Warning: How to React to Pattern Thieves

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion. My opinion may change from day to day, so this may be updated as I think of other things that should be mentioned and I welcome discussion on this topic. However, I do request that comments not be made in regards to laws/legal as I am avoiding that topic altogether. Also, please do not comment on this post with specific examples.

This post requires no introduction. If you have been in the Fiber Arts world for any amount of time, I bet you can quickly think of a pattern theft...whether it was a pattern-sharing ring or someone creating a free design for a paid pattern. Theft is theft. My personality type (INFJ) is known as the protector. I have solid moral values that I cling to and I have a strong desire for justice. This righteous anger, as it was once referred to, is a good thing, but needs to be guarded carefully.

4 Keys to Unlocking Your Photography Potential

Cartoon Courtesy of What the Duck

With a few keys under your belt, you can achieve professional photos no matter what camera you use!

Key #1: Great Lighting Matters More Than the Camera

2013 Goals

Goal 1: Crochet more for Charity

Sometimes art is most beautifully shared through the unselfish act of giving to someone in need. I will crochet more for Charity. I created Charitable Crochet on Pinterest and hope that some of my great online friends will help me find more organizations and opportunities to pursue this goal in 2013. If you know of charities looking for donated crochet items, please leave a comment on this post and I'll add it to the board.

Goal 2: Rest Once a Week

Running a business can prove quite demanding when you work a full-time job. Add two kids and a husband who is a full-time pastor and you have my life. Crocheting used to be my method of relaxation. Then, it morphed into a business that has been going full-steam ahead since October, 2011. 

I need rest and it will only happen if I make it happen. This practice has been very beneficial to me and to my family since the new year began. Serving my family will always come first. I will communicate this up-front to customers and give an "anticipated" time period for the item requested. I will make sure I give myself more time than needed to complete the project, so that I don't feel rushed to meet a deadline. I crochet to relax. It will not become a stressor this year. :)

Goal 3: Always Create a Ravelry Project Page

And ALWAYS (always, always, always) take photos of items before they leave my house. Working rest into my calendar was not a priority last year, so I always felt rushed to meet deadlines and let too many amazing things go without photographing them. I always asked for pictures, but rarely received them. :(

This year, I will load all of my projects on Ravelry and I will take pictures. And, I will make it a point to share pictures on my blog and Facebook page more often.

Goal 4: Design More

I know that for a goal to be attainable and good, that it must be measurable. I would like to design one pattern per month. However, I do not want to pressure myself. Therefore, my goal is to create 6 new designs this year. Anything beyond 6 patterns this year means that I am stress-free and loving what I do.  Most of the designs I make this year will be free. 

I have an idea for a line of patterns that would be available for purchase. No one is making/selling that idea right now. I'm ecstatic that the idea for the product line came to me not long after starting Niccupp Crochet and there is still no one making/selling it. If I can hunker down and set to work on that sometime, that would be awesome. :)

So, these are my goals for this year. I don't have anything over-the-top exciting in my goals. This is my year of rest and enjoying what I do. 

Over Coming Remorse After Yarn Shopping

I walked into Hobby Lobby and what to my wandering eyes did appear? Buckets and buckets full of wondrous yarns that were ALL marked down to ridiculously low prices. I couldn't resist the urge and I snagged 4 skeins of wool on clearance at unbelievable prices!

Then, the next day (or maybe that night), I started asking myself..."What am I going to do with all of this yarn?"

Here are a few guidelines to help my next clearance encounter.

Becoming More Productive with Producteev.com

Do you ever look at your order list and feel overwhelmed and confused? Then you wonder how on earth will you ever get everything done? And, really, what is your wait time right now? Is it two weeks? Three weeks? Maybe even four or five weeks?

Adding Social Networking Buttons to Your Blog

Fritz is back with a sweet round-up of techie stuff to add to your blog. Here is a quick round-up of how to get the "Like" button, a "Follow" me button and a "Pin it" button.