Today's Writing Prompt is all about forums!

What crochet forums do I frequent? Which ones do I spend the most time visiting? Do I participate in the discussions?

I am a member of CrochetVille. I don't post frequently but I do spend quite a bit of time reading others posts.

And I am also a member of Ravelry. I am a bit more active at this forum.

Some other Forums that I would like to join and become an active member of include:

CrochetHappyforum -  very inviting and friendly sounding name!
CrochetTalk -  welcomes knitting discussion as well (another of my passions)
CrochetMe -  well organized forum.

I do need to focus on becoming an active participating member of these communities. The friendship and fellowship are very important aspects, of which I am more on the timid side of socialization.

Crochet American Girl Clothes

This is a "New Year's Party" outfit. The sleeveless cowl neck pullover was crocheted using a maroon novelty yarn, I am not sure of the name. The pants were crocheted using Red Heart Super Saver in black. 

This outfit will fit most 18" dolls including American Girl Doll, Madame Alexander, Our Generation and others of similar build.

The top will be very difficult for youngsters to put on their dolls, so this might be suited more for display or Special Occassion wear.

Our model is an 18 inch Madame Alexander Doll.

Patterns provided by Darski, found on Crochetville forum.

Crochet Barbie Gown Ruby Queen Progress

The underskirt is crocheted and finished. Added a snap at back. Most of the crochet patterns for Bed Dolls and gown are designed in a way to have the gown sewn onto the intended doll. My current customer supplies her own vintage Barbies, so I have been needing to adapt the patterns to utilize snaps and create the ability to put the gowns on and take them off any doll.

I am still working on the beaded outer skirt, very close to the finish line on this part! I will get a photo of where we are on the gown. I wanted to crochet a bikini top for Barbie but will just use a blue box to cover her chest, or maybe paint in a bra on the photo!

This pattern has proven to be an incredible challenge! But I know that Ruby Queen is going to be a stunning gown once it is complete!

Facebook Fan Appreciation

Today's writing prompt is on how important it is connecting with my Facebook Fans and ways of saying thank you to those fans.

One idea was a giveaway, another is A Fan Page Day or Fan of the Week. I like the giveaway idea and may do that later this Spring. The "Fan Page Day" is really intriguing.

This week, I will show my appreciation to my fans with a "Fan Page Day", by selecting a Fan Page at random, and promoting/sharing/tweeting their page or a product from their page throughout the day. I shall do this Fan Page Day on the 16th, and practiced sharing...although I couldn't share from my page's profile.

Then I need to begin focusing a new FB Page devoted to just crochet and gaining fans and followers there.

Day 1 - 31 Days of Crochet Business Blogging Challenge

Goals for 2013

Such a frightening and daunting thought. As I sit here, I choose to focus on where I plan to be at the end of 2013. What do I want for my business(es)? How much do I want my crochet blog and business to grow? What do I need to channel my efforts on to attain those goals?

I've been considering for quite some time on narrowing the focus of my general crafting blog. And changing my mind again. Then thinking niche blogs would be more beneficial to readers. With that said, one goal is to get the general blog (though it will still be active) streamlined into several smaller more topic oriented blogs. I just have too many interests!

My financial goals for 2013
My money maker is crocheting and selling my work (strictly online)

My goals for the year will be to incoroporate the techniques I learn through the challenge, focus on gaining quality traffic and a readership. Once all the pieces are in place, the income will begin to flow. I don't want to set a monetary goal here just yet. Once things are in place, then I will set my first financial goal and strive for that.

Other goals are to create videos and more product.

Crocheted Barbie Gown Little Bo Peep

This gown is called "Little Bo Peep". It was a custom order from a wonderful repeat customer. It used crochet thread in pink and white.

For the shepherds crook, I used a pipe cleaner and wrapped it with white ribbon.

I really love working with the size 10 crochet thread, but these gowns seem to take a lot of time to complete. Currently I am working on "Queen Ruby" for the same customer. The strung beads are driving me insane!! LOL! But this will be another post!

And I am sure I am grossly underpricing my work on the Barbie gowns. I have bumped the prices by 10% for now. These items are not intended to be my bread and butter income (the cloth dolls are my main source of income).

Mom Loves Crochet

I've decided to create this blog for my crochet work (to share finished items, patterns, tips and general love of yarn and crocheting) after some deliberation of whether or not to lump all of my interests into one blog or narrow things down into separate dedicated niches (sewing, dolls, knitting, crochet, drawing, cross-stitch, etc). The projects seem to be getting "lost in the shuffle" with so many varied topics.

As I join and participate in the 31 Days of Crochet Blogging, hosted by Sara Duggan, this gives me the encouragement and confidence to put my crochet in a niche all it's own!

So, stay tuned as I create new posts on items already finished, works in progress and so much more as the hooks begin flying!