Hello, hello, hello.
The holidays are upon us and in case you haven't noticed there wasn't a Bag of the Week post this past week. Yes I know I am terrible. I've just been busy busy busy with shopping, family events, and still trying to make time for crafting. That being said, I thought I would let you guys know that I'm taking a little break from Bag of the Week until after the holidays. It should pick back up in January when things start to settle back down.
Merry Christmas and I'll see you next year!
Shay
Monday, December 14, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Bag of the Week! Continuing with the Camo Style
Hello!
Welcome to this week's Bag of the Week post!
If you recall last week's bag was camo themed and I thought I would roll with it for this week too. This one is very different from my usual tote style bags. It's a crossbody/messenger bag style. However even though it looks very different, the basic work up is very similar to the basic bag pattern. Obviously the base is worked with much shorter rows, but the panels are worked primarily the same.
One of the main differences is how the side panels are constructed and attached. It's worked from one side, (double stranded) single crocheted the length of the front and back panels and then goes right into a double crochet for the strap and then back into the single crochet for the other side panel length. Basically the side panels and straps are worked as one piece continually. It is then sewn together like the basic tote.
The other biggest difference is the addition of the flap, which is added after the bag is put together, following the same pattern that was used on the front and back panels.
Add a magnetic snap and voila! New bag!
Overall, the pattern is pretty basic, but has an amazing amount of opportunity for versatility. Leave a comment if you'd like more detailed instructions, Probably more likely to actually write up a pattern for it if it's requested.
Anyway, that's it for this week! I hope you enjoyed it and hope to see you next week. Don't forget to follow me. I'd love to have your suggestions for future bags!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shay
Welcome to this week's Bag of the Week post!
If you recall last week's bag was camo themed and I thought I would roll with it for this week too. This one is very different from my usual tote style bags. It's a crossbody/messenger bag style. However even though it looks very different, the basic work up is very similar to the basic bag pattern. Obviously the base is worked with much shorter rows, but the panels are worked primarily the same.
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| Purchase here |
The other biggest difference is the addition of the flap, which is added after the bag is put together, following the same pattern that was used on the front and back panels.
Add a magnetic snap and voila! New bag!
Overall, the pattern is pretty basic, but has an amazing amount of opportunity for versatility. Leave a comment if you'd like more detailed instructions, Probably more likely to actually write up a pattern for it if it's requested.
Anyway, that's it for this week! I hope you enjoyed it and hope to see you next week. Don't forget to follow me. I'd love to have your suggestions for future bags!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shay
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Bag of the Week! Country Girl Style
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| Purchase here |
Yay! I'm so excited to introduce this country girl style bag. No surprise, but I didn't have the idea for this bag until way after I had started it. The brown was something I had laying around and I just picked it up and told myself I would figure the rest out later. Well I did!
It came out way better than I could have hoped for. As I was working on the front panel, I got a little nervous about the colors and if it would work right with the deer in camo like I planned.
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| Basic Pattern |
Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Don't forget to follow for updates on future bags and patterns.
Until next time,
Shay
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Bag of the Week! Love Bag
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| Purchase here |
As always, Wednesdays seem to come around so quickly! This week's bag you may recognize from a previous post. You're probably saying, is that...? Why yes it is. It's the same bag. If you recall I had some difficulties that week. I had run out of yarn for the straps and said that when I got more I would finish it.
This bag laid in my spare bedroom unfinished for several weeks. I kept looking at it, telling myself there was something missing. It just didn't look right. Finally, Monday I came up with a plan while I was digging through left over yarn. White! It mixed perfectly with the soft green and I was able to make up this pattern for the cursive word.
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| Basic Pattern |
As for new material, I have two bags in the works. That means something completely new for next week! Yay! And I think you're going to like them.
I think that's all I got for you today. Don't forget to follow to stay up to date on the additions each week.
See ya next week,
Shay
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Bag of the Week! Basket Weave Bag
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| Purchase here |
Alright so this week's bag is very different from previous weeks. Since I used the basket weave stitch it called for a different pattern all around. The front and back is worked in a continuous manner. The side panels are worked continuously as well going straight up into the strap and down the other side panel. The top portion is folded over and I added a metal magnetic closure. Entire bag is worked with two strands of yarn held together. This makes the bag more sturdy and leaves far less holes between pattern squares. In this case, I used Caron Simply Soft in soft green and gray heather. The color combo kind of reminds me of Easter.
If you would like to know more about this pattern, leave a comment and I'll explain the pattern in more detail.
Thank you for taking a look. Don't forget to follow, so you don't miss next week's bag! I'd love to read what themes you guys would like to see. Leave a comment!
As always see ya next week!
Shay
Monday, November 9, 2015
GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!
You may have noticed that the giveaway has ended. I am happy to announce a randomly chosen winner has been selected and emailed.
If your name is Lori, please check your email for instructions on claiming your prize! Congratulations and I look forward to hearing from you.
Another opportunity to win something handmade by me will happen in the future. At this time I'm unsure when that will be, but check back often for another chance! What would you like to see as a giveaway? Let me know, it could happen.
Check out my shop. Holidays are just around the corner and personalized gifts are always a hit! Get something made special for the special someone in your life.
Thank you all!
Shay
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Bag of the Week Wednesday! Lemon Blueberry Bag
Welcome to Bag of the Week Wednesday!
Today we have something different than previous totes. Size is the same as the small totes previously posted. I switched things up a lot with this one. The base is worked exactly like the small version of the basic bag pattern. From there I worked the panels in rounds alternating between 2 rows of double crochet and 3 rows of single crochet. Once i felt it was tall enough I marked where I wanted my straps to be with stitch markers, making sure it was even on both sides. Then single crocheted around making a chain of 45 for the straps. I worked around the whole thing for four rows. Fasten off and weaved in my ends.
After, I decided it should have a bit of color. I rarely use yellow so I had a whole skein sitting around barely touched. I followed the interior and exterior of the straps with single crochets to liven it up a little.
Because of the addition of double crochet into the body of the bag, it gives it a little bit of texture, but leaves larger gaps. This bag would be perfect lined with fabric. In fact, I may still do that. If I do, I'll be sure to show the results.
As always thanks for tuning in. If you've given it a try or want to, but need clearer direction just let me know. I'd love to see any pictures of finished products.
Quick reminder: If you haven't already sign up for the giveaway on the sidebar. Details here. US residents only.
Thank you! See ya next week,
Shay
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
What Makes A Geek Girl?
Earlier I was doing a bit of research on some advertising options for my comic inspired bags. I came across several articles talking about 'geek girls' and 'fake geek girls'. After reading a couple of them, I was left with one question. What is it that makes a geek girl a geek girl?
It really seems like it should be an easy answer, right? When you picture a geek, you have something in particular in mind don't you? The trouble is, your version of a geek and my version are probably very different.
For example: I wouldn't really label myself as a geek. I obsessively binge watched Doctor Who on Netflix, I own an amazing amount of Batman themed stuff, I know my comic book characters, read all the Harry Potter books, dressed up like Belatrix for a book store party, enjoy the Star Wars series, and took AP courses in high school. Of course, there is a lot more from where that came from, but there are also plenty of things that would disqualify me from the traditional sense of the phrase. For instance: I don't like video games, I've never actually read a comic book, I have yet to watch any old Who, I get all 'girly' dressed up sometimes, and several other things that most people would consider very 'ungeeky'. So what does that really mean for me? I think it all depends on how you view yourself.
Another interesting concept I read was about the 'fake geek girl'. The article explained that this is when she labels herself a geek to attract a boy. I suppose that really all depends on the guy you're trying to get. I feel like that really only attracts a male geek. That's all fine and dandy if that's what you're looking for, but if you're faking it then you can't get upset when he wants to play video games all the time or any of the other geeky things you signed up for. I say this because you've read my long list of geek and ungeek things and don't classify myself as such. Would you? Taking the next step further, what kind of man would you assume I would attract, especially given my Batman and Doctor Who obsession?
Funny thing is, he's probably nothing like what you might be thinking. I got myself a small town, country man who didn't know Doctor Who existed until about two week's ago and then complained the entire time. My friend and I had to explain that Thor and Hulk are very different characters. He's never finished a book. All of these things make him very very 'ungeeky' in the traditional sense of the word. However, he has a big obsession with other things. Guns, hunting, and other outdoor things are his geek obsessions.
Basically, everyone can be a geek in some way shape or form. It really all depends on how you define the word. I think my main point is who cares? Geek or not it's not going to define you unless you let it and further more, it's not going to find you love either. So pretending to be a geek seems pointless to me because at the end of the day it really only counts if you have something real in common.
To me the whole debate about 'real geeks' and 'fake geeks' is all useless. Like what you like and be real about it. No point in hiding it or faking it.
Anyway, that's all I have to say on that subject. What do you think?
Check ya later
Shay
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Bag of the Week! New Style Wristlet
Welcome!
Alright you may remember the clutch tutorial I did a few weeks ago and you may have seen my new zip clutch designs as well. The new style is similar only larger, has a zipper and a wristlet strap made from fabric matching the inner lining.
The example shown was made for a friend of mine by request using Mario fabric. I have more so if you'd like one similar or using different fabric click here and special order yours. Remember to write in the note to seller box what color yarn and type of fabric you'd like me to use. You can always msg me with any questions on a particular fabric you'd like that I don't have shown or color of yarn. I'd be happy to get it for you.
Moving on... It's all hand sewn together and the strap is removable. Check out the fabric and yarn options below. Got an idea for one you don't see here, leave a comment and you might see it posted with a shout out to you.
Some of the fabrics I currently have in stock. More is added on a regular basis, but this should give you some ideas.
And below are the yarns currently in stock.
Alright you may remember the clutch tutorial I did a few weeks ago and you may have seen my new zip clutch designs as well. The new style is similar only larger, has a zipper and a wristlet strap made from fabric matching the inner lining.The example shown was made for a friend of mine by request using Mario fabric. I have more so if you'd like one similar or using different fabric click here and special order yours. Remember to write in the note to seller box what color yarn and type of fabric you'd like me to use. You can always msg me with any questions on a particular fabric you'd like that I don't have shown or color of yarn. I'd be happy to get it for you.
Moving on... It's all hand sewn together and the strap is removable. Check out the fabric and yarn options below. Got an idea for one you don't see here, leave a comment and you might see it posted with a shout out to you.
Some of the fabrics I currently have in stock. More is added on a regular basis, but this should give you some ideas.And below are the yarns currently in stock.
Don't forget to enter to win a set of washcloths. Winner gets to choose the color! Ends soon! Get in the running.
Thanks for stopping in. As always I'd love to hear from ya. Ideas, comments, concerns, comment below!
Follow along to get updates on Bag of the Week and patterns/tutorials.
Until next time!
Shay
Monday, October 26, 2015
Gift sets - Something for everyone
I put together a collection of unique gift ideas for a variety of occasions. Check out these lovely gift sets from hardworking Etsy shop owners. Poke around the shops below and share with your friends. After all the holidays are just around the corner and there's bound to be something for everyone.
'Gift Sets - Something for everyone' by shayjackson877
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
GIVEAWAY!
Hello lovelies!
Today is the beginning of my very first giveaway! I'm pretty excited.
One lucky winner will receive a set of 4 hand crocheted washcloths in their choice of color. The winner will be chosen on Nov. 9th and announced on Nov. 10th. Winner will then be contacted via e-mail to provide their choice of color and shipping details. Must be US resident.
Made with cotton blend yarn for both sturdy and soft cloths.
Approx. 8 in. squares
Plenty of ways to enter! Use the form below for your entries. You could be the lucky winner of a set of washcloths made just for you!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Today is the beginning of my very first giveaway! I'm pretty excited.
Made with cotton blend yarn for both sturdy and soft cloths.
Approx. 8 in. squares
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Share on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest so your friends can join in too!
Good luck!
Shay
Bag of the Week - New Twist on a Past Tote
Good Morning!
It's a combo between two previous featured bags. The Bad Wolf bag, utilizing it's cross stitch lettering. I did have to tweak the pattern to make it fit on the smaller surface area of the tote/purse. The other influence was the TARDIS bag. So now it looks as if the "Bad Wolf" is written on the TARDIS. Now where have I seen that before?
Coupon code FOLLOWME for 10% off is still available. All you have to do is click the social media follow buttons. New clutches are in stock now and more added each week. Check them out!
Leave a comment with your ideas for next week's bag! Or tweet
I'd really love to hear from you guys! Give me something crazy. In fact, the crazier, the better!
In the meantime check out these Etsy collections I've put together and show your love for those hardworking shop owners. Dress it up Halloween Style or check out these Gifts for a Laugh. And a special one for the Doctor Who fans out there.
Until next time,
Shay
Welcome to Bag of the Week Wednesday!
This week's bag may look familiar to you. If you've been following along from the beginning, it was one of my very first posts. This is a twist from a recent custom order. I thought I would feature it as Bag of the Week because I feel like it came out better than the original.
It's a combo between two previous featured bags. The Bad Wolf bag, utilizing it's cross stitch lettering. I did have to tweak the pattern to make it fit on the smaller surface area of the tote/purse. The other influence was the TARDIS bag. So now it looks as if the "Bad Wolf" is written on the TARDIS. Now where have I seen that before?
The fact that she couldn't decide between them brought to life a whole new design with the best of both worlds. I'm sort of kicking myself for not coming up with it myself, but sometimes it's better to get outsider options. That's why I like to read comments about the themes and things you want to see. I'm really trying to picture what the cross stitching would look like over the front of the bag. Almost like graffiti from the show, maybe? Perhaps I'll have to give it a try sometime. Think you have a better idea? Let's hear it.
Coupon code FOLLOWME for 10% off is still available. All you have to do is click the social media follow buttons. New clutches are in stock now and more added each week. Check them out!
Leave a comment with your ideas for next week's bag! Or tweet
#totebagofweek
with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.
I'd really love to hear from you guys! Give me something crazy. In fact, the crazier, the better!
In the meantime check out these Etsy collections I've put together and show your love for those hardworking shop owners. Dress it up Halloween Style or check out these Gifts for a Laugh. And a special one for the Doctor Who fans out there.
Until next time,
Shay
Monday, October 19, 2015
Not So Subtle Secret Snapshots
I thought I would share a personal story with you about a particular event that happened to me recently. Before I do, try saying that title ten times fast! ha! However fun it is to say, it's also extremely accurate.
Ok, so a little background first. I work in a small business office as a secretary. We sell industrial auto parts and have several other locations throughout a couple of states. One office is only about an hour drive away, so we're in touch frequently.
The other day a man walks in at about 9 AM, after being in the shop with the guys and getting what he needs. It is now my turn to type up his packing slip and send him on his merry way. Well, that didn't work out as smoothly as it normally would have.
First, he insists he knows me from a work Christmas party, of which I have never attended. Not because I don't like the people I work with, I just don't want to go. Then tells me his wife works in the store nearby. I've talked to her many times on the phone.
Next, he tells me that I have to call his office to get a credit card number to pay for it. Why he hadn't had this all squared away before he came to see me. I don't know. In any case, I call and there is no answer (several times!). By this point, I am super frustrated because he keeps telling me, "Just keep calling." Did I mention it was 9 AM???
While I am sitting on the phone, I see in the corner of my eye his phone lift and point in my direction as if taking a photo. Generally I am a playful, fun-loving person, but not when the first thing I had to deal with in the morning is a pain in the butt customer. That being said, my reaction was anything but friendly.
I looked at him in confusion and disapproval and asked, "Are you seriously taking a picture of me??" I should mention I was also having a pretty bad hair day. Curly hair gets like that easily.
He gave me a silly grin, nodded his head and continued as if I hadn't just looked horror-stricken. "I'm sending it to my wife," he says.
I wanted so badly to scream, "Why? You creep." However, the fact that I was on the phone, one of my bosses was in the office right next door, and I honestly had no idea how to respond to that, meant I kept my mouth shut. Well verbally anyway. I mean what do you say? Or do, for that matter?
Most people take secret snapshots when the subject is interesting or funny in some way. I was simply on the phone, trying to get his stuff taken care of. Absolutely nothing fascinating about that. The least he could have done was ask me! I don't think it would have been any less creepy, but I would have at least had the option of saying no.
Once my boss heard my accusation, he made him leave and settled the bill with his office himself. I appreciated that.
I didn't really do or say much about this at the time. Over reaction or justified?
The things that happen to me... Sheesh. Believe me when I say that this was only the icing on the crap cake of inappropriate things to happen to me within the span of a week or so.
So there is my story. Anyone else have a not so subtle secret snapshot story?
Until next time,
Shay
Ok, so a little background first. I work in a small business office as a secretary. We sell industrial auto parts and have several other locations throughout a couple of states. One office is only about an hour drive away, so we're in touch frequently.
The other day a man walks in at about 9 AM, after being in the shop with the guys and getting what he needs. It is now my turn to type up his packing slip and send him on his merry way. Well, that didn't work out as smoothly as it normally would have.
First, he insists he knows me from a work Christmas party, of which I have never attended. Not because I don't like the people I work with, I just don't want to go. Then tells me his wife works in the store nearby. I've talked to her many times on the phone.
Next, he tells me that I have to call his office to get a credit card number to pay for it. Why he hadn't had this all squared away before he came to see me. I don't know. In any case, I call and there is no answer (several times!). By this point, I am super frustrated because he keeps telling me, "Just keep calling." Did I mention it was 9 AM???
While I am sitting on the phone, I see in the corner of my eye his phone lift and point in my direction as if taking a photo. Generally I am a playful, fun-loving person, but not when the first thing I had to deal with in the morning is a pain in the butt customer. That being said, my reaction was anything but friendly.
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| So accurate... |
He gave me a silly grin, nodded his head and continued as if I hadn't just looked horror-stricken. "I'm sending it to my wife," he says.
I wanted so badly to scream, "Why? You creep." However, the fact that I was on the phone, one of my bosses was in the office right next door, and I honestly had no idea how to respond to that, meant I kept my mouth shut. Well verbally anyway. I mean what do you say? Or do, for that matter?
Most people take secret snapshots when the subject is interesting or funny in some way. I was simply on the phone, trying to get his stuff taken care of. Absolutely nothing fascinating about that. The least he could have done was ask me! I don't think it would have been any less creepy, but I would have at least had the option of saying no.
Once my boss heard my accusation, he made him leave and settled the bill with his office himself. I appreciated that.
I didn't really do or say much about this at the time. Over reaction or justified?
The things that happen to me... Sheesh. Believe me when I say that this was only the icing on the crap cake of inappropriate things to happen to me within the span of a week or so.
So there is my story. Anyone else have a not so subtle secret snapshot story?
Until next time,
Shay
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Bag of the Week!! Black and Wine Tote
Anyway! You're here to check out this week's bag, so here ya go.
What happened was, I was originally going to do the whole thing in black and then come up with a design after (spur of the moment is sort of my thing). Well... I ran out of black. (I knew I was going to though!) Went to the store to get more and guess what?? Oh yeah, they were out of black. I mean really... black. After staring at the isle for several minutes, like new yarn was going to magically appear or something, I finally caught sight of this lovely wine color. Love it paired with the black. This time when I did the double stranded top two rows, I did a strand of each color. (figured I'd use what was left of the black) I don't know why I hadn't done that before. Pulls the two colors together nicely.Here is a better view of the mixture. What do you think?
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| Basic Pattern |
Alright! This bag is posted for sale on my Etsy shop. For this one there is the option of personalizing. Get your name or phrase put on it for only $3-7 dollars extra, depending on the amount of design area. Contact me for a specific quote. Or order something completely different, personalized just for you.
I would like to remind everyone that I do custom blankets as well. If you can think it, I can make it happen. Check out my reviews for past projects and feedback. (my Etsy shop is relatively new so there aren't very many. I've got a few projects in the works, so more to come.)
Coupon code FOLLOWME for 10% off is still available. All you have to do is click the social media follow buttons. New clutches are in stock now. Check them out!
Leave a comment with your ideas for next week's bag! Or tweet
#totebagofweek
with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.
I'd really love to hear from you guys! Give me something crazy. In fact, the crazier, the better!
In the meantime check out these Etsy collections I've put together and show your love for those hardworking shop owners. Dress it up Halloween Style or check out these Gifts for a Laugh. And a special one for the Doctor Who fans out there.
Until next time,
Shay
Thursday, October 8, 2015
For the Ever Popular Doctor Who Fandom
It seems I find myself either scrolling through the abundance of amazing, clever creations showing off love for this fantastic fandom or I'm adding to it. If you haven't noticed I'm a bit of a fan myself. I've done two tote bags inspired by Doctor Who so far, Bad Wolf and TARDIS with the plans for a third, at the very least. If you'd like to give one a shot the basic pattern is here.
Anyway, got a little side tracked there for a moment. During one of my many surfings of Etsy, I decided to put together a list to show off some of the items I found.
Anyway, got a little side tracked there for a moment. During one of my many surfings of Etsy, I decided to put together a list to show off some of the items I found.
'Doctor Who in All its Glory' by shayjackson877
So what did you think? What's your favorite? And of course there is the age old question, which Doctor is your favorite?? Show these artists some love and share!
I'm still up for getting inspiring ideas for Bag of the Week. Leave a comment and it might be next week's design! Or Tweet
#totebagofweek
with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.Remember I'm running a deal 10% off entire purchase when you follow me. Use promo code FOLLOWME at checkout. Choose from ready to ship items or design something completely new and I'll do it for you.
I'm also toying with the idea of conducting a giveaway, ideas?
Alright, see ya next Wednesday (or sooner if I get inspired for another post!)
Ta ta
Shay
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