Coffeewastedmomma is growing!

 We are moving forward

Hi Y'all!

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post! February just flew by. 

I've had so much going on around here. This crazy Ohio weather really has had our whole family in a lazy, cuddly, chill mood lately. We finally got about 4 days above 45F, and it was amazing!

We've still been keeping pretty busy. Hubs picked up some OT, Ele and I have started our seeds indoors, softball has started, and of course I've been reading and crocheting daily.

I definitely will have book reviews posted soon, but today I wanted to share my newest accomplishment!

I have finally taken the plunge and opened an online shop, exclusively for CoffeeWastedMomma crochet!

I found this amazing company, Goimagine

The company has so many wonderful reasons to join. Their site is 100% handmade, not mass-produced, knock off, discounted merchandise. They have everything from jewelry, crochet, woodworking, to ceramic art. Each seller/crafter gets their own shop. A place to showcase their talents and expand.

Also, this company is 100% based in the USA. All sellers and buyers. 

My favorite part about Goimagine is that 100% of their profits go to charity. Specifically, to children's charities. Currently, they give to Horizons for Homeless Children, and to Relief Nursery

All transaction and membership fees go to these charities.

How amazing is that?

They do have several tiered plans to join and are absolutely worth it. 

Without name bashing, I'll just say, they definitely outrank competitors in so many ways!

This is a company I can see myself growing with. I am sharing two links.

1. Is to my personal shopfront:

Coffeewastedmomma Shopfront

2. Is to my shop from Goimagine's home page:

Goimagine/My shop

My shop is growing every day, as I navigate the site. There are also Facebook groups to join that have been amazingly helpful!

It's time for me to go make more inventory! I hope you'll check out my shop, but also, to any crafters; seriously, check out this company. If anyone has or is using, Goimagine, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experience.

Thank you to everyone that has stuck with me through it all. 

Have a blessed day!

Crocheting for Christmas and getting caught up. Crochet Snowman Pattern

Christmas Crochet

 Hi Y'all! Wow! How are we so close to the end of this year?!?!

This whole year has flown by. I stay pretty busy throughout the year, so I always feel so rushed towards the end. There is always something I never got around to, or kept putting off for later, thinking that I'd have more time.

You'd think I would realize by now, that isn't going to happen. My 2022 goal is to not overload myself. I want to set realistic goals, work on my time management, and seriously get more organized!

Every year I have this list of projects, whether homeschool, craft, reading, or blogging. I know that they need to be prepared and completed WAY before they are actually useful. (e.g. Christmas things should be finished by Halloween and published)

I know this and I try, but seriously get behind every time. 

This particular crochet post has been in the making for quite some time! The two main reasons I am just posting it late December are, 1. My computer is an old piece of fruitcake! And 2. I am no photographer.

Top of my list is a new desktop. I know, laptops. That just isn't for me. The photos, well I'm learning about light boxes and angles. I'm improving.

On to the crochet...

There are patterns that I absolutely follow to a T. Then there are patterns I play around with and tweak to my liking. Lastly, sometimes, I can just come across a picture of crochet and figure it out blindly, no pattern. I just go with shapes and piecing it together.

The pattern I used for this snowman came from Amigurumiforum.com They have a ton of patterns. I believe, both free and paid.

Honestly, I did pretty much follow this pattern, with the exception I wanted to see it a bit larger, so I went up to an I hook. Although, next time, for the nose and arms, I recommend no bigger than a G

(mine was done accidentally. Just forgot to go down a hook size)

Crochet Snowman Pattern

One of my favorite things about anything that I crochet is being able to choose colors, and customize them the way I want them. This one was super fun. I let my daughters decide the colors for the hats, and scarfs(I altered the "snood"). These are so soft and snuggable.

My new obsession with yarn is the super soft "baby" yarn.

Here are the yarns I used for my snowmen.

Premier Parfait Chunky

in white(body), chocolate(arms), and, tangerine(nose)

This yarn is AMAZING!

Red Heart with Love Metallic

in red and purple

I definitely will be making more of these! I hope you enjoy them as much as we have. Not only that, but I'd love to see pictures if anyone tries this pattern.

Be sure to go see Nataly Dastous and give her credit for the pattern.

She has some great patterns posted.

Happy Crocheting and Happy Holidays!

Crochet Gnome Free Pattern Link

 Hey y'all!

I am so excited for 2021!
Amen! We made it!
How are you starting your year off? 

Catching up on unfinished projects?

Piling up your Pinterest with new patterns to try? 
Starting off on that one project you've been holding out starting?

I sort of fall into all 3 of these.

There are just way too many patterns, projects, and Pinterest ideas!

I cannot decide where to begin!

I worked all through December working on these Oh, too cute Gnomes!

Seriously!

They were definitely my biggest seller this year!

I decided to put my own spin on this project and up the basic pattern.

I have been making "Seasonal Gnome" hats.

A hat for each holiday, we'll say.

That way when you purchase a Gnomie, you can also add a variety of fun hats and keep him around all year!

I call mine, Gnomie in the Home!~AKA~ Jingles

Here is a quick link to the original, basic pattern that I started out with.

Hobbii: Shy Gnome Pattern

Here are a few that I have been working on. 

Yes, I custom made a Steelers...*gasp* Gnome!

It was a customer request! Thank Goodness their logo is pretty basic!

I also get almost all of my yarn from ordering online at Yarnspirations

I hope you enjoy this post and always comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Crocheting. Check back for new hats to come!

I will be getting started on Spring soon!

I cannot wait!

Crochet Summer Tank Top

Crochet Summer Tank Top
(pattern link included)

Hey Y'all!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! As much as we can with COVID19 hovering over!

I'm not going to elaborate ANY on that subject. Let's just say, it was acknowledged and move on. Besides, this is a crochet post, right?

Right!

So, who is ready for this super fun and easy project?

That is totally wearable!

I actually made this one a few months ago.

I just seemed to be busy doing the usual 1,000 other things and this post got pushed aside.

No worries.

Thanks to me visiting, revisiting, and re revisiting...(you get it), my amazing Pinterest board full of ideas and patterns I spotted this one and decided to get it posted!

Breann over @Hooked on Homemade Happiness has a ton of amazing crochet projects.

Great patterns and easy instructions.

All creds go to her!

I loved this pattern, but I wanted to do my own colors.

I decided not to label this post "Ombre" tank because:

1. Breann already claimed that

2. I didn't follow her color pattern

I think it still turned out pretty well and I love it.!

She has written out an easy to follow pattern in sizes S, M, and L

I used the size small pattern.

I am 5'0" and 115lbs.

Don't forget to jump over and let Breann know if you use this pattern.

I hope you enjoy!

Happy Crocheting!

Crochet Pretty in Pinks Cardigan

Crochet Child Cardigan

Hi Y'all!

This post is long coming. I have been so excited to learn and branch out with my crocheting abilities. Every new pattern is such an accomplishment!

I love that with crochet the possibilities truly are endless!

Every day is a new search and every project is a new achievement.

This pattern has been sitting in my file for some time and I honestly was a little intimidated to start it.

I kept going back over it. Rereading through it. Double checking the stitches, etc. I really had to work up the courage to follow through. My six year old daughter is a great motivator!

She just kept asking..."Mom, when are you going to make my sweater"?

(Patience my small one.)

The pattern is free from:

Courtney@CrochetingCrazy

The Mini Me Cardigan

She has done an amazing job writing this pattern out for even us...non professional crocheters!

Kudos to Courtney!

For mine, I used Bernat Pop in "Lipstick on My Collar" yarn

I am so excited about how this turned out!

My little has decided to call hers,

Pretty in Pinks. So, for this blog and my personal sweater only, that is the name.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

The pattern really is simple. I should have made this long ago!

I used the pattern for size 6/8.

That way she will get to grow into her sweater.

Enjoy and Happy Crocheting!

Crocheted Reusable Swiffer Covers

Hey Y'all.
I wanted to get this post written and posted a month ago!
I have been super busy crocheting like crazy! Yes! Production!
Always a good thing!

I won't go into too much here. I wanted to focus this post on the incredible...
Crocheted.
Reusable.
Machine Washable!(I have used and washed mine 6 times already)
Amazing Swiffer Covers.
I have also seen them called "Swoofers" "Sweepers" and "Swifter" so how ever you search or choose to refer to them...THEY ARE AMAZING!

 Check out these before and after pics!

Here is the link to the fastest, and easiest pattern I have found:
Ravelry: Swoofer Pattern
There are several if you surf around the internet, but I like to live the "fast, simple, functional" life!
Be sure to share and link back.
I would love to see our pattern, product...and definitely before and after pics!
They really do work great!

Crochet Fabulous-ness!

Hey Y'all! I know I haven't been on here for-EVA!

Lots of life been happening.
I wanted to do a quick post to get back into the swing of things and get this running...again.

So, here is a few projects I have been doing and working on!
I love getting new ideas and inspirations!
Pinterest and Ravelry are 2 of my favorite places to find great new patterns.

Almost all of my yarn is purchased at either Walmart.com or Yarnspirations.com

I have enjoyed making all these things and so much more! Please comment and share. Always follow and invite friends. Please feel free to post pics of your own, send me ideas and make sure to tag
MY FACEBOOK PAGE
Thank you to everyone for supporting me and what I love doing! It is truly appreciated!

WIP Wednesday Craft Fair and Crochet Pattern

Craft Fair and Crochet Pattern

I just participated in my very first craft fair this past Saturday.

Let me tell you, it was very exciting! My mom and I signed up together and shared a booth/table.

It was at a local church that my best friend happens to attend and work at. This was actually their first craft fair in over twenty years.

I have to say it was a huge success for them and a great experience for us. The atmosphere and friendly people made it such a great first experience. They are even talking about having it twice a year now. Once in the Spring and again next Autumn.

I learned a few tips from fellow crafters about set up, pricing and expectations. also, I've found some creative ways, over on Pinterest to improve my display table and make printable tags or labels.

I even made a little over $40! So, not too bad for my first show!

Crochet Pattern

Okay, I finally accomplished tried to complete an actual pattern. I mean all the way through...from start to finish!

I found an easy and awesome pattern over at Redheart.com.

The pattern is here for:

Team Cheers Earflap Hat

It is listed as a level 2 easy pattern and uses less than one skein of yarn.

I really wanted this to turn out so great and be exactly like the pattern.

And, well, it probably would have, or at least came close if I had done a little refresher course on my stitches.

Apparently, I made the entire(ginormous!) hat in DC instead of the called for HDC...ooops!

I had to laugh at myself!

So, it didn't turn out exactly like the pattern, but it did make a hat! So, I suppose it wasn't a total waste of yarn.

Lesson to learn:

Double check pattern/stitches and use the correct one!

Check out my other great patterns and crochet finds over here: Crochet patterns and ideas

Oh, and I haven't done the braided tails yet. I plan to add those but haven't chosen a color yet.

What color for guys? I'm assuming it will have to fit a larger head...so a man. LOL

Do men wear white hats?

What are you working on this week? Have you laughed at yourself lately?

Wednesday, My Chaos! Crochet, Toothaches, Christmas, and Affiliates!

Let's just get on with this Wednesday business!

**This post contains affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through the link provided, I will receive a small commission( Coffee Cash) at no cost to you.**

Did you see that? Up there! My very first affiliate link!!

*squeals*

Y'all know it is usually a chaotic mess around here. As you can tell by the title of this post, today is no different! I have been super busy all week, and it''s only Wednesday! Shwooo!

Crochet business...

This is a year round hobby and I always have someone(usually one of the offspring) wanting me to make something. Something someone else has or something they've seen online. I always have some project sitting around in a bag waiting to be worked on or completed. I seriously could make a boat load of coffee cash, if I charged my kids!

I love finding new, EASY projects that work up quickly and I can play around with and try new colors, techniques, etc. So, I found these super cute little crochet hair bows over on Pinterest!

Here is the free pattern for the Sassy Bows. And here are mine and my adorable little model!

Seriously! Aren't they adorable?!?!?

I have the Church Craft Fair coming up less than two weeks! I think I can probably get 20 of these made by then. I'm doing a bunch of orange and black ones in different sizes. Yea, I'm in the Cincy area. Who Dey!....Not my preference but hey, they sell! The craft fair is after Halloween, so I am focusing on Christmas or really everyday colors, crafts, etc.

Wow, and I was reminded(thanks to FB posts) that Christmas is exactly two months from today!!!

This momma has got to get up on her game! I don't do the whole "Black Friday" hoopla. Not my scene! I have enough craziness in my life. 

With that being said, my next topic is...

Christmas and Affiliate Links...

I admit I am getting a little excited about the holiday season rolling in but to be honest, I am SUPER stoked that I got my very first ever affiliate marketing gig today!!!! 

**Super squealing**

Y'all this is huge for me! (Blog Geek)

Brittany over at TheEastSideShop posted a link wanting new affiliates to promote her amazing shop!

The very first item I saw, I immediately wanted! They sell, modern, positive, simple apparel.

Make sure you stop by to check out her site! 

PLEASE, use this link>>>The East Side Shop 

I can't wait to get a great shirt this week. I may do a little Christmas shopping for the offspring too!

Other business....

To add to all my crazy, I decided an exciting trip to the Urgent Care with Sean and two of our kids immediately following my Chinese dinner was in order. I don't make this stuff up people.

I got the worst toothache, out of no where. I'm talking, face on fire, ear splitting, jaw aching, PAIN! It was horrid! 

The amazing doctor gave me a prescription and low dose pain meds, FYI...Urgent care does not give out Opioids! LOL, they seriously had signs posted about ever 5 feet. Everywhere! Funny..not funny.

So, here I am today. Taking it easy. Just trying to get some work done and binge watch Disney Jr. 

Little E keeps ditching me for more interesting mayhem to get into.

Let's not mention my "fuzzy balls!" 

My kids think it is hilarious to mention them to...EVERYONE!

So, now all the internet has glimpsed them and I don't have to explain anymore....

How the heck is your Wednesday? 

What projects are you working on?

Wednesday?....What the Heck?

Wowza Wednesday, Whoa Wednesday, Wacky Wednesday...
I seriously could think of at least five more names for these posts.
Somehow, I don't think just WIP(Work in Progress) is cutting it anymore. Why are my Wednesdays so crazy, chaotic?(I'm on my second pot of coffee)
Maybe, this post, blog day theme, meme, follow up, needs a new name...
I'll worry about it later!

On to more important business!

This week I have really been trying to get so much together!
I've been working on homeschool stuff, blogging, crocheting projects for the craft show(less than 4 weeks away!!!), and trying to miserably finish the book I'm stuck on! I would like to get one review done this month over on:
 A Novel Experience

Homeschool Business:
Little E has been painting up a mess of wonderful Fall pictures. We've been doing so much with her alphabet, numbers, and some fun learning games(more of this on Friday's post)!


Blogging Business:
I have been researching and working super hard on my Blog! I have found some wonderful ladies to help answer my never ending questions!...There will be more!
Super awesome shout outs to:

Confessions of Parenting

A Splendid Messy Life

Just Redefine

I have joined a ton of FB groups and even came across a great follow up to join in on! Michele over at:
Confessions of Parenting is hosting a link up party, Wandering Wednesday! It is such a great way to not only get your name linked up, but also to meet other great bloggers. Everyone loves to get love! Make sure you stop by!

Crochet Business:
I have been crocheting so much my hands are starting to cramp up!
I'm seriously down to crunch time people! I have made so many hats, headwraps, and boot cuffs!
Luckily, I enjoy it so much, and it usually is relaxing. I can just curl up and work on something while Little E watches a movie or plays at my feet.
Since I need a visual for this post:

Here are a few things I have been working on! I'm also thinking about  hoping to get a real Facebook page up and running. I need to combine my blog and my crafts. The one I currently have started out just for crochet projects, but it is becoming too much to handle all the different pages for each aspect.

We'll see how it goes! Stay tuned for that "project"!

Book Business:

The book I'm currently reading is:
A Girl Named Zippy

I guess that's about it for my Wednesday!
Shwooo. I need stronger coffee!
What is your Work in Progress? How many projects do you have?

OH! And I got a Twitter!  <<< Come See!
Okay, okay, I got it 2009, but I revamped it, and I'm actually using it now! LOL

Thursday. This, That, and the other...

Where did Wednesday go???

Hello, 

 I guess I should be totally bummed that I missed my weekly Wednesday(WIP) post and I do apologize. I hate missing anything planned or scheduled. I'm sure you all are devastated there wasn't anything new to read on here. Again, I apologize. 

Yesterday kind of started out lazy and relaxing(which was super nice) but then as usual, got crazy busy and time just flew. I finally decided, no post was better than a crappy one written in my exhausted state with a three year old who didn't settle down until around 1 am...Which technically means I would have missed Wednesday anyway.

Although I did get a few things accomplished yesterday.

First off, I wanted to share in my excitement! I received my very first international mail!!

I didn't actually receive it yesterday, but I did manage to grab a few pics, get them loaded, edited and reread my letter and enjoy my "fun mail". 

As, I've told y'all before one of my dear friends lives over in England and we have decided to also rekindle the lost art of pen palling! It is so wonderful to get real letters! Sure, we chat online, do video chats and IM but it isn't the same. I love having a letter I can cherish and look back on years from now. And her penmanship is AMAZING! It is quite an inspiration. We definitely need to bring back real handwriting classes here folks. This girl is putting our school system to shame in one 4 page letter!

I also managed a trip to the store to add to my "stash". I admit, I am addicted to yarn/wool! I have become the "one more skein" girl every time I go out. Although I am actually using it and learning a lot of new tricks and "patterns". I have a craft fair that I will be participating in coming up in November at a local church so I do actually need things to sell! 

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

These are my newest project. They are super cute and so easy to make!(And, they actually work!) Even I got the whole pattern figured out, start to finish and have about 6 of them made up!

Here is where I found this quick and free pattern! >>Bath Scrubby Pattern

And as usual... You know I have been reading something!

This is book #1 in a trilogy and so far I'm liking it, not love but it is a nice easy read.with a good bit of history(my fave).

Accidentally Amish: Valley of Choice #1

Hope y'all have a blessed weekend. Happy blogging and happy reading!

WIP Wednesday... Granny Square Fiasco

Welcome to WIP Wednesday!

I can't believe it is Wednesday already! This week has flown by...or maybe it has been drug out and I'm just still in a daze.

So, I've been trying to expand my crochet knowledge and really learn this great art. As I have said before I cannot read a pattern. I seem to be more of a visual person, as in what the final product looks like. I can try to figure it out by how large the stitch is or by visually counting rows across.

I understand a few of the "symbols". Not nearly enough to finish any project exactly like it was written.

So as I have Googled, Pinterest, and a few patterns I have saved from skein labels, I decided to really try and figure this out. 

I read that the "Granny Square" is supposed to be like the most basic, simple, pattern to learn and follow as it is just repeating a few common stitches.

Lies, Lies, Lies, I tell you!!!

There is not one thing about these little geriatric blocks that is simple or easy!!

I have spent hours...hours trying to work a magic circle into a block of four corners, double crochets and chaining around to the next "block"!

And, it isn't just me! My bestie across the pond, Sarah has also been trying to master the wonderful UK version of this maddening "Granny Square".

We have text and sent pictures back and forth and neither of us blondes can figure this out.

I know your thinking...We are way too young to be bothered learning such a thing called a Granny Square. ;)

But I am determined to get it right.

Here are a few pics throughout my work in progress(WIP)...

Here we go with a good looking start(an actual square)...

With 4 actual corners...

Sooo, the second time around it turns into a circle?? Did I miss a stitch? Add too many?

Take it out and we're back to the first "square"

Woo Hoo! I made it around to a bigger square...

Annnnd, round three, we have a....wobbly circle!

I actually did and re did this about 10 times.

UGGGGHH!!

In the nicer version of my besties words...

"Screw the bloody Granny Square!"

Here is where I found the "easy" tutorial....Granny Square

I'm still considering this my WIP for now, although I think Granny is getting put back in the bag for awhile.

Has anyone had any success with these? Any tips, pointers, tricks??? What am I doing wrong?

I've done the 

ch 4, sl st(make a ring), ch 5, 3 DC(in ring), ch 2, 3DC, ch2, 2DC.....and on and on. around and around....

Help us newbies out!!!

WIP Wednesday

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Technically is still Wednesday for another 20 minutes or so. I'm running a little late, as usual.

E has been asleep about 10 minutes and I am finally getting to sit down and try to get a bunch of stuff worked out here on this crazy blog I decided to start.

I've actually been planning out my WIP post all week long. Trying to remember to grab a photo or two during my progress. 

Remembering to get them uploaded and edited(somewhat) and think about what to write.

I have said before, I usually have at least 10 things going on at any given time(or it seems that way).

One of my many hobbies is crocheting.

I try to work on something as much as possible.

I'm not a beginner as to say I am new to the art but I lag at really committing myself to advancing.

I guess I get comfy with what I do know and kind of run with that for awhile. I still cannot read a pattern to save my life. Everything I have completed has solely been by pictures and just winging it!

I am a master-ish at making beanie/toboggan/hats.

I actually started a Facebook page last fall and made a bit of money selling the "messy bun" hats and such.

Trema's Chaotic Crochet

Honestly, I have probably made 100 of these in different colors, sizes, styles. They are a quick project (unless Ele wants to "help") and I love that each one is different and unique.

This week I am making one for a dear friend of mine's son to send all the way to the UK!

I am in love with this little boy and his handsome smile. One day I will get to meet them in person..I pray!

So my dear Lucas, your hat is my WIP for today!

I can't wait to see how cute he is wearing it!