Rainy Days

Hello friends!

I have been enjoying the Fall weather here in Tennessee. The trees have finally started to turn beautiful shades of orange, red, and gold.  I can turn off the air conditioning and raise a few windows which I love to do.   The football season so far for the TN Vols has been a little crazy for us fans but we still are hanging in and are hopeful. 

News in the Shop

The holiday season is coming soon and I am gearing up for it.  Lots of new things already in the shop and I am organizing for upcoming holiday shows. 

The rusty ornaments are in the shop now and you can choose from a heart, cross, or a star. They all can be customized with words and can be silver or rust finish. You decide:) 

I love them and think they will make great gifts this Christmas!
Check the Etsy Shop

Shop Sale!

Hey friends,

I wanted to let you know what's going on in the shop this week. If you have been thinking about getting a one of a kind cuff from my shop Now is time:) 

Free Shipping is going on in SHOPuntil Friday! Use the coupon code INSTAFREE  at checkout. 

I am excited to ship you and handmade cuff or if your want to design your own, message me any questions.  I am happy to knit your cuff in any color in the shop( if available upon request) 

All cuffs listed are ready to ship, so go check them out now before there gone!  

I love sharing your photos wearing your cuffs. This one stole my heart:) 

Have a great week! 

Tracy

Fall is Coming!

Are you ready for Fall?  I know I am. I am loving the cooler days and nights.  Fall also means it is football time in Tennessee and the orange is out on Saturdays.  So whichever team you root for on the weekends, you probably enjoy Fall.  Fall also means pumpkin spice lattes, yellow leaves falling and who doesn't need a cuff to wear with those jeans!

Shop News:

I have thought about bringing  back a few scarfs in the shop but I am not sure if that is going to be my focus going forward this season.  I really love the cuffs and want you guys to love them too.  Tell me what you would like to see as far as colors.  I am thinking about multiple color cuffs (pinks,reds, and greens)   Feel free to give me suggestions.  I am considering the 2 inch cuff not as popular as well. It
seems to me the majority of ya'll like the 1.5 inch wide better.  These are just a few ideas I am throwing around in the business. 
Thanks friends for supporting my shop and sharing your cuffs with others.  I am looking for a few Brand Reps to advertise for the shop on Instagram so if you can make great stylish photos and can show my cuffs in the Best possible way, send me an email at tracypatterson72@yahoo.com 
or got to the Shop HERE


Have a Blessed day friends!

trAcy

Back to School

Hello Friends! 

August has begun with school starting back and football games.  I really enjoy watching my son play football.  This is his first year on the Jr. High football team and he is playing center position.  As a parent it is exciting to watch your children play sports.  Of course knitting will be with me for those time outs and waiting during half time.  

The shop is slowly being stocked with new cuffs this week.  I have a couple of custom orders for a wedding gift to get out soon.  How cute does that sound? Mr. and Mrs. wrist cuffs?   I love creating special gifts for people.  

Are you looking for a birthday gift for your girl friend or Mom? Or a "sweet reminder" for yourself. Take a look in my SHOP .  All the cuffs in the shop are ready to ship within 24 hours!  They can be gift wrapped by leaving me a note to seller during check out.

Don't you like to get a deal on Back to School shopping? I do and right  now I am offering
 FREE SHIPPING in my Etsy Shop  just for my blog readers.  Use code: FREESHIP  
| Offer good until September 1st |  Good for Domestic Shipping Only |      Thank  you guys:).  Happy Shopping. 

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

Hope you have a Blessed week:-) 

Shop Updates

Hello friends! 

This week has been so productive for the shop.  I have introduced a new product which is shoe tags for runners.  These can be inspirational, motivating and fun for those athletes and runners in your life.  

If you want to have some custom shoe tags made, I am taking orders.  You can go to my shop and send me a message.  I can create a Custom Listing for you to purchase.  Right now the only color is silver and size is about 2 inches long.  They will fit most tennis shoes. I hope you guys love these and want to see more.  

The shop was updated yesterday and today with a few more cuffs.  If you love to create there is a cuff just for you!  I also added a new cuff color. Let me know how you like them:-) 

Have a blessed week and talk soon! 

trAcy

        

Summer Salad

Hello Friends!

It has been so hot! The temps have been in the 90 degrees F the last week and my air conditioning seems to never stop! I am scared to see my electric bill when it arrives in a few weeks:-/

I wanted to share with you a great Summer salad I got from a friend and made multiple times last week for my family and friends. We really liked it and so easy to make.

Sweet and Spicy Salad

3-4 fresh peaches diced
3-4 strawberries diced
1 jalapeño  diced
1/3 purple onion diced

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese 

Mix all ingredients and enjoy! 

I hope you stay cool and don't forget my Shop is still having a Christmas in July Sale! **25% off everything until July 31st with coupon code SAVE25 at checkout.  I hope you take advantage of the savings while you can! 

Thank you guys for supporting my shop:-) www.etsy.com/shop/handmadeknitsbytracy 

Nashville Weekend

Hello Friends!

I just realized my last post was published very late! Sorry I really thought I had hit the publish button a week ago but turns out I did not.  Guess the saying better late than never is right.  I have to let you guys know about my trip to Nashville this weekend. It was amazing and so much fun. My daughter and I traveled to Nashville which is about 2.5 hours away.  We both had plans of shopping. I visited CraftSouth and bought some beautiful fabric and yarn. The yarn is a naturally dyed sport weight merino.  I love it and hope to knit it into a large shawl for the winter.  I will share the pattern when I start it. 

The shop is a beautiful mash up of needlework, fabrics and knitting/crochet.  There were too many fabrics to choose just one but with my budget at hand I chose just one for now.  The shop did feature Alabama Chanin designs and they carry her organic knit fabrics. There is a list of classes they offer on their website. '

 

    Our next stop was to the Super Summer Knitogether Open Market at Scarritt Bennett.  The market had so many fiber arts vendors selling anything from handmade soaps, yarn, roving, and fleeces.  I managed to get some yarn for a future sweater which I am excited to start soon! Winter is coming...LOL.   

   The last stop of the day was to the used book store which my daughter loves to read so she found a new series to read.  We had a long day of traveling together but the best part of the trip is the memories we make together.  We talk and laugh in the car.  Oh, we even bought Starbucks coffee in this summer heat!  It was delicious.  

 

Have a Blessed Week

Tracy

Vacation Time

Hello Friends! 

My family and I have been on vacation this week. We went camping for a few days and then we decided to spend the night in Memphis so we could visit The Pyramid which now has the biggest Bass  Pro Shop inside as well as a Lodge inside.  I know, that is a lot going on there. We had fun just hanging with each other and of course eating out:-) 

I have almost finished my book Mere Christianity and I knit on some baby items and washcloths while away. The heat has kept me from really enjoying knitting lately.  The temperature has been in the upper 90's.  Although I have a few items I am working on finishing to list in my Etsy shop. The goal will be to finish someone this weekend. 

I still have some cuffs and baby photo props in my shop if your interested in checking them out. 

Talk you soon! 

In Christ

Tracy 

Happy Fourth of July

Hello Friends!

This week is a short one for me because our family will be going camping in a few days at the Tennessee River to enjoy some outdoor fun and Fourth of July fireworks!   The closer it gets here I am questioning the camping in this summer heat.  Although this week, the temperature has been perfect around the upper 70's and mid 80's which is great for this time of year.  Let's hope that it sticks around for our camping trip.  

I am still reading Mere Christianity.  The book is really good food for thought especially if you are a deep thinker or questioning why we believe there is a God.

This week I received my journaling bible which means I can start writing my thoughts and verses inside it.  I am not the best at drawing but I like to color and doodle so this will be the place for all of that.  I am excited to start!
If you are journaling in your bible and use the hastag #illustratedfaith I would love to see your pictures on Instagram.  Leave your IG name in the comments so I can see. 

Have a safe and beautiful 4th of July friends! 

trAcy

Mere Christianity

This week I decide to pick up a book that probably millions have read except me.          

Mere Christianity  is a collection of talks by C.S. Lewis.  I have heard of this book because who has not seen or heard a C.S. Lewis quote?  I know it won't be an easy read but interesting none the less.  Also being a Christian I wanted to familiarize myself with Lewis' writings. My daughter, a college student, has already asked if I have read more than five words at a time because of the heavy thoughts written.  I explained, yes, I am reading a chapter at a time.  This seems to help me understand and meditate on the reading.  

If you have never read this book or interested in reading along lets do it together!  I am setting a goal to read more this year and so far I have read 1-2 books a month.  Reading sometimes gets pushed to the side besides of course my daily bible study.  

I am excited to dig into this book and you can leave a comment if you are reading along or if you have read the book, let's chat:-)

Blessings 

Tracy 

Snaps and Rain Showers

Hello Friends! 

It is hot here in Tennessee. The temperature has been in the 90's plus high humidity which is common here.  The rain showers cool us off a few degrees when they happen here and there.  Yesterday I loved sitting in my craft room, which has windows lined across the wall, watching the rain pour down and the wind blow the trees from side to side.  It is so peaceful to watch a short storm come through and then leave quickly bringing forth the sun shine behind it.  Reminding me how God has always brought me through dark times in my life of sin. When I felt like the darkness would not end He walked with me into the light.  I just had to repent and turn away from that sin and even the temptation in front of me.  Thank you Jesus for always bringing sunshine and peace! 

I have been in the studio working on designs for men's cuffs.  I was asked if they were only for women and I had not thought about that but they definetly can be designed for a man.  The cuff color can be brown, black, tan, or grey.  Those are the manly colors I came up with that I thought would appeal to men.  What do you think? What words or scripture verse would your man like on a cuff? 

I am also designing the cuffs to have a snap instead of a button closure.  I think this is more manly too.  

Snaps are tricky but I am trying them out with the fabric so I can figure out the best construction.  I want to create a quality bracelet for you so wearing the cuff and testing is essential.  

Received new bags for packaging my cuffs. I like them better than the burlap ones so there will be LOTS of sewing on buttons😁.   I hope if you like them too if you have purchased a cuff from the shop! 

Hope you can sit in peace this week and enjoy a ☔️ rain shower. 

Grace to you

trAcy 

 

How do you take a selfie?

Hello Friends! 

Okay this week I learned something.  How to take a selfie:-) LOL!  I know I am not a teen or a twenty something why am I taking selfies?  My business needs photos and style photos I am a cheap model. Ha!

I am always seeing these amazing photos of people on Instagram and wonder do they have a photographer with them all day? Or does their husbands or family members follow along with the camera? I have even wondered, does Mommy teach the kids to hold the camera for them?  Am I the only one who has thought about this?  Crazy I know, I feel like I am behind on a lot of things and this is one of those times.

The secret is proping your iPhone on a table or iPad on the cover stand and using the camera timer. You can use the 3 second or 10 second option and press start.  Genius right? This is how you can take pictures of yourself in action or maybe those style photos for your shop. I wanted to style my wrist cuffs with outfits and take more pictures to share and this is how I was able to because no one in my house can take a picture with out it turning out weird.  So I gave it a try and here are the results.....  Definetly not a model but I think it shows my style and how to wear my cuffs.  

            

                 

   

                          

                           

                           Wrist Cuff shown: REDEEMED ( Currently in the SHOP) 

                               

I really like this casual style cuff that shares a great message. My dress makes me want to be at the beach (sigh) maybe next year.

Leave me a comment if you want to share with me about your experience taking pictures.  

You can follow me on Instagram or Facebook to see what's New in my shop! 

Have a great week! 

trAcy

Tuesday's Prayer

Happy Tuesday Friends!

I am excited to let you know that I updated my SHOP last night! It was late last night when I decided to do it so no time to post here but I am happy to share there are about 9 wrist cuffs listed.  They are all original designs and each one a little different in size and metal blanks.  I was originally going to wait another week or so but hey why not go ahead and put them in the shop now.  I am still working hard to brand my shop online with social media outlets and here on the blog.  It is a process that I know will take time so I am going to keep at it. I believe in my work and this handmade business:-) If you found me and are following along I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment here:-)

I am praying this week for guidance and encouragement because honestly I need it everyday.  Don't you?  As a business owner trying to start this thing and a mom, wife and just overall human this work is hard!  I will be at a craft show this weekend Arts in the Park at Parkers Crossroads, TN if you are in the area.  Come say Hi, I think meeting people at these events is what draws me back because really I have not made enough money to be there in this summer heat.

Also, my son is at CentriKid camp  this week so I am praying for him to be filled with the Spirit this week so God can speak to him intimately. I love all the kids and the volunteers that went this week are such a blessing to us parents and those children.  May God use each one for His Glory and may they be reenergized to serve HiM!  

Grace to you-
trAcy

Special Order

The weekend has once again came and went.  Did you get some crafting done this weekend?  I worked on a few orders and received a special order for a cuff.  I can't wait to see the recipients reaction when she gets it.  I happen to know this person so I know the meaning it will have on her.  The Lord really was on time with this order because it encouraged me so much that someone likes what I am doing and actually orders something.
I am so thankful to everyone who has supported my shop and has encouraged me.  Building and branding my business is taking a lot of time but I already can see results from the work put in.   I know if I keep putting in the hours I will get the results I want from my business.  I really should sit and write out my goals for hAndmade knits by trAcy.  This can be for another day:-) I am not good at writing things down sometimes especially goals:/

Shop News: If you want to place an order for a PERSONALIZED cuff, you can message me on the FB page "handmadeknitsbytracy".  I have posted an album there called Knitted Wrist Cuffs with Color Charts and a Blank Chart to choose from.

P.S. 

If you have a small business you need to listen to this podcast! Packed with helpful information...

Thanks guys for following along here, IG, and FB too!

Grace be with you
trAcy

Four Letter Word: BUSY

Hello Friends!

My days seem to always feel BUSY.  Do your days feel the same too?  I work 4 days a week and then on weekends I work from home creating and knitting for my Etsy shop.   Last week I took a little break from knitting because my wrist was hurting from overuse.  The doctor didn't give me diagnosis but the steroid he gave me was terrible unless you like no sleep or mood swings. My family was happy I stopped taking them.  It seems rest is the best medicine.

I am knitting new cuffs for the SHOP reopening soon! I am thinking the opening will be June 29th because of the 4th of July holiday.  Here is a sneak peek at one:-)

I also am redesigning the cuff and will have a few to choose from.  This green color I am not sure about but you can let me know what you think? 

I am so excited to be blogging and sharing with you about what's happening and if you want to see more photos you can Follow on Instagram ( link is on side bar ) 

Thank you guys for supporting me in this "new" blogging adventure.  I am really working hard to get my shop going strong and I can't wait for what the future holds this year! 

Have a great weekend💚

trAcy

Tennessee Afternoons

Hello Friends! 

Just a typical Tennessee Summer afternoon.   I love these day lilies blooming in my yard and I think the color of the sky at sunset is so pretty.  God really is an artist!  

God saw all that he had made and it was very good.  Genesis 1:31 NIV

Blessings to you~

trAcy

What are you afraid of?

Hello friends!

Today was productive and tasks were accomplished.  Some knitting, reading, and even cooking for the family which is always good if it gets done.  I also did some thinking today about fear.  What am I afraid of since looking at my business as more than a hobby. Yes I love to knit but can I really make money at designing knit bracelets and accessories?  

Am scared of failing, mistakes, or letting others read this blog? Society usually shows us part of other people's lives but we have to remember it is only a tenth of a percent of the REAL life they live.  I know it is hard to not compare my life with that perfect vintage living room and the perfectly dressed kids sitting inside it.  My family usually is not  even home at the same time these days much less is the room or dishes clean most days.  We want to be positive and show the best pictures but we as viewers have to remember that it is only a picture.

I don't want to let fear keep me from sharing my heart for my Jesus or the gifts He has given to me. I believe in my business and sharing with you about it is the only way it will get out there to you. 

The mistakes can only make my business better and grow bigger.  I can't fail unless I try and trying is something I think I have always been pretty good at doing.  I don't like when I hear someone say I can't because they can because they need to try!  Well writing this blog is something I have wanted to "try" for awhile and here it is.  I am sure I am not a great writer but atleast I am trying.  I think the more you do something the better you get and you find out if it something you enjoy.  

The blog is for me to share with you the goings on here at handmade knits by tracy studio and whatever else I am thinking about.  I hope it keeps you interested and you can let me know about your business ventures. Have they failed or been successful?  Everyone has to start somewhere and I dont want fear to keep me from moving forward.  

I hope you have a wonderful week! 

trAcy

Weekend Warrior

Hello Friends!

This weekend has been busy but hey most are aren't they?  I mean if you work all week and only have three or four days to accomplish those lists of "to dos" you are very busy.  The thing about getting it All done is the day before you have to go back to work you are so tired then you are earning for one more day or even another weekend to rest.  Do we ever have enough time?  

I did get some crafting in this weekend but not as much as I would have liked.  I went to a craft show on Saturday and it was really hot and not exactly enough sales to justify being there.  I am still new to going to craft shows and doubting the worth of going especially when I start set up and tear down. (LOL)   I do enjoy the people which have been very helpful and nice to me.  

I am still knitting new cuffs for my July reopening.  The cuff design is thinner and I have some new blanks I hope you will like.  I want to have a CUSTOM Cuff Listing in the shop too. This will have an option for you to pick your cuff color, the blank and your message on the blank.  

I am also taking an Etsy Course from Merriweathercouncil to help me optimize my shop.  I am enjoying and it has helped me already to much.  I admit I have not spent as much time on building my business as I need to but I feel like I am on the right track.  I believe God will continue to bless this business.  

Here is one of the cuffs I made this weekend for all my "Creative" people! 

Have a great week-

trAcy

What I am Reading?

Hello Friends! 

I want to share with you two books I am reading right now. Although I am a multiple book reader,  I was not always but over the years with less and less time to read it seemed I would start a book and soon find another to start and then another. You get the idea.  I picked these two because I felt they are worthy of letting you know about them too. I found one of them from IG (at least something good can come from spending hours on there).

I like to see what other people are reading and what interests them. It adds to my wish list of reads so I thought I would share so if your interested you can put them on your must read list. 

The first book The Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin will help you dig deeper in the bible. It will help you with the "how to study scripture" such as asking the right questions during your quiet time instead of just reading and not knowing what you have read. 

The Church Planting Wife by Christine Hoover is great for church planting wives or a pastor's wife as well. I am a pastor's wife and Incan relate to a lot of the issues she talks about. I have had many questions answered already while reading it and ministry is hard and there are not many books written to the ministry wife.  You can visit  Here where Christine Hoover shares about ministry and her other book Good to Grace (which is on the wish list too!) 

I hope you check these out and let me know what you think or if you have read them too! 

Blessings 

trAcy 

Bible Journaling

I thought I would share this morning about bible journaling. I first started last year during my quiet time. While reading my bible, maybe a verse or a truth stood out to me and I would draw or write it out in my journal. 

Of course, I should say I love journals and always have one handy to write notes in so you will need to start by choosing a fabulous one that suits you. There are many to choose from and I started with a Tuesday Morning find with a verse I hold close to me. 

I also write out my prayers inside as well. I find that writing out scripture and my prayers helps me not to be so rushed in praying. I stay focused because I don't know about you but I am scatter brained sometimes. The busy life makes me that way and I need to slow down most of the time. This quiet time helps center me and I have fun with it by journaling. Jesus is my friend and giving Him time is exactly what He wants from us. 

He shows me what this life is about and today Jesus isn't just first in my life, He is my life! 

'He is the image of the invisible God, firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him.' Colossians 1:15-17 NIV 

Have a great Saturday friends! 

trAcy

Hello Tuesday

Hi Friends!

I had a great time yesterday with family. The rain here has been forever long and making the days seem very long.  I should not complain because those gardens are very happy!

Knitting wise not much happening. I closed the shop this morning after running a week long 20% off sale.  I haven't sold very much online but I am hopeful with more of an online presence hAndmAde kNits by trAcy will flourish.  I have ideas and will be working hard on some new cuff designs. That makes me excited and I think you will like them too.

I will reopen the Shop soon. I am hoping by July if not sooner.

Have a great week:-)

P.S.
If you are on Instagram or FB you can Follow me @handmadeknitsbytracy

Happy Memorial Weekend

The past few months have been filled with inspiration and creating new items for my Etsy shop.

I have not been consistent in blogging but today is the first day of starting something new! 

I want to get to know more makers and knitters so why not start by letting you know about me.

I am a knitter, spinner, and this year I learned to crochet.  I am always wanting to learn something new so I am sure I will keep adding to the list of skills. Ha! 

Here is one of the recent cuff designs I came up with but creating these are evolving everyday. Tweaking the construction and design are being done daily.  I am happy with them and believe they are pretty unique because most cuffs are leather or a sewn fabric. These are knitted cuffs and then I add a custom blank.  If you want to see all the designs in my shop?
You can visit HERE

I also can create a cuff with your own message or word on your choice of blank. Just pick one and message me. Here are the choices...

I hope you will leave comments about what you think about these cuffs and keep me accountable to blog about the happenings around here. I hope you have a Happy Memorial Day🇺🇸