SPECKLED FROG IS CHANGING TO PRETTY DARN ADORABLE

Hi Everyone I am so excited to announce that SPECKLED FROG CROCHET is changing its name to PRETTY DARN ADORABLE! 5 years ago when I started selling on Etsy I was focusing on childrens fashion only. Steve and I sat in the basement brainstorming name after name and came up with Speckled Frog Crochet - what we felt was cute, whimsical and representative of children. 

As the years passed I grew my business which included adding many new designs for adults and most recently clay items which became a huge chunk of my business through Facebook. More and more I started to feel that Speckled Frog Crochet was no longer a good fit for my business and was not a good representation of what my business was becoming. 

The new name PRETTY DARN ADORABLE, I feel is much more representative of what I want to share with you. More than just crochet, I want to share all my passions. Crochet will remain my main focus but I want to also share with you all I do: CROCHET, CLAY, PHOTOGRAPHY, LIFE WITH MY KIDS, things I really care about. 

Once I decided to change my name I had to decide if I would be keeping my Etsy store and Facebook page active as I made these changes. I have kept them active and have been sneaking in changes here and there.  Some of you may have already notice the change to my Etsy name, my Facebook name change is scheduled to happen tomorrow and my new blog has been started. I am now also available on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and I am currently working on my new Youtube channel. 

Once my blog is all set up I will be announcing all specials, giveaways and free patterns on my blog PRETTY DARN ADORABLE . Be sure to “Follow By Email” to receive any offers directly into your email box. This is really the only way to be sure you don’t miss out. You have all been the driving force behind my success and for this I am so thankful. I hope you will continue to support me as I venture out on this new and exciting path. 

Cyprianne xo

HOHOHO HEADBAND

I made my first headband the other day then another and another.  It took me a little while to get them to fit well, but once I did they were perfect!

With Christmas just over a week away and time flying by and so many things to do, I didn't have time to make my usual "Christmas" hats.  So the HOHOHO Headband was born.

I hope you all love it and make a whole bunch of them.
HOHOHO HEADBAND PATTERN

COZY CROCHET CHRISTMAS STOCKING ORNAMENT

Pattern can be found on new blog: https://prettydarnadorable.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/cozy-crochet-christmas-stocking-ornament/

FREE CROCHET NECK WARMER PATTERN

Pattern can be found on new blog: https://prettydarnadorable.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/free-crochet-neck-warmer-pattern/

MORE THAN JUST A STITCH

I posted on my Facebook page a few weeks back wondering what people would like me to design next.  "Neck Warmer" won hands down.  I love neck warmers.  For the most part they are easy to design, easy to make and an essential here in the winter.

The first thing I think of when designing something new is what stitch to use.  Anyone who has been with me throughout the years knows I am all about texture.  My mom was a knitter and I always envied the beautiful stitches she would produce with her needles.  So it is my goal to do as much crochet with beautiful textures as I can.

Writing a pattern for me though is more than just using a different stitch.  It is about the drape of the final piece, ease of making, warmth, and of course time!  If I can pull off a larger hook I will always go for it when I can.  So with all this in mind, I have come up with my latest neck warmer design FREE TO YOU very soon!

The 11.50 mm hook give this otherwise stiff yarn a beautiful drape.

Be sure to subscribe on my home page to receive this pattern directly in your email inbox as soon as it is released!

CROCHET HOODED BEAR COWL PATTERN

When it comes to Canadian winters staying warm doesn't always look great.   As temperatures dip into sub-zero territory,  we bundle up in our biggest scarves, warmest hats and fuzzy mittens.  Fashion becomes a complete after thought.

Well here is an awesome crochet hooded cowl that takes all those fashion faux pas away.  This hooded cowl is perfect for those cold days.  Grab one piece and go.  No bulky scarves, no uncoordinated accessories and no need for a hooded jacket.  As the wind howls and tries to blow down your back keep warm and cozy in this crochet hooded cowl made from Super Bulky Wool Blend  Yarn . 

Features crochet stitches that mimic knit 1, purl 1 stitch loved by many knitters.

Even looks great with the hood down. Once the wind stops howling of course!

Why not take those ears off for a more sophisticated look?

All-in-all its just fun to wear!

CLICK HERE FOR PATTERN AND FINISHED ITEMS

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Thanksgiving Reflection

Even though I am Canadian and celebrated Thanksgiving a few weeks back I am once again reflecting on what I am thankful for.  Of course my family, health and happiness comes to mind first.  Then I reflect on the past five years since starting Speckled Frog Crochet.

I started Speckled Frog Crochet September 2009, with no clear direction or ideas on what to do with the shop I just opened.  I had so much to learn about photo taking, writing up catchy listings, Facebook, blogging, twitter and creating beautiful items for people to buy.

It wasn't long before I had created my Tiny Textures Newsboy Cap and had them listed for sale.  A few weeks after listing I had people starting to contact me wondering where I got the pattern suggesting I should write it up for sale.   Through their encouragement I drafted my first original design and listed it for sale on Etsy, boy was I nervous. Then ding my first sale - how exciting.  From that moment it wasn't long before I was completely addicted to the world of crochet.

More than the sales though, I am so grateful to have found: friends, confidants, encouragers and some truly amazing women through this business.  I am so blessed to have a whole community to turn to on a both personal and professional level.  I consider all my customers the backbone of my business and for this I give thanks.

Sneak Peak New Newsboy Cap Pattern

I have worked and reworked this pattern with different hook sizes, different brim styles and different increases.  Early this morning I finished my first one.  I am really excited about this design and its unique brim.

I love this hat so much I want everyone to be able to make it.  To make sure even beginners can I am going to include a lot of instructional photos.

I am aiming for the final release in two weeks.

Lace Up Cocoon

This lovely cocoon is made from super bulky yarn, made in 13 rounds and can be whipped up in 2 hours or less.

Its open weave allows for little fingers and toes to poke through, and its lace up design makes it really easy to get baby in and out.

If you are a photographer you need one of these - if you are a mom you need one of these :)

Pattern  Here

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