Chat Thread

[#1]

Here you go. Private and all.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Crochetgal~ I prefer posting on this thread since it goes back quit a bit.
Are you able to work with this horrible crud that you have?

I am still having really bad shoulder issues, getting worse, so I have another dr. appt for Wednesday. This time I will let him give me the cortisone shot. I can't sleep at night so I am dragging butt.

I don't think it's the crocheting but if it is then I will have to implement plan b which would be to crochet sets and booties when I can and no longer offer them as announcements. With announcements I am always on a time crunch and crocheting for long hours every day. I have no intentions of giving up my shop, that it really not an option for me at this time.

I post this on the other thread and thought I would paste it here also.

From the other thread ~

I had a sale to a very nice girl up in Indiana who also owns a baby boutique. She wanted to know if I do wholesale which I don't. I told her that I know some excellent crocheters of baby items and that if she liked I would post her info for them to contact if interested. She was very happy that I would do that for her. So, if any of you are interested in doing some wholesale baby items please contact Eva on her Facebook page. Her shop is Baby Buyou Children's Boutique, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. You can find her on Facebook.

[BuytheHook]

Hi everyone.
I can barely keep up with one thread. I like the old one because it has so much info to refer back to. I hope we come to some conclusion.

Crochetgal, sorry to hear you are still not well. Glad it isn't related to the transplant. Hope you are on the mend and you will have a healthier 2017. By the way, thanks for the listing link. Worked for me.

Melissa, congrats all around, boy do you and your husband have a lot going on, all of it good.

Debra, I am still giving some thought to revising my shop. Narrowing my items and some packaging ideas too. I was thinking of including gift bags with their purchase. I just don't want to add too much cost to my profit. I don't sell enough. I was giving some thought to contacting that store, just to have her look at the items on my site. Then giving her a discount on 10 or more. Would like to thin my inventory and start fresh. Can anyone recommend a discount 30% maybe or more/less.

I had a neighbor was at the airport that day. She moved down there permanently and was returning from a family visit. She posted she was safe on facebook. Something called Safety Check.

We seem to be hearing more and more of this type of violence.

Just a little personal update, my daughter is still hanging in there. Always a new issue popping up, but under control.

Have a great day, and maybe we can post our thoughts on which thread to use and maybe dissolve the other.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Good morning.

Just a drive by hello....

Lucille ~ I put some of my hats or booties in muslin bags when they are not part of a set or the people don't need the box. I get them from a shop on Etsy and prices are very good and shipping time is excellent. You can buy a stamp at any craft store and stamp the outside of the bag. I happen to have purchased a stamp on Etsy with my shop name. Sometimes the simple packaging makes all the difference.

Below is a link to the shop with the bags. They come in all sizes.


https://www.etsy.com/shop/CelestialGifts?ref=l2-shopheader-name


Glad your friend is ok. What a shame that there needs to be a site where one can check on family members and friends to know they are ok. Crazy world!!

So happy your daughter is doing well. When is her due date?

Have a great day!

[BuytheHook]

Debra, thanks for the link, I'll check into it. I just listed a messy bun hat.
I have to keep my hands busy, but even with giving the church a lot of items, I still have a lot.

Have you determined what is causing the shoulder problem? Pinched never, rotator cuff, etc. My stepmother had rotator cuff problems around 10 years ago and had acupuncture treatments. It has just started acting up again.

My daughter is due end of Feb early March. She has to go every week for an ultrasound due to the issues she's having. However, the baby is healthy and a little over 4lbs now. Very active. If she can keep this up, she is hoping to have a natural birth and not a C section.

Thanks for asking.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Someone has asked me if I sell a pattern of something I have sold. I have never sold a pattern so I don't know where to even think about beginning. The pattern is from the 60's so with it being vintage, I am assuming I can sell it, correct? Could someone tell me where I should go to begin to learn how to do a pdf pattern? My pattern is barely legible so I have typed it out for myself and again I am assuming I can use that? I just want to use the printed pattern, I don't want to do a video with pictures and all that. Thanks to anyone who can direct me. You all know, I am pre-nursery school when it come to this type of thing.

[SandyCoastalDesigns]

I use a free site called "OpenOfficeWriter" to make my pdfs. You will save it first as.....(whatever name you choose), then save as a PDF next. I give the location to save as my desktop so that I don't have to go searching for it when I need it. Just follow a format that most pattern makers use. Crochetgal can give the link to that cause I have brain freeze right now.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Thank you Sandy. Something else to ATTEMPT to learn.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

If anyone has the link Sandy is referring to, I'd appreciate it.

[SandyCoastalDesigns]

Try this
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/node/7

I'll keep looking to see if I find it.

[mzbellz]

Happy new year all. Have a cold with a bad cough. Not too much going on. Weather today is crazy. 65
Melissa. Glad everything worked out for your husband. I know you must have been in pins and needles.
Debra. Thanks for the link. Checked out her store. Looks nice. No way can I do that. I can't even keep up with my etsy shop.
Crochetgirl hope all is well with you. Hang in there
Lucille. I tried the messy bun hat. Came out good. Gave it to my cousin. I have short hair so it wouldn't work for me. Very easy pattern.
Lisa. Hope all is well with you and don.
Just thought I'd check in and say hi to you all. Have a great week.

[BuytheHook]

Mary Alice, you're right, the pattern I used is easy as well. The one I have calls for a bulky yarn. I made a couple for my friends' granddaughters. They loved them, that is why I thought I would list it. Just to see how it goes.

Info- I have Open Office, I downloaded for free, just did a search and typed in OpenOffice Free Download and it came up. It is used in place of Microsoft Programs. Great program, and good for a lot of different reasons. As far as the pattern writing, the craft council provides abbreviation and such, which is quite useful. I never wrote a pattern either and I couldn't find what Sandy found. But it would be a very helpful link. Good luck.

Hope everyone has a great day.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Lucille ~ fingers crossed everything goes well for your daughter. Must be very nerve wracking.

I had a cortisone shot yesterday in my rotator cuff. It feels better but will need another day to get the full result of the shot. If this doesn't work then an MRI is next to see if the tendon is fraying in which case I would need a small surgery to repair the fray. Just moving my pillow in the middle of the night is painful so hopefully this shot helps some and for a while.

Mary Alice ~Hope you feel better. Some kind of flu bug is going on around here so I am staying away from anyone with cooties. My daughter is a bit sick so I am taking her to the dr. tomorrow. Seems she has a cold or tonsil issue.

I found writing a pattern, I have made two, not too difficult but there was a lot of testing and rewriting. My patterns are classified as easy because they have decreases and front post and back post stitches. so I can't imagine the amount of work for a more advanced pattern. The crochet council site is very helpful with terms and abbreviations.

Hope everyone is well or gets well and stays well!

[hooknsaw]

I hope everyone is well, Melissa it is great to hear from you! I hope the family is feeling better and congratulations on the new addition!

Crochetgal, hugs, and I hope you are feeling better!

Debra, there was a drug on the market that could be taken daily that can repair small tears in the shoulders. It has to be taken daily for a year. I can't remember the name of it, my son was on it as a teenager for that reason (it may just work on younger people). I hope the cortisone shot helps. I am finding I only have hand / shoulder / neck issues if I go a few days without crocheting.

Lucille, thank you for the update for your daughter. I can't imagine how nerve wracking it must be!

Don has been really sick with this bug we caught (and being a stubborn man about it) Although he would probably say the same about me:)! The hospital moved my Dad to rehab 2 days ago and he will be there for at least 3 weeks.
Then our boxer Lab cross passed away yesterday morning and Don's 98 year old Mom got rushed to the er last night. This whole month has been a blur as we seem to be dealing with one thing after the other. I have been crocheting and binge watching netflix every chance I get just to try to get my mind out of worry - mode.

Our shop has been very slow (January is usually a good month for us). Not surprising as I have not had time to do much with our shop, either.

We were out with my son and dil around Christmas and I was watching my dil try to wrap a scarf around her head and ears with her "messy ponytail" on top of her head and then saw the messy bun hats a few days later ... what a great idea!

[HowCuteAreYou]

Lisa ~ So sorry to hear about all the tumult going on in your life.

Some kind of nasty bug is going around and hospital after a few days is suggested. Hope Don is on the mend. Regarding your dad, rehab is better than the regular hospital since they will get your dad moving. Is the rehab facility near you? We were lucky that rehab for my dad was at the hospital in a separate wing. That way if he needed any medical help he was already at the hospital.

Was your dog sick? Sorry to hear about the passing.

And your mother-in-law too? Darn you got a lot going on. Sending good thoughts.

The shot seems to be helping, don't want to jinx it. Dr. didn't tell me about any meds for a tear but that's because he's a surgeon and surgery is always the go to move.

I definitely know what you mean about crocheting and binge watching tv. Those are my go to moves for stress releasing.

My shop is very slow, had a flurry last week but this week very quiet. I am down quite a bit in revenue over last January which was my best month of 2016.

My dad started driving again yesterday and they let go of the aide who was coming in the mornings to get him dressed and showered. Not happy about my parent's decision but it is what it is and hopefully they will get along fine. They are very feisty and independent so we can't say too much. Hopefully he will keep his driving to just go to the grocery store and restaurants near their house. Problem is that everywhere they will be going it's all old people driving and no one knows what they are doing! This is when I start crocheting a lot to stop my crazy head!!


I saw the messy pony tail hat and thought it was so clever. Always looking for fun new things to crochet.

Hope everyone has a nice and relaxing weekend!

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

We are expecting an ice storm tonight, Saturday and Sunday. Hope we don't lose power. In 1979 we had a major ice storm and were without power for six days. Many people were without for even longer.

I have several hats made but just can't seem to get a picture that I am satisfied with. My mannequin head isn't cooperating at all!!! I have so many things I could list....photo's just don't motivate me!!!

Hope everyone is doing well. I haven't been doing much as I am recuperating from the bug that is going around.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Sue Ellen ~ Stay safe and warm. I've been watching the news and looks like
you are in for some crazy weather. Hope you are on the mend with the bug. Lots of people down with it. Let us know how you do. Sending good thoughts that you don't lose power.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Thank you Debra. So far nothing. Guess it's supposed to start early in the morning now and continue thru Sunday and then it's supposed to be in the 50's the beginning of the week. Unbelievable!!!!! My friend lives about 40 miles South from me and she said it has started icing there already so it's on it's way. I don't think we will get it too bad as the temperature is supposed to waver between 29 and 32 degrees during the week end.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Sue Ellen ~ I was just checking the weather map for Illinois since so much of my family is in Chicago. Looks like your part of the state will have slightly warmer temps than the Chicago area so hopefully the storm moves in and out quickly.

Good day to stay warm, cuddle up and crochet! Last weekend we had a chill come through, for us that means low 60's. I stayed in on Sunday and lit a beautiful lavender candle and just crocheted all day. Not a bad way to spend the day.

Stay safe and warm!!

[hooknsaw]

Sue Ellen, I hope the storm passes through your area quickly! We are supposed to get rain / snow here through Monday, but the skies are sunny this morning ... and it is warm.

Debra, my Dad was still driving and is very feisty (aka stubborn) and independent, but he has hit the point that he needs skilled nursing care full time. He tried to get himself released to out patient therapy, but I had told the care coordinators at the hospital that he lives alone and I cannot take care of him full time. So a social worker is intervening and helping with the transition. Every time I have set up some care for him in home, Dad sends them away. My Dad has end stage kidney and heart failure and with his passing out episodes at home, it is no longer safe for him. I don't even want to imagine him trying to drive again!

Dons Mom is more stable and will be in the hospital for a while.

Our Duke dog was just old. He just went down in the yard and was gone. Don adopted him from animal humane 10 years ago and he was an adult dog then.

Don is finally feeling a little better and I am feeling better today than yesterday, so I will take this little victory:)!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

I found several of our items being sold in foreign countries (China, Italy). The websites have taken our listing photos and descriptions and does anyone know what type of action I can take as far as the photos are concerned?

[HowCuteAreYou]

Lisa ~ I just copied this article for you on how to protect your photos. When mine were stolen my attorney sent a cease and desist letter but it really did no good and cost me $150.00 in attorney fees. I think there should be a way to handle this yourself and it might be outlined in the article.

https://petapixel.com/2015/08/05/how-to-officially-register-your-photographs-with-the-us-copyright-o...

Your dad is a feisty guy but that's probably what's kept him going up to this point. When Neal told my brother that our dad just doesn't relax even after breaking his hip my brother replied that's why he's walking again, he didn't stop and take it easy. It's the nature of some people to fight a good fight even though they can make you crazy in the process.

At this point though I totally understand where you dad needs 24 hour care. I would love to see my parents get into an assisted living facility where meals could be prepared but it's very expensive and a major move like that would probably do more harm than good. My mom is super particular and I would hate to see her stressed when her things are being packed and moved.

Hope your mother-in-law remains stable and hopefully recovers.

Poor old dog, they are so brave and really never let you know they are sick.

I noticed that over the last two weeks that several of the stores that copy me are now following me and are favoriting my items. Why would they do that? They see my updates in their feeds, according to Etsy. One shop has favorited every item in my shop. I had so many favorites that I thought I must have been featured someplace.

Think I might be getting a bug, I have the chills and a headache. Could be the weather is changing and that sometimes happens to me. I hope that's all it is. So achy also, BLAH!!!

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Thanks for everyone's concern. We hit it lucky. Some icing but nothing major. The temperature stayed where the salting was able to do what it was supposed to do so apparently the roads around here were okay. And there was no wind so that definitely helped with the ice on the wires. We have some forecast for tomorrow but it looks like it will be the same with the temperature where it is. The icing was worse more South of here in Springfield. It is supposed to be in the 50's Tuesday!!!!

Debra and Lisa it must be hard dealing with stubborn parents. It's not only their safety you have to worry about but other's too. But I definitely understand having to give up independence. That takes part of your soul away.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Sue Ellen ~ Glad you missed the brunt of the storm. 50 degree weather is practically balmy!!

My folks have always been very independent and until my dad fell in November they were out to dinner at least 5 nights a week and going to their club meetings. This has really taken the wind out of their sail but tonight they are out at a show with neighbors so I am glad they are getting back into their social routine. It will do them good. They want to be independent again and we aren't going to hamper that, just worry!!

Next week will be their 74th wedding anniversary. They got married during WWII when my mom was a teenager and my dad was barely out of his teen years. Amazing right?!

[hooknsaw]

Debra, congratulations to your parents! 74 years of marriage is amazing! I understand the worry with their independence. I laughed at your driving comment. I have noticed new little dings on my Dad's car this past year. I was waiting at the VA hospital for Don last week and I was sitting in the truck in the parking lot. All of a sudden there were car alarms and grinding metal sounds next to me. An old guy tried to pull his truck into a parking spot and managed to hit both vehicles on either side. The old guy finally managed to get backed out and drove away like nothing had happened!

Sue Ellen, I had to give up some of my independence 4 years ago and found it was readjusting my attitude that would make the difference. It does help that I have an amazing husband and children that understand my physical limits. It is frustrating at times, not being able to do what I once could.

Hope everyone is feeling well! This bug had me down for a couple of days and I am finally feeling better. I need to get into the city and take Dad more clothes and supplies at rehab. The sun is finally shining here again! A lot of rain all weekend, but thankfully no snow or ice.

Debra, thank you for the link for the stolen photos. I'm not too concerned about it, but did wonder if there was action that could be taken.

[HowCuteAreYou]

Lisa ~ Thanks for the congrats to my folks. I have seen situations like the one you described with the old guy parking. The head never turns and they just keep plowing through. My dad's car is dinged up all over the back bumper. He blames all the other old people and could be. My dad was a driving instructor for seniors so I have to believe he knows what he's doing, hopefully!!!

Glad you're feeling better. My daughter has been down with a fever and sore throat since Thursday. Poor thing is really not feeling well. She had a strep test on Friday and should have had the results today but the dr. wasn't in.

Good to have info regarding stolen photos but I don't know how useful it. Stolen photos is such a rampant problem even here on Etsy. I see the issue on the Forums all the time and shops seems to think it's okay to use someone else's photos.

This week I noticed several other bootie sellers favoring my shop and then hearting almost every item in my shop. Several have been shops who have copied my ideas and by following my shop will now see my updates and new items. Yesterday, a shop from China, favored every single item in my shop, crazy. I was kind of nervous that the China shop would be stealing my photos, it's happened before. One shop is in Russia and she has also favored every item in my shop over the last two days. Crazy Etsy behavior.

[KnitAndCrochetPalace]

Thanks for the encouragement Debra. I haven't reached the point where I can accept my limitations which I know doesn't help. I still have these grandiose ideas that one morning I am going to wake up and be able to drive and go through the bank drive thru or a fast food drive thru once in a while or go out to dinner with friends just to get out once in awhile. I only have two friends that accept the changes in my life and they are busy with their own lives. It is very hard to accept the fact that friends that you used to have an active social life with don't want to be bothered anymore. Being home bound is really starting to affect me.