Compelled to Crochet

It's That Time Again... Final SALE of the Year!

2011-08-26T11:42:00.007-04:00

Where does the time go? It's already almost September and before you know it the Holidays will be upon us and then hello to 2012.

Mel's Bells Cloche Hats is currently having a SALE to celebrate back to school, the end of the summer, the arrival of Fall.... Call it what you will but that hat you've had your eye on is now 20% off. Stock up on those holiday gifts! The discounted amount will be refunded via Paypal. Sale ends 9/6/11 12:00 AM EST.

Above are some new styles just added to the shop. Keep your eyes peeled for even more new hats as well as a new line of scarves and arm warmers to coordinate with them.

I'd love to hear from you. Please let me know what styles, colors etc. you'd like to see this Fall and Winter. What trends or colors are hot in your city right now?

Enjoy! :)

Sweaters for Your Electronic Gadgets

2011-08-16T17:43:00.010-04:00

Gadget cozies or sweaters as I playfully like to call them can protect your electronic devices as well as add a touch of personal style to your look.

Here are some covers or sleeves which I made for the Kindle eReader and iPod mp3 player. They can be purchased from HipToCarry and make excellent gifts for you or the techie in your life. :)

Bags, Purses, Pouches... Oh My!

2011-08-13T23:34:00.007-04:00

I'm so proud to announce the launch of my new shop on Etsy HipToCarry!

This shop will carry a wide variety of unique handcrafted bags, purses and pouches including gadget sleeves, eReader pouches, crochet purses and business card pouches. I will carry items made from fabric as well as crocheted creations.

Enjoy!

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere...

2011-07-17T11:12:00.005-04:00

Check out my new and improved shop: aGarnishedLife. It's a shop that I hadn't worked on in a very long time and decided to take it in a new direction.

You'll find crochet flowers, embellishments and appliques for all your special finishing touch needs.

Enjoy! :)

SUMMER SALE at Mel's Bells Cloche Hats... 40% off all items!

2011-06-11T18:17:00.005-04:00

We're having a Summer SALE at Mel's Bells Cloche Hats. All items are 40% with this coupon code "40PERCENT".

So go ahead and buy that hat you had your eye on for a while or get one for someone else as a gift. You can even stock up now for those holiday gifts!

Enjoy and have a great Summer! :)

Mel's Bells Cloche Hats

Berets & Tams on SALE 20% at Mel's Bells Cloche Hats!

2011-05-29T13:18:00.008-04:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all my friends in the USA! Hope everyone's having a safe and wonderful weekend!

To kick things off Mel's Bells is having a SALE on all berets and tams at 20% off! They can be found in this section: Berets at Mel's Bells Cloche Hats. Sale ends Monday May 30th at 11:00 PM EST.

We also have other Store Specials such as getting 2 hats for $50! Click here

Enjoy and stay tuned for next weekend when another style of hat goes on sale! :)

Pushing the Envelope

2011-05-14T11:25:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I decided to put my thinking cap on and exercise my creative muscle. I sat on the couch with some bright golden yellow yarn and my favorite crochet hook to see what else I could come up with. I have to admit that I was getting a little tired of the usual sc (single crochet) and dc (double crochet) combinations and variations thereof which I typically use in the hats I make. I guess every now and then you get stuck in a rut and just want to explore something new.

Well, I'm pleased to say I came up with a couple of very textured and chunky patterns for some new hats that are up for sale in my shop now. I especially love making cables so you'll probably be seeing a great deal in my collection for a while. ;)

MelsBellsClocheHats for Sale

Enjoy! :)

Little Heads, Big Style!

2011-05-12T11:14:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been designing a lot of baby hats for my shop EcoBabyHats and have been having a blast doing so. Why shouldn't little heads be stylish as well as protected? All of the hats and headbands are made from eco-friendly organic cotton so you can feel good about what you put on your baby's head and great about the environment as well.

I also did my best to come up with new styles that you won't find anywhere else such as my take on the visor beanie. I've even made some newsgirl hats in baby sizes. Awwwww....

You can find my little creations here: EcoBabyHats Shop on Etsy

Enjoy! :)

Go Team!

2011-04-21T15:01:00.003-04:00

With so many different sports events currently going on, wearing a hat sporting your team's colors can be a fun and original way to show your support. I'm currently knitting a beanie hat for my fiance with Barcelona's team colors of navy blue and burgundy. They lost the Copa del Rey match yesterday but there's still much more soccer or futbol to be played.

Stacey, one of my customers, sent me this lovely picture of her wearing a cloche hat to San Francisco Giants' opening day. Doesn't she look fabulous? I love seeing pics of customers wearing the hats I made for them. It makes me super happy to know that I was able to add some joy and beauty to their lives. Want your pic shown here or on our Facebook page? Just send a pic of yourself wearing one of my hats to melsbellshats@aol.com and I'll upload it.

SALE!!! $30 Hats for 30 Days

2011-04-09T14:05:00.006-04:00

Spring has sprung, Easter is around the corner and so is Mother's Day... why not celebrate with a new hat?

Mel's Bells is having a SALE for the next 30 days and each and every hat in the shop is just $30! The discounted amount will be refunded back to your account via Paypal after checkout. See our shop announcement for more details here: MelsBellsClocheHats on Etsy

Enjoy! :)

"Little Heads, Big Style" eBook of Newborn Hat Patterns Just Published!

2011-03-06T04:17:00.002-05:00

I just published my first eBook of newborn baby hats yesterday. It's the first one in a series of three. I'm so excited to be able to share these patterns with fellow crochet enthusiasts!

The eBook can be purchased here: "Little Heads, Big Style: Vol. 1: Fit for a Princess"

Grand Opening SALE at Eco Baby Hats!

2011-02-11T16:41:00.006-05:00

In honor of the grand opening of EcoBabyHats I'm offering 20% off every purchase! Simply use the coupon code ECOBABY when you checkout. Sale ends 2/14 11:59 PM EST.

Enjoy! :)

Introducing an Eco Friendly Shop Just for Babies!

2011-02-09T18:15:00.004-05:00

I'm proud to announce the launching of my brand new shop which will sell handmade hats and other accessories exclusively made from organic cotton. The shop will carry baby sizes ranging from Preemie to 12 Months.

Eco Baby Hats

Now both your little one and the environment can look great!

Enjoy! :)

Photography Shoot with Samantha Deyette

2011-02-04T16:49:00.005-05:00

I'm one lucky woman. I've had the pleasure of working with yet another talented photographer named Samantha Deyette. You can feast your eyes on her amazing work here: www.samanthadeyette.com

All hats can be found at Mel's Bells Kids. Hats can be made in any size from Preemie to Preteen and shipping is FREE in the USA!

Photography Shoot with Miabella Portraits

2011-02-03T11:10:00.009-05:00

I've recently had the pleasure of working with Mindy from Miabella Portraits.

You can view some of her amazing work in the photos above. She is super creative with the props she uses and all of her models appear natural and never posed. She's a true artist and so friendly!

More of her great work can be seen throughout my shop Mel's Bells Kids where you'll find unique hats and headbands in children's and baby sizes.

Don't forget to check out her site as well: Miabella Portraits

Enjoy!

To Sell or Not to Sell... Patterns, That Is

2011-01-22T12:40:00.004-05:00

As time goes on I'm asked more and more if I sell patterns and if I would ever consider doing so. I've always felt rather strongly about not selling them and protecting the really unique ones that took me a while to come up with on my own. They're my brain children and I simply can't part with them is what goes through my mind when asked.

I also wonder why people wish to buy patterns. Is it so they can sell the exact same hats they make from my design? That's all we need, to see a whole new group of similar looking hats on Etsy or the web in general, but I digress. I pride myself on having designs that no one else does. Maybe that's the egotistical artist part of me speaking but if everything and everyone was the same the world would be a very boring place. I've noticed that some pattern writers specifically ask people to only use their patterns for personal use and to not sell finished items. Does this really deter anyone from selling them anyway? I wonder.

I also think about sales. If I have patterns available through my shop will people only buy them and not my hats since they're cheaper?

Now, on the flip side, I have seen shops that successfully sell patterns right alongside with their hats and are selling almost equal amounts of hats as patterns. Also, sometimes when I feel overwhelmed by orders or my hands feel as though they are about to fall off, sending a pattern as opposed to making an entire hat would be a nice sort of passive income for a change.

Well, everything has its pros and cons. These are some I've considered. Anyone else faced with this dilemma? Have you sold patterns? Why do you? Why won't you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

BOGO Sale at MelsBellsKids This Weekend!!!

2011-01-21T11:46:00.007-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that I'm having a BOGO (buy one get one) SALE at my children's shop MelsBellsKids this weekend!

Simply place both items of your choosing in your cart and checkout. The cost of the second item or the one of lesser value will be deducted and the money refunded back to your account via Paypal.

All hats and headbands in the shop are on sale and custom color substitutions are welcome. There are so many colors and styles to choose from. Buy one for your precious little one and get another to give as a gift... or keep for yourself! ;)

Sale ends Sunday January 23, 2011 11:59 EST. Enjoy! :)

MelsBellsKids

Mel's Bells Kids is Long Island Bound...

2010-11-14T12:21:00.003-05:00

I'm so proud to announce that you can now purchase our children's hats at Tre-Femmes Accessories, LLC in Long Island NY! So if you're in the area stop by and check them out.

Grand Opening of MelsBellsKids!

2010-11-09T10:17:00.006-05:00

I'm excited to announce the grand opening of our sister shopMelsBellsKids on Etsy. This shop will feature hats, headbands, scarves and gift sets for babies and children in sizes Preemie to Preteen.

MelsBellsClocheHats on Etsy will exclusively feature hats and other accessories in Adult sizes from now on.

The amount of children's hats were too many to lump into one category of MelsBellsClocheHats, so to make shopping and navigating the store easier I decided to give these little hats their own shop.

Shipping is still FREE in the USA and all items are handmade with love by me. Only the finest natural yarn fibers are used and I never use patterns. You can be sure you're buying and wearing an original piece of wearable art.

Enjoy! :)

Fall Preview!

2010-07-08T23:18:00.005-04:00

It's been about 100 degrees here in Philadelphia for several days now. I pine for the cool crisp days of Fall. I guess that's what got me brainstorming about new hats to wear in the upcoming season. Here are a couple that I made and just added to Mel's Bells.

I'll be exploring new fibers and yarn textures this upcoming season as well as adding new patterns.

Hope you enjoy this little preview! :)

Wholesale Lots Have Just Been Added to Mel's Bells!!!

2010-06-24T10:24:00.006-04:00

In addition to all our great retail hats and other accessories, I'm happy to announce that wholesale lots have also been added to the shop. They can be found in this section: Mel's Bells Wholesale Lots

They are grouped in 6 item bundles but please let me know if you need more and I'll create a custom listing for the order.

Any stores or boutiques interested in carrying our products can purchase these directly or contact me for a custom order. Also, please let me know the name of the shop and I'll publish it here for free press. It's a win, win situation. :)

Mel's Bells is Holding a Charity Auction to Benefit The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association!!!

2010-06-22T15:42:00.010-04:00

Running a business is a full-time endeavor with numerous hours of mandatory overtime. You rarely get a break and even when you do you're always thinking about what else needs to be done. I love it however and wouldn't have it any other way :). Still, sometimes I have to remind myself to take a step back, take a break and focus on the bigger picture and what I can do to improve my life and the lives of others.

A very important part of anyone's life is their health. Yet unless something happens to compromise it, it's often taken for granted. I know this firsthand. I thankfully am doing great these days but until I was diagnosed and treated (which is an ongoing process for those with an autoimmune condition), I was suffering from symptoms related to the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Basically, my own body is producing antibodies that are slowly destroying my thyroid gland. I'll always have it and thankfully flareups are now few and far between but it does always have to be managed and monitored to ensure that I have the right levels of thyroid hormone in my body at all times.

Well, I was surfing through ebay today while on a break and noticed that sellers could post a cause of their choice and donate a percentage of proceeds toward them. I just knew that I had to be a part of this and help a cause near and dear to my heart. Surprisingly, not a lot of people are aware of autoimmune diseases which now number above the 80's. Some others are Lupus, Myasthemia Gravis, Graves Disease...

Find out about the organization and autoimmune diseases here

I will be listing several hats under the ebay seller name "melsbellshats" and will donate 10% of sales to The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association.

Stop by to help out this great cause. :)

Summer CLEARANCE SALE at Mel's Bells!!!

2010-06-21T10:45:00.006-04:00

Where does the time go? I ask myself this question as I realize that Summer is officially upon us.

As a business owner I always have to think ahead a season or two and so I'm currently thinking about the cool and crisp days of Fall.

I am excited to announce that I'm currently working on a Fall line of hats and scarves and will be introducing them to the shop in late July.

In order to make room for these new goodies I'm having a Summer Clearance Sale. All hats in the section to the right of the shop are $20 and under! New hats will be added to the group daily. Don't miss out! ;)

Mel's Bells Summer CLEARANCE SALE

Spring Mega SALE at Mel's Bells!!!

2010-06-10T11:51:00.003-04:00

I'm proud to announce that MelsBellsClocheHats is having a Spring Mega SALE!!!!

Each and every hat in the shop is $25.00 USD until Sunday 6/13!!! Discount will be refunded via Paypal after checkout. For example if you buy a $37.00 hat which is on sale for $25.00, the $12.00 will be refunded back to you via Paypal.

I'm having this sale to make room for our Fall line which will preview end of July.

Mel's Bells Cloche Hats

Enjoy! :)

Because Your Neck Needs Some Love Too...

2010-06-07T09:04:00.006-04:00

MelsBellsClocheHats now carries scarves! After several customer requests, as well as realizing that I'd like to be able to find a scarf to match a great hat myself, I've decided to add scarves to the shop.

I will be adding more styles and colors as the weeks go by but for now you can view the section here: Scarves at MelsBellsClocheHats on Etsy

I'd also like to announce that if you buy a hat and scarf you get $5.00 USD off your order! The amount will be refunded via Paypal after checkout.

Enjoy! :)

Earth Day SALE!!

2010-04-22T16:55:00.005-04:00

Happy Earth Day everyone! We're having a sale on all hats and headbands made from organic cotton in order to celebrate. Take $5.00 off these items. Custom orders are welcome too. Refund will be given through Paypal once the order is complete.

Enjoy! :)

There's a New Model in Town

2010-04-14T12:10:00.005-04:00

My old mannequin head (affectionately named Hattie B. Head by my boyfriend) has shot her last photo. Alas, she didn't quite make it during the move from NY. She lost the tip of her nose and acquired quite a gash on her cheek. She served me well though.

I have since ordered a new mannequin head on ebay (seen above) and she looks eerily similar to Hattie. Maybe I'll name her Hattie 2. She should be arriving in the mail today and I'm so excited. I'll be shooting photos of new hats tonight.

Mel's Bells is Having a SALE!!!

2010-04-12T19:24:00.003-04:00

Mel's Bells Cloche Hats is having a sale on select hats and accessories! Many are reduced $4 or more! Shipping is always FREE in the USA!

View our SALE section here to find a cute hat for yourself or to give as a gift: SALE Items

Enjoy! :)

Moving from the Big Apple to the City of Brotherly Love

2010-03-10T18:53:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm proud to announce that I'll be a resident of Philadelphia as of April 1st and I couldn't be more excited! I've been calling Philly my second home for the last few years having visited quite often since my boyfriend lives there. I've always felt at home there so when it was time to either renew my lease or terminate it I decided to take the plunge and a have new lease on life (pun intended).

First off, the cost of living is so much better than that of NY. I still cannot belive that I'll be getting a patio and a washer/dryer for about $200 less than what I'll be paying if I were to renew my lease. I'll now have a living room and separate bedroom. Wow. And the food there is absolutely amazing! I had my first Primo's hoagie last week and would eat one every day if I could! The people are warm and friendly. Can you believe that while waiting for a bus with a bunch of guys they actually let me board first? This native New Yorker couldn't believe it. I really dig Philly's love of the arts too. Ever since I started selling on Etsy I've wanted to get more involved with the arts and my community but sadly as large as NYC is I never felt a good fit with any group or organization. Sure there are indie designers here but it's every (wo)man for herself/himself. I'm definitely looking forward to attending some craft fairs in this new city.

Now don't get me wrong, there's absolutely no place like NYC and a definite must see for tourists. I will miss the ability to walk into a deli late at night and order a sandwich if I feel like it. I'll have to get used to running my errands earlier than I'm accustomed to. I might need to walk a few extra blocks to get where I'm going. Still, I welcome the strong sense of community, great food, great people, a great arts scene and a new lease on life!

Don't worry, ordering items from my shops won't change at all except that they'll be coming to you from a Philadelphia address instead of a New York one. :)

Think Spring!

2010-02-25T12:11:00.005-05:00

As the snow falls outside the window of my NY apartment, Spring seems a lifetime away. This coming Monday will already be March 1st. Even if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate you can still start getting into the Spring state of mind by browsing some of the adorable accessories, home decor etc. featured on Etsy.com such as the bright Spring green cloche shown above.

I made it yesterday from 100% organically grown cotton yarn. I will be posting additional hats made from this eco-friendly yarn during the upcoming week. This is a great option for vegans as well. The colors are vibrant and scrumptious and anything but boring! It sure helped to brighten an otherwise gray day.

Handmade is the New Black!

2010-01-26T19:42:00.006-05:00

I stumbled across this interesting article today. It tells the tales of a few lucky shops on Etsy that have become veritable financial successes. It also tells of the desire of the American consumer to find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift rather than one that is commercially mass produced. People at large seem to have become fed up with the impersonal nature of it all and that's where handmade items come in.

As a small craft business owner I was incredibly excited to read this article. It's about time someone recognized us on a large scale! It filled me with a sense of pride. I almost feel like I'm making history and on the cutting edge of a big movement. Gone are the days of the shy and rather nerdy little girl crocheting a potholder under her grandmother's guidance. Here I am laughing all the way to the bank and feeling truly happy and fullfilled doing it! Thanks Nona!

Handmade is the New Black

It's a Headband, Earwarmer & Neckwarmer All Rolled Into One!!!

2010-01-20T02:01:00.005-05:00

Some days you just don't feel like wearing a hat yet your ears still protection. That's where this versatile and chic accessory comes in. You can wear it as a headband, headwrap or earwarmer and then pull it down to make it a neckwarmer!

You can also wear it with or without a flower.

Stop by the shop to see our various styles: Headbands and Earwarmers

Please let me know if you'd like a custom color.

Enjoy! :)

We're Participating in a Giveaway!!!

2010-01-18T19:09:00.005-05:00

We're participating in a GIVEAWAY via this awesome blog! "Or So She Says...
There are 10 shops participating and 11 winners! You have until Saturday January 23rd to enter.

"Mel's Bells Cloche Hats" is offering $30 store credit plus FREE shipping for your choice of any of our adorable accessories!

Also, for everyone that participates I'm giving a 15% discount! Just mention the following phrase "Or so she says..." in a note during checkout in my Etsy shop . This offer expires March 31, 2010. There are NO losers! Yay!!! :)

Read all about the details of the giveaway and the other awesome shops participating here: "Or So She Says..." January Giveaway

Mel's Bells in 2010 and Beyond...

2010-01-16T21:50:00.005-05:00

Wow. I just looked my shop "MelsBellsClocheHats" and noted the date I joined Etsy and launched the shop: March 20, 2009. It hasn't even been a year yet and as each day passes I'm still amazed at its success. I'm by no means resting on my laurels however. As any good shop owner knows there's always more to be done and the job is never quite done.

Well, the last couple of days I've been doing a complete overhaul of my shop with a new banner, new sections which make the shop easier to navigate and also making sure to only feature what I feel are the very best hats for sale. Those who have stopped by the shop within the last couple of days may have also noticed that the number of items have gone down from about 220 to 140. The reason being that I felt it was high time to organize the baby and children's hats in the shop. The old format was visually confusing and quite distracting to my customers since I had similar pics up for each size. Now you can see the exact hat you like and just choose the size you'd like it in. One price. No muss no fuss.

I have always concentrated on selling Adult size hats for the most part and had previously lumped them all together in one section. This didn't do justice to the various styles of hats and was probably a headache for my customers as well. Sorry :/. Now you can choose the exact style you're interested in whether it be a slouchy beret or an open weave cloche hat.

Another shop enhancement which I'm extremely excited about is getting more professional photos done. I was forunate enough to have been contacted by Alyssa Brown, a professional photographer, who proposed a trade of pictures for hats. Sounds great to me! Can't wait to get them!

Yes, there are a lot of changes in store for the shop in 2010. I'm constantly inspired by requests from customers and they help shape the direction the shop is going in. Sometimes I get asked for gorgeous color combinations I've never even thought of blending. Sometimes it's a hat in a favorite sports team's colors. Other times it's a custom hat needed for a relative suffering through chemo. A fun one I was recently asked about was a mother and daughter identical hat set. How cute!

There are a few things that will never change about my shop though and they tie into my sense of creativity and strong work ethic. I will never compromise the quality of the yarn I use for my hats. I will never stop offering the option of custom color requests or sizing. I will also strive to keep the speedy turnaround time I offer to my customers and offer free shipping. I stumbled upon another shop on Etsy today and noticed that their turnaround time for hats to be shipped out is 4 weeks!! By that time you might forget you ordered a hat in the first place. Not acceptable in my book.

So, stay tuned for even more great original hats and customer service in 2010 and beyond! :)

Great Hat Quotes

2010-01-15T11:29:00.004-05:00

Those that know me personally know that I LOVE a great quote. They can inspire, sometimes cause a chuckle and even make you see life in a different light.

I stumbled upon this great site with quotes about hats. Here's the link and I'll also include some of my very favorites here. Enjoy!

Enjoying Hat Quotes

"Wearing a hat is like having a baby or a puppy; everyone stops to coo and talk about it." (Louise Green)

"Fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful, but to reassure them, to give them confidence, to allow them to come to terms with themselves." (Yves St. Laurent)

Wearing a hat versus not wearing a hat is the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. (Martha Sliter)

We just know inside that we're queens. And these are the crowns we wear. (Felecia McMillan)

NEW Slouchy Beret Style!!!

2009-12-07T00:31:00.004-05:00

I was out running errands the other day and happened to notice how many women and teens were wearing berets and snoods. So I'm happy to introduce this new style to Mel's Bells. The hats also come with removable flower pins so you can change your look as often as you'd like!

Enjoy! :)

We've Reached a Milestone!!!

2009-12-05T17:29:00.003-05:00

Mel's Bells had its 100th sale today!!! A part of me still can't believe it and I must say that it has brightened this otherwise miserable day. It's rainy and now snowy and dark here in NYC.

I've decided to celebrate this milestone by having a giveaway. Jessica S. from Seattle was the winner and congrats go out to her!

I'm very thankful for this success and while it hasn't always been easy especially in the beginning I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. If you have a dream go for it. Do what you love and keep at it until you reach your goals.

Thanks so much to everyone! :)

Mel's Bells is Having a Giveaway!!!

2009-12-02T13:26:00.006-05:00

I am so happy to see that I'm approaching the milestone of 100 sales! I'm one lucky gal! :) Sure I've spent many a sleepless night working tirelessly on improving the shop and its products but when you do what you love it hardly feels like work. Well, I feel like celebrating which is why I'm holding a giveaway!

The buyer of my 100th sale gets to choose whichever item they want in the shop! It can be a crochet flower pin, a hat of any size or style, or even a hat and scarf gift set if they choose! Like I said I'm extremely happy over the shop's success and want to share it with you!

I'd also like to thank my family, friends and boyfriend who have put up with my long hours and mountains of yarn. I'm also very thankful for Etsy which has given me the platform to sell my handmade goods. It's like a high-end virtual craft fair 24/7 365 days a year! I don't believe I would have gained the level of success I have without this site.

Thanks to all and enjoy your holidays!!! :)

Mel's Bells Cloche Hats on etsy

SALE on All Gift Sets This Weekend!

2009-11-28T13:17:00.006-05:00

We're having a sale on all items in our Gift Sets section this weekend!

All sets will be upgraded to FREE Priority Mail Shipping in the US!

Check out Etsy for more great deals from shops this weekend as they kick off the holiday shopping season.
So skip the mall and get your shopping done online with minimal stress!

Enjoy! ;)

Support Handmade Small Businesses This Season

2009-11-27T13:55:00.006-05:00

Today is Black Friday and if you're anything like me you'd rather hide out until all the mall shoppers have gone home. I'll admit that a part of me was toying with the idea of checking it out because I've never participated in a Black Friday shopping excursion. The other part of me which heard the wind howling and cars honking said otherwise.

I think I will do most if not all of my shopping online this year with a heavy emphasis on purchasing handmade gifts and supporting the little guy and small businesses this year. I started doing this last year and the looks on my gift recipients' faces were truly priceless. These gifts in my opinion carry an extra bit of love. Someone actually made them with their own two hands. You can't beat the quality and attention to detail put into these products. Many items can even be personalized or custom made. Also, many small businesses take extreme pride in their excellent customer service. They're real people doing what they love and it shows.

My two shops "Mel's Bells Cloche Hats" and "Loop Over Loop" on Etsy are just two of the thousands of fine small businesses out there to shop from. Why not give them a try this year. Well, I'm off to browse Etsy to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list. Happy shopping!

We Now Carry Preemie Sizes!

2009-11-22T22:09:00.005-05:00

Please check out our selection of cloche and beanie hats available for Preemies or small newborns. You get to choose the color and shipping as always is FREE in the USA!

Mel's Bells Cloche Hats

It's Not All Rainbows and Roses

2009-11-20T14:54:00.003-05:00

I'm a very driven and also rather optimistic person. I think outside the box and give people the benefit of the doubt. I'm also a realist and as one I know that things can't always be wonderful and perfect.

I woke up today as I do everyday to see what's going on in my shop. I had to send out a payment reminder to a customer (second one mind you) and I'll admit that I'm not too fond of doing this. She replied by saying that she already did via Paypal. I have no records of such a transaction and the beautiful thing about Etsy is that it actually tells you when a payment has been made by giving you a little check next to the item showing it was paid for. It does this in conjunction with Paypal. Basically the conversation went back and forth for a bit when she decided it was too time consuming. I agree and it's certainly no fun dealing with Paypal when there's a problem. I'm completely fine with her decision and sorry she had such a horrible experience dealing with them.

Why do I then feel so bad? I know it was absolutely nothing I did wrong and I handled the conversation to the best of my ability with the utmost politeness. I guess I've experienced the dark side of owning your own business today. You have to do literally everything and be completely accountable for it! Unless someday I am fortunate enough to hire some employees this is what I must do and even then I have to be the boss. I must be patient on the days where there is a lull in sales, must be patient with customers who are not satisfied with their shopping experience and ultimately must be patient with myself because I always want to do more than what I sometimes physically can in a day.

Owning your own business is extremely rewarding and I would never go back to working for anyone unless I absolutely had no choice, but I'd be a hypocrite if I said there would be no sacrifices or the occasional problem involved with it. As a realist I also want to tell those who are interested in starting a business of any kind that these things happen and are very real situations that must be dealt with.

At the end of the day though all you can do is make sure you continue to put out the very best product you can, offer stellar customer service and don't forget to relax once in a while because if you're not at your best you can't be any good to anyone else and your business will consequently suffer.

Enjoy the ride even though it's a bumpy one at times! :)

Getting Organized is Crucial

2009-11-18T12:41:00.003-05:00

Lately, amidst all the orders coming in for the holidays, I've been making it a priority to get my shop and its finances in order. I guess you could say that I'm really treating my Etsy shop as an official business now. It always was but in the recent past it did take more of a backseat to my full-time job.

I just finished doing some research on how to put your sales onto spreadsheets and even learned that Etsy has a link on the bottom of your "Sold (Orders)" section that automatically translates your shop sales data to CSV. Sweet!

The other day I also toyed around Quickbooks which I've had on my computer forever but haven't gotten around to actually using it yet. It's the 2008 version. I had to call customer service to register it and the guy on the other end couldn't believe I haven't used it in all this time. Ha! Anyway, it seems rather complicated so I'll try to tackle it later on. I've even toyed around with just logging sales the old fashioned way with a pen and paper. Maybe I'll do that first and then log my data into the computer? I'm still trying to find the best method but then again the best method for anything is really what works best for you.

Another thing that I'm attempting to do is to clear my place of things I no longer use or need to make room for the ones I do. I see a huge ebay sale in the near future! HA! I have these amazing black wire cube organizers that I got at Target and they're brimming with all sorts of yarn. I'm slowly planning to move some of the less used yarns to the ones I use all the time. I'm also going to use a few of the cubes to store shipping envelopes and other packing supplies. My place is getting a bit cluttered with boxes on the floor containing these items so it's really time to sort everything out.

Sorting everything out and getting organized is also helpful mentally as it helps you focus and not get distracted by needless clutter. Writing down sales figures is a concrete way to actually see what's going out and what's coming in. Writing down your goals as in a business plan keeps you on track with what you wish to achieve. Spell out your dreams and make them happen... in an organized way of course. ;)

Gosh I Love What I Do!

2009-11-16T15:12:00.006-05:00

Yes, I can honestly say that I do. Now if you would have asked me if I liked what I was doing about 2 months ago I would have grumbled under my breath and probably would have been too stressed out and tired to even formulate a coherent answer. Now I am truly happy though because I am doing exactly what I love and making a decent living at it to boot. I am living my life on my own terms. Yay!

I have a long way to go of course but recent feedback and success have made me realize that this handmade craft business stuff is totally possible and the sky's the limit! I was quite skeptical at first I'll admit and the notion of being a "starving artist" kept coming to mind. Sure, I can't go crazy shopping and buying extravagant stuff which in reality is stuff I don't need anyway. I'm still living modestly making sure that I first have a roof over my head and food in my stomach. It's not bad at all and besides how many shoes, pairs of jeans etc. does anyone really need? You can't put a price on happiness though. Do I work more than 40 hours per week now? Sure. I would estimate it being around 70 or even more sometimes. I of course take frequent breaks and there are even times when I give myself the day (or at least part of it) off. Yes, I totally love being my own boss too. When you love what you do you never work a day in your life.

So far the hardest things have been getting organized, making sure you have enough supplies (materials, shipping supplies etc.), and learning how to quit for the night. I sometimes can crochet or be on my computer checking stats, linking and relisting items all night if I don't force myself to go to bed. Ha!

I especially love the fact that I get to communicate with actual customers who are looking at or buying my items which I've created with my own two hands! It's great! One customer the other day said she was going to wear the hat she just purchased for Thanksgiving. Another one said her daughter was going to need the hat for school pictures. A guy yesterday bought a hat for his girlfriend and was sending it to her as a surprise. Awwww! So yes, I LOVE what I do!!! :)

I'd also like to add that if you want something bad enough with hard work and determination anything's possible. Never give up! Keep at it. Constantly improve and learn. Follow your dream. If anyone has any questions about their craft business or Etsy feel free to ask me.

All the best! :)

Color Chart

2009-11-15T09:41:00.003-05:00

I made this color chart last night to show all the colors featured in the shop. It's also a helpful tool for those who wish to request custom orders.

In addition, it also helped me to get more organized. I've been trying my hardest to do so lately and I'll attempt to tackle some sales spreadsheets later to help monitor the shop's progress etc. That should be fun. Ha! Seriously though, it needs to be done and will make my life so much easier. It's the business side of crafting that isn't as fun as creating but nevertheless goes hand in hand with it and can't be ignored.

Crochet Flower Pins Added to Mel's Bells!

2009-11-12T01:24:00.004-05:00

We've just added crochet flower pins to the shop! Now you can change the look of your hat in an instant! The flower pins can also be used as brooches, on bags, on scarves, on headbands etc.

Enjoy! :)

Gift Sets Have Just Been Added to Mel's Bells!

2009-11-02T01:17:00.006-05:00

Matching flapper beanie and scarf gift sets have just been added to the shop.

These sets will be upgraded to FREE Priority Mail shipping in the USA throughout the holiday season.

Enjoy! :)
Mel's Bells Cloche Hats on Etsy

New Additions to Mel's Bells Cloche Hats

2009-10-30T14:20:00.008-04:00

With the holidays fast approaching we've expanded our inventory to include a wider selection of hat styles and options. We now carry adorable beanie hats for the little fellas in your life. They feature a brim which can be rolled up or left alone. We also have a couple of new beanie styles for the ladies and young girls known as the "flapper beanie."

Another addition which will be featured in the shop starting in early November will be hat and scarf sets which take the guesswork out of gift giving.

We will also continue to offer FREE Shipping in the USA to make your holidays a more pleasant and headache-free one.

Enjoy! :)

Yay! This Hat Was Featured in Two Etsy Treasuries Already!

2009-10-27T12:03:00.005-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone! I'm so honored to see that this hat was chosen for two separate treasuries already. Here is the latest one by "funretro" on Etsy. Catch it before it expires in a couple of days:

"Witch Way to the Party?"

Enjoy! :)

Quit Your Day Job?

2009-10-14T17:43:00.003-04:00

Well folks, I didn't exactly have to. Yes, I have been laid off from my full-time job which I held for about 12 years working for the City of New York due to budget cuts. Thanks guys! *insert sarcasm* Anywho, upon second glance, I truly think that this is quite possibly the best thing that could have ever happened to me... and I'm not being sarcastic here.

They say that when one door closes another one opens. I've been a long time fan of Etsy's "Quit Your Day Job" series and have often read and re-read the fascinating interviews of the latest lucky souls who have been fortunate to live their dreams of making a living doing what they truly love. I read these interviews for inspiration and motivation. Some days they were the only thing that kept me going. Well, I didn't have the luxury of quitting on my own terms but instead had the decision made for me. I was pushed into the water instead of diving in so to speak. So now come the usual fears and questions: Am I truly ready to tackle this? What steps do I take to become a full-time, full-fledged business? Do I have a choice?

Well, it can all seem truly overwhelming and the best advice I have so far first and foremost is to put yourself in the correct mindset to succeed. I have kept repeating to myself over and over the last couple of weeks "I am not UNemployed, I am SELF employed." It is a very powerful statement. I am creating opportunity instead of admitting self defeat due to unfair circumstances. I also highly recommend getting organized. It is crucial to get all your "ducks in a row" as they say. So, I got myself more yarn (like I needed an excuse! ha!), purchased more shipping supplies, got the necessary business cards etc. to ensure that my business was truly ready to operate and take off without a hitch. I brainstormed and came up with new styles. I looked at my shop with fresh eyes and realized that certain areas needed to be worked on and updated and made the necessary changes. I asked myself the questions "What can I do to improve?" and most importantly "Would I shop here?" This is all an ongoing process mind you but is one that I am patiently working on step by step and day by day. If you can think it you can create it. I am not UNemployed... I'm SELF employed....

When Does a Dream Become a Reality?

2009-07-08T11:47:00.004-04:00

I've been daydreaming a lot lately. Lately my life has been extremely stressful mostly due in part to my day job. Perhaps living inside my head has provided me with some means of escape and comfort on some level. Or maybe it's a sign that a big change is looming on the horizon and I'm gearing myself to take action because I'm clearly not doing what I was meant to do and am not happy.

I've been reading all of the articles from Etsy's "Quit Your Day Job" series. The people are real and their stories are compelling and full of insight and ultimate triumph. It makes me feel that good things are possible and that I'm not just spinning my wheels being the workaholic that I am. lol I too will reap the rewards someday. I wish that time was now truthfully. I know that my heart is no longer in my career and I'm simply there in body to muddle through the day and collect a paycheck. I don't know how much longer my spirit can take this. It's dying. I fantasize about yarn and colors and designs all day while I'm at work. I look around me during my daily commute and realize that this is not what I want. I'm constantly thinking about what I need to do, what else I can do and what I've already done to make my dreams come to fruition.

I wish I could win the lottery so I could be secure and finally make those dreams come true and have some sense of financial stability in the process. That's the only thing holding me back. I am responsible for all my living expenses. That's it... just me. And here come the age old questions: how much do you really need and can you put a price on happiness? I've been pondering these a lot lately and I know I'm heading full speed ahead to a drastic but satisfying decision one way or another. Right now for me might not be economically feasible but soon, very soon and I can't wait!

My Crochet Cuffs Were Featured on Etsy's Front Page This Morning!!! :)

2009-07-06T13:41:00.002-04:00

There they are on the lower left hand side. :) That was a nice surprise! lol I must admit I was feeling a bit discouraged and even started brainstorming on the train this morning about what else I can make to sell. I know in my heart of hearts however that I'm passionate about crocheting and while I'm sure I can make other things I wouldn't love it as much and that's really what counts.

Mannequin is in the Mail...

2009-07-05T09:51:00.004-04:00

So I decided to post my question regarding live models or mannequins on the Etsy forums yesterday. I got extremely insightful advice.

In a nutshell you can't please everyone all the time. Ha! Seriously... There are many who would prefer to see a live model wear the item so that they can imagine what it would look like on them. Many people are also apparently voyeurs on some level. On the flip side there are many who are skeeved out by the thought that another human wore their item before them and even consider it "used."

Mannequins offer perhaps a simpler and cleaner option in conveying the beauty of your work but lo and behold the "right" mannequin is of upmost importance here. You can't have a "creepy" mannequin head with "dead eyes" modelling your hats because that's a turn-off to many buyers. Then again a plain styrofoam or wicker head without a face is preferable? *sigh*

I'll admit that it still is quite confusing and this debate will probably rage on for many decades to come but in the end the pros and cons must be weighed by each individual.

I'm personally going to go with a combination of live model pics as well as mannequin ones. My new dressmaker manny in gorgeous black is in the mail. I can't wait to get her and start shooting new pics! :)

Mannequins or Live Models?

2009-07-02T22:54:00.004-04:00

I just attended an Etsy virtual labs session and got my shop LoopOverLoop critiqued. I was a fun, positive and very eye-opening experience. My fellow Etsians who also attended this class were very helpful in giving advice and tips to enhance my shop.

One topic that came up over and over was the importance of having amazingly sharp, bright and dynamic pictures. Another, also having to do with photos, was the suggestion that a live model be used instead of my "creepy" mannequin head. lol She is sort of creepy I'll admit but I'm a big fan of creepy but I guess I'll have to go with the popular vote on this one and eventually change it. Heck, I might even pose as a model for a few pics and see how that goes. I have to admit that I really don't consider myself the model type but then again I do have a ton of pics of myself on my myspace page etc. so it's not like my face isn't out there already. Hehe.

Pricing was another thing mentioned and it turns out that I am actually under-pricing my scarves in particular. Who knew?

All in all I'm in decent shape and with some work on getting new photos up and gearing up for the Fall season Michelle, the Etsy administrator who ran the seminar, said I'd sell a lot and be in good shape. Yay!

Special thanks to HeyMichelle (Etsy Administrator), tennyoceres, itsastitch and all the other fabulous Etsy sellers who attended and helped to critique my shop.

I've got much work to do but when you do what you love you never work a day in your life. :)

Can It Really Be This Simple?

2009-06-30T19:42:00.006-04:00

I was searching through the Etsy Forums today and found this interesting thread:

"Am I really the only one that does not do any of these extra things to get sales?"

It appears that the key element to getting sales is just good old-fashioned creating and listing as many items as you can. And this after I spent the whole weekend optimizing my Etsy shop for SEO and creating a main site. Doh! Well, this is essential too because how are you going to sell if no one can find you?

We Now Have a Main Website!

2009-06-28T22:12:00.006-04:00

I have decided to construct a main website for "LoopOverLoop." I spent the greater part of today optimizing my Etsy shop for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and came to the conclusion, especially after seeing countless forum threads complaining about Etsy's recent changes to supposedly help with that, that it really wouldn't hurt to have this new website which I'm definitely sure is properly optimized. I believe I may have more luck in a Google search when someone types in "ruffled scarf" for example. So, I went over to godaddy.com, purchased a domain for about 10 bucks and set up a site which will point traffic to my Etsy shop for anyone who wishes to make a purchase :).

Here's the main page:
www.LoopOverLoop.com

Major Shop Announcement!!!

2009-06-27T21:01:00.004-04:00

I am pleased to announce a promotional offer for FREE Shipping Worldwide on all items purchased from LoopOverLoop until August 1, 2009! Yay!!!! :)

Rise and Shine!

2009-06-27T08:09:00.004-04:00

I've been up since 5:30 AM today and actually got to see the sunrise. It was gorgeous and I felt so peaceful because I knew I was probably one of the few people up in my neighborhood so far. Ahhhh. I'll admit that I was a bit sleepy but the excitement of what I was about to do kept me up and filled me with a sense of pending accomplishment.

I decided to go ahead and try to secure a Treasury on Etsy. My lack of sleep and wide-eyed optimism paid off and I managed to indeed get one. Yay!!!

Here it is:
Purple Passion Treasury on Etsy

So, for the next 2 days anyone who needs to get their purple fix on can view this treasury and come away satisfied. lol

Enjoy! :)

Yarn, Yarn Everywhere...

2009-06-25T19:43:00.006-04:00

I had quite the yarn experience today. I must say I was in yarn Nirvana. lol I decided to check out a new yarn shop today called Knitty City and it's definitely going to be one which I will be visiting again. The selection of yarns, in all its glorious textures and colors, was absolutely amazing and one of the best I've seen anywhere. I've been to quite a few yarn shops throughout NYC, one in Philly and one in Germany but wow. The very best thing about this shop however was how nice everyone was! People were just hanging out and having a good time. Everyone was helpful and non-imposing. I'll admit that I've come across more than my fair share of rude and snotty yarn shop employees and owners across the years but not here and not today. Yay! Why is that I've often wondered. I mean if I owned or worked at a yarn shop I'd be grinning from ear to ear... but that's just me.

I also have to mention the store Downtown Yarns here for having a fabulous selection and one of the sweetest and most knowledgable owners and cool employees as well.

I seriously cannot wait to try out the yarn I just bought and I'm going to start unwinding the hanks now. Yay!

Patience is a Virtue

2009-06-21T13:06:00.004-04:00

As you all know I have recently transferred my shop's name and have experienced the joy of my first sale and first positive feedback since. Yay!!! I have also been doing my best to read the posts in Etsy's forums and one theme in particular kept popping up: "How come I'm not getting any sales... what am I doing wrong?" I must admit that I have felt this from time to time but then realized that my new shop has only been live for about 15 days. lol Sometimes you just need a reality check and we're definitely our own worst critics.

Sometimes all you need is a little patience too. I mean if you in your heart of hearts know that you've done just about everything to work on your shop by making sure that your photos are as clear and dynamic as they can be, the descriptions as detailed as possible, you're properly tagging your items and actively promoting the shop etc. then you are most likely doing nothing wrong. It's not you. Working on your shop and marketing it is a full-time job in itself. Little tweaks here and there always help by keeping the shop fresh. You never stop learning... Still, sometimes you just have to sit back and wait to see what happens. There's a market for everything and there's someone out there who will be crazy about your work and your items will be just what they were looking for.

We must also not forget that we are experiencing a recession and often times the luxury handmade items we make are just that, a luxury and expendable. It is also common sense that most people would be wary to shop somewhere without seeing any prior sales or a lack of feedback for the shop. I read in one of the threads that it's a good idea to buy something from another seller to boost your feedback. Good idea.

There's so many tips and always something new to learn but never forget that you need breaks too because all work and no play is just no fun at all. lol

Scarves, Scarves, Scarves!!!

2009-06-18T22:55:00.007-04:00

Lately I've had a penchant for making scarves. I don't know what it is. Perhaps I like the way they add a splash of color to an outfit and the wearer's face. Maybe it's the fact that they're so easy to wear and pretty much go with any outfit. They add touches of elegance and style to even the most basic of outfits.

I've been making them in all stitches and all yarns. I just finished one made from bamboo and one from cotton. I also made a couple from fine Merino wool. I think I'll wait a while to post those though since it is the Summer. Then again, the Southern hemisphere is probably getting quite chilly right about now so maybe I will go ahead and post all of them... enjoy!

Scarves at LoopOverLoop

We Were Interviewed!

2009-06-13T19:49:00.003-04:00

I was interviewed about LoopOverLoop the other day and now it's live on the net! Sweet! I'm so honored. You can read it here:

Interview

I'd also like to say that I made my first LoopOverLoop shop sale today! Yay! For all you newbies out there don't fret. It may take a while and a lot of hard work getting your name out there but there will come a time when you do get noticed for the great work that you do and you get your first sale like I did today.

It's been a great day all around but I must admit that for some reason I've been incredibly sleepy. Maybe it's the clouds. lol

Yart Sale!!!

2009-06-12T20:34:00.004-04:00

LoopOverLoop is participating in the Etsy Yart Sale which ends on June 14th! Check out our special section entitled "Yart Sale" to save on some unique handmade items. Everything in the shop ships for free in the USA and just $2 USD Internationally.

Myspace Page

2009-06-11T10:24:00.005-04:00

LoopOverLoop has a myspace page!
LoopOverLoop on myspace

Today I think I'm going to spend a good part of the day linking the new shop name to directories and submitting the URL to gain exposure on the web and search engines. Etsy is a fabulous site in and of itself but you need to bring people to it in order for it to work. That's where promoting yourself elsewhere comes in. It's not always the most fun thing to do but is essential to business and building a brand name.

Finally, I really don't regret changing my shop's name at all. It will be a lot of work to get it off the ground and I'll admit that seeing "0" sales is a bit disheartening but that'll all change soon.

In some upcoming blogs I'm going to share what else I'm doing to help promote my shop and some tips I've learned along the way. Hopefully it will be helpful to a budding craft business or two and provide that extra shot of inspiration and push to succeed. :)

Inspiration

2009-06-10T20:27:00.002-04:00

I went to Borders today with my boyfriend after eating a delicious German meal to celebrate his birthday. I started looking through some crochet books and one about Victorian lace in particular caught my eye. They had the most intricate shawls and wraps done in the most modern and vibrant of colors such as lime green and lilac. It was really quite lovely to see the old style paired with the new colors. It also really inspired me to make a wrap myself but I think for the moment I will start out small and work on an intricate lace design of my own for a scarf. I can't wait to get to work!

Batty For Bags!!!

2009-06-08T22:05:00.005-04:00

Bags are the perfect accessory especially for Summer as many might not want any other accessories touching their body when the mercury rises to uncomfortable temperatures.

I just posted a couple of fancy crocheted tote bags in vibrant color combinations. I also posted a very cute and stylish shaped mesh market bag.

Check them out at: LoopOverLoop Shop on Etsy

New Shop Name and Location!!!

2009-06-08T18:11:00.005-04:00

I have just finished transferring all the items from my Etsy shop "Crochet Goddess" to its new Etsy shop location "Loop Over Loop". I'm very excited about the change and so far it's been well-received. I decided to make the move after having done a Google search of "crochet goddess" and discovering that there is a site selling products with the same name as well as a blog and other pages, myspace accounts etc. I wanted to avoid any confusion and affiliation with these other sites so decided to virtually start from scratch with this new name.

It took me a couple of hours to think of a name which would be fitting of my shop and made sure that there was nothing quite so similar to it on the web. I believe it was a wise business decision and one that was made just in the nick of time since it would have been far worse to have to transfer hundreds of items. I would have no hair left then. lol

Enjoy the new shop at LoopOverLoop on Etsy!

Can Crocheting Be Counted as a Workout?

2009-06-07T13:53:00.004-04:00

I wonder if crocheting can be counted as doing exercise. I do a lot of it almost every day and if your hands are constantly moving doesn't that burn quite a bit of calories? Maybe it's just wishful thinking brought on by the realization that it's getting warmer out and I need to get fit and lose a few pounds. lol

Ahh The Creative Process...

2009-06-06T19:59:00.005-04:00

I was just thinking today about the actual creative process as I was making a new beret to post on my Crochet Goddess etsy shop. It's something that comes so naturally to me, as I'm sure to all artists, that I take it for granted. I started looking at the ball of yarn I was using and it's gorgeous blend of dark jewel tones. Why did I pick this yarn? Why did I choose to crochet a hat out of it and why this particular style hat? Hmmm...

All artists have preferred mediums which speak to them in some way and mine is clearly yarn in all its glorious colors and textures. When I see some yarn I envision what it could be and then "chip away at it" working it into its final product much like a sculptor would while creating a statue.

I don't know where I'd be if I couldn't create. It's in my soul and blood. Perhaps I'm also thinking more about this than usual since my job is laying off several workers due to citywide budget cuts and I found out I'm one of them. Sucks to be the low (wo)man on totem pole sometimes. On the other hand I have also been thinking that this is going to be a blessing in disguise since my day job isn't at all creative and well, quite frankly has been sucking the lifeblood out of me. Ouch! Harsh words, I know. As a result, following my passion has seriously started to creep into my consciousness and is truly becoming a more serious and viable option.

I love reading the "Quit Your Day Job" articles on Etsy. I read them when I need that extra jolt of inspiration and push to keep going. Well, why can't that be me? Sure it can! And it might have to soon. Ha ha! I'm fully aware that it's going to take blood, sweat and tears but when you do what you truly love you never work a day in your life right? That's already worth it to me.

Another Cool Summer Option

2009-06-03T11:14:00.007-04:00

Most people don't think of scarves as a typical summer accessory. They can be however when made from the right fibers and patterns. Scarves dress up your outfit and can even add a pop of color to your face. They can be worn in several different ways around your neck or even as a headwrap or belt. So why wait for Fall to wear a scarf?

Here's one that I made just for those hot Summer days and nights:
Lacy Summer Scarf

Keeping Cool While Looking Hot!

2009-05-30T19:16:00.008-04:00

Summer seems to be creeping upon us finally. It took a while, at least on the East Coast that is.

So how do you keep cool while still managing to look hot?

Pulled back hair is extremely becoming and will keep you comfy as the temperature and humidity start to soar.

What should you look for when trying to pick out the ideal Summer accessory?

The fiber which it is made from is extremely important and not to be overlooked. Cottons and cotton blends are ideal and will help keep you cool since these fibers breathe. Anything lacy or open weave also helps.

Some interesting and eco-friendly options are bamboo and soy which help wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry. Bamboo is also naturally antibacterial! Cool!

In the past couple of weeks I have been designing and creating several Summer accessory options to help keep you cool and looking hot with these fibers and patterns in mind.

Check out the fresh Summer accessories I recently posted at my Etsy shop "Crochet Goddess":

http://www.crochetgoddess.etsy.com/

Enjoy and hope your Summer rocks!

Yummiest Yarn Ever!!!

2009-05-24T19:20:00.005-04:00

I went yarn shopping again the other day at one of my usual haunts in NYC and stumbled upon quite possibly the most amazing yarn I've ever had the pleasure of using. I'm virtually having a yarngasm over here! lol But seriously folks, the yarn is Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blends a 30% silk 70% Merino Extrafine Wool, Kettle Dyed bundle of heaven.

The color I chose is called Caribe and it inspired me to make a headband, or headwrap if you will, out of it. The color combination reminded me of water so I left the top of the wrap unfinished to expose the little "waves" of the stitch.

I will be posting this item shortly on my Etsy shop Crochet Goddess http://www.crochetgoddess.etsy.com

Hope everyone's having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend

We Were Just Accepted into 1000 Markets!

2009-05-12T17:16:00.004-04:00

I'm so honored to say that my shop "Mel's Bells Cloche Hats" was just accepted into the juried site 1000 Markets.

I've been working extremely hard lately on expanding and promoting the shop and it makes me so happy to see that it is paying off. Yay!

This Is So Me!

2009-05-11T23:19:00.003-04:00

I came across this pin on Etsy and just might have to get it now because it suits me to a tee. Hint: I love extreme music and knitting!

My hats off to Buttonhead!

Etsy Rules!!!

2009-05-11T17:44:00.014-04:00

I'm so glad I found Etsy is all I have to say. Special thanks go out to my friend Jessie of "Liquid Sky Photography" who introduced it to me quite a while ago but until only recently have dared to try it.

I have been learning so much about running a shop, advertising and even photography tips lately, particularly from its Virtual Labs feature. Running a shop is a great deal of hard work and an eternal challenge but with the support of fellow artists and crafters that are also going through this struggle it makes it rather fun. At least I know I'm not the only one going through the occasional tear-your-hair-out fit when trying to figure out the latest advertising tool, proper pricing, effective tags etc. lol

About once a week Etsy has a shop critique session on Virtual labs and I was fortunate to be chosen last week. The tips and feedback were amazing and so invaluable! Special thanks to "HeyMichelle," the lovely Etsy moderator, and Gila from the Etsy shops "strumpfkunst" and "artfusing" who volunteered to help me out with my shop banner. "MariaLuna"also offered some great tips and help on my banner as well. Check out these extremely talented ladies' shops when you get a chance. You won't be disappointed!

It's Amazing How Things Jump Out At You Sometimes

2009-05-10T12:28:00.006-04:00

I was walking around Brooklyn the other day, on another yarn hunt as I like to call it, and lo and behold I glanced over and found this beauty spray painted on the wall. It was just what I needed to see and reminded myself of what's really important and relevant in my life right now.

It's important to really live life and enjoy it to the fullest, work hard to attain your goals and of course create which is the lifeblood of any artist. I'd personally be lost without it. There really is beauty and inspiration all around us.