Commission Work Meanderings...

So I was reading through some of my favorite blogs the other day and I came across a post from Handmade Crafts Done While RVing about doing commission work and how it really can be a way of life.  I have never thought I could maintain a living (although secretly wanted to) based on my crafts and talents.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not fishing for compliments here, but who would want my stuff?  My crafts?  My talents?  Thankfully I have had some very satisfied customers and I feel sooo blessed when I can share my God given talents. 

I sat at a farmers market nearly every Wednesday afternoon this summer in a small mid-Kansas town.  I would say that over all I had minimal success.  I sat in the heat of the sun, chatting and crocheting.  But when I sold something my heart lept!  I was so thrilled and I almost felt guilty that I was getting money for something that made me so happy.  But no matter how happy I am, it doesn't feed the belly...ya know? 

Christmas is coming and there is a lull in sales....like zero in over a month.  I keep telling myself that it's the economy...but maybe it's not?!  Maybe my fear of no one wanting my stuff is coming true?  So I make more stuff, out of nervousness...and if any of you have ever been in an RV you know there is very little storage space....SO BUY MY STUFF!!  LOL 

I enjoy crochet so much that it consumes many hours in a day.  I probably give away more than I sell, but it all gives me joy.  I love to watch someone's eyes light up when they see their creations I made just for them.  I love the smell of a new skein of quality yarn.  I love the feel of the fibers sliding through my fingers.  I love creating and learning.  I love that God trusted me with this very special ability and no matter what I make, sell, or give away I hope that I never take it for granted.

When you shop this Christmas, think about shopping handmade.  Items made with love and passion reflect in handmade work.  Get a true one of a kind item instead of something that everyone on the block has.  Buy from your friends, from their friends, make a connection, feed a belly. I will do everything possible to make a customer happy, can you say that about the local chain store?

Some favorites I've made....

Child's Pom-Pom Hat

I love the soft colors of this shawl.

I can stay warm AND keep working!



Wash Blossom and Chrysanthepad



Child's Vest

Car Seat Star Cuddle - small enough to cover but not too bulky

Hair flowers

Ballerina Bear

Scrub Buds...yes I'm working on a flower theme for the kitchen!

Prayer Shroud for Pastor Terry Bullock

I know it has been FOREVER since I posted so I thought I would start with a custom project I did for a dear friend of ours.  He had placed a request on facebook for someone with sewing experience to make a prayer shroud for him with maybe a little embroidery on it.  Since I am NOT the sewer so much I offered to embroider if anyone wanted to do the sewing part.  After a time with no responses I offered to crochet a border on a piece of muslin material. 

So I began with this....

After some trial and error at exactly how I was going to accomplish such a feat.  I say that because I've never done a crochet edging on material before and I really wasn't sure how to go about it.  That first row seemed to take forever but once I got a good rhythm going it wasn't so bad.

Some details of the edging.

It turned out to be about 36 inches wide and about 63 inches long.  I found that the corners curled a bit more than I liked but other than that it is absolutely beautiful! ....if i do say so myself ;)  I will definitely be up for making more and can't wait to try this technique on a fleece blanket!!  Ya want one??  Send me a message and we can design something together!

I've completed so many projects for the grandbaby that I need to put up but we're in the process of packing up to head for Texas.  Much more to come though...stay tuned!