June has passed us by, with little to show that it was ever here. Now we enter into July with hope that with the scorching weather, that we can get a lot packed into the next 31 days. Usually in the summer my family and I have a garden and by the 3rd week of June we have things like squash and green beans start coming in. Most of the time the pressure canner has taken its first trip out of the pantry. This year however is a little different. With everyone’s schedule we did not have the time to really invest in what it takes to garden. (Last year we got taste of going to the State farmer’s market, which we loved!) The reason I share this is because usually in the summer my crochet and knitting, among other crafting, is put on  back burner if you will. That has just be my routine, until this year that is. What would we do with out routine? This summer has consisted of nights of crocheting after daily tasks have been done, but I got to say Fridays have been my focal point. The day filled with time for  just me and my yarn (with Netflix thrown in for good measure). So my new summer routine is to sleep in a bit, work all day on my current projects, prepare for the class that I teach and focus on what to share with you all. I got so excited when I turned the calendar page this morning and realized that there are 5 Fridays this month.  😀 How awesome is that, an extra Friday to get more crafting done?!? So let me show you my latest WIP that I have going…

This happens to be the second time of making this top pattern found at http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/openwork-top.html

I wish I could tell you the name of the designer, however I have not been  able to locate it anywhere on the pattern. This was the first piece of clothing I ever crocheted, and I just love wearing it! This time I am using the exact same colorway, Circus, of Cotton Fair as the first one. Can’t wait to see how this one turns out. Well, I guess it is time to head back to my routine. 🙂

Until we talk again, don’t worry be crafty! ~ Jama

Wisdom from my 3 year old nephew. He often tells me that waiting is hard when I tell him he has to wait for something he really wants. Waiting never really gets easier as life progresses. I am 30 and it is not easy to wait most of the time. Sunday I placed a large order of yarn for some specific projects that are coming up. Every day I have checked multiple times on the shipping order. What feels like a slow process to me is actually a short journey for my box of precious yarn! It is coming across the country for me just for me to make into these planned projects. So while I wait, I continue on with trying to finish up a few other WIPS. Until next time, don’t worry be crafty~ Jama

First of all, as you all know by now I am a huge failure at keeping things going on this blog. Lately life has been busier than ever, but isn’t everyone’s? There is no excuse to why things seem to slip out of grasp, however it is never too late to hit the reset button. So here we go, reset.

Over the past several months I have been working on many projects. Last summer I discovered www.oneandtwocompany.com designs and boy how I love Carolina Guzman’s creativity!!! Ami can be tedious, but so worth it. They are some of the best written patterns I have ever purchased…. I may or may not have a huge collection from her. 😉

About a month ago I found another design company that is incredible, www.elkstudiohandcraftedcrochet.com  Kathy Lashley was  doing a CAL for this AMAZING shawl pattern. I must let you in on a little secret, I have never been a fan of making garments until this year. To me they never seemed to hang right or something looked wacky. By far this was my favorite! Like a good book I could not put this shawl down, being that it was a CAL only a certain amount of the pattern was released a week for 5 weeks, I anxiously awaited the next portion every Friday.  Like painting a picture, once you stand back and look at the whole thing, it is like “Whoa, did I actually make that?”

I always tell my class that the sign of a good pattern is that you want to make it more than once. With the patterns from these designers, you will make them over and over again!  So go on and take a look at(and support) these independent designers who make our crochet world more beautiful.

Until We talk again, Don’t worry be crafty! ~ Jama

P.S. Maybe by the end of the day I will post some pictures of my latest projects.

Good afternoon ya’ll! Right now my hooks and needles are busy with babies and beach bags….. I found a great pattern for a crocheted baby that will be perfect for Christmas presents for some of our younger nieces. After making 2.5, my husband and I started discussing adding some unique things to it. Oh the possibilities are endless with this pattern! If you get time go check out www.stuffthebody.com , I love to support independent designers ( And why not,they are my own people!) and trust me it is worth every penny!! Go take a look you will not be disappointed!!!! Also last week I joined in the fun over at Yarnspirations and their Knit/Crochet Along Challenge. As my first time taking part in a challenge, this is 3 weeks of summer time bags, one in knit and one in crochet each week. It is not to late to sign up, so go to their website and get all the info that you need! The challenge starts June 29th. It is fun to play around and learn new stitch techniques, that way we never get bored. Those are my WIPS right now. Here’s my question what you go on YOUR hooks or needles???
Lastly, words. As many of you know I not only work independently as a fiber artist/ designer, but also as an instructor at the local community college. Sometimes I ask how a student got to know about the class. A lot of the time they tell me that someone told them about. That is amazing to say the least, our words can influence not only our creative outlets but others as well!! I hope our words will be an an encouragement to those around us for their creativity! Which leads me to my next question, do you talk about your “hobbies” with friends and family that don’t have the same pass-times as you? If so, what are their responses? Please don’t hesitate to leave your answers in the comments, I would love to hear from you!! Until next time.
Don’t worry be crafty, Jama

Well here at Fruitful Concepts Studio it is Spring, with such a long, rough winter we sure are glad that seasons change. In North Carolina it is not uncommon to experience all 4 seasons on any given day. Thankfully the days are getting longer and warmer, as well as more exciting. I am going out on a limb and have started filming some instructional videos today. The plan (with the help of my better half) is to have them edited and posted by the end of the week. Art is in the air people so be on the look out because there are great things ahead!!! Until next time… Don’t worry be crafty! ~ Jama

I now have my own website FruitfulConceptsStudio.com

Encouragement, we all need it and yet, how often do we give it? A caring smile in passing,  looking someone in the eyes while they talk to you. You never know how a simple gesture will help improve someone’s day. The mere act of holding the door open for another, can lift my mood. Self-less acts to show human connection often go unnoticed by many, but for the one that receives it, it can be life-saving. There is a new charity/ministry that has been developed among my crocheting and knitting  friends, called “Comfort Squares”. This is a VERY quick and  simple project that goes to people going through cancer treatments, surgery, etc. They are 4- 5 inch crochet/ knitted squares  of bright and pastel colors made in any pattern that you like. What makes this special, much like prayer shawls, they are blessed by clergy so the patient that receives this piece of cloth has a reminder that there was another person that cares for them and prayed for them. What a powerful way to send people a message of love,hope and encouragement!  I must admit that I could always use some hope and encouragement. In recent months I received a note that MADE my day. It so simply said, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy…” {Phil. 1:3-4}  I love it!  For more information on the “Comfort Square” project leave me a message here or at Fruitful Concepts Studio on Facebook.

Until then, don’t worry be crafty- Jama Stallings Currin