Happy Halloween and other stuff. . .

So Trick or Treats was postponed till tomorrow due to lack of interest. . . no really its because they thought the weather was going to be bad but it's looking pretty mild and no rain so they probably should have just left it.  Oh well.  Watch it be pouring buckets tomorrow.  Not to toot my own horn but BEEP BEEP some things I'm pretty excited about . ..

If you type in "crochet" and search for people on Twitter I come up 16th on the list.  Not that many would type in "crochet" on twitter but if they have a mind to I only have to beat out 15 other people before they will come to me first.  And the first 5 or so were like crochet publications and such so yay for that! 

If you type in "Crochet By Mel" on Bing my site is the first one on the list.  Google still has some catching up to do for some reason they think some other crochet shop that sells mostly kiddie type crochet stuff is more important than my store even when you type in my stores name but on the plus side my links to my store are at least coming up on the front page of there now so yay!  Still lots of work to do but its nice to see some fruit coming out of my labor. 

The kids were very disappointed that trick or treating got pushed back a day but I think it means my sister will be able to join us witch will be awesome and I got another friend and the neighbor chick we got a group thing planned so yay for that I won't be constantly having a heart attack because someone ran off. 

Got to see my daughter at school today for her Halloween parade that was fun.  In case you don't have kids and are wondering what the big costumes are this year at least in this neighborhood its mostly, Mario, Luigi, power rangers, some weird thing with no face that comes in a bunch of different colors, Batman, IronMan, FBI agent (lol) and then your standard witch's and Disney princesses.  Today A crowned me brave princess mommy so I guess that's my Halloween costume this year. 

My thumb and fingers still feel like they are gonna fall off so I should probably lay off the crocheting for awhile but I so want to finish my sweater.  It's not even half way done yet.  You know people really don't realize how much TIME it takes to make a thing, sure sometimes they look super easy but the reality is even the most easy of projects that's 2 hours of my life I will never get back.  Good thing I love what I do, if I didn't I wouldn't be doing it. 

Here's a spooky spiderwebish shawl for ya, would make a great accessory to that sexy witch costume, you can find it right here and I'm not making another one.  I love how it turned out but it was a pain in my hands to make so yeah, this is a Crochet By Mel one of a kind shawl.  Made from silky smooth black bamboo thread.  The options are endless, would be great with a dress, at a wedding, wear to the office, whatever you want.  Classic black goes with everything and you will be noticed.  Yeah I under priced this little beauty but it's not really doing me any good sitting in my inventory so my loss is your gain.

This super creepy giant bug was out and about when I was taking pictures of my items.  I think its a praying mantis or some such nonsense.  I live right next to the woods and sometimes its just like camping but even though I'm a city girl I got used to it. . .kind of.  The other day I saw a tiny little creepy baby mole digging right next to my door.  I don't think they can see at all from the way it was wobbling around.  Yuck.  Then this past weekend I saw a wolf cross the street on my way home from the gas station.  It looked right at my car and kept walking.  That's right, you'd better get a move on.  I'm so scary I even scare wolves.  Anyways I'll shut up now, thanks for stopping by leave a comment if you wish and have a safe and happy Halloween, be sure to take candy from strangers :)

unisex styles and Christmas gift ideas

Know what sucks?  When you have a million ideas of awesome things to crochet but you can't because it feels like your thumb is going to fall off from the hours you spent crocheting at the speed of light.  I'm in the middle of a super awesome sweater that I'm probably going to list as a custom order and keep this one for myself because it's just that cool.  Honestly I don't know what I'm doing wrong I stretch and take breaks and all that but still it's like my thumb is out of joint or something so I'm going to have to give it a couple of days before I go back. ..yeah right. ..  maybe I'll only crochet for like an hour today that's giving it a break right?

Anyhow I been busy making fabulous winter scarves and hats for fantastic Christmas gift ideas or for yourself.  I've even made some unisex things for guys or gal's just to make things extra easy on you.  Let's take a quick peek shall we?

 Here is my latest greatest chevron chenille scarf.  It's white and a medium to dark blue and this chenille is super lush and luxurious.  It's warm and soft at the same time.  Last time I was at the store I saw ton's of Chenille scarves and throws but why not get yourself a one of a kind scarf?  It's right here and it cost's less than you think.

 Next up we got this cute and functional brown and orange beanie.  It's got a slight rim to it that can be pushed up or down.  It's really cute, and conforms to the wearers head.  Perfect from Halloween to Thanksgiving, made from two different types of chenille that will keep you warm and fashionable.  Check it out here one of a kind I don't have any more of these colors and I doubt I can get them.  One size fits most.

 This awesome snuggly oatmeal and rusty brown chenille hat is perfect for anyone.  Most people it will fit a little slouchy on witch is the style these days.  If your head is exceptionally large it will stretch.  Check it out here, best part?  These gifts are 20 bucks or less and it looks like you really care because they are handmade.  Or maybe you do really care, in that case even better! This hat is mega comfy.

Lastly here's me and why I'm not a model with this oatmeal and brown striped beanie.  This too is 20 or less and is great for a guy or girl.  Super comfy and warm it will stretch to fit everyone.  You can find it here along with many other awesome gift ideas handmade with love by yours truly.  So here's hoping I can kick my crochet addiction before my thumb falls off and I will have many more awesome products to come.  If there's something you'd like to see or something you'd like me to make please don't hesitate to ask I love a challenge.  Thanks for stopping by, tell your friends :)

Read your Bible

I know, I know right usually when I make a post I'm sitting here spewing about my latest and greatest creations but this is important folks.  If your going to call yourself a Christian or a Christ follower if you will READ YOUR BIBLE.  I have been reading mine lately and I gotta tell you it sure makes a lot more sense when you read whole chapters rather than picking out two or three verses like they do in church.  Church is all good and everything, you get to meet with other believers and talk and have some coffee and sing some songs but I got to say, rarely if ever have I learned anything there.  I don't know if it's because there's just not enough time or because pastor is too afraid to say something that's going to offend someone but man that stuff is watered down. 

Right now I'm a big fan of anything written by Paul.  Paul was a good guy he seems to really get it.  I take my Bible literally though so some of the stuff about women is pretty offensive.  I'm just going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that some of his meanings were lost in translation.  This last part I just got done reading touched on teaching and in the end times how we have all these pastors pushing their own brand of Christianity.  That's what's turning so many people away.  They lie.  No where in the Bible does it say that abortion is wrong, murder or a sin.  I've yet to come across anything that says being gay is a sin either.  Maybe they didn't talk about those types of things back then or maybe I'm missing something somewhere but what I did read was it said that it is good for a man not to marry.  So from what I gather of that is gay people should be happy they don't have to marry, because let me tell you its not all its cracked up to be. 

Other insights I learned is if your a christian your supposed to take care of your own family so that the church can take care of those who are really in need and have no family.  My mom keeps trying to push me off on charity's that give homes to single mothers and such but I just don't feel right doing it, I know things are not super great here but some people have it much much worse and I'd rather they get the help they need than me.  Maybe she's worried about us I don't know.   All I know is I will pray.  It's not failed me yet and I'll just pray, somethings gonna come threw it always does.  From what I've read it seems like I'm on the right track.  Live a nice quiet life.  Yeah,  I think I can do that. 

A few of my favorite things

Sigh.  Another kid free weekend.  Another weekend of perfectly perfect weather and two nights of blissful sleep with no snuggly munchkins waking me up at 3 am to snuggle.  Ok so I miss the last part but they will be back tonight and everything will be back to normal.  I especially love the snuggling since now they are old enough to walk their little selves to my room and crawl into bed and half the time I don't even wake up I wake up in the morning snuggled next to one or two of my favorite people on the planet.  What's wrong with that?  If I was them I would too those toddler beds are not near as comfy as mine is.  Anyways on with the show. . . There has been so many new additions to my store lately I just have to share with you a few of my most favorite things.  One of them being this super lush and awesome chenille yarn that I just ordered a boatload of and can hardly wait for it to come in so I can make more pretty things. . . I know.  I shouldn't be spending money but I did get a really awesome deal on it.  What??? I did.

 First up is this lovely mohair blended chevron infinity scarf.  It's lace weight so its warm without being too warm and I love how it stays in place without me even having to tie it or re tie it, for someone like me who often forgets to wear a necklace it kind of doubles as a necklace and the colors are very "in" right now.  You can also double it for extra warmth during the evil super cold months.  You can find this awesome infinity scarf right here, the way the yarn is even if I made the same exact scarf again the color pattern might not be the same so if you like this one, make it yours :)

 This bamboo shawl is so dreamy it's light and soft and very comfortable to wear.  It's sexy and sleek and would make an awesome addition to a sexy witch costume.. . .just sayin' but you could also wear it with just about anything for a touch of classic black and a bit of mystery. . . you can find it here and as much as I like this shawl it was a pain to make so I don't think I'll be making another one so if you want it I'd make it yours before some one else nab's it.

 Now I don't usually use chunky yarn because I prefer the small stuff however this hat as got me thinking I should be more flexible because it turned out fabulous.  I added on a giant fall mum that is easily removed with a button so you can take it off, or place it somewhere else on the hat if you wish.  I love it because it gives it a touch of fall flavor and then you can take the flower off in the winter if you wish.  It's super comfortable to wear and keeps your head warm.  You can find it here.

Lastly I finally got this dress up in my shop again.  Its a wedding dress but could be used for anything really, a costume, a party, a whatever you wish.  This dress is being sold at a reduced price since it was used as a sample.  It's made of bamboo and is so light it was blowing all over the place with a light breeze so that's why the picture is a little fuzzy.  It has a slight train.  I never thought I'd be making wedding dresses but why not?  Dream big right?  You can find this dress right here and if you know someone getting married, or would like a one of a kind super sweet and delicate wedding dress made just for you please do drop me a message, I would love to contribute to making your special day extra special. 




Well there you have it folks, a few of my favorite things.  I'll leave you with this, BUY AMERICAN ha ha

Bring on Fall!

I know I haven't been here much, bad me.  I been busy creating. . .   Fall is coming.  Christmas is coming.  School, homework, spending quality time with my boys and creating has been taking up all my time.  I am making tons of stuff that will hopefully get sold with this Christmas rush I hear so much about. . .however I am suspecting it's a myth.  Either way I need more items in my store so its not like I have anything to lose really, and if it don't sell well . .. guess what everyone I know is getting for Christmas :)  Lets take a look at some of my newbies shall we?

 While digging in my stash I found a skein of this super soft and silky rayon chenille.  This is a special run they did because it's got a thread of sparkly gold in it.  Perfect for Christmas or really any day.  I was about to keep this hat for myself but then I realized. . . I have enough to make 2 :)  It has just the right amount of volume and is soft and romantic with a bit of warmth.  Makes a great gift or treat yourself!  You can find this hat here and no where else! 

 While digging in my stash I also came across this lush mauve chenille yarn and made this super trendy fun and versatile neck warmer, or some prefer the word "scarflette" If you like this one I also have a matching hat made in the same yarn that looks pretty much like the white one only mauve at my store as well.  Now I've had this stuff forever and I doubt I'd be able to get it again so if you like these no doubt snag them before someone else does!  You can find this neck warmer here and no where else.  Often duplicated never exactly well. . . you know what I mean. 

 Next up you know I jumped on this chevron craze.  Of course its my favorite colors yellows and gray this mediumish sized scarf is acrylic so it's machine washable and its decently warm for fall and winter months.  You can find it here and I also just posted a dark yellow hat that looks like the white one only yellow and would match this perfectly.  Who doesn't need some bright yellow to warm up their freezing winter day?

Last up (for now) is this sweet sapphire blue flower string scarf.  It's made from a bamboo silk blend that gives amazingly sexy drape.  It's extra long so you can wear it as many ways as you can dream of.  The color in my pictures doesn't really do it justice it's really a bright rich blue that you really need to see in person to fully appreciate.  You can find it here. 

Ok so I'm gonna stop typing now because I managed to break one of my fingers a few days ago and I didn't split it or anything so it's still a bit sore and typing isn't really it's friend right now so please forgive me for being brief.  I hope you love fall as much as I do and that you'll check back at Crochet by Mel often as I'm adding things almost daily to try and stock up for the holiday season.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Mickey mouse

Took the kids to see the mouse on ice today.  Before I forget I want to write it all down to remember it forever and ever because this is a special thing to me, kids grow up so fast these days and they are so precious when they are small, I want to make sure I remember these little tit bits forever.

A wouldn't get off my lap.  He figured out he could see much better while sitting on it. 

When D was watching the beast turn into a prince he looked over at me and said "I sure hope this works!" so so cute!

When Buzz Lightyear came out of the present box I got a "Mom, I love you" from my little D.

When the Chinese dragon came out during the Mulan number D. got so scared until M. told him not to be scared it's just people in costumes. 

A. said his favorite part was Mickey mouse.  Yep.  He's my son.

D. said his favorite part was Goofy and Toy story.  He about fell in love with the good fairy from Pinochio he couldn't take his eyes off of her and kept saying "wow" over and over.  To be fair she was probably the best skater at the show.

M. said her favorite part was Stitch and she even got a Stitch stuffed animal, even though she's never seen the movie I guess she really liked his character in the show.

All 3 were perfect little angels and listened and were so good I took them to Mc heart attacks for dinner.  It was a good day.  Here's hoping I get extra weekend days with them (when my ex was supposed to have them) more often.

Just another day in paradise

What's new party people?  I'm battling a head cold from hell so expect this to be brief.  3 weeks into school and my daughter already bambozled me into not going to school.  I really thought she was sick since I was sick, I took her to the doctor and everything.  Got the schpeel about how kids who go to school get sick and I need to get used to it.  Got told not to keep her home from school unless her temp is 101 or higher.  Really?  I run cold if I was 101 I'd be 4 degree's over my normal and she run's cold as well.  The school nurse said if she's 99.5 or  higher keep her home but if you get too many unexcused absences then they get all mad with you.  Now having sick kids is miserable but having sick kids when your sick that's just torture.  The more she goes to school the more and more this homeschooling idea is looking like a better idea.  She's already getting notes sent home for kicking other students and I'm getting calls from her teacher.  She's beyond bored and who can blame her, colors and shapes really?  Phonic's?  She's been doing that crap since she was 3.  It's crazy to me how quickly she's picking up her sight words.  And then I'm getting notes that kids in her class don't know phonic's and it seems like she's way ahead of the class.  It's hard to convince your kid that school is important and you should go when you yourself pretty much believe it's a waste of time and they would learn a lot more at home.  These days they have computer programs that do the lessons and check the lessons for you and all you got to do is help them if they get stuck.  But my ex doesn't want her to be the awkward home school kid who doesn't know how to socialize so here we go, one year of constantly getting sick and fighting with my 6 year old to get ready for school b/c she don't ever want to go.

On the good news side though YAY Disney on Ice is coming to town again and I get to take not only my daughter like I usually do the boys want to go too!!  Yeah its expensive I got 2nd row seats in the second section right in the middle, usually I got the side seats that were like 7 bucks less per seat but with it being the boys first time seeing the mouse I wanted to be sure to get good seats.  I shouldn't be this excited to go to an ice show but they really do go all out.  It's like being at Disney world for a couple of hours.  I really want to take them there too but I figure I should probably save for a better car and a better place to live first right?  Speaking of witch lets segway into me asking you to please BUY MY CRAP.  Yes there's a store on Etsy called buy my crap.  Here's a couple listings I don't care if you don't want them buy them anyways, give them to someone you don't like or something. . ..

 First up I am pimping out my purple ombre chains bucket hat.  Perfect for sunny days, accessorizing and other wise looking cool and showing your own style.  The chains are supposed to have spaces between them for your hair to poke threw and to keep your head cool while still blocking some of the sun off your face.  Perfect for your average headed woman teen or tween.  Yours for the low low price of 24.99. 

Next up I am pimping out this lovely mohair lace pink and brown shawl or scarf.  Perfect for a little pop of color to bring your outfit together.  The colors in this range from light pink to mauve to brown to black and the pattern gives you just the right amount of warmth while still letting your skin breathe.  Yours for the low low price of 37.99.







Let me end this by giving my loyal blog readers (all 3 of you) a coupon code for free domestic shipping on any order of $50.00 or more.  Just use coupon code SUNFLOWER at check out this code is good till November 30th so please someone take advantage of this wonderful offer so I can know if my coupon code actually works.  Yeah.  I been watching infomercials again. . . please pardon my speak.  Thanks for stopping by, hope it wasn't a total waste of time.