MHS Designs Pattern Tester

in , by Lily, 1:16 PM


Pattern Testing Application

I have spent many years testing pattern for other designers. It has been the best experience. I have gotten to meet so many wonderful artisans. I know how important it is to have a second or third pair of eyes on a pattern. I am truly honored that you are interested in being a pattern tester for MHS Designs! I appreciate your time and effort in making my patterns user-friendly. Below is some need-to-know info on my pattern testing process. If all this sounds good to you, submit your testing application through the link below! 

Please read thoroughly before applying.


I found this amazing stitch and instantly fell in love. Its simple and creates a wonderful texture. I have a baby shower coming up and of course a lot of yarn laying around so I thought I'd give it a try. It turned out great and worked up rather quickly. I am looking forward to using this stitch for cowls and hats! Below is the free pattern. Give it a try and let me know what you think. As always share your photos.

August Gallery Hop

in , , , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 2:23 PM
Next weekend I have the opportunity to display some of my items at Amy Clark Studios during the monthly gallery hop.


have been very fortunate to work with the lovely photographers at Amy Clark Studios. I just love working with such talented people and they make my items look so lovely!


This is one of a few little girl hats I made a couple of weeks ago. They are crocheted using Caron Simply Soft acrylic yarn. The simple shell stitch makes this a very nice hat to wear all season. The way this hat is made it can fit a girl from age 3 to 10 years old. I just love the way it turned out. Of course, great photos make any item look like a thousand bucks!


The last Wednesday of every month is 50% off at all Ohio Thrift stores. As if you needed  another reason to go shopping to find lovely hidden treasures!

I love going to see what goodies I can find. I find myself a little heartbroken when I run across a hand crocheted item. How could someone have such disregard for something that was made especially for them. When I can I purchase those forgotten crochet beauties and recycle their yarn.

Self Striping Yarn

in , , , , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 10:59 PM
Saw this patriotic yarn and just had to have it. I didn't know what self striping yarn was. I am very thrilled with the way it looks. I will spend the evening making washcloths. Have you made anything using self striping yarn? Would love to see your projects.

Where Is The End??

in , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 8:00 AM
There are some days that too much crocheting can be stressful!


Time to put the yarn and hook down. Slowly step away. Poor a glass of wine and relax!

Spring Cleaning

in , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 9:00 AM

Spring is just around the corner. For many people it means its time to do some spring cleaning. Get into your closets and start pulling out stuff you haven't touched since you've moved in! Its also the perfect time to get your windows, pantries and basement cleaned. Sounds like fun doesn't it?

Blankets For Foster Children

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 9:00 AM


I love making items and there is nothing more satisfying than creating something that you know someone is going to love and appreciate. That’s why when I heard of My Very Own Blanket I just knew I had to share it with you.

“My Very Own Blanket is an organization of volunteers dedicated to helping children in foster care feel valued and comforted.” They do this by delivering personalized handmade blankets to foster children. Imagine my surprise when I found out that they are a local organization, right here in Ohio!


A week ago I wrote about a charity that provides our service members handmade beanies. So I thought I’d post a really simple crochet beanie pattern for those of you who would like to try to crochet your very own beanie to donate… or wear yourself!

Leaving It To The Professionals

in , , , by MyHobbyShop, 9:00 AM


As crafters/artists many of us have that “oh, I can do that” mentality. That’s exactly what was going through my mind when I decided that I wanted to add musical shapes to my iPod sleeves. So I went to the craft store, bought different color felt and went home to start the process.  After a couple of hours of searching the internet for just the right shapes, I gave up! I posted a plea on my Facebook page, hoping someone would save me from myself.

For a while now I have wanted to do something to “give back”. I have been very blessed with my family, my job and my business. I feel as if I need to share this blessing with others. Time never seems to be on my side. Many of you can relate, with family, work, school, etc it’s hard to find time to sleep, let alone time to volunteer. But let’s face it that’s not really a good excuse. Each of us can find time to do something, even if it’s from our home.

Crochet Chicago Flag Scarf

in , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 9:09 PM

My customers always come up with the most amazing ideas. That is why I was thrilled when a customer emailed me about having a scarf made to look similar to the Chicago flag. She was very specific in her directions, which was great. The easiest part was getting the scarf itself made.

Looks Good Enough To Eat

in , , , by MyHobbyShop, 5:50 PM

When most people hear crochet they automatically think of granny squares and afghans. But there is so much more to crochet.

Grateful

in , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 6:20 PM
Photo Credit:  http://littlegoddess27.tumblr.com/   

It's Sunday evening, my kids are spread out across the house entertaining themselves. I am sitting in our dining room surrounded by bags from Hobby Lobby, full of yarn. My table has patterns, invoices, crochet hooks, scissors and of course my trusty energy drink. As I sit here and crochet a cowl that is on its way to Colorado, it came to me, I am truly blessed.

Wholly Craft

by MyHobbyShop, 9:00 AM
Nope its not a line out of an old school Batman episode! Its a small fun shop in the Clintonville neighborhood featuring hip, handmade goods from crafters and artists.


About a month ago I got a convo from the wonderful owner Olivera expressing her interest in having my cowls in her shop. I was so excited.

Tag-o-licious

in , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 8:12 PM
I have been tweaking my shop slowly over the last couple of months. I have redone my banner and have been working on my photos and new items. Feel free to check out my progress! I am optimistic that all my hard work will pay off and I will have some orders for the holiday season.

Looking ahead to my potential sales I decided it was time to get some garment tags.

When did you become interested in quilting/sewing?
I was taught to sew by one of my grandmas when I was 9. I loved sewing at an early age, so it was just the matter to get the knowhow. But the talent and love for sewing I inherited from my other grandma. Of course I sewed my own clothes; I also knit, crochet and embroider. 

Crochet Mama

in , , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 1:16 PM
What do your parents do for a living?


This is a picture of my family. My brothers, sister and my mom, standing in her white dress glowing on her wedding day. 

Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm a quirky, former teacher, stay-at-home mom, who loves to sew. I detest chick flicks and heels; but, I love pink, polkadots--and given the opportunity, I would live in flip flops and dresses. I can't pick up a book, because once I do, I can't put it down (that's probably why I was an english teacher :). And if given the choice between a vacation at Disney World or a secluded beach, I'd pick the later.
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