Follow My Progress--Pineapple Tablecoth

I have been commissioned to crochet a 60" circular pineapple tablecloth. It's an absolutely beautiful pattern. It's for one of my most dear friends from high school.

Back story: she had been given a circular pineapple stitch tablecloth by her grandmother many years ago. Through the years, time,and drama, she no longer was in possession of this tablecloth. Earlier last year, I created a pineapple bordered afghan for my husband's cousin's wedding. When she saw this afghan, and how beautiful it turned out, she knew she wanted to ask me to crochet a "replacement" tablecloth for her. One that would attempt to fill in for the one that was so precious to her. And, this will be extra special because 1) it will remind her of her grandmother, and 2) it will be crocheted by a very dear friend to her. So, challenge accepted!

Here is an image of the pattern I am following. I bought it off an Etsy shop; it's from a vintage pattern book.

I started crafting around March 21, 2014. I got about 10 rows done, and posted on my facebook page (search: Emailie Alexander Creations) this picture:

She's given me as much time as I need to complete this, with free reign to complete other projects as they come along. I know this is going to be a mighty monstrous project, but I am super excited to see it finished.

I purchased a 2400 yard cone of size 10 cotton crochet thread in the ecru colorfrom Herrshner's, and decided to use the 3.5 mm hook. So, it's working up a bit larger than the pattern calls for, but it's easier for me to see and to work. Row 11 begins the first round of the pineapple pattern, and I'm currently on row 13. This next picture shows the completion of row 12. Ignore the colored yarn as I'm using that for row counting purposes. Row 12 makes the tablecloth already 16" round!

I will post a new update once I've completed the first round of pineapples! Thank you for following my journey!

Chicken Applique

I am sending this chicken applique out as a thank you to my customer who ordered the amigurimi chicken. I crocheted the one on the right. The one on the left is the picture in the book. Which chicken do you prefer?

What came first? The chicken or the egg?



I found this pattern here: http://greatamigurumi.blogspot.com/2012/03/baby-chick-amigurumi.html

I only added very few minor alterations from the pattern.

Bears and Bears and more Bears, oh my!

These cute bears are from a free Lion's Brand pattern. I was asked to make these as a custom order. They are going to be sent overseas to England, and they will be given as party favors for a young boy's 1st birthday! Isn't that super exciting?

Crocheted Chains and/or Braclets Options

This was recently a special order I shipped to a woman who has 8 year old twins with special needs. When she had seen the 100s Day Chain (previous post) that I had done, she asked me to create some with button closures for her daughter that could be used as occupational therapy. I created 10 of the blue and white. These I did with a wider width. I have 10 of the multicolor. These are a bit longer and slimmer, and then I have five each of the green and brown and the pink an black. The response I got upon receipt of these was "oh my goodness they couldn't be more perfect!!! Thank you so very much. You are very talented!!"

Post by Emalie Alexander Creations.

Crochet Chains

Post by Emalie Alexander Creations.

Shop Information Q&A

1--I don't see anything listed with prices, why?

Currently I'm mostly doing custom orders. This means, I will post products I've made, or ones I am currently working on. If you see something you like, then you can comment or message me, and I will work out a custom order for specific items and prices for you.

2. This is Facebook. How does payment work?

Good question. Just like many online shops, I accept PayPal. I will send you a paypal invoice.

3. How quickly will I get my product?

I will do my best to get your product out as quickly as I can. Keep in mind, blankets and larger things take longer to make, than small amigurimis, etc. If you need something by a specific date, be sure to mention that, and and try to plan ahead to give me time to craft a quality item for you.

4. Are you planning on expanding your shop outside of Facebook?

The short answer is, yes. I am considering opening up a brand new Etsy shop. Once I do this, I will make you aware here.

5. Do you do more crafts than just crochet?

Yes. I do lots of crafts. Although, currently I am spending more time with crochet.

6. Where are you based and are you willing to ship internationally?

I am based in Ohio, and yes, I'd love to ship internationally.

Networking Challenges

With my home-based craft business, I'm trying to branch out and network. So, I've linked my Facebook, to this blog, to adding a twitter account. After all this time, I'm still learning my way around his site, and I'm very very new to Twitter. So, if you come across this blog, and you use Twitter, I would love for you to consider following me @emaliealexander. Search for me on Facebook at Emalie Alexander Creations.

While I used to have an Etsy shop I hadn't yet specialized my skills to a skill set that works well for interest in Etsy buyers. Trying to get fans on Etsy was hard work, so I shut down my shop and took some time to start honing down my skills into mostly crochet with some sewing and other things on the side. I've put a few of my items into a first time very small craft show, and did much better than I expected. I am considering opening a brand new Etsy shop. I probably should do that before my Facebook/Blog/Twitter name gets taken on Etsy.

I recently did a whole make-over. I changed my name from Big Bang Momma Crafts (being a huge Big Bang Theory fan and a mother, I loved that name, but decided a need a brand name a little more professional) to Emalie Alexander Creations. I've been working at updating my sites to offer more information for potential buyers or just interested lookers.

At this stage in my endeavor, I'm trying to build an audience, a fan base, people who will support me, help me succeed, and branch out past my "1st degree" of contacts. This means, currently I mostly am working on custom orders. I post pictures of things I've made, or what I can make, and then people ask me to make something for them based on what they've seen. I don't really have things "listed" on Facebook. I understand. It can be a scary place to shop. This is another reason I am considering a new Etsy shop. I want people to be interested, and pleased with my inventory. I want to get my name out there. I want people to take me seriously. I want people to be happy with my product. And, ideally like any entrepreneur, I'd love for my hobby to turn a little profit. This helps supportthe addiction and I can craft for a wider audience than just gifts for people near and dear to me.

If you come across this post, and are willing to help me network, especially on Twitter or Facebook, I'd be so happy, and I would most definitely reciprocate.

https://www.facebook.com/EmalieAlexander