Finely and Bub Fall Line

When you find another small shop to work with on a photo shoot, you say YES!!
I always am looking for ways to have my little/young girls items photographed so when Natalie (with Finley and Bub) was looking for a few items for a photo shoot I jumped at the opportunity that maybe my items might work with her esthetic.
(We have one son and I am an Aunt to 4 boys...no girls in sight thus far.)
Sure enough, her fall line fit right right in line with my style.
Finley and Bub with Oikos Handmade mini Crossboyd Fringe
How sweet is this little dress paired with the mini cross-body fringe purse with a fun pom pom?  I love everything from the color of the dress to the simple vintage embellishment around the neck.
I wanted to add a little whimsical feel to the purse so there are tiny little bells in the pom pom. They aren't loud, so they won't disrupt things but it is kind of as if you're calling your fairy friends to come out and play. When Finley said she loved the Jingle Bell Purse, I knew she had to keep it. Now I want a Jingle Bell purse too. ;)

Granny Squares have always been a favorite of mine!
I have loved making a beautiful piece you would find in your Grandma's home and make it into a beautiful fun modern accessory.
When Natalie sent a picture of the colors and style she was doing for her fall line, I knew a Granny Square Cowl would make a beautiful accessory to her amazing creations.
Finley and Bub Granny Square

The Rust Hi-Lo Hem Split Dress, is just so beautiful! I love everything from the color to the fit and the super cute knit ringer pullover sweater.
The Granny Square cowl fit perfectly with this dress. It brought it some fun fall colors that bring across the vintage feel that Natalie brought to her entire fall line-up.
From the colors, textures and styles, Natalie has you covered.
I keep telling her I need the Horse pants in my size and the dress from the first picture.

Oikos Handmade Purse/Cowl
Thank you Natalie for letting me be part of your fall line launch. I'm excited to see what else you have in-store!
Enjoy!!

Pattern Designing…Is it for me?

My favorite time of day to crochet is late at night.
I find comfort in knowing my husband and son are in the house and all worries seem to flee my mind for a while.
As soon as I sit down to binge watch my favorite show with my yarn and hook in hand, the creativity seems to flow.
I have come up with several patterns that I have written. They sit in a book in the craft room and I fall back on them if the occasional step seems to flee my mind.
After designing the Graph Beanie Pattern, I had several people reach out to me about selling the pattern. It was something I wanted to do but honestly didn't know where to start. I finally got the nerve up to sell the pattern and sold a few here and there. After a few weeks  Liz, over at Playin' Hooky Designs, reached out and helped me with the pattern. We talked and worked together to create an amazing pattern.
I had admired Liz and her work for a while, so to be able to co-author a pattern with her was such an honor. The Graph Beanie has been a great piece to build on and has been a huge hit. Oikos Handmade Graph Beanie
It wasn't until I worked with Liz that the pattern took off. Speed up to a while later and I designed several other items and released a few as patterns. They have NOT been met with the same excitement as the Graph Beanie has.
Braided Infinity Scarf pattern

Last year I released the Braided Infinity Scarf as a finished piece into the shop. Customers loved it and it became a best seller for me last fall/winter. After several request I decided to release the pattern this past week. 
It is one of the pieces I am most proud of and to see it not do as well has left me with some disappointment.
I know if I were to find a person to help and co-author with me it would probably do better, most of my patterns honestly would because something about this designing stuff...its who you know. It is VERY cliquey and I've found it hard to break through.
I received a message yesterday that made me doubt myself and the designing world.
A designer reached out to me to let me know she would be releasing a pattern that was similar to mine. I questioned her a bit and she came back with "It does happen. More frequently than you'd think".
I was hurt, frustrated that such a large designer would make it seem like it wasn't big deal. I'm sure there are little differences here and there but she will receive more exposure because of her shop size.
I've purchased several of her patterns, supported her work only to be met with "It happens".
(Apparently this isn't uncommon for her upon further investigation.)
There were other ways in which it could have been approached, I was so taken back that I didn't know what to say...so after questioning her I just let it go. I'm the small hook in the crochet world...and I'm okay with that.
I just wanted a little respect, a little support.

And I found it!
Not in the way that I may have wanted at first but I found the support I needed.
My TRIBE, my tribe always pulls thru with love, encouragement and support.
I had several crochet friends share my pattern and they have been the ladies that have been my cheerleaders on this journey.
Self confidence can be hard for me in such a large handmade community.
Do I measure up to (fill in the blank)?
I do this little business so I can stay home with our son. So when the school calls and he needs a breathing treatment I can go do that.
I do this for all the prescriptions we have to buy each month.
I love creating, I love the way making something with my hands makes me feel and the pride I have in what comes from a piece of wood and skein of yarn.

I let it go...I let the situation go and I will support the designers that support the small ones.
I will create even if things don't sell like I think they should.
I will continue to be Kimberly the face, hands and heart behind Oikos Handmade.
This shop started because of our little boy...and I will continue to run my little shop with heart and integrity, just the way it started.

Thank you for your love and support,
I couldn't do this little dream without you.

Going, Going…Gone!!

Over the summer I thought about what I wanted my shop to be like this fall/winter.
What items do I love to make and what items could take a back seat for a while.
After much thought I sat and decided the following items would leave the shop and some may not come back, so grab them while you can.
I want to have a shop filled with items that I love to make, items that you love too.

So first up are loveys, they will be back in the spring but need to take a back seat during busy season. I currently am in 2 local stores and hoping to extend that to one or two more. With that being said these little loves are just a little to much sometimes.

Loveys by Oikos Handmade
These loveys are great for the little ones in your life. They make great Christmas gifts, baby shower gifts or a simple just because gift.

The animal hoods will also be leaving the shop. These had a fun little run too and come in a range of sizes. The Marian hood will still remain in the shop if you would like a plain hood.
Crochet Animal Hoods

Aren't they cute?!?

Next up are the Gracycee Kate booties.
Graycee Kate Booties

Last but not least are the following items.

Oikos Handmade Products

The Lighting Bolt Hat, Leopard Print Hat, Mini Tab Slouch Hat and the Cable Scarf are a few of my first items that were brought into the shop. I believe they have run a bit of their course, at least for now.
You can find the patterns to the Lighting Bolt Hat and Leopard Print hats in the shop, look under crochet patterns.

And last but not least is one of my favorite pieces. The oversize crochet shrug, this piece is great for cuddling up in the cool/cold weather months and great for layering.
Oversize Crochet Shrug
Go grab these items in the shop before the leave on September 1.

Thank you for making these items such a success these past few years.
I'm excited to bring a few new items this fall/winter to the shop.
Enjoy and Happy Shopping.

New Pattern Release: The Braided Infinity Scarf

Well hello there!
Yes, I am still around and hoping with school starting that I can give this creative space the attention it deserves.
Fun and exciting things are coming to Oikos Handmade and it all begins with a new pattern release.
Many of you asked for it last year but business and life got in the way of writing it down. With Cohen starting school I finally sat down to the computer and finished it up.

Braided Infinity Scarf Close Up
The Braided Infinity Scarf is a favorite piece of mine, so warm and cozy.
It is made using Tunisian crochet making the fabric nice and thick. Don't be scared of Tunisian crochet, it is so much fun and produces the most beautiful fabric.

My friend Liz, with Playin' Hooky Designs, just released some tutorials on her blog, check them out.

This scarf is easy to adjust the length making it great for all ages.
You can make it using one color, color block your scarf or use up those super bulky scraps you have stashed away for a rainy day.

Golden Braided Infinity Scarf
You can find this pattern over on Ravelry or over in my BigCartel Shop.

From now until September 1, you can receive $1.00 off your pattern purchase, no coupon needed.
Please share your finished project with me on Ravelry, FB or tag me on Instagram.

Are you interested in ordering this scarf but don't crochet? Don't fret, I've got you covered. Until September 1, you can receive $10.00 off your purchase, for the Braided Infinity Scarf Only. Just enter coupon code: Braided10 at checkout to receive your discount. 

Enjoy and Happy Stitching my friends!

Christmas in July Sale

Sorry it has been so quiet around here. Between sickness and vacation, life has been a little hectic.
Last year I did my first Christmas in July Sale and it was the largest sale event I had. It is the perfect time to grab a few Christmas presents or get your cold weather gear, after all Fall is just around the corner.
Christmas In JulyOkay that might be wishful thinking but Fall can't be to far away can it?
The sale runs until July 16, just enter coupon code: Christmasinjuly   at checkout to receive 30% off your purchase.

There are also several items listed over on Instagram that are ready to ship and already marked down, shipping is included in the price. These items are only up for a limited time.
Enjoy!

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Granny Square Ring

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  Pinterest is full of wonderful ideas and inspiration. I found the blog Kootoyoo through pinterest several months ago and fell in love. She has some beautiful blankets, scarves, a fun watch band, jewlery and I found a beautiful crochet granny square ring. I pulled out the smallest hook I had, 1.30mm and grabbed some crochet thread. These little rings were so much fun. I have already worn one of them for a couple of days now and trying to decide what other colors I need. I love making something fun I can wear every day. What color(s) would you do one in? Enjoy!

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