plants. These yarns are: cottons, alpaca, mohair, cashmere, and wools. Each yarn has a different feel and thickness that should be considered when you are deciding how you want your finished project to turn out. A small yarn will yield a smaller finished project and vice versa.

Another consideration when you are choosing a yarn is how it can be cleaned. If you are crocheting a baby blanket or baby garment, then you will want to insure that it can be machine washed and possibly dried. Dry cleaning just won’t do in the case of items for babies; they need to be able to be machine washed.

When you are looking at yarn for a particular pattern, make sure that you understand the fiber content and structure as well as the gauge of the suggested yarn. If you are going to substitute another yarn it is important to match the fiber content, structure and the gauge of the new yarn to the one suggested in the pattern. If you do not do this, then your end project will not come out as you expected.

While no one particularly loves crocheting a swatch to check for gauge, it is vital when you are looking at substituting a different yarn for a pattern. This quick check will show you if your gauge is correct for the pattern or if you will need to switch hooks or adjust your yarn tension in one way or another.

As you can see, yarn and fiber selection is very important for all who crochet to consider. If you choose the wrong yarn for your project it will be blatantly obvious in your finished project. However, if you choose the correct yarn, your project will be as fabulous as you set out to make it. By always using a high quality yarn you can assure that you end up with high quality finished projects.

Grand Opening Sale

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Join in the celebration! For a limited time all hats are 15% off regular price. Sale ends July 31st. Not valid on prior purchases. As always FREE SHIPPING. Shop for a Baby Hat.

In The News

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Press Release: Stay At Home Mom Launches Baby Hat Line Alongside Her Four Children

CAMO QUEEN Bucket Hat

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Just added: Urban Chic! Fun - Fashionable - Functional.
I had so much fun making this stylish hat. This camo bucket hat is crocheted using 3 strands of 100% cotton yarn. The color is a varigated green giving it a cool camo look. It is super soft and chunky. The body of the hat hugs your head while the brim can be worn urban style or flipped up for a completely different look. It's versatility and comfort are sure to make this a favorite you will be reaching to wear over and over again. A definite Cotton Blossoms favorite. Available sizes range from toddler all the way to adult. Makes a great matching Mommy and Me hat gift set. As always...Free Shipping on all domestic orders...beautifully packaged and ready for gift giving! Check it out: Camo Bucket Hat

Tips for Beginning to Crochet

noreply@blogger.com (The Crochet Chic) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:55:00 +0000

Congratulations on your decision to learn to crochet! Crocheting is a pastime which has been enjoyed for many years by our mothers and grandmothers alike. And, it has been popular for good reasons. Crocheting not only allows you to make some wonderful garments and household decorative items, but it also allows you to create while you relax and watch television or listen to music as well.

Crocheting gives you an amazing sense of accomplishment when you are finished with a project. Whether you are making a blanket, sweater or even a simple scarf, you will be proud to show off your handiwork work when you have finished it.

Being new to crocheting, there are a few things you need to keep in mind so that you will have the most success possible. They are:

Crochet Yarns and Fibers for Newbies

When you are first learning how to crochet you should stick to using natural fibers and yarns. These natural fibers tend to be less slippery and easier to work with.

Just as important as the fibers you use is the way that you hold them in your hand. By learning the “correct” way to hold your yarn and crochet hook from day one, it will be much easier for you to advance your crocheting projects without having to relearn how to hold things. Here is the best way to hold your yarn and crochet hook:

1. Place the yarn over your little finger, below your ring finger, and above your fore and middle fingers.
2. Hold your crochet hook as you would a pencil or fork. This allows you the best hold to heave the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.

As you begin to crochet more and more you will come up with just the right positions for you. But, it is always best to learn in a more classical style from the start and adopt your own style from there.

When you purchase yarn or fibers for your projects make sure you take the time to get all of it from one dye lot. The packages of yarn will be marked with a number and you want to make sure they all match. This ensures that all of your yarn is an exact match to each other.

Crochet Hook Sizes

One of the most important considerations for any crochet project is the size of the hook and the yarn you choose to use. Crochet hooks are labeled with numbers and letters. These numbers and letters correspond to different sizes. The higher the number or letter then the larger and thicker the size of the hook, and when you are new to crochet this means the quicker your project will be completed.
Crochet With Others

Being new to crocheting offers some challenges. One of these is trying to learn to crochet well from a book or off of the Internet or television. Crocheting is one of those things which appears much harder than it really is. If you have a friend or relative who crochets, ask them to show you how. If you do not know anyone who crochets, then you might want to take a class at your local community college, or join a local crocheting group. While you can learn to crochet on your own, and many people have, it is a lot easier to learn when there are people around you who can show you what to do.

Learning to crochet allows you to make new friends and to create beautiful works of art while relaxing at the same time. By taking care to use the right supplies for beginners, and for looking for groups where you can learn new techniques, you will be on your way to crocheting complex sweaters and blanket projects in no time. You will soon find that you have a long list of potential projects you want to complete.