News and Updates

Oh, hello there.

by Lydia Jacobs on 05/04/13

You all may be wondering what happened to me. Nothing tragic, I assure you! I've just been very busy with orders and haven't had a lot of time to work on side projects, so my site has unfortunately sat neglected for a while. I also haven't been able to set up the webcam much lately, as I've needed my computer to focus its energy on the graphics I've been creating. I'm toying with the idea of getting a better webcam for my laptop and setting up the feed that way, but I'm trying to pinch my pennies for this summer when sales taper off.

Other than that, I'm just hanging in there, waiting for winter to give up the fight and let me have my spring. I hope you all are enjoying the warmer weather (when it happens) and have a great spring! I need to get my nose back to that grindstone!

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New: Webcam Feed

by Lydia Jacobs on 02/27/13

You may have noticed something new on my page: A webcam feed showing a live view of my studio/home office. I will likely tinker with this a bit, experimenting with the layout, different cam positions, etc, and it may not always be running. While I would like to have it running 24/7 (because I think that would just be so gosh darn cool), doing so requires a computer devoted to the task, and I often need my computers for other things... Like actual work.

On the subject of my work, I've been very busy lately with a coloring book order and haven't had nearly as much time as I would like to spend on my amigurumi or other projects. Even my real-world presence at a local flea market has suffered, because I just haven't had time to make any new merchandise. To compensate, I ordered several inexpensive toys from a catalog to fill out my booth and make it look a little less... sparse... while I work on crafting new, handmade items.

I'd like to write more but I still have a great deal to do and limited time to do it, so until next time, avid readers!

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It's a New Year!

by Lydia Jacobs on 01/06/13

So it seems that 2012 has come and gone with no apocalyptic fireworks display, and since my 30-year supply of dehydrated food and gas masks was non-refundable, it looks like I'm going to have to keep working for a while longer!

The upside is that business has been pretty good. I've been steadily working through a queue of orders including coloring pages, crocheted critters, and one very lucky customer who is now the proud owner of three of my genuine four-leaf clovers. In between projects for customers, I've been trying to find time to work on my own endeavors--my giant octopus for one, and the demo scarf I want to complete in time for my crochet class that starts on the 14th. I also have a few gifts I've been promising a couple of my students that I need to get done before my classes start up again. All in all, it's been a very busy season.

The latest creation to be added to my gallery is an amigurumi Hello Kitty. It was only a matter of time before I created Hello Kitty. It's really hard to imagine a character better suited to being made into amigurumi. With her round shape, lack of intricate details or embellishments, and unadorned features, she's the perfect character to crochet. I didn't even have to embroider a face--just some whiskers and a nose and I had that signature "Hello Kitty" look. This particular Hello Kitty was made as a gift for a cousin of mine, but I get the feeling I will be making many, many more.

Until next time, avid readers.

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Tis the Season to be Crazy

by Lydia Jacobs on 12/05/12

Howdy, folks! Well, as you probably already know, Christmas is just around the corner, and I have been busy, busy, busy! My flea market booth is doing well this month, and I have several custom orders from online customers to fill. In addition, I was put in charge of two classes at the after school program, and they are occupying a lot of my time and attention. It's amazing how just two little classes a week can consume so much of my time and energy.

In other news, I am excited to announce that my Polish crested have started laying! We got our first white egg last month, and then nothing for a long time, but in the past week, we've gotten a white egg every day. Yesterday, we got two! I'm so proud of my little girls! Next year I want to get some Marans--they are a variety that lay dark brown eggs, and I think they'd really complete our collection of colorful eggs!

I may not have a chance to update again before the holidays, so I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Yule, and Happy Holidays! To those of you who don't celebrate anything at all, have a great December!

Until next time, avid readers.

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Mid November Update

by Lydia Jacobs on 11/14/12

It's been a very busy month!

In addition to all my usual projects, I've also started teaching a crochet class at the local after school program. The kids have been great and seem to be really determined to learn--which is a good thing, since crochet can be a challenge to figure out! I just keep reminding them that the hardest part of crochet is learning how to do it--once they learn how, it will be a breeze.

I'm working on a very special amigurumi project that so far has about 4 days and about $15 worth of materials invested in it. It's a giant amigurumi octopus. I started it with the intention of putting up for sale in my flea market booth, but because of the massive price sticker that will be attached, I don't expect it to actually sell as much as attract the attention of customers. With that in mind, I've been making it in a color and style that I like so that if it does indeed stay with me, I will enjoy it.

Finally, I have completed a free amigurumi pattern for the chicken and tiny chick toys. You can find detailed instructions with pictures here: http://www.craftedkansas.com/FreebiePages/Patterns--001--HenandChick.html

Until next time, avid readers!

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