New Pattern! Need Testers!

I have started to make my own patterns after realizing I could actually create my own crochet creatures!  I have had so much fun, and sometimes frustion would take over, exploring all the different things that I could create myself.  Not everything turned out mind you, there are alot of items I had to toss.  I have found it overall very rewarding creating something from start to absolute finish.

And so I give you my first crochet patter.  It will be free for a limited time and then I will be posting it on my Etsy site for sale.  I need as much feedback as possible so spread the word and come back and let me know how things turn out!  Also I am the worlds worst speller, and truly suck at grammer so feel free to point out spelling errors!

Here it is my Owl!

Mini Owl


This pattern can be made with any worsted weight yarn. I have used Impeccable Loops and Threads. Other suggested yarns are Lion Brand, or Red Heart.


Materials:

4 mm Hook
Worsted Weight Yarn (Two Colors I used thee
Colors beige, brown, dusty pink)
Polyester Fiber
9mm Safety Eyes
Tapestry Needle


Finished Size: 4.5”High x 3.5”Wide

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
sl = slip
rnd = round
tog = together
dc = double crochet

This project is working in continuous rounds, do not join or turn unless otherwise stated. Mark first stitch of each round.


Owl Eyes (Color B)
Ch 2

Rnd 1: sc 6 sts in second chain from hook (6 sc made)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12)

Finish off, leave tail for stitching to owl.


Body of Owl (Color A)

Rnd 1: ch 2, 8 sc in second chain from hook (8 sc made)

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (16)

Rnd 3: 2 sc in next st, sc in next st (repeat 8 times) around (24)

Rnd 4: 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts (repeat 8 times) (32)

Rnd 5: 2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts (repeat 8 times) around (40)

Rnds 6 – 18 sc in each st around

Rnd 19: sctog in next st, sc in next 3 sts (repeat 8 times) around (32)

Rnd 20-21: sc in next 10 sts, hdc in next 6 sts (repeat twice) around (32)

Finish off and leave a long tail for stitching owl together at the top.


Assembly:


• stuff the owl firmly and attach your finished round eyes and safety eyes to the owl body

• once stuffed use a tapestry needle/darning needle and with the long yarn tail start sewing the top of the owl together. Ensure that the hdc crochet stitches are at the sides as these are your ears. Sew together tightly and finish off.

• Sew your eyes in place onto the front of the owl.

• Add a yellow (or your color choice) nose/beak and feet with yellow yarn or embroidery thread

• Use scrap yarn in the colors of your owl and using your crochet needle hook through a loop in the ears   creating a loop on your needle, pull the yarn on the opposite site through your loop on the hook and pull tight. Trim.



All Done! Enjoy Your Owl!

My BNR and BNS Experiences

I have been taking part in various BNR and BNS treasuries for the past week.  I gave it a whole week so I could get a feel for the treasuries on the weekday vs. weekends. 

I had a great time, and it was a great networking experience.  My "circle" has grown tremendously, I have about 20 more "hearts" on my store and most of my store items were favorited by other individuals.  All of this ultimately increased the exposure of my store on Etsy.  Traffic was definitely up for the week.  I am very happy with the amount of exposure these BNR/BNS bring to my store.

In addition to a huge network of people shopping your store, these BNR/BNS are thrilling to take part in.  Every time you log in or check the status of the treasury, the increase of sales, and you are excited and full of anticipation of the next sale being one for you!  You are on the edge of your seat alot of the time, and that made things quite exciting and fun!  Chatting and promoting is also a fun aspect, if you have lots of time and an already large network of friends to promote to.

However, I did not fair well in these BNR/BNS treasuries.  Don't get me wrong I did get some sales, there was progress made so not all was lost.  My store specializes in children's items and I do not have a huge inventory currently so this was my downfall, never mind the higher shipping for my items because of their size.  I found that this deterred alot of sales.  If you are a store owner of soaps, oils, jewelry, paper crafts, or smaller items for children like bows, clips and hairbands you are bound for great success.  I found that I myself shopped these stores first over the stores specializing in pottery, large art prints, vintage and more.  There shipping was far to much, or their items over budget for me, as to "buy into" a BNR usually only takes $3-5, so why spend more!

In conclusion, if you specialize in small items which would appeal to a women's personal likes, or a young mother these BNR/BNS will bring you much success.  The Soap Stores and Jewelry Stores made a killing! However for those who specialize in bigger ticket items or specialty items not appealing to a woman "treating" herself then success might be harder to come by.

I recommend taking part in a BNR/BNS for the exposure and the thrill never mind the satisfaction of getting a sale or two.

Cheers