Peppermint Newsboy Cap

It has been a really busy past few months and I feel I was really out of touch with the business and all my great customers.  Things are now settling down and it feels good to be spending more time keeping in touch with people.

Here is a newsboy cap I made a few years back for Matthew.  I totally forgot about this pattern until I was cleaning up my old computer files.  I think really it would look great made up in any colour combination but I chose this for Christmas:)

Have fun and I hope lots of you out there can get some use out of this.

As always feel free to make and sell but please respect my copyright and do not copy or sell as your own.

Much Love

Cyprianne

3-10 Years 19" x 8 1/2"

SKILL LEVEL

Beginner/Easy

ABBREVIATION

cc – contrast colour

ch – chain

dec - decrease

hdc - half double crochet

mc – main colour

rsc – reverse single crochet

sc – single crochet

st – stitch

sts – stitches

sl st – slip stitch

MATERIALS

6.5 mm hook

5.5 mm hook

Tapestry Needle

Stitch Markers

75 g - 5 Bulky yarn (main colour)

25 g - 5 Bulky yarn (contrast colour)

SPECIAL NOTES

This hat will be worked in rounds, use a marker in first stitch of each round to indicate the beginning of

each row

When changing colours DO NOT fasten off, drop yarn and pick up other colour – unless otherwise

indicated

( ) = number of stitches per round/row

DIRECTIONS

Using 6.5 mm hook ch 2

Rnd 1: Work 8 hdc in 2nd st from hook. (8)

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

Rnd 3: 1 hdc in first st *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next st* rpt from * to * (24)

Rnd 4: 1 hdc in first 2 sts *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts* rpt from * to * (32)

Rnd 5: 1 hdc in first 3 sts *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts* rpt from * to * (40)

Rnd 6: 1 hdc in first 4 sts *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 4 sts* rpt from * to * (48)

Rnd 7: 1 hdc in first 5 sts *2 hdc in next st, 1 hdc in next 5 sts* rpt from * to * (56)

Rnds 8-10: 1 hdc in first st and each stitch around (56)

Rnds 11-12: Change to cc, hdc in 1st and each st around (56)

Rnd 13: Change to mc, hdc in 1st st and each st around (56)

Carry yarn for the next round.

Rnd 14: Hdc with mc in 1st st, *hdc with cc next st, hdc with mc in next st* Rpt from * till end of rnd.(56)

Rnds 15-16: Pick up cc, hdc in 1st st and each st around (56)

Change to 5.5mm hook for rest of pattern

Rnd 17: Pick up mc, hdc in 1st st and each st around (56)

Rnd 18: Sc in 1st st and each stitch around (56)

BRIM

Join yarn with slip stitch in 13th st from fasten of point.

Row 1: Ch 1, working in front loop only sc in next 24 sts, sc in both loops last st (26 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1 turn, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc next 5, 2 sc in next st, sc next 8, 2 sc in next st, sc next 5

sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc last st (26 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1 turn, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc next 20 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc in last st (24 sc)

Row 4: Ch 1 turn, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc next 8 sts, 2 sc next st, sc

next 4 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc last st (24 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1 turn, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc next 18 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc last st (22 sc)

Row 6: Ch 1 turn, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc next 3 sts, 2 sc next st, sc next 8 sts, 2 sc next st, sc next

3 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, sc last st (22 sc)

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

With right side facing join yarn at middle back fasten off point, work single or reverse single crochet in

each stitch around cap up brim sides along brim front and along other side.

Fasten off and weave in ends and ENJOY!

What I Have Learned Along the Way

Things I’ve learned since opening 

When I first opened my Etsy store in October 2009 I wasn’t completely sure what I would sell patterns or product I did a little of both in the beginning but quickly found that I loved to create new items and being a stay-at-home with two very busy boys I wanted something I could do in my own time.

So Speckled Frog Crochet was born.

First and foremost Etsy is an incredible site!  I could not and would not do what I am doing if it weren’t for Etsy.  Setting up my store was so inexpensive, professional looking and easy.  I am not incredibly computer savvy but I was able to do it in just a few hours.

The opinions posted hear are only my opinion take or leave what you like but someone, may find this useful.

So let’s start at the beginning!

Deciding What to Sell

Because I do so many different crafts this was a little hard for me to decide.  Like I mentioned before I am a stay-at-home mom so I needed something that worked in my time frame and was flexible.  Also space was an issue I love to sew but with no area available to dedicate to that it really wasn’t an option.

Choosing to sell Crochet items and patterns was a great fit both time wise and space wise.  All I needed was an area for my yarn and laptop.  I worked on my patterns once the boys were in bed and sold some odds’n’ends along the way. 

So take into consideration the time, money and space you have to work with.  If setting up is a chore every time this will infringe on your production time and you may not be working as efficiently as you could be.

How much to Invest – time and money

Well what I would say here is that expect to spend money and not necessarily make any in the beginning anyway.  I was pretty frugal here.  I did not invest in many extras till much later.  Basically I paid for my listings and my yarn.  However as most crafty people will agree it is very easy to overspend when investing in your favoured craft.

As your business grows expect to spend more time doing other things other than crafting.  I would say I easily spend at least 6 hours a day doing something related to my business.  It could be staying in touch with customers, reading the forums, organizing my work space, jotting down ideas (always keep a note pad handy if you are like me they will come and go in an instant), cleaning up my store, and finally crafting.

I made many items which were sent to photographers and those are basically a write off – no money made there (be sure to ready the section on professional photos)

I set goals for myself and would invest more money once those goals were met.

Best Investments Made in my Business?

#1 Quality Materials whatever you are making will be far more impressive with quality materials.  I see it all the time at craft shows.  People buy cheap materials then spend hours at their craft why?  Is your time and creation not worth it?  Make your product the best it can be!

#2 would be my Blackberry – I love that I am alerted right away when I get a sale and that I can communicate with people immediately.  I offer full support with all my patterns and if someone gets stuck or has a question for any reason it is nice to be able to respond quickly.

#3 best investments would be purchasing my domain name www.speckledfrog.ca which I forward to my Etsy store.  It is short and really easy to remember.

Worst Investment?

#1 Cheap yarn!  Spend the money and buy good supplies – people are paying for what they expect to be quality items.  Now I have yarn that I will never use.  If your supplies are expensive work it into the price it will be worth it in the end.

#2 Would probably be my business cards – only though, because I sell patterns which are emailed – what was I thinking?  I spent $60 glossing them up printing on the back side matching fridge magnets etc.  Man does my fridge look good! Lol

#3 Items sent to photographers at n/c don’t do this – see the next section.

Renewing and Listing

Be sure to do this – A LOT!!!  If your listings are current or even just a few from your shop you will get lost in the crowd.  I list all throughout the day.  Morning, Lunch, Mid Afternoon, Dinner Time, Mid Evening and just before bed.  Don’t forget we are selling to all time zones.

Customer Service is Key

If you have no customers you have no sales.  Be sure to really treat them well go above and beyond whenever you can and they will come back to you!  Personally I love keeping in touch with my customers and have formed some fun friendships with mine.

Professional Photographs

First let me say my experience is not a reflection on all photographers – I am simply sharing my story with you so please do not be offended if you are a photographer.

In the beginning I was desperate to get some beautiful  pictures of my items.  I posted adds in the local classifieds and had a variety of responses – some offering to shoot my items for as much as $200 per shot, to non-professional photographers trying to pass themselves off as experienced to people just starting out trying to build their portfolios to seasoned photographers who knew the value of what I was offering.

I spent many hours preparing my items to be photographed and met with a few photographers giving them anywhere from 2 to 8 items each.  Well here is what I got: Photos that I could not use because they were shot on children they did not fit, no photos at all! and some absolutely perfect shots.

It is a real gamble and I would say I still have at least 10 items I sent out in the beginning  that I have never received photos of.

This is what I did.

Through selling I have met many great people along the way (see my special mention at the end) these people put me in touch with some wonderful photographers and I had much success with them.  I also put a note in my shop announcement that I am always looking for photographers.

I ask now that the product is paid for upfront, once I receive USABLE photos I refund their money 100% less shipping and handling.  Use your discretion here maybe you only want to ask for a 50% deposit – whatever works for you.  The point here is that you are not the only one investing something.  If they have money on the line you are sure to receive your pictures.  Also your product is worth something too – so don’t feel bad asking for a deposit.    If they are serious they will gladly oblige – I can say I have had a 50/50 response to this often I never hear back when I tell people my terms – and that is okay because someone else will see this as fair.

Feedback

Be sure to leave feedback – this is one of the things I am worst at.  I find I put it off and then I have so many to leave it is overwhelming.

Be sure to leave it though – you want to get as much feedback as possible and if you leave feedback for someone I think they are more likely to leave it for you.    I know personally I look at the item – then the feedback before I buy from someone.

Shipping

Oh man did I struggle with this one – I finally wrapped up all my items separately and took them to the post office so they could tell how much it would be to send. 

So what now?

Well this September I was planning to re-enter the work force – thanks to Etsy and my little business  I will working from home growing my business.  I am so excited to see next year has to hold and so excited that I can now work from home and be here when the boys need me.

To everyone that took the time to read this thanks so much – if you have questions about any of this or maybe have questions about a topic I did not post on please feel free to send me a convo.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

Need Help on Etsy - Check out the hidden gem I found!

Just a little while ago was contact by Natalie from MoxieTonic.  She was wondering if I would do an interview for her blog. Well of course!  What I didn't realize at the time Natalie (also a customer) was a wealth of knowledge about marketing and was starting her own journey to helping people.

I poked around her blog after she had done my post and kept finding little gems here and there, and soon learned she had great plans to help people.  I purchased a few custom buttons FOR $1.00 that came with a tutorial on how to use them check them out!

I wanted to take a little time to introduce you to Natalie I think she has great ideas and a great heart.  So thank you Natalie for not only making me sound so darn good - but for taking the time to share your knowledge with so many of us who can learn from you.

Hugs
Cyprianne

Win this Newborn Adorable Crossed Cluster Beanie

I am so happy to be blogging again.  After a grueling preparation for my craft show I am so excited to be holding my first draw for my photographer fans:)  Of course anyone can enter but I thought this would be great for those who can't crochet.

All you have to do is post how or where you heard about Speckled Frog Crochet and you will be entered.

Good Luck!  Can't wait to hear from you all.

And the Winner Is...

 

Please send me a note I don't know how to contact you:)

The Ever Popular Chin Strap Hat - Made Easy!!!

You see them everywhere, they are super popular and super cute.  Did you know they are super easy to make too?

Do you already have a favorite pattern for a beanie that calls for super bulky yarn?  

Here is what you do! 

Instead of fastening off after the last round join with a slip stitch.  Chain until it reaches about 6-7 inches.

Make sure that you have a button small enough to fit through your stitches of the hat, but large enough that it will stay done up.  

Sew the button to the outside side of the strap - when doing it up make sure the strap goes to the inside - this way it will always look clean and is easily adjusted to fit many little noggins!

VOILA There you have it.

Need a pattern?  Here a few that can get you started!

Newborn Hat with Diaper Cover

Cocoon with Matching Hat

Free Crochet Pattern Super Easy Neck Warmer

This pattern was previously for sale in my Etsy store - if you purchased it please contact me either for a refund or a free pattern of your choice!

Enjoy everyone this one is a no brainer and fun to make!!!

ABBREVIATION

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

sk – skip

st – stitch

sts – stitches

sl st – slip stitch

rpt - repeat

MATERIALS                                                                                                             

6.5 mm hook

Tapestry Needle

Stitch Markers

MEASUREMENTS/SIZING

Infant – 18” X 6”

Child – 20” X 8 ½”

Teen/Adult – 24” X 12”

ENTIRE NECK WARMER IS WORKED IN CONTINUOUS ROUNDS

INFANT

Using 6.5 mm hook

Rnd 1: Ch 51, join with slip stitch (be sure not to twist chain when joining)

Rnds 2- 14: Hdc in each st around

Rnd 15: Sc in 1^st and each st around, fasten off and weave in ends.

CHILD

Using 6.5 mm hook

Rnd 1: Ch 61, join with slip stitch (be sure not to twist chain when joining)

Rnds 2- 22: Hdc in each st around (60)

Rnd 23: Sc in 1^st and each st around, fasten off and weave in ends. (60)

TEEN/ADULT

Using 6.5 mm hook

Rnd 1: Ch 71, join with slip stitch (be sure not to twist chain when joining)

Rnds 2- 32: Hdc in each st around (70)

Rnd 33: Sc in 1^st and each st around, fasten off and weave in ends. (70)

Copyright ©2011 Speckled Frog All rights reserved. These instructions may not be photocopied or reproduced in any manner. They may not be kitted or sold. I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete. I cannot, however, be responsible for human error, or variations in individual work. 

Actual finished product may be sold.  My Etsy shop name ID and URL web page address must be mentioned in listing or wherever item is displayed:  Speckled Frog by speckledfrogcrochet  www.speckledfrogcrochet.etsy.com