May's Creative Challenge...

Again, I chose to leave the challenge open to any of the odd holidays.

In honour of Brothers and Sisters Day (May 3), from Ida Herter of  HerterCrochetDesigns  a crochet pattern for a set of amigurumi matryoshka dolls:

 The pattern is available as an instant download, which means once you've submitted payment, you will see a link to download your pattern in your purchases.  (Click on picture to see the listing)

And from a snail who went into hiding not long before May 24 (National Escargot Day), a picture emailed from an undisclosed location:

Sadly, this snail has not been heard from since this picture was emailed, so one can't help but wonder if his location was discovered.  (Clicking on picture will take you to the designer's shop, snail is not listed for sale)

June's challenge will be a bit different, thanks to a suggestion from a team member.  Instead of crocheting something for *that* month, the challenge will be to crochet something for the following month, so items can be posted here on that 'special' day.

 

Etsyhookers Triathlon

We're well underway, anyone participating has until the end of August to finish the three legs.
The first leg:  Crochet an item using fibre you haven't used before.  For example, if you usually use yarn, try thread.  If you've never used wire before, try wire...recycled t-shirts, bags, video tape...anything you can use a hook with!

The second leg:  Try something new!  Never crocheted a doily?  A shawl?  Baby sweater?  Now is the time to challenge yourself and try.

The third and final leg:  Using a granny square pattern, either a pattern you like or one you've designed, create something *other than* an afghan.  There are many uses for granny squares, see what you can come up with!  (Keep in mind, granny squares are any square that is worked in the round, not just your traditional 3dc, ch1 type!)

An entry from the first leg, from Etsyhookers member CrochetPittsburgh, click on the name to see all the items for sale by CrochetPittsburgh, or click on the picture for the Etsy listing:

Although Etsyhookers team members only are eligible for the 'prizes' for finishing/finishing first, everyone is welcome to join in this challenge of their creativity!  Leave a message if you participated and let us know how you did!

Christmas in July Sales Event - Going on NOW!

Our EtsyHookers 1st Annual Christmas in July Sales Event is going on now and runs through 12 midnight EST, July 15th only.

Click here to see the participating shops and sale info!


Please join us for this special sales event
Ho, ho, ho, Hookers!
Merry Christmas in July!

Christmas in July Sales Event - Sneak Peek!

5 Days Until
Christmas in July!

Shop early this year, and find some great deals on terrific gifts for everyone on your list!

On July 15th our EtsyHookers team will be holding it's 1st annual Christmas in July Sales Event. Starting at 6pm, participating shops will post their shop specials and sales. But to give you a sneak peek, here are some fabulous items featuring our team members:

Click on each picture for item description and to be taken the sellers shop. But remember, this is only a sneak peek! Check back for more sneak peek postings, and join us on July 15th.
Merry Christmas in July!

EtsyHooker of the Week --- Bags And More By Pam

Queen Anne Lace Scarf

One of our most faithful and helpful team members is Pam of Bags and More by Pam. She was nominated by Nora, who had this to say:

Pam is always there to help with whatever needs to be done for our team. Not only does she have lovely items in her shop, she takes the time to create beautiful treasuries that include our hookers. Since we have been calling for volunteers, Pam has volunteered to do our weekly promo thread more times than any other member. What great team spirit. I am so proud she is a "Hooker".

Girls White Beanie
Pam's shop is filled with lots of lovely items for people and animals of all ages, including the red scarf and white beanie above.

Tiny Dog Sweater in Blues
You can also find some lovely items for warm weather in Pam's shop. She has some cute halter tops for young ones as well as several bags that would be perfect nearly any time of the year.

EtsyHooker of the Week --- UnravelMe

N E W Large Size Hand-Crocheted Adorable Apple Cozy - Free Shipping on US orders
UnravelMe is our latest EtsyHooker of the Week. She is a team member that helps out with promo threads, participates in our RHHN promotions, and has even purchased from fellow teammates on occasion. Her shop is celebrating its one year anniversary with some special offers, so be sure to check it out.


Cuppa Joe Java Jacket/Coffee Cozy in Lime Green - FREE US Shipping
UnravelMe's shop is filled with items made with cotton yarn, like the apple cozies and coffee cozy above. Have a favorite color? You can probably find it in her shop.


Cute Newsboy/Newsgirl Cap with Flower - Child Small (3-5 years) - FREE US Shipping
Also in her shop are many lovely hats, including the one above made with a cotton acrylic blend. If you need a hat, she probably has one in her shop in the size you need.

EtsyHooker of the Week --- NorthAutumnCrafts

Sidney Snail OOAK hat. Size 1-2 years.
Whenever I see NorthAutumnCrafts' avatar, I smile. She uses another photo of the lovely snail hat above as her avatar. It was an entry in a past team challenge. (Pssst....be on the lookout for a new team challenge to check out, coming soon.)


Small standing furry teddy bear
Wouldn't you love to give this bear a hug? I can hardly imagine crocheting this bear with that furry yarn. I picked up some similar yarn and just have not been brave enough to try it yet. It would be the perfect gift for a special little person in your life.


Silver and Blue crocheted tote shopper bag

This tote bag is another example of NorthAutumnCrafts' beautiful work. She has not only crocheted this lovely bag, but added a fine lining to it as well. In addition, you will find other items in NorthAutumn's shop, including patterns, earring and necklace sets, and baby items.

EtsyHooker of the Week --- CrochetFaery

Amigurumi Tinker Bell crochet patternOne of our team's newest members is helping to make our team more international. CrochetFaery hails from France. She loves to design amigurumi and lacy women's clothing. If you enjoy making amigurumi you will find a few adorable patterns in her shop that will tempt you, like one of her best seller's above.

Black Fairy Backless Top
CrochetFaery has beautiful lacework in her shop, like the one above. Obviously this top is not for the faint at heart, but it will definitely draw attention to the wearer. It is definitely not "granny crochet."

Amigurumi Japan Girl
What would amigurumi be without something Japanese? CrochetFaery has this lovely pattern for a Japanese doll, inspired by her love for Japan. Within CrochetFaery's shop you may find other patterns for amigurumi. You may also convo her if you do not crochet and would like one of her creations for yourself.

For the Bath Gift Guide

For all of your bathing needs, check out the EtsyHooker team shops. We have lots of lovely items, mostly made with cotton, to help you make a home spa. Need something in a coordinating color? Feel free to contact an EtsyHooker that has something you like. You can also search by color to help narrow your choices.

1. Granny's Cotton Crochet Washcloths Dishcloths in Teal	2. Race Car and Truck Cotton Washcloths, Two Designs in Blue and White for Little Boys	3. Star COTTON FACE SCRUBBIES Crochet Cloths Set of 3 -- Choose Your Own Color
4. Bath Mitt	5. Eight Face Scrubbies Eco	6. Scrub a Dub Dub - FACE SCRUBBIES
7. Pamper Yourself Bath Spa Set	8. Set of 2 Oh So Soft Baby Washcloths - FREE US Shipping	9. 20 Percent off Sale--Set of 2 Blue and White Crochet Cotton Facial Scrubbies--Great for Skin, Enviroment and Eco-Friendly--International Shipping
10. Turtle Tawashi Scrubbie --- Set of Two	11. SALE was 4.50 now 3.50 SOAP SAVER Spa Luxury Crocheted with Red flecked with white and pink Cotton	12. PDF Cupcake Bath Mitt, Wash Cloth or Puppet-Crochet Pattern

EtsyHooker of the Week --- GwenGoods

Flower Motif

This week we would like to honor Gwen Goods. She is a great team member who is very active with the team by suggesting team members for EtsyHooker of the Week, being responsible for the promo thread, posting often in the team forums, and supporting other team members. Her shop is filled with lovely items that can be used in a variety of ways, like the multi-colored flower above.


Crochet Snap Clips -Small

Gwen also has these lovely hair clips that have been covered with her crochet. She is sure to have your favorite color or something to go with any outfit in her shop. If not, just contact her with your color ideas.


Groovy Girls V-neck Dress

Do you have a Groovy Girl in your house? If you do, then be sure to check out the cute outfits Gwen has created for them. I like how well this dress appears to fit the doll, with even, small stitching that makes the dress solid and gap free.

EtsyHooker of the Week --- Chimera Crochet

Tipper the Tiny HedgeBall .. Amigurumi Hedgehog Stuffie
Bluestarbutterflies nominated our latest EtsyHooker of the Week with these words:

I've admired her kooky and creative creatures for a long time and recently gave in to temptation and got myself one of her adorable little hedgeballs! I think she's a fantastic artist and a great creative soul. I truly believe she needs a spot on our blog as Hooker of the Week!

Prescription For Love .. Amigurumi Humor Gift for Adults

One of Chimera Crochet's popular items is the crocheted pill, complete with pill bottle. This shows how a creative idea can be simple, but very well done. She has thought out all the details to make the item adorable and marketable.


Pixie Owlett of the Owlington Family

Chimera also has a line of owls, which are complete with personalized names as well as a family name. This attention to detail helps Chimera's shop stand out. In addition, the uncluttered, simple, clear photos make you feel you could have Pixie sitting in your hand right from the computer screen.

EtsyHooker of the Week --- Honey Bee Crochet by SturmDM

Sunflower kitchen set, 3 pieces, cotton
The EtsyHooker Team is very fortunate to have a team member like Doris, of Honey Bee Crochet. She is active with the team challenges, team promotions, and other team activities. She also comes up with some very creative ideas for her shop and is committed to helping find out what is happening to the honey bees. She was nominated for the honor of EtsyHooker of the Week by Gwen.

Frizzy, the Frazzled Honeybee
Frizzy is just one example of the creative bee themed items in Doris' shop. She was the proud winner of one of our team challenges with an awesome hat that was a flower with a bee alight on it.

Doris also recently opened a shop filled with items for her favorite holiday --- Christmas. It is called 365 Days of Christmas. She has many items there to decorate your home. If you are interested in any of these items, now is the time to get them since once that season nears I am sure her crochet hook will be flying and possibly too busy for last minute orders.

EtsyHooker of the Week --- Crochele

Baby Gladiator Sandal with Flower button Closure

This week we feature an EtsyHooker who is a fresh face to the team. Crochele Handcrafted specializes in items for the young ones in your family with blankets, hats, and footwear. The sandals above are just one example of the cute ideas that Crochele has come up with to offer in her shop.


BABY DAISY Sun Hat and matching Gladiator Sandals

If you really like the Gladiator Sandals, this set with a matching hat is perfect for summer. The cute little flower detailing really make this set special. If you want it to match a favorite outfit, Crochele is very helpful in showing the colors she has available to make these sets in her fifth photo in the listing. (I think this is a nifty way to show the possible color choices for custom orders.)


Chic Beanie with Brim Matching Set

Mommy and Me sets can be very cute. This set from Crochele is great because it is a style that looks nice for any age. You could also buy it for a set of siblings or any other combination that you can dream of.