The High Plains Knitter

DJ Runnels American Handmade Artist

2011-05-19T20:56:00.010-05:00

DJ Runnels is a lady that is on many on-line venues where I encounter her many talents. I think I first met her in Etsy Knitters Team. However, she also has a couple of twitter accounts where we keep in touch. We began to communicate after she advertised a really great sale on her yarns at her Artfire shop which has since moved to Life's an Expedition's main yarn shop, and hand wovens: http://www.Zibbet.com/LifesAnExpedition You can get there by clicking on the title, or copy and paste the url. Somtimes she also has bulk yarn packages at: http://LifesAnExpedition.etsy.com

The first picture (above) is a woven scarf that DJ made from one of her yarns. The second one is a scarflette that I knitted from that gorgeous yarn that I bought from her. Sadly, I haven't been able to get a real good picture of it. You can find these gorgeous yarns in her Zibbet shop (listed above).

I felt like we had a lot in common, and I'm even more sure of it, now. I also love putting beautiful yarns together for my projects. However, DJ is a much greater business woman, than I, who really knows how to market her products. She has really given me great advice. I love the fact that she makes her designer yarns from yarns that come from U.S. mills. The scarflette/collar above that I made from one of her great yarns and will soon be in my shop.

Promotion is one of your strong points, but if you had to choose between your businesses and knitting, which would it be?

My business. Knitting is more of a hobby for me. But the correct answer would be (e) none of the above. What I mostly live for is to pick up separate yarns, put them together and see what they look like. That was how my yarn sales started. I love to see what the yarns look like together. Once I start knitting or weaving them, the suspense is over. I want to set it aside and see what yet another combination would look like. I got obsessed with this aspect of the whole creative process and as I became better and better at coming up with inventive color combinations, the demand for my yarns grew and the yarn business took off. My yarn sales out-paced my knitting, weaving, paper mache, journal-making, vintage books, everything, in just a few months of starting Life's an Expedition. No one was more surprised than I was! I never set out to be a yarn designer or seller. Fortunately, the yarn combinations are what I love best, so everyone is happy.

The materials for your designer yarns come from U.S. mills. Is this a deliberate choice or did it just happen that way?

It just happened this way. Some of the finest mills are in the North Carolina area. But I am very patriotic. We devote large amounts of time to a charity that helps the deployed military overseas and their families back home. In fact, my secret fantasy is to sing our national anthem at the Superbowl, but if they ever ask me, I will decline as a public service. Not that my singing is horrible, mind you, but ....eh... It's not that great, either. Still, just the thought of The Star-Spangled Banner gives me goosebumps. I used to sing it to my kids, all of the verses.

Those readers who are knitters certainly know why you would design and sell yarns, but what prompted you into the field of vintage?

In the first few months of business, my husband and I were still exploring what we wanted to do. He loved old books, and so do I, as I used to be a professional writer. So we accumulated a lot of books and sold them on eBay. I'm sure we've sold over two thousand by now, but I lost count. Now when we select books, we are more narrow in focus. We mostly offer non-fiction, such as art, history, science, travel. We want each book we offer to have something special about it.

Another factor which drove me towards vintage is my love of taking a vintage item and altering it in some way. I make journals from old dictionaries and cookbooks. And I love to paint and decorate wooden household goods, such as bowls, picture frames, trays. In the beginning, I was fairly timid with a paintbrush. Now I pounce without hesitation. You should see the decorating in my house. I just went wild.

What is the motivating force behind your on-line shops?

That's an easy one. I have several taglines that I use to promote Life's an Expedition. One of them is Adventures in Yarn. Another one is "Your expedition is about to begin." But my favorite one is this: Color. Nature. Texture. Culture. Everything that I said earlier about Color? I am the same way about texture, trees, leaf prints, botanicals, weaving from Guatemala, carved objects from Africa, anything that fits into those four categories. One day I had dinner with friends at the Olive Garden and one of them laughed out loud. She said it was fun to watch an artist explore everything. I was running my hand over the textured walls in the lobby, admiring the yellowish glow of a light as it hit a tan wall, analyzing the curly grapevines, waxing poetically over anything Italian, that sort of thing. I get the same way when I'm in another country. Or at Pier 1, for that matter.

I do love Dj's yarns, and hope she never quits making them.

Check out Dj's other shops here: Life's an Expedition imported goods, such as the Guatemalan tablecloths, and some miscellany: http://lifesanexpedition2.ecrater.com/
Life's an Expedition books: new, used, vintage, antiquarian: http://lifesanexpedition.ecrater.com/
I usually put a sprinkling of items here, such as military birdhouses: http://LifesAnExpedition.artfire.com

Natalie Redding American handmade artisan

2010-12-29T16:38:00.006-06:00

I am so glad that I have had to opportunity to get to know Natalie Redding of Namaste Farms. She is an incredible artist, and can be found on facebook as Namaste Farms. In my secret "Walter Mitty" life, I would be doing what she does. But, as it stands, I will be buying her yarns, and making my items from it. That, in itself is a dream come true. You can visit her farm on line by clicking on the title of this post, or you can see some of her yarns by copying and pasting this link into your url http://www.yarnmarket.com/knitting/Namaste_Farms-873.html

Natalie, you knit, spin your own wool, and breed your own sheep and goats. What brought you to the world of breeding?

I am an Animal Scientist with a B.S. and M.S. from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I have a deep affection and love of animals. Unlike many fiber fanatics, I started with the animals, and then fell in love with the fleeces.
Oddly enough, I learned to trim feet, and shear (and everything relating to flock management) before I ever spun a skein. I actually did not learn about fleece sheep in school...only meat breeds. I purchased Wensleydale Longwools quite by accident. It was then that my love affair with fiber began.

You are truly a made in America artisan from start to finish. What is your business philosophy?

I am a terrible business person. I would give everything away if left to myself. If it were not for Deborah at http://www.yarnmarket.com I would not have near the success I do. I mean this sincerely. She keeps me on track and has a lot of patience for my artistic idiosyncrasies. Her mantra to me is, "Make whatever you want and we will sell it." It is pretty hard not to be successful with a company that embraces everything you do.

Your sheep and goats have won show awards. Why are so exceptional?

My husband and I came from owning Thoroughbred racehorses. Conformational principles are very similar within animal species. This made it very easy to choose animals that were structurally sound. When it came to figuring out great fleeces; we ALL know, it is in the handle. How good does this fleece feel? I definitely had some help from experts in the beginning; the rest was having a very good tactile sense. My biggest mentor is Sharon Chestnutt (Cloudspun Farm). She is a very well known Angora Goat breeder and is a dear friend to this day. She was great at pointing me in the right direction and teaching me the basics.

You have recently become a certified member of the Cherokee nation. Would you share your journey in achieving this goal?

I recently was granted my tribal membership to Cherokee Nation. My children are also tribal members and it makes me feel so complete. My grandfather was a Cherokee and lived in Oklahoma. He died in the late 1970's from a self inflected gunshot wound and his entire legacy was not well regarded by my family. Because of this, I wasn't even aware that I was 1/4 Cherokee until the 1980's.
About 4 years ago my friend's mother (a Lenape Indian) told me I should enroll with Cherokee Nation. I found my grandfathers name on the Dawes roll and began the process.
Seriously, it was seemingly endless paperwork, but as of Dec. 21st, I am a full fledged member of Cherokee Nation. It is so funny that it made me feel so purposed. It also feels like my love of animals, agriculture and nature is truly in my blood.

How would you like to impact home-grown business in America?

I really want people to understand how important it is to appreciate farming and the importance of fiber arts. I have met so many amazing artists doing crafts I did not even know existed. I don't think the general public realizes how much time and effort goes into these arts. Much of this is because the US has relied on imported crafts and goods. I feel like this trend is starting to shift and American made goods and services are making a comeback. That's a fantastic thing.

Drop by and get to know Natalie and her products. They are made in America from American sheep and goats.

Handmade in America

2010-11-12T14:25:00.008-06:00

I have always been a watcher. I watch everything, and it began at an early age. I remember thinking, at age 9, when the gov't reduced the amount of silver in our coins to almost nothing, that the money was almost worthless. From that point on the prices of things began to rise. I remember thinking, in high school, when Nixon took us off the gold standard, that since there was absolutely no standard for the printing of our money, that from that point on it was worth exactly what the gov't. would manipulate it to be. If they decided to print more of it, it would be worth less. If they decided to print less, it would be worth more. We were then under the whim of the gov't. To add to this, America makes almost nothing to sell to each other and to other countries, and what we do own is now micromanaged by the gov't. Those who produce handmade goods in the US experienced this in a big way this year as the hammering out of the new CPSIA regulations have been taking place. We had to fight to be able to produce anything for children at all without having to pay for outrageously expensive testing on all materials. My beef: if the offending materials come from outside the country, then why do we have to pay for it. Why not do the testing at the ports, and make the offending companies pay for it. Not feasible you say, I say it's more feasible than making every small business or crafter in this country pay to have it done every time a new batch of materials is purchased. After all, these companies make millions on sweatshop labor, and flood our market with cheap goods that become a lot more expensive because our sellers have to pay for the testing of their harmful products. I have to ask, if the price of children's products are going to sky rocket (and they will) as soon as, CPSIA is fully in effect, then why not spend the same money on a domestic handmade product. This country might even be allowed to produce again on a large scale.

I don't grieve over imports but, to have an economy that will thrive, you have to make something to sell. Since, we buy so much that comes from sweatshops, we are use to paying little for what we have. The only problem with that is that since we have little industry to make our money with, and the money we do make has been long spent by the gov't, their only answer is to print more causing us to spend more for everything. My answer to this is to buy made in America. Imports are not bad, but we must have some support for our own industry.

Since, I am not a person capable of starting a manufacturing plant in this country, my answer is to make what I can with my own two hands, and sell, or trade it to someone in this country or another. The point is that it was made in this country. I have always enjoyed using beautiful yarns made in other countries, and at times will continue to do so. But, I have made this decision: I will begin to buy yarns made in this country. Since there is only one place in this country that manufactures yarn, I will buy from them, or HANDMADE IN AMERICA by someone who spins.

There are many venues now to buy handmade. If you click on this blog title, it will take you to my shop. If I don't have anything you like, you can find almost anything on Etsy. And, just to list a few, there are Artfire, Zibbet, Cargoh, and more. You don't have to buy handmade (although it's almost all we have left), but buy American. I invite anyone who makes products in this country to post your business name and product in the comments section. If you are looking for made in America check out those who list their businesses in the comments. In the future, I am going to be blogging about made in America businesses. If you come across businesses handmade or otherwise list them in the comments. I will blog about some of them.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-06-25T13:45:00.012-05:00

Bobbi of Kitty Grrlz makes bright, colorful novelty and art yarns. When I browse her yarn shop, I feel like a kid in a candy store. She also has a shop full of beautiful knitted items made from her beautiful yarns.

Tell us how and when you learned to knit

I learned how to knit at the DIY Trunk Show in Chicago, Illinois (http://diytrunkshow.com). I was making jewelry at the time and did the show as the "Crafty Librarians". I had beautiful items from several librarians from across the country! It was a great show and I learned how to knit there.

The local Stitch n Bitch group was giving lessons up on the stage in the Auditorium. Our spot was very near there and since it is was quiet at first (and, a fellow librarian was there helping me) I went up to get my free lesson. They provided acrylic yarn and metal needles. They showed the cast on and then the knitting. I was all thumbs, seriously. I never thought I would get it! I felt like an idiot and was sure the girl trying to teach me thought I was too. BUT . . . when I got home I went out and bought some purple yarn (they had given me yellow, not really my favorite color) and started knitting. I just knit and knit and knit . . . I ended up knitting a long rectangular object that today most resembles a table runner (yes, I do still have it!).

THAT was the beginning. I jumped into knitting full speed ahead and by the next year at the very same show (2005 DIY Trunk Show), I was there with HAND KNIT items. Lots of them. AND, I wore the SWEATER that I knit. I still have that sweater and try to wear it to shows (though it doesn't fit as well as it did back then - I think it's time for me to knit a NEW sweater!)

You spin your own yarns, which are your favorite to work with?

My favorite fibers to work with are soft wools like merino and merino blends. I love merino/silk but lately have also really enjoyed spinning merino/tencel - the tencel adds a bit of shine to it but is still very soft. I enjoy spinning bamboo, too, because it is so soft and smooth. Sometimes spinning wool is tough on my hands, but the bamboo just slides and slips right through. My favorite yarns to spin are my "FunctionArt" art yarns, because I really get to play with colors and textures. I also get to use my large stash of novelty and specialty yarns for these types of yarns. (You can see them here -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kittygrrlz?section_id=5004519 )
Really, though, I love spinning all types and like to go back and forth for variety.

Would you rather spin, or knit?

Most of the time, I think I'd rather spin, but there are times where I get into the "knitting zone" and all I want to do is knit. This usually happens in early Fall, or sometimes, in the middle of summer. I don't remember if it was last summer or the summer before, but I just started knitting, even though it was June/July. I knit up a bunch of my art yarns into cowls/neckwarmers, which are my favorite thing to knit since they are fairly fast and I don't have to do anything too fancy - the art yarn does it for me. Right now, though, I'm definitely in a spinning mode as I'm preparing for a big show in July (Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair - http://fiberandfolk.com )

If you could live in any time period, what would it be and why?

Hmm, when I was in college the answer to this would have been the 60s because of the music and all that was going on at the time. But, now, I'm not sure. I'd probably be pretty content just living in THIS time. (The odd point is that if I *could* I'd just like to go back to my college years - the early 90s! Better music, less responsibility. ;) )

Tell us about Bug Juice.

Bug Juice is my boss! No, just kidding. She thinks she is, though. She is my second cat and one of the reasons for my name - Kitty Grrlz. When I was in college, I had a cat named Jinx, and she was the original Kitty GRRl, but then when I was working out in Roseburg, Oregon, the director brought a kitten into the library - a stray that she found by her house but couldn't take in since she had several cats already. The director was hoping to find a home for this stray kitten and even though I knew Jinx wouldn't be happy, I brought her home. That's how the Kitty Grrl became Kitty GrrlZ - and Bug Juice joined our household. I don't know what I would do without her - she keeps me company while I spin late into the night - her favorite spot is underneath my spinning chair. (You can see pictures of them both here -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittygrrlz/sets/72157594398063516/

You can get to Bobbi's shop by clicking on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade. But you can get to her Etsy knit shop here. http://www.etsy.com/shop/kittygrrlzknits Her blog http://kittygrrlz.blogspot.com/ and her website http://kittygrrlz.com Please do check them all out.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-06-05T11:14:00.006-05:00

Have you ever thought that you would like to keep your laptop looking really good? Well, Brenna, of Raven Haired did, and it took her into a new world. After getting to know her, check out her shop by clicking on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheter on Parade."

Your profile says you knit for family and friends. What do you make for them?

When I was first learning all I would make were scarves. Then I eventually branched out and started to make gloves and mittens, little stuffed animals and colorful blankets.

How did you come to the idea of making laptop sleeves?

On my last job my old laptop broke and I had to hurry and get a new one for work. The work I was doing was a lot of long hours and traveling. I was always on the go and often tired and it seemed like my lovely new laptop was always in danger of being dropped or getting scratched when I shoved it in my bag. A laptop is an expensive investment and I wanted to keep mine in good condition so soon enough I found some time to knit myself a sleeve for my laptop. Not long after that my friends and co-workers started to notice and ask me where I got it. The next thing I knew I had discovered Etsy and decided to give my little shop idea a try.

Do you sell your items on other venues, beside online?

I don't, yet. I have considered getting involved at art fairs and such but for know I'm just concentrating on promoting my shop online.

What interests you beside knitting and crochet?
So many things, but I have to say my passion next to knitting would have to be food. I love to cook and to grow my own food. And I love to eat, of course. Right now I'm living in an apartment with a small patio and it is covered with pots of herbs and peppers and lettuce.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

There are too many wonderful places in the world to choose just one. Hopefully throughout my life I'll get to try many new places but for now I'm thoroughly enjoying life in Fort Wayne, IN. It's finally warm here, my boyfriend and I are loving all of the great farmers markets and two wonderful yarn shops. What more could a girl want?

Lol, a local yarn shop does go a long way to make us happy!!!

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-04-23T15:19:00.008-05:00

I really enjoy the amigarumi of many of our Etsy knitters, and that includes those featured in Bonnie Limberg's shop BL Beans. She also has terrific bags and purses. You can browse her shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.I think you will like it as much as I did.

Your profile says that your grandmother taught you to crochet when you were nine years old. What was it that inspired you to take up knitting?

Actually it was my mom that taught me crochet at the age of 9. She did tatting too but I never got around to learning that before she passed away. My knitting started with a neighborhood mom that was taking a night class in beginning knitting. I was friends with her daughter and she taught us both as she was learning. I was about 13 years old then and I really liked working with 2 needles opposed to one. A little challenging at first trying to get my stitches so they didn't squeak when moving across the needles. My knitting was just a little too tight at first. With practice I got the hang of it. Once I started with baby booties it was on to baby sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves and adult sweaters. I like creating something plus it is relaxing for me.

What is your favorite fibre and why?

Favorite fiber..........that is a good question. I enjoy crochet and knit and I really like wool because of it's felting ability and end result from the hot water soaking. But for the feel and flow of the yarn in my hands as I work it I would have to say a yarn called I Love This Yarn. I find it at Hobby Lobby and it is so very soft to the touch and a dream to work with when I'm making critters/animals or sweaters for the grandkids.

What keeps you busy outside of knitting?

Besides knitting I enjoy reading by a variety of authors such as Dan Brown, Vince Flynn, Kathy Reich, Dr. David Jeremiah (to name a few) ............as you can tell my reading varies mostly by mood and interest at the time. I love spending time with my grandchildren, all 6 of them, and being an active part of Celebrate Recovery/GriefShare at my church. Getting together with friends for dinner and coffee is a weekly occurrence, plus my weekly knitting group, a small Bible study group for new believers, and soon it will be gardening season here in southeastern Wisconsin. Grass cutting season is already upon us and I really LOVE cutting grass. I get out my iPod with my tunes, my ear protection, sun-visor, sunscreen, water bottle, and then it's just me and the lawn tractor for about 2 1/2 hours. Good thing the neighbors can't hear my singing over the lawnmower. Me, Abba and the open yard.......bring it on!

If you could change anything, what would it be and why?

What's with the hard question here? Ok, what would I change.......my husband. Now don't take that the wrong way. My husband is the love of my life and it took me way too long to find him. He has health issues that prevent him from doing things we would like to do like traveling and going for long walks. My life is very good and very blessed, but my husband being able to travel and walk with me ........well that would just be the icing on the cake for me and him.

What prompted you to start an Etsy shop?

My shop interest started about 3 years ago when I had been knitting more again and started making felted purses. I gave a few away as gifts and one of my friends said why not sell them. When I was getting compliments from strangers on my own felted purse, it was time to take the advice of my friends. After some thought and internet searching I came across the Etsy website. I couldn't believe there was such a place and the number of artisans on it was mind blowing. After checking Etsy out further and really liking what I saw I was ready to take the plunge. In Fall of 2009 I was finally ready to launch BL Beans.

And I am so glad that you did, Bonnie. Your knit and crocheted items are beautiful

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-04-17T15:38:00.005-05:00

Suzette Lenzen is an enthusiastic knitter, who makes the cutest hats and accessories. After felting many of her items, she uses inspired embroidery talent to make them exceptional. Check out her shop KNITANDCURL by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Your profile says that you were six or seven when you learned to knit. Who taught you?

Mom mom taught me to knit when I was six or seven.

What was your first project?

My first project was a potholder, then I made doll blankets and Barbie clothes. My first project for cash was a red-white-and-blue jumper for my seventh grade teacher's daughter. It took me three weeks to complete and I got a check for $25.00. I was hooked!

What is your first priority in life?

My first priority in life is God; my husband and family are second. If I have those things in order, everything else falls into place in my life and things go more peacefully. If I'm out of whack - life is chaotic and stressful.

What would you do if you if nothing in the world hindered you?

If nothing hindered me, I'd go back to school and finish my degree.

Where do you see your shop in five years?

In five years, I'd like to be able to quit my regular day job (medical transcription) and only work part-time so that I could devote the rest of my day to creating beautiful things to sell in my etsy shop.

Suzette says she used to marvel at people who said you never work a day in your life if you love what you do. And now she's found it! She loves making things by hand to sell to others. "What a rush when I have a sale and get good feedback. It makes me want to stay up all night and finish my latest project so I can list it right away." I think that would describe most of us knitters. We love what we do, and certainly so does Suzette.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-03-12T18:27:00.004-06:00

Jennifer Smith of JayCee Originals makes gorgeous baby clothes and sports them on models that grab your heart. After you have met Jennifer please click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade to check out her shop and her models.

You knit beautiful baby clothes, are your three sons your models?

I discovered Etsy in the months following the birth of my youngest son Steiven and while considering what to put in my store my Mom suggested that I photograph him in his home-knits and replicate them as a base stock for my store. Sometimes I think it can help a potential buyer to visualise an item of clothing better if they can see how it wears. My second son, Nicholas lent his cheeky grin to the hooded afghan. Unfortunately for Michael, at the grand old age of 5 he is far too big to model any of my current lines (although he tries very hard to prove that he could model for me by squeezing himself into his younger brothers’ sweaters). Hopefully, safe arrival permitting, I will have another little model in around 5 weeks.

What kinds of things do you do to get such great happy photos of them?

The little ones are all fantastic, they seem to have been blessed with amazing self-confidence, and it’s not necessarily that the camera loves them but they certainly love the camera. There is never any need for bribery or distraction, they were born to pose. Nicholas in particular is very charismatic and flirts constantly with anyone and everyone – just a momentary glance, the hint of a smile and perfect strangers are instantly smitten!

Tell us how you came to learn to knit?

I learned to knit from my Grandmothers and my Mom initially and was confident in the basics (cast on, knit, purl, cast off) by the age of around 4. Needless to say my dolls were always the best dressed “babies” in town! As soon as I was able to read, I was following patterns and plagued relatives and friends with various knitted gifts and ensembles, in addition to beginning to support charity knitting projects. I took something of a well-earned rest from my mid teens until first falling pregnant in my early twenties during which time I focused all of my energies on cross-stitch and needlepoint (in addition to the whole school – college – university thing of course). Craft and creativity is a fantastic juxtaposition to formal academic study because it maintains focus while at the same time providing the brain with some valuable down-time!

Having filled the wall space of my own home and that of my parents with beautiful needlecraft creations including a beautiful baby afghan and birth sampler for the imminent arrival, I returned to two needles in preparation for a December baby. Since then I have had great fun playing with knitwear design and learning as many new techniques as I can find. About 6 months ago I finally got around to figuring out how to crochet and am getting plenty of practice creating hats for preemie baby charities. My “Knit List” of important things to do includes taking the time and effort to transcribe and test some of my favourite design ideas into marketable patterns. Despite always beginning a project with good intentions of writing EVERYTHING down I never quite manage to get past the completed garment accompanied by some half-hearted instructions which in no way could be of use to anyone trying to recreate my design (and in some cases I get sidetracked and never actually reach the completed garment stage).

With three boys, I would like to know how you find time to knit. Do you have a secret way to keep them busy?

My trade secrets are routine and of course prioritising. Despite this, it’s a painfully slow process updating my stock! With three (almost four) children so close in age there is no chance for knitting during the daytime hours. While they all play so well together and help to occupy each other, my full attention and input is still demanded at all times. Even now at 8 months pregnant I still have to run around the park kicking a soccer ball just as lively as ever! If the younger ones take a nap I catch up on study and household chores but bedtime is 6pm for all and is strictly observed. We have tried to treat the boys to late nights on occasion but the fall-out the next day makes it a waste for them as they really don’t cope well with over-tiredness. By the time I have cleared away after dinner, there is precious little time for relaxing but I look forward to that well-earned evening break with my needles and yarn.

Beside raising boys and knitting, what is your passion?

Ooh, excellent question! I love life, there is so much to learn, so much to try – I am never at a loss for something to do and it never ceases to amaze me how many people waste precious time waiting for life to come to them when all along they could have been out there doing something. The dominant factors in my life besides my family and knitting are a love for learning and cooking. I hold two Degrees in Medical Physics, have had my associated research published and hold all manner of other qualifications including a Diploma in Egyptian Sugaring! I am currently writing a thesis to complete my Diploma in Life Coaching and will eventually return to full-time study in pursuit of my Doctorate. Food-wise I love to grow it, cook it and of course eat it. I have an enormous collection of recipes and am constantly inspired by food (note the food-themed names for many of my knits). Cooking and baking are great family activities and help the children to appreciate not only the origins of their food but also how the combination of different flavours and ingredients come together to create delicious dishes.

Jenner also has a gift bag shop, Jaycee Thoughts. You can check it out here. http://www.etsy.com/shop/jayceethoughts

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-02-26T16:41:00.006-06:00

Missy Littell has had her shop Littelme and My Knitting since November 1999. Her shop has truly unique knitted jewelry, as well as, scarves and other items. I was captivated by her and her items. To browse her shop, just click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

You have been knitting for four years. What motivated you to learn to knit?

Actually, a library conference. I'm a part-time children's librarian, and at this conference there were several knitters. I don't know how many people would go to a library conference, see some librarians knitting and think, "Oh my gosh, I must be a part of this," but that's what happened to me. The portability of the craft, the idea that what started out as just a ball of yarn could be turned into something useful, wearable, beautiful--a creation that would probably outlive its creator. I was hooked. I didn't know any knitters at the time, so when I went home checked out a knitting DVD from my library and would use online video demos whenever I got stuck on a particular stitch. Within weeks, I had produced my first scarf.

Where did you get your inspiration for your beautiful knitted jewelry?

Books. As a librarian, I have immediate access to the newest, most modern knitting titles as well as the knitting classics. I find them in catalogs, put them on hold at the library, pour over them, save away patterns to make later, make little tweaks here and there. I also have a lot of knitting friends I have made in the past few years that will e-mail me new patterns or drop off knitting patterns at work for me. In this way, I am able to find a lot of unique patterns and ideas.

Any recommendations?

I've been really impressed by the "One Skein Wonder" series. They have lots of patterns that are easy to make, but the end outcome is really unique. I like anything by Debbie Bliss, I think she is an amazing knitter. For some lighter reading, "At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much," was great, even made me laugh out loud! All knitters will relate. I also checked out "A History of Hand Knitting" by Richard Putt. It was quite texty, but full of interesting knitting history and just a fascinating read. There was a photo in that book of a sock that was dated back something like 1500 years. All I kept thinking was, I wonder what this knitter would think if he/she could have known that 1500 years after creating that sock, a girl would be sitting on her lunch break eating a sandwich and reading about it!

Your bio says you love crafting. What other crafts do you engage in?

My aunt taught me to cross-stitch when I was 5, though I pretty much folded that away once I began knitting. I sew and do scrapbooking and I dabble in writing and photography. I am currently teaching a series of classes on digital photography for my job. It's kind of a compulsion for me--I simply have to be creating something at all times. I taught myself to knit without looking at my project so that I can knit while watching TV or in a dark theater or a long car ride. While I was in the early stages of labor with my son, I knitted a scarf, which is no small feat with an IV in your hand. The hospital staff must have thought I was out of my mind.

If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be and why?

Well, with a part-time job, a husband who is a minister, a private voice lesson business and an active toddler, my first inclination is to say "a good night's sleep." But I guess what I really want is more time. More time to spend with my family, more time to serve in the church, more time to learn to be a better mother, wife, friend, worker, teacher. More time to live a healthier life and take better care of myself--and, of course, more time to knit! I don't know if this is normal, but the older I get the more I feel like I am capable of accomplishing anything, if only there was enough time...

Where do you see your shop in five years?

Hopefully an expanded version of what it is now. I am dying to add more items to my shop, but as I have already expressed, my time is limited and I do the best I can with the time I have. In five years I hope I will have discovered new and amazing treasures to add to it, or made up something entirely new and different on my own.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-02-19T14:27:00.004-06:00

Pamela Ziemlewicz of Most Favorite Aunt opened her Etsy shop in February, 2008. Her shop sports many accessories, as well as, coffee cozies and doll clothes. Check out her shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Pamela, you are an engineer. What area do you work in?

I'm a Quality Engineer. The company I work for makes ATMs. I make
sure they're right, and lay into contractors to make sure they stay
that way.

Your bio says that you are overworked. What do you do away from work
when you are not knitting?

I travel ~70% of the time. I used to split travel downtime between
knitting and reading. Recently, the lovely folks at TSA have decided
that aluminum needles are a potential weapon, so I've been doing a lot
more reading.

When did you learn to knit and who taught you?

My grandmother taught me when I was very young. I re-taught myself
w/ youtube after college.

If you lived in the tropics, what would you knit?

I'd probably still knit scarves... then sell them to the blustery
cold North. I love when guage isn't a requirement for the pattern.

How has your shop changed since you opened it in 2008?

Not really. When I opened up it was a lot of baby hats, and adult
scarves. Still true to form.

It seems that grandmothers are a common teacher of knitters. Yay for grandmothers. I thank your grandmother for teaching you, and you, Pamela, for sharing with us. You can follow Pamela at http://twitter.com/MostFavorite

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-02-05T14:16:00.004-06:00

As I have interviewed Etsy knitters, I have come to realize how much I find in common with them. However, it seems that many of us share participation in performing arts, homeschooling and broadcast media. Deborah Long of Anytime Accessories says she grew up a military brat - living between Fayetteville, NC and Panama, Central America. She graduated from East Carolina University in 1995 with a BS in Communication and Minor in Theatre Arts. That's where she learned to sew.

You have had your shop on Etsy since October, how did you come to the decision to sell your work here?

I have been selling my handbags and scarves locally for about three years. With lots of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to take my items to a larger market. I had visited Etsy before and was impressed with all the talented artisans and their shops. I just thought I would give it a shot. It’s been slow going, but I’m determined to make it a success. I get excited when I finish a new item and showcase it in my shop.

When did you learn to knit, and who taught you?

I learned to knit more than three years ago thanks to my mother-in-law. She’s an avid knitter. She got me started by giving me some of her yarn, needles and a how-to book on knitting. I was addicted from the first cast-on. One of my first projects was a simple handbag. After that I knew I had found my niche. I now create my own patterns.

You have a background in TV news. In what area did you work?

I got my start in television news while I was in college. My first job was as a tape editor at WITN TV-7 in Washington, North Carolina. After graduation I worked my way up to newscast producer. Shortly after that I became a reporter/anchor. I’ve covered everything from bank robberies and car accidents to hurricanes and floods. I’ve interviewed lots of interesting people - from actress Beth Grant to former presidential candidate John Edwards.

If you could pick one thing to make huge impact on the world, what would it be and why?

I really think the concept of re-use could really make a difference, instead of using something one time and then discarding it. I am amazed at the artists who create beautiful items out of something old and drab. Recycling in general is important to me. I live in an area where it is not mandatory. But we do it in my house. I want for it to be second nature for my kids. I want them to always think “can this item be used again?”

What do you do when you are not knitting?

I am a stay at home mom so my days are filled with diapers, dishes, laundry, homework, dinner, baths, and bedtime. I literally do all my knitting at night. At times I sew for my kids. In the near future I plan to take a break from yarn and work on some spring dresses for my girls.

You can find Deborah's shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-01-29T12:19:00.004-06:00

Nevena Mileva comes to us from across the pond with some wonderful talents. You can visit her shop by copying and pasting her link below or click on the Title Etsy Knitter and Crocheters on Parade above. You will love her textured and beautiful scarves and baby items.

How did you hear about Etsy?

I live in Bulgaria, it's a small country in south-eastern Europe where
only a small number of people know that there is such amazing place
like etsy.com. I have a great post with videos about Bulgaria on my
blog http://boutiqueaholic.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-country-bulgaria-in-videos.html
Last year, a friend of mine was searching for online stores for good
Christmas sales. She told me about this place. When I started
searching in etsy stores, I got lost in so rich choice of handmade
items.

What made you decide to sell on Etsy?

I always wanted to open a store and sell my hand knitted scarves and
baby clothing. However, my full-time job, and pregnancy didn't bring
enough confidence in this picture.
When my beautiful baby daughter came to the world, she brought new
hope and faith in myself. I found knitting section and crochet
section and I was happily surprised that someone is selling so many
handmade creations. At that time the idea that etsy.com is an easy way
to create and maintain shop came into play. With etsy, I figured, I
wouldn't have to care about renting and maintaining a physical shop,
and at the same time I'd have flexible working hours. Now I stay at
home as mother, enjoy spending time with my baby daughter, my
knitting, and promoting my shop via interesting online tools. My shop
is www.nevita.etsy.com

How did you originally get into Handknit and Gobelin making business?
I learned to knit and make gobelin tapestry, when I was a child. I
went to my grandparent's home, during school offs. My grandmother
thought me different handmade techniques, such as knit, crochet, sewing
and others. During the years, I was paying more attention to knitting
and gobelin tapestry, and found I enjoyed it a lot. It became my
hobby, and after my daughter's birth I decided I was determined to
share the products of my passion with people around the world.

What motivates and inspires you to create?

Winter scarves... When I was young girl, my mother kept telling me to
wear scarves so I wouldn't get cold. I hated scarves! That is, until
the day I knitted myself a very colorful, soft, and pleasant to touch
and look at piece of happiness (yes, a scarf!). My classmates loved
it. That motivated me to make more scarves, because I found scarves
could be joy, emotions, and good looking fun - yes staying warm became
not so bad experience after all :)
Inspiration sources have been changing during my path in life. At
some point in time, I enjoyed to come back home, and to get calm and
be all by myself while making my needlepoint tapestries.
At other times, inspiration was there, but I couldn't tell where it
came from, so I'd like to think of it as coming from deep within the
human soul.
Now I am motivated from the smile of my baby daughter and the look of
her eyes. In addition, when I look and reflect on the results of my
hand made creations I've made during the years, I get a good feeling
of accomplishment, and I want to do more. I'm proud of my winter
scarves, my gobelins, and last but not least my baby clothing.

What do you like most about being a seller?

Being a seller is something new for me. I like to learn new things,
find information too. I learn how to sell by reading a lot of articles
from experienced etsy sellers. It is not easy work, I love to create,
but honestly, I don't know how to sell my creations. It is something I
want to learn to do. Being a seller is a new opportunity to bring joy
to people.

What are your interests outside etsy?

I like the Human Resources area and I am finishing my masters degree
in Human Resources management. I enjoy interacting with people.

I love to travel and regularly organize small trips through my country.

I think Nevena has found her niche, don't you.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2010-01-08T18:10:00.007-06:00

Jolen, of Knits by Jo, is a very energetic and busy lady. I think you will find her and her shop to be very interesting. Take a minute and get to know her and then check out the beautiful entrelac in her shop. Just click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

How did you learn to knit, and who taught you?

While working at a school about 4 years ago, I became good friends with a 4th grade teacher. She was teaching two of her students to knit after school and I got excited telling her that this was one of my "bucket list" items! She told me what type of needles to get and I borrowed some scrap yarn from the after school program's craft bin.
Miss Hagstrom was so nice that she volunteered to stay with me at the school after all the kids left from 6-8 p.m.! In those two hours, she taught me how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, and even seed stitch. I picked up on it quickly and went home to practice in every spare minute I had. From there, I learned everything else I know by looking in books or online and teaching myself.

Tell us about your time in AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps was my first job out of college. For those of you who might not know much about it, it's a one year commitment to work for a stipend. The amount of that stipend depends on how many hours you commit to do in that year. The amount, of course, is not much, but they pay some of your student loans when you are all done. Because of this, I was also working a second job beyond this full-time position with AmeriCorps. It was a busy time!
I was placed in an after school program, taking the secondary lead position. Before even starting, I was asked to begin a science club, which I took to three different schools each week to children in grades K-5. It was that spring that my friendship with that 4th grade teacher turned into a knitting session.
While continuing my commitment at the local YMCA summer program with the kids, many of them saw me knitting during their free time. I simply could not accept all the requests to knit them all something (there were 27!), so I told them I would teach them instead! I started a sign-up list and the most committed ones signed up, two a week for seven weeks. For some of the younger ones, it was more of a lesson in mastery of hand-eye coordination, but some really took off with it!
While all this was going on, I was interviewed in the local newspaper for my time in AmeriCorps. I just happened to be teaching a 6 year-old at the time how to knit so that ended up being the picture on the front page. That picture is the one you see with this interview.

What is your favorite material to work with?

I'm a pretty simple girl when it comes to materials and base it more on colors than I do on the actual material. I have to admit, my favorite material I did work with in both texture and colors was a Lion Brand wool when I made my Raspberry Mocha Entrelac Scarf.
I have tried all kinds of things however, even "larn" (plastic bags cut to a yarn-like consistency). One thing I have been thinking about but have not delved into yet was making a "yarn" out of old t-shirts. I'm all about reusing if possible.

You are spending time with photography. What is your favorite subject to photograph?
I have not done as much since I've moved to South Carolina, but my passion in my very amateur photography adventures is always the small stuff. I love taking photos of very small things in nature, and I love doing it close up (almost always using the macro function) so that I get all the detail you don't usually see. I think this comes from my love of the outdoors and outdoor education and the fact that I don't care much for a vista view, but rather a highly focused detailed one.
I took many pictures while living in Wisconsin at a YMCA camp for two years. I would get up early and go out in the woods and just shoot anything that came into view that I thought might be interesting. It almost always came out to be more interesting in the picture than it seemed to be in real life!
After I gathered a somewhat large volume of these pictures from the camp and other various locations in Minnesota's Twin Cities area, I started a "Life in Detail" series in my Facebook page and a little section devoted to it on my blog (http://environmentaledgirl.blogspot.com/).
Life in Detail-flowers: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=11363&id=500254587
Life in Detail-other plants: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=11378&id=500254587&op=36
Life in Detail-winter: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=11379&id=500254587&op=36

If you could invent anything, what would it be and why?

Wow, what a big question?
When I was a kid, I always thought that the best thing would be to have hover crafts instead of cars, and I would invent an entire highway super structure that would feature air holes that blew up from the ground to keep you all up off the ground and Plexiglas between the lane sort of like a big vacuum tube. This way there would be fewer accidents?right?
Now that I'm an adult (although I think I still see the world as a child in some ways) I don't think I'm quite as creative!

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-12-04T16:09:00.004-06:00

Sharon Acton of Rocky Bird 7 says, "Each item I make carries a little of me in it and has given me hours of pleasure and an opportunity to express my creative side." I think she is right. And she definitely has a creative side

Sharon your profile says that you have worked with children for 32 years. How so?

I am a qualified Early Childhood Educator , with a Resource teacher diploma.
I have worked with infants,preschoolers and junior and senior kindergarten children. I have worked preschool, and daycare and with many special needs children. I am presently working with the kindergarten group.

Your hats are very imaginative. Do you get your inspiration from the children?

Children are always expressing themselves about the wonders of the world that we as grown ups often over look. Simple things like animals, flowers and dreams of space and snow are of interest to the children. When I come up with a new hat I bring it in and let the children critique it and frequently I am given suggestions. The boys hats are the hardest to come up with something new as they tell me they don't want them to look pretty.

If you had any yarn you wanted and all the time in the world to knit, what would be your dream project?

My dream project would be to help others learn to knit and provide themselves and others with needed clothing, and accessories. Teaching others to develop a useful skill to be handed down to others would be a great experience and very fulfilling.

When did you learn to knit, and how did you learn?

I first learned to knit in 7th grade for school. we were to knit a pair of slippers, a very basic rectangle with drawstring. I made one and to this day I have never completed that other slipper. I still don't like doing slippers. Then my sister was having a baby and I wanted to make something as a gift. A good friend of mine helped me learn the intricate stitches in the pattern and I made a baby layette, followed by sweaters for myself. My friend taught me left handed although I am right handed I continued to experiment on my own and now use a pattern as a guideline more for size and I embellish with french knitting, crochet and other techniques. I also dabble in wire knitting and would like to try free form knitting. I have also taught some of the children (including boys) how to french knit(corking) and they made bracelets.

What do you do with your time when you are not knitting?

Spare time, who has spare time. I knit for Etsy, Craft sales, festivals, and Fairs from May to December. I do watch sci fi programs, mysteries and Coronation street while I knit and I try to read a little each day.

Take a peek at Susan's shop. I think you will love what you see. Just click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-11-13T13:08:00.009-06:00

Eileen Skocdopole of Skocdem has just re-opened an new shop with emphasis on luxury this week. Eileen works full time at a drafting job, and part time on the weekends at a sheep farm that produces wonderful wool yarn. As you can see, she has two young children 2 and 6 years old and a husband that she says is very patient!

She knits with ear buds, listening to hip-hop and drinking coffee with her feet up!!

Drafting is your day job, what is your field of expertise?

I got interested in the Drafting profession because I like to draw, and I thought that this field would be a good blending of my creative and technical sides. And it has! I work for a major corporation and I have been there for 5 years, and been in this career for 7 years total. I create new, or modify existing part drawings for the company. The drawings look sort of like blue prints or part lists you get with bookcases, etc. Except these drawings are more detailed, and basically a legal document that the company has to adhere to.

When and how did you learn to knit?

Last November, I bought a "Teach yourself to knit" book and some yarn, and that is how I started. I remember watching my mom knit when I was a child, and that info must have stuck, because I could cast on right away!! Then I really leaned on the book and YouTube videos to learn the stitches and techniques.

You've just re-opened one of your shops www.skocdem.etsy.com with luxury items. Do you plan to market that shop any differently than the other?

Well it is a more sophisticated shop, I am seeking customers that would normally buy at a boutique, and elevate them to a hand-knit item, versus a mass produced high-price item. I am really reaching for the stars here! I am keeping it simple, few classic designs, few colors, almost minimal. I know some people who know some people, so we will see if the traffic flows my way!!!

What is your favorite fiber and why?

Favorite fiber, ooooh my. I purchased a white boucle Angora Mohair from Lynn at fuzzyfibers1960 that is ABSOLUTELY to die for. The softness is above anything I have felt. I have an order in to her for 400 more yards. But now I buy all my fibers from a network of lovely Etsy-ers, and look for their names in my listings!

If you could do or be anything you wanted for one day, what would it be?

My ultimate fantasy would be a day that I would just be pampered from dawn till dusk with the whole movie star treatment, think Mariah Carey. Facials, manicure, pedicure, massage, organic food, professional make-up and hair, the whole works. And then fall asleep on soft sheets and a cloud-like mattress. Just for one day. Is that too much to ask??

I'm hoping that dream comes true. You can visit her shops at http://www.etsy.com/shop/skocdem and http://www.etsy.com/shop/kloseknit, or click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-11-06T14:05:00.006-06:00

Holly Priestley has re-joined us after a hiatus, and I am very glad she did. Her shop is Silly Little Lady. She loves to breathe in the smell of old books in the library, a good glass of wine, green grass and big leaves. You will love her hats, scarves and handspun.

I love to hear about the process of choosing yarns. Please tell us how you choose your yarns.

Unless I have a specific project in mind, the yarns pick me! If I go browsing around a yarn store (virtually or in person) sometimes a yarn will just jump at me and say "you MUST make me into a super chic and warm slouchy beanie" or "my destiny is to become your warmest, coziest scarf."

What is your very favorite yarn to work with?

Hmm...favorite yarn to work with...Oh I don't know if I could pick just one! but I'm sure everyone says that haha. I love the uniqueness behind every skein of handspun or hand dyed that either I create or get from some Etsy seller. Those skeins are all one of a kind and just speak wonders to the world! If I had to choose one yarn to work with the rest of my life it would be handspun :)

Why do you like elephants?

I'm not quite sure the exact time elephants became my favorite animal, but I'm sure it had something to do with the stuffed elephant that was mine before I was even born. His name is Buddy and I still sleep with him on occasion ;) Elephants are truly majestic creatures, their memory, their size, their mourning ceremonies, elephants have feelings!

What do you do when you are not knitting?

When not knitting, right now I can be found doing homework, I'm a junior at New Mexcio Tech, getting my bachelors in Management and a minor in psychology. If I am procrastinating and not knitting, I love to dye my own yarns and spin, I also love to cook and train our 4 month old puppy :)

Where do you see your shop in five years?

Since I will have been out of college for a few years by that point, I will have much more time and energy to dedicate to my shop and I see it becoming very successful and hopefully my soul source of income (at least until I can get my yarn shop slash tea/coffee bar started up in Colorado somewhere ;)).

You can get to Holly's shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade and you can get to her blog at http://sillylittleladysspotontheweb.blogspot.com/

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-10-24T09:46:00.007-05:00

Alicia Mortlock of Willo sometimes picks her needles up first thing in the morning and puts them up the last thing at night. Travel is a passion, and she considers writing her first love. You can link to her shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Your bio says you love to travel, where have you traveled and where would be your next destination? Tell us the most fascinating place that you have either visited or would like to visit.

When I was young, I always knew that I could fly if I really wanted to. While Life has consequently clipped my wings, I still love to escape the confines of day-to-day routine whenever I can. To paraphrase JFK, ich bin ein europäischer, I am a European, and love Western Europe. I especially enjoyed eating honeyed meringues in a coffee shop in Belgium and comparing notes with the village women in Gozo (an island off Malta) as they crochet outside their houses. Closer to home, I’m not sure that the British coastline can be bettered. I love Cornwall and Northumbria, Norfolk and Suffolk. One of my favourite places is Dunwich, just an hour’s drive away. The fish and chips are delicious and the history of the place wonderful, especially for a writer. It was once an important medieval town, a prosperous seaport and centre for the wool trade, which has fallen, bit by bit into the ocean. Local legend has it that at certain tides, church bells can still be heard under the sea.

I’d love to go back to Italy. I went skiing there in my early twenties and fell in love with the country, if not with my skis. But rather than give you a next destination, can I cheat and tell you where I’d like to travel? Into the past. To meet up with a few relatives and give my son, Edward another hug. My granddad was a Marxist; a real working class hero back in the early 1900’s when it wasn’t such a term of abuse. He lived with us during the last few years of his life but I was only eleven when he died and didn’t quite appreciate what he was trying to tell me. He predicted the recent collapse of the banks and tried to explain to me how we are all part of one collective energy. Now that I properly understand how one starving, homeless or disadvantaged person lessens all of us, I’d love to talk to him again. Then I’d go visit my other granddad, one of the most influential people in my life. He was a gardener as well as a teller of tales and I need to ask him exactly what is wrong with my rambling roses at the moment.

What do you do in between the times that you pick your needles up in the morning and the time you lay them down at night?

My day always starts with breakfast and making sandwiches for Charlie, my seventeen year old daughter. As a feminist, I believe equality should be about choice. For everyone. In the past, I’ve had some pretty responsible (and relatively well-paid) jobs in Youth and Community Development. However, since my divorce, I’ve chosen to live in what I call ‘posh poverty’ in order to be there, physically as well as emotionally for Charlie, No one asks to be the daughter of divorced parents.

When the school bus picks her up at eight, I have my morning walk, although some days my back prevents me from walking any further than the end of the garden. Ten years ago, I injured my spine at work. After months of moaning, I went to see my GP and was whisked into the same hospital where my son Edward had much of his treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. I had slipped a disc, causing some permanent neurological damage (cauda equine syndrome). Thanks to our marvellous NHS, I had an emergency op which saved my legs, bladder and bowel although they’ve never made any promises as to what might happen in the future and I’ve since slipped two further discs on which they can’t operate for fear of further damage to my spinal cord. The doctors called it a miracle that I could walk. To be honest, that was when I fell out with God. I think that miracles should be reserved for mothers praying for their dying sons and it always seems a bit of a sick joke to me that my son died but I kept my legs.

Anyway, back to answering your question... Although my one and only book (for adults) was published back in 2004, I still tend to think of myself, primarily as a writer. In 2005, I was ‘discovered’ by a well-known literary agent, Maggie Noach who also discovered David Almond and Anthony Horowitz. Although she didn’t feel strongly enough about my first children’s novel, ‘Dead Black’ to represent me, she was very encouraging about my work for older children and young adults and asked that she might have the first read of further books. My second novel, ‘Monsters’ was nearing completion when Ms Noach died during a routine back operation and since then, I’ve struggled to find someone who’s prepared to take a risk with a very raw talent. Even so, my head is filled with the life stories of so many characters who want to be heard and I try to listen to at least one of them every day. Even when I don’t write, I try to plan something (or someone) in my head, inspiration usually coming first thing in the morning, somewhere between answering emails, reading Mette’s Morning Message and trawling the internet for inspiration for my knitting.

Some days I work for my ex sister-in-law Kate as a virtual assistant. It’s great for a flibbertigibbet like me, sitting in the comfort of my own home and ‘pretending’ to be a dental receptionist in Cambridge or the secretary to an IT consultant in Hertfordshire. VA work aside, I try spend the rest of the day knitting or designing until Charlie comes home from school. I can’t stand silence, I guess because I worry too much about what might fill it, so I tend to get through a couple of films every day. In the summer, I spend my evenings floating round the garden, pretending I’m the reincarnation of garden designer and my hero, Gertrude Jekyll as I ineffectually prune the roses. In the winter, I usually get back to my knitting.

Tell us how and when you came to knit?

Like many of us, I had a talented grandma (Nana) who taught me much of what I know and an equally clever mum who filled in any blanks. I used to be hypnotised by the way Nana’s finger wound the yarn around the needle and she did lots of cable work which completely had me hooked. By the time my brother was born (when I was seven) I was knitting him booties and matinee coats and I’ve knitted for family and friends since. First thing I knitted with leaves and flowers was a bedspread, unfortunately unfinished, when I was about eight or nine and had the measles.

From these two amazing women, I also learned how to ‘Make do and Mend’. Without wanting to sound like a fossil, I was born in 1960, just six years after the end of rationing and you learned not to waste anything. I swear that every gym bag my sister and I had in primary school was made from the same blue maternity dress, with our names chain stitched on the front. I admit to rebelling against ‘making do’ in my twenties and thirties, but with changing economic circumstances, I’m actually enjoying a return to recycling and charity shop clothes.

What outlets do you find for your talent in the U.K.?

Er... very few, I’m ashamed to say. I only started selling on Etsy to make some money to help finance the writing. I have a shop on Folksy but I don’t look after it properly and deserve the resulting lack of sales. This week, I’ve finally started developing my own website, one of those basic packages, and I hope to have www.knitwillo.com up and running by the end of next week with a view to using it to help promote my work over here. This year I’ve had to turn down a couple of invites to craft fairs and farmers’ markets because of other work commitments. But after muddling through the past year in a rather pedestrian fashion, I’m beginning to see where this particular journey’s taking me. I love my life. I love my work. And I’m going to flap my wings as hard as I can.

LOL, if Alicia knew how many of us were born before 1960, she would feel like a spring chicken.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-10-02T12:56:00.007-05:00

This week we are meeting Susan of Made 4 You By Susan (A Little Bit of Everything- Designs from a chick with ADD). And her shop does have a little bit of everything from yarn to knitted and crocheted items to jewelry and a vintage item. I think the cute subtitle tells me not only that she has ADD, but that she is a person who makes lemons into lemonade. To get to Susan's shop, click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

You make reference in the sub-title of your shop to having ADD. How does that influence your designs?
I know that I don't have the patience for anything large and complicated. Even small complicated projects just baffle me at times (knitting socks). I get the most satisfaction from completion, so I try to complete some smaller projects while working on something larger. I also try not to learn multiple new skills at the same time to keep the frustration level low.

How old were you when you learned to knit, and who taught you?
I only learned to knit about 2 1/2 years ago--so I was 39. I had been crocheting since I was 12 and I desperately wanted to learn how to knit, so I took a class at a local college. I'm still a beginner so I'm trying to master the basics before moving on to anything more advanced. I learned to loom knit shortly after needle knitting because the small DPNS were too hard on my carpal tunnel, so I enjoy using that method to make hats.

You've had your shop on Etsy for over three years. What advice would you give to new shop owners?
Get involved with the Etsy community! Get on the threads and talk to people (not just posting and leaving). I found so many connections in the promotions thread and I did BNRs for many months to spread the word about my shop. I also suggest joining street teams. A team comprised of people who sell similar items is an asset. Trading is another way to get your name out there--I have a lot of sales from people I have traded with in the past. Last, I would advise to advertise. I carry my business cards everywhere and when I'm asked about my shop, I hand over a card. Wearing the items I sell is good advertisement, too. I also have a Facebook fan page and get a lot of business from that site. Basically, you have to put the time and energy into your shop for it to succeed!

What direction would you like to see your shop take in the future?
I had originally opened my shop to sell off the inventory from my jewelry craft business, but the jewelry making never went away and I had to open another shop for it (pendantsandmore.etsy.com). I would definitely like to showcase more knitting. Crocheting comes easier for me and it's a safe fallback, but knitting is something I'd like to do more of in the future. I'm expanding my line of products to include some original designs and I'm going to continue in that aspect.

If you could be anything you wanted to be, what would it be and why?
LOL! With ADD, I can't pick just one thing to be!
1) I'd be the first female NFL referee because I love football! (but I can't stand the hot weather, so all games would have to be inside)
2) I'd be a popular mystery writer because I love to write.
3) I'd get my PhD and teach English or communications at a huge college.
4) The most realistic--I'd like my Etsy stores to be my full-time business and support me.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-09-25T00:35:00.008-05:00

Months ago, I was intrigued by a beautiful knitted blanket that I saw on Etsy with a Chanukah and hebrew letters on it. I am trying to learn as much as I can about the ancient Jewish feasts and their symbolism, so I was drawn to this beautiful blanket. The maker of this blanket and its pattern is Sandra of A Cache of Jewels. Sandra is a very interesting person who has been a business woman all of her life.

Tell us about your connection with Judaica.

I was brought up in a combination of Orthodox and Conservative Jewish home. I used to go to shul with my Grandmother for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Women would sit upstairs and my Uncle was in the all men’s choir. The sounds of the Cantor, Rabbi and the choir... looking at the breathtaking stained glass windows in a wonderful old building was a very important part of growing up Jewish.

I was the only child of my generation in my family, being born at the beginning of the “Baby Boom” and was fortunate enough to know all of my great aunts, uncles, cousins and even had my great grandparents and grandparents for a very long time. Yiddish was always spoken and a kosher kitchen always had the most wonderful smells and flavors of traditional foods coming from them. It was a way of life for them and a very large part of who I have become as an adult.

I also have a cousin who is a Rabbi in Israel and is the news director for Chabad.org. He’s following in the footsteps of one of my grandfather’s who was also a Rabbi.

Now, I am the Membership Maven for Team EtsyChai. A few of us, as original members, recently restarted it. The timing was perfect, corresponding with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I’m very sure that this will be L’Shana Tova!

When did you learn, to knit and who taught you?

I have knitted since I was a small child, having learned from my mother. I always was designing my own patterns (both for knitting and sewing), but never bothered to write them down. Now I do and am sharing them with everyone else. I especially want to focus on my Judaica work which is what got me though my recent, prolonged illness... one stitch at a time.

How did illusion knitting become part of your design style?

The name of my shop, A Cache Of Jewels, came from being a Ballroom and Latin-American competitive dancer and making the costumes and jewelry with Swarovski crystal stones. I love glamour and glitz.

I inherited this love from both of my grandmothers. My grandmother Esther (nicknamed Cookie – who my dog is named for) collected costume jewelry and music boxes, while traveling around the world by steamship.

The other was my Grandmother, Reba, who owned one of the most prestigious and largest Bridal Shops in New Jersey. She started it long before I was born and was in business well into my 20's. I worked for her all through my growing up, learning to sew by hand and machine and to do fashion bead embroidery on the wedding gowns from her seamstresses. I then worked in the NYC Garment district’s Bridal market for some of the manufacturers, learning a lot!

One of the things I found important was the history of fashion around the world. I went to F.I.T. and was exposed to beautiful textiles. One was Illusion style weaving of fine silk from Japan. It would create a hologram type effect that was mesmerizing. I found out about Illusion Knitting (which is also known as Shadow Knitting) and the rest is history.

Who is your favorite person in history and why?

I don’t know if I have just one person. There are many I admire for a variety of reasons. Most of them are women, but this is not sexist, but because they were all strong, insightful and well ahead of their time.

Beginning a long way back in biblical history: Ruth, Cleopatra, artist Mary Cassat, fashion designer Coco Chanel, dancer Isadora Duncan, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir , Politician Bella Abzug, and fashion columnist, editor and museum curator Diana Vreeland, just to name a few.

Where do you see your shop in five years?

I would hope to have entire collection of patterns, both in Illusion style as well as my Embossed style of which my Concentric Squares Baby Blanket is one – both in Judaica as well enlarging my line of dog items. I also plan to get back to doing my pave’ stonework jewelry. I love working with Swarovski crystal jewel-stones. I have some of my past pieces on my web site, but have not put any in my shop yet.

If there is anything you would like to add that wasn't covered in the questions, just add it at the end

I have been a self-employed artist and craftswoman for most of my life. I enjoy the creative process and never know what I'm going to come up with next. I also was a dealer of antique and vintage costume jewelry and will be offering some of those items also - as I am closing that portion of my business to concentrate on my own work.

Sandra's special love is for her English Springer Spaniel, Cookie. Cookie taught herself to aid Sandra when she came home from the hospital from a very serious illness. This is her inspiration for the great dog wear in her shop. What a great dog cookie must be! She loves good whodunits, and you will love this: She was the original designer for the Village People.

To see Sandra's shop, click on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade".

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-09-18T00:31:00.005-05:00

Beth Bullock of Beth's Baby Blankets is a stay-at-home mom with a 5 year old son, and 2 year old daughter. If you are looking for a shower gift, Beth's shop is the place to go. She also has a gorgeous knitted doily of the kind that is usually crocheted. Clicking on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade" will take you to her shop. You won't want to miss it.

Your blog explains that you learned to knit five and a half years ago. Did anyone help you?

I was laid off while I was pregnant and sick so my husband wanted me to get a hobby to keep my mind off of my nausea. I thought of knitting and got a kit at Michaels, after trying (and failing) to follow the directions for a few days, I asked my friends if they knew anyone that knew how to knit. I found a friend of a friend who gave me two lessons for a few hours. She taught me how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. I then bought a book to continue learning.

Tell us how you got started making baby blankets?

My first project was a baby blanket for my son when I was 7 months pregnant. It was supposed to be really easy, but it turned out really bad! It was a diagonal pattern like a dishcloth where you yo at the beginning and end of every row. Then k2tog at the beg and end to decrease. Well I forgot to k2tog quite a few times and the shape is not one anyone would recognize :) But I tied the ends to make it look like a square and I still use the blanket.

Many have breathed a sigh of relief since yarn was taken off the CPSIA testing list and you don't use findings. But, does CPSIA affect you in any way? Such as, do you have to add labels?

Since I only use yarn (no buttons or zippers etc. I do not believe I am affected by CPSIA. I do list my yarn type and brand in my item description for informational purposes.

What is your favorite activity other than knitting? Is napping an activity :), with two small kids it's a nice treat once and a while. I also enjoy scrapbooking. I love recording our family holidays, trips and just seeing how the kids grow.

If you could experience anything you wanted for one day, what would it be and why?

I would love to be a back up singer for someone like Paul Simon. I was a music major in college and I miss singing.

Since I don't know many people that knit, it's so nice to be apart of this group that is full of knowledge and support.

You can find Beth on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Quakertown-PA/Beths-Baby-Blankets/100147789712?ref=ts

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-09-11T15:26:00.009-05:00

Because I majored in theatre in college, I was so intrigued to learn that Efia Pearson of Efiafair, this weeks spotlight is an actress. How exciting to live out a dream! I loved browsing her shop, and think you will too.

Efia, your shop is very soft and feminine, do you have daughters to knit for?

That question really made me smile. No, no daughters yet. I just got engaged this year, so hopefully in the not-too-far future I will have a daughter or two to knit for, and to teach to knit of course.

What kind of acting do you do, and what inspired you to go into it?

I knew I wanted to be an actress since age 11. All of a sudden I knew what I wanted to do, and for better or for worse there was no turning back. I think what inspired me (and still does) is to get the chance to "live" so many different lives, to learn about what makes people tick. Also to touch people, to give them something. I think about how inspired I am after seeing a really good film, or dance, or any piece of art, and I'd love to give that back.
I studied theatre in college, and then I moved to Los Angeles where it's more TV and Film focused - so I do all of the above. :)

When did you learn to knit, and who taught you?

Well I feel a little bashful to admit this, but I'm just coming up on my 1 year anniversary of learning to knit!! I learned last Summer, from my good friend Mary (who also told me about Etsy!). Originally, she and I were going to open a shop together - she would teach me to knit, and I would teach her to crochet (I learned to crochet when I was about 8... so maybe that's why I picked up knitting so fast). But she created a total knitting monster, because I went knit-crazy. Bought some books, practiced a lot, and I just developed this big passion for knitting. Mary decided she wasn't into it as much as me, so she decided not to open the shop with me. But she turned out to be the messenger for this delightful knitting journey!

Many of your items appear beautifully Victorian. Is this a favorite era for you?

It sure is! I love so many different time periods (that's another reason I love acting - you can "time travel"!) and the Victorian Era is fascinating to me. I like to bring a bit of that fancy flair into 2009.

If you could go back in time, what period would you pick, and what would you do?

Hmmm. Can I pick more than one? :) The Renaissance maybe? I'm intrigued by the cooks during Medieval times, who worked round the clock to bring humongous feasts to the King and his court. Maybe I'd spend a day working in the kitchen... and then a day as the Queen!
I'd love to visit the 1960s and see my parents when they were my age, to see first hand the stories they've told me... and I'd love to go way back and see the dinosaurs, but maybe from a safe distance, being a bird or something. Just to name a few.

I was pretty amazed to find out that Efia has only been knitting for a year. I wouldn't have believed it while browsing her shop. As always, you can get to her shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-09-04T00:15:00.004-05:00

Browsing through Lindsay MacKay's shop Knitted Wave Studio, I found everything from knitted scarves and purses to beautiful greeting cards. I especially love the cards with the little crochet hats on them. To get to Lindsay' shop, click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade. So, let's get to know Lindsay.

When and how did you learn to knit?

I learned how to knit a little over a year ago. At the time I was newly married, in a new state, and without a job. One day I was going through some of the boxes from the move and found my grandmother's knitting needles and some yarn. I thought to myself "this is pathetic I have these supplies and I don't know how to use them." So I plopped down in front of the computer and looked up videos on how to knit and played them over and over again with needles in hand. If the videoes were VHS I would have broken them. Thats how I learned the basics and then from there I just couldn't get enough of knitting! I am a confessed yarn a holic and have no plans of being yarn-free ever.

You also sell gorgeous greeting cards, some of them with crochet embellishment, tell us how you began in this endeavor?

I can't take the credit for the cards, my mother is the creative genius behind those cards, I just help her out every once in a while. As for the crochet embellishments I must confess I wasn't the creator of the one you are talking about. Brilliant idea though, I didn't think of collaborating with my mother in that way. I told her about your blog and she said, "duh, why didn't we think of that?" So in the future be looking for my crochet work on my mother's cards.

In your bio, you mention that you really enjoy working with different mediums. Tell us what about them inspires you.

I love color and texture, especially texture. I also love mixing mediums to see what new things can be created from that. I'm inspired by seeing things in an atypical way sometimes, whether its photo collaging on paper and fabric and adding a little paint or using different color and texture in a knitted piece that takes it outside of what it is, putting it in a totally different light.

What do you do just to have fun?

I love to jump in the car with my husband and just drive up and down the old state roads. My camera and knitting are always brought along. We stop to take pictures of the sights that you don't normally see and sometimes just to stop and crawl up into a tree and start knitting.

It occurred to my while reading Lindsay's answer where she mentioned that she loves textures, that we knitters are not tactile defensive. What a blessing that is to us in particular. I realized that if we were, we would not be able to knit, crochet or spin. Thank you, Lindsay for pointing out that major blessing.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-08-28T00:08:00.007-05:00

Sarah Mason opened her shop, Yard by Yard Knits, on June 28th. She has the cutest baby clothes and accessories, and her choices of yarns add such an attractive glow to her items. Just have a look.

Sarah, you mentioned in your shop bio that your college friend showed you numerous times how to knit, but you just never got on with it. What triggered your desire to start knitting?

I started stamping cards in 2003 and really enjoyed the creative process. After a move in 2004, I considered picking up another craft but never made a commitment to anything. In the fall of 2005, I had dinner at a friend's house. She was knitting a pair of socks at the time.. She gave me a knitting lesson and sent me home that night with a how-to book, yarn, needles, and instructions to keep practicing. I made her a scarf with the baby yellow yarn she gave me and haven't stopped since!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brunswick, Maine. Although I have lived just outside of Boston for the last 2+ years, I am definitely a Mainer at heart - especially when it comes to driving!

What fibers interest you the most and why?

I really enjoy knitting with wool because you can do so much with it. I fell in love with felting when I took a class on felted bags. I haven't done much felting in the last couple of years because I have to go to the laundromat, but hopefully I pick it up again once I move this weekend and have my own washing machine.

What is your most favorite project of all time?

My favorite project is the first baby blanket that I knit. I had only knit two scarves and one hat when I decided to dive into baby blankets. My friend, Christine, is the most giving and selfless person you will meet, and I was so excited to give something back to her after all she had given to me. It was also the first time I searched through patterns and picked out my yarn, and I realized that knitting was something I wanted to keep doing. I think Christine and I both cried when she opened the gift - I was so proud of my first hand-made gift!

What would be your dream vacation?

I studied abroad in Paris for a semester when I was in college, and I would love to go back. Unfortunately, I hate flying, so I'm not sure how soon the vacation will be planned.

Do you crochet?

The only reason I own a crochet hook is to help pick up dropped stitches! I do not crochet, but I think it might be time to learn the basics. The first pair of baby booties I made called for a chain to form the tie around the ankle. I managed to figure it out, but I can't say the tie looks very good!

What gets your creative juices flowing?

Searching through patterns. I haven't yet created any of my own patterns, but I love to look through websites, ravelry, or my day-by-day calendar (one of my favorite Christmas gifts the last few years!) for new ideas. And of course, wandering around the yarn shops to see what colors and textures I can put together always gets me excited for a new project.

If you haven't already been to Sarah's shop, click on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade or copy and paste http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7612521 I'm sure she will be glad to see you.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-08-21T00:38:00.007-05:00

Shortly after I opened my shop, I came across a shop with the most beautiful flowers. They weren't traditional crocheted flowers. They were knitted and unlike any I had ever seen. I had to have her rose pattern because it is the most gorgeous I have ever seen. I knitted it up, all the pieces came out great! When my sewing skills improve, I will sew it together the way it is supposed to be and add it to some accessories to make them gorgeous. This is how I met May Lee Ho. She is the owner of Ohmay Designs. Take a look at these pictures and see if you can stay away from her shop.

May, your flowers are so BEAUTIFUL. Most flowers are crocheted. What inspired you to design knitted flowers?

Thanks Dianne. I do know a bit of crocheting, but it is not my favorite thing to do. I had just joined the California Crafters Club of Etsy (CCCOE) and the team has a monthly challenge with themes. The theme at that time was Christmas in July. Thinking of Christmas type items, the poinsettia came to mind. I thought the shape of the petals did not seem that difficult to recreate. With needle in hand and some yarn from my stash, I started, one petal at a time.

Would you please take us through your design process?

I love texture and am always intrigued with how a series of increases and decreases will bring some string to life.. Many of my flowers were created unintentionally from designs that did not work out as originally planned. I think of the shape I want and start knitting; increasing/decreasing at will. Sometimes they come out and sometimes not, but the “mistakes” always remind me of another one of nature’s beauties. So, I keep the sample and continue trying for the shape of the design in mind. At times, I like the “mistake” so much that I shelve my original design and continue to work and improve the “mistake”. My aster flower was one of my “mistakes”. I liked the way the petals looked and continued with the secondary design and lo and behold it all came together. Another of my ideas came from the creation telling me what it wanted to be, the creation of my wedge shaped flower neckpieces. I had put the original piece away and when I took it out again, it had folded in on itself and I just loved how it looked.

If you were stranded on a deserted island with every kind of yarn imaginable, what would you knit?

OMG….first I would have to touch and feel everything and then like picking a puppy, find one that “talks” to me and of course, it will tell me what it want to be. Crazy huh?

Is there something you are dying to try or create but just haven't been able to get to it?

Felting……needle and/or wet felting. I do a bit of felting now by knitting the piece first and then felting, but I want to learn about the other techniques. I just love the way it is so mysterious, just never knowing how it will come out in the wash..

When did you learn to knit and who taught you?

I picked up the basics when I was 12 years old from my sister. It bloomed into an addiction when I was in my late teens and it just keeps growing stronger.

What do you enjoy most?

I really enjoy knitting and selling in Etsy and other venues. It is very gratifying to have strangers see and love your items enough to buy it. There is nothing like getting a sale, whether it is your first or 1000th. The knitters in the Etsy street team, Etysknitters aka EKS), are a fantastically talented bunch and they keep bringing new and exciting ideas and support to the team members. Yay for the ability to do what you love to do.

Now tell the truth. Have you all already checked out her shop before you finished reading the interview? If you haven't click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade or go to http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5202957

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-08-13T23:02:00.006-05:00

Are you a native of the U.K.?

Yes I was brought up mostly in Scotland but lived in Iraq, Luxembourg and Kenya in between due to my Dad's job. He was an engineer and was working for the UN in Baghdad at the time of the Iran-Iraq war so bad timing there, my Mum and I were evacuated to Jordan in a truck.

Alona Kemmett has had her Etsy shop since July of last year. As always, to visit her store just clicke on the title above. I have enjoyed all of my interviews with Etsy fiber artists, but I especially like to interview someone outside the U.S. because there is always a chance that I will learn something new culturally. Alona Kemmett is not only outside the U.S., but has lived in many places.

Your Etsy profile says that you like natural fibers. Are they more popular than synthetics in the U.K.?

I wouldn't say so, there're still a lot of knitters who won't use anything but synthetics but I prefer to use wools that have been hand dyed and spun due to quality, softness and colour depth. Especially on Etsy there are so many amazing fiber artists who do wondrous things with yarn in both colour and texture...major kudos from me to hand dyers and spinners!

I do use synthetics but only if they look good and not too artificial - I use a lot of Lang and Lanartus ladder yarns in my necklaces.

You learned to knit when you were five years old. Who taught you?

My Mum taught me. I remember the first pair of needles were short and I think probably a 4mm and I did lots of mustard coloured hot pads! I found them years later so I guess she was proud! On her side of the family there were a lot of knitters - my Aunt was always sending me wool for various projects so I was always knitting as a child, some worked; a lot didn't but it was great fun.

We knitters always want to know how someone else does it. Do you use the throw the loop method or continental and why?

You know, I had to google this one...I only use continental as that's the way I was originally taught and wasn't really aware of the loop method.

What items do you enjoy knitting the most?

Anything for my children - I have 2 - Joe, 4 and Matilda, 18 months, unfortunately I don't have enough time to do everything I'd like for them. I love knitting soft squidgy yarn - its the best feeling!

Where do you see your shop in five years?

Using my experiences to add more interesting designs and being able to grow it to be in a position to do this full time! I work part time from home as a freelance internet marketing consultant so it would be great if I didn't have to do that!

What captivates you outside of the knitting world?

Arthouse cinema, travelling, my husband, my children, animals (3 cats and a dog), my garden, my house. Mickey, my husband is a house husband and he looks after Tildy whilst I'm working and Joe's at school, does all the cooking and also does amazing things in our veggie patch - even though this summer we've had more rain than we needed but even so its very abundant.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-08-07T00:53:00.004-05:00

As I browse Irene Ellefson's show Falling Leaf Designs, I am very taken with how varied and one of a kind her pieces are. When I look at her items, I have the feeling that their creator must be in love with adventure. See if you don't think so too.

Where did you grow up, and when and how did you learn to knit?

I was born in and grew up in the sunny San Fernando Valley which is a suburb of Los Angeles, California, so, I am truly a Southern California native! As a child, I was fascinated by my grandmother's fingers as they held knitting needles and yarn and wove amazing sweaters, blankets and slippers for everyone. I remember thinking there was some kind of magic involved because I couldn't understand how anyone could weave a sweater out of string. When I was 8 years old, my grandmother told me it was time for me to learn to knit. We went to the local dime store and she bought me my first pair of knitting needles and a skein of bright red yarn. I was in heaven imagining the new sweater I would be able to wear to school the following day!!! Needless to say, my first attempt was a misshapen square with holes and lumps, but my grandmother proudly announced that I had made my first hot pad to put a hot dish on. She continued to work with me all the time telling me stories of her childhood which I now cherish. I never got very good so when I was a little older I quit. Also, I never saw anybody else knitting, so I was embarrassed to do it on my own.

When did jewelry making make an entrance into your life?

Life went on. After my children moved out of the house, about two years ago, I suffered from the "empty nest syndrome" and decided to pick up some knitting needles and comfort myself by learning or relearning how to knit. Now, I can't put them down.

You have incorporated crochet into regular metal jewelry. What inspired you to do that?

Six months ago, my daughter took me to a beading class and I loved the challenge of learning a new craft. Unfortunately, I couldn't knit and do beadweaving at the same time, so as soon as I tired of one, I would switch back to the other. Then, I decided to take on the challenge of learning how to crochet so I could weave beads into crocheted pieces. And, I love that, too. What could be better than blending beautiful beads with soft luxurious fibers. So, here I am with an eclectic etsy shop that reflects all the loves of my life. My daughter keeps encouraging me to continue to experiment with beads and fiber and my husband supports me by taking the beautiful photos that I use at my website.

Where do you see your store in five years?

My shop will continue to reflect the beauty and wonder that I see in the world. I have so many ideas and I am acquiring the skills I need to actually bring them to fruition. Etsy is a great place to not only showcase my own crafts, but to be awed by the beauty and craftsmanship of others.

Where do you focus most of your attention and energy besides crafting?

When I am not knitting, crocheting, or beading, my husband and I are members of the Kiwanis Club of Northridge. This is a wonderful philanthropic organization whose main goal is to make the world a better place by helping kids. We are always involved in fundraising or volunteering to help those who cannot help themselves. I also mentor High School students through Key Club International. This is an organization that is run by the students themselves and is also focused on helping others. I also volunteer in a youth program targeting middle school and high school students at my church. Other than that, my husband and I love to travel the world and play with our dog. Life is good and we have been very blessed.

As always you can click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters to link to her store. I am going to start including the shop owners' blog urls,if I have them, in my spotlights. Here is Irene's http://fallingleafdesigns-livinglife.blogpot.com

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-07-31T01:20:00.005-05:00

This week I am enjoying getting to know Velvet Dishon who has a shop on Etsy and 1000 Markets. As always click on the Title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade above to get to her Etsy shop. Besides her two shops Velvet is involved with her local Knitting Guild. Last year she was the secretary, this year she is co-chair of the altruistic projects. Their favorite charity to support is Project Linus, who supplies blankets to children of trauma.

Velvet what is your background?

I am a former Army Brat that grew up pretty much in Northern Virgina with a short detour to Japan for 4 years, and Florida for 18 months. I graduated from George Mason University with a BS of Early Education, but spent most of my professional, in the "real" workforce, as an Executive Assistant. I have an 8 year old son, a husband with whom I'll celebrate 15 years of marriage with October 8th, my Grandmother "Nana" who is 94, one shitz tuz dog of also 15 years called Piggy, another dog named Ruby, a cat Tinkerbell, a hampster named Squeekers, and assorted fish at home. I have told my son that the "ark" is full, he'd like another cat. I also play hand bells at church.

Velvet, you began knitting as an adult, what prompted you to take up this art?

I have always liked knitting and the look of knitted items. I grew up in a home where mom was always crafting and encouraging us to craft and experiment. When I finally found an acquaintance from Canada and found out that she could knit I asked her to teach me. 14 years later we are closely bonded friends, she was even my birthing coach (her "real" job is a nurse) I also have obsessive compulsive tendencies with attention deficit and knitting is one of my coping mechanisms.

Are you involved in other crafts?

I dabble in just about anything, and am usually game to try any new craft at least once. I have tried everything from painting t-shirts & stamping to counted cross stitch and latch hook rugs. I have concluded that knitting is my niche. My scrapbooks look like a demented 5 year old has constructed them.

How did you become involved in the prayer shawl ministry?

There was another knitter in church that heard about the ministry and asked me to participate. When my family changed churches, I started a new one in the new church. We are up to a team of 4. The prayer shawl ministry is truly a blessing both for the receiver of the prayer shawl, and also the creator. We don't discriminate and have both knitters and crocheters. We are a very loose group, and only have 2 rules. 1) pray over your shawl as you are creating 2) find your own personal blessing doing the task. Creating the shawls is a gift and a joy, and when the project is stressing you out, put it down. No bad "karma" allowed. We do not follow any particular patterns. Pretty much just whatever "floats your boat".

What is your favorite fiber?

I really like alpaca, bamboo, soft wools. But I am usually on an acrylic blend kind of budget.

What is your dream project?

I have a pattern for a medallion backed shawl shrug that I would love to do in a soft alpaca or wool. I would also love to discover a quick way to knit the beautiful lace shawls that can fit through the eye of a needle.

You crochet also, which do you prefer?

I prefer to knit. I have some nerve damage in my left wrist, and I'm left handed. Knitting is more of a straight motion and doesn't irritate the nerves as much as the rolling kind of twisting motion of crochet.

What else is Velvet all about?

I love machine (aka loom) knitting. I own three, and have borrowed one. I am totally in love with the process of being able to create a knitting item in the matter of several hours rather than weeks or days by hand. And my opinion is that loom knitting still counts as knitting because my hands are all over those needles and fibers. And there still is a lot of traditional finishing that goes into a loom knitted item. For me it has what has allowed me to have an etsy shop that is cost effective, practical, and consumer priced. Must be my Scott-Irishness coming out. Incorporating both handknitting and loom knitting into my etsy shop allows me to have a happy harmony.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-07-23T23:59:00.010-05:00

Everle Young of Kneat Knit Creations opened her Etsy shop on June 23rd of this year As you will see in our interview, she loves the challenge of working with different materials. She sent a few pictures that show the kind of things that inspire her, one of which I have included. So, meet Everle.

How close to the beach are you, and do you get any inspiration from the ocean?

I am originally a native Californian, from the Monterey Peninsula, to be specific. I've lived here in Newport News, VA since June 2006 so I've experienced the beach and ocean from both sides of the country and have a lifelong fondness for the beach and ocean. Strangely enough, though, despite my environment being predominantly beach, sun and ocean, I seem to find my inspiration in the flora and fauna found out here in this part of the country. I have never experienced the seasons until I moved out to Virginia. I never experienced seeing leaves change color and fall. I never experienced snow. And I have never seen so many different types of plant and animal life until I moved out here. So would have to say that the seasons and the beauty of the flora and fauna that I have experienced out here in Virginia have proven to be a source of inspiration for my creations.

You learned to knit when you were 13, how did that come about?

It was in the late 1970's when I was in junior high school (better known now as middle school). During that period of time, the school system was so much better than now that schools were able to afford additional classes dedicated to subjects outside of the typical academics. One of the classes was a knitting course that I signed up for and was accepted to the class. My first project was an orange garter stitch scarf, and my instructor saw that I had a talent with the needles. I've continued on and off throughout the years, but as of the beginning of this year, I really started exploring and developing my skills.

Do you crochet?

My knitting instructor did give us the opportunity to dabble with crocheting, but I really didn't get into it. Perhaps sometime in the future I may take it up again.
What contributed to your decision to open an Etsy store?
When I started to take my craft seriously at the beginning of the year, a friend of mine whose sister has a store on Etsy gave me the site address and encouraged me to open up a shop once I had some inventory to post.

What fibers are your favorites to work with and why?

I am surprised to find that I enjoy working with non-traditional fibers. I enjoy working with the Bernat Boa, Bernat Matrix, and Lion Brand Trellis- the more thread-like fibers- because they're challenging in the sense that the I need to make sure that the threads/fibers don't twist and that I need to be conscientious of not allowing a stitch to drop because picking up dropped stitches is very challenging with these types of threads/fibers.

Are there any fibers that you would like to work with but haven't had a chance?

I would love to work with wool, mohair, cashmere and, if I can eventually afford it, alpaca.
Where do you see your store and your art in 5 years?

I anticipate having a larger and diversified inventory still dedicated to the craft of knitting. It is also my goal to eventually develop my own patterns that are unique to my personality and style so as to contribute the spirit of originality which manifests itself within the Etsy site.

You can check out Everle's shop by clicking on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade" above.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-07-17T00:03:00.009-05:00

Nikki Ross is a knitter and twitter friend that keeps me in stitches most of the time. I love to hear about the hilarious things that go on at her house. Her sense of humour always brightens my day. Then I have to tell her all the hilarious things that happened at my house when I was still raising boys. She is very close to nature in a very sensible way and has taught her family many traditional crafts.

You and your family live in the country and participate in so many different hand crafted arts. Were you raised on a farm?

Sort of? I grew up in Ohio. My grandfather owned several acres within the city limits, but he had a large garden, apple orchard, and several dozen free-range chickens. He also owned 31 acres in the county, where he grew what he called "Government Corn", more food for the family, raised hogs and steers. Every year my grandmother, who raised me until age 12, "put up" the produce from the garden for use in the winter months. Every autumn we had the hogs & steers butchered and quartered, and my family got together for 3 evenings of cutting & packaging beef. When I was little we lived "in town" in a house my grandparents owned, and when I got older we moved out to one at the corner of his acreage. Lots of room to explore the fields and woods, and sled in the winter!

In addition, I spent several summers in NC, in the Boiling Springs area outside of Murphy, where my grandmother owned a house with a couple acres next to her brother, who owned a commercial eggery. He had 22,000 hens!

Knitting, spinning, sewing, quilting, Richard makes soap, did you pick these up as a child or as an adult, and did someone teach you?

My mom's mother (mentioned above) taught me how to hand-sew and hem when I was very little... perhaps kindergarten age. My dad's mother taught me how to sew on a sewing machine and tried to teach me how to knit (a purse, with rug yarn, in seed stitch... and I *hated* it) in my pre-teens. I put away all those domestic arts until I was out on my own. Needed a wardrobe for a new job (in a bank) so I bought an old sewing machine, patterns and a couple hundred dollars worth of fabric & taught myself to sew all over again. I have won awards with my sewing -- 2nd place in the State in FL for 2 men's tailored suits I made my dh and Grand Champion once with a bridesmaid's dress. When I only had a couple kids I took in custom sewing for pay. Additionally, I quilt.

When I was pregnant with our oldest, Desiree (who is 23), I had a total of 4.5 months bedrest. I got bored with reading (imagine!) so I had dh take me out in a wheelchair, to a local hobby store, where I bought needles, yarn, and a basic knitting book and taught myself knitting all over again. One of my first projects was a knitted lace blanket for the baby with a different-pattern knitted lace ruffle all around it. We still have it!

The spinning is a relatively new addition, in about the last 8 months. I can already spin fine (sock weight) and ply, so I guess I am doing alright! I have taught Des, Diantha, and Veronica all to quilt, spin, and knit. Also my 17yos Artemas has knitted and Josiah, my 8 yos knits a little. We also cook experimentally and excellently... Artemas wants to be a chef!

Do you crochet?
Marginally, LoL. I have a queen-size coverlet that is ONE huge granny square, that I helped my mom make when I had mono when I was 11 and finished when I had the mumps when I was 12. LoL. Mostly I do a crochet-chain cast-on for socks.

You have another shop that has beautiful recycled yarns. What is your resource for yarn?

Wow, I get them wherever I can find high-quality fiber yarns disguised as sweaters. Thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, etc. I look for desirable and dyeable fibers in beautiful colors. Last year we took a trip from the Knoxville area where we live, to the Philadelphia area. We hit every thrift store in the lower eastern US I think! Brought back so many sweaters I thought I was going to have to put one of the kids on the roof of the van (this is a joke, LOL). If I find that the fiber is weak or beginning to felt, I finish shrinking the sweater and turn it into accessories instead... fingerless mitts, cozies, small handbags, etc. Nothing goes to waste at my house!

You homeschool your children. How many years have you done so?

We decided when we first got married that we were going to homeschool when we got married. As Christians, took the scripture literally that says, "Whatever is not of God is of beelzebub." We felt that if God is not welcome in the public schools, we did not want to turn our kids over to whomever *was* in charge. So we started with Desiree when she was 5 (18 years ago). She graduated a year early with honors. Some of our results haven't been that spectacular (our 1st son graduated a year late by the skin of his teeth, LoL), but it has still been a great experience learning how each of the kids learns, and then helping them learn in a way that sticks with them. Every one is different, each arrow needs to be aimed at its own target, and it is a blessing to see that in action. Not to mention that we have the privilege to take off and travel somewhere if we have the interest and the funds, no matter what time of year my dh's vacation falls, etc. One year we were doing a unit on the Civil war. We did some traveling and woke up one morning to find that the motel we stayed in (having arrived after dark the night before) was right across the street from a Civil war cemetery. Everything has a potential for learning if you allow it. Mostly we unschool, using books and resources as we find them or are interested in a subject, and using everyday activities as a catalyst for learning. Just in case people might think my kids are barefoot and ignorant, we own probably close to 3000 books. LOL

As a retired homeschool mom, I know how much time it takes. Where do you find time for so much crafting?

We incorporate some of it in our homeschool. The kids can get credit for creative arts, domestic arts, etc. Also the kids that are in high school can get economics, accounting, part-time job, small biz admin and other credits for running or helping run an online shop.

I find it so interesting that you are a biker. When and how did biking make an entrance into your life?

I have always said to my husband, that riding the motorcycle is like defrag for my soul. Feeling the air go by, smelling the world (I am an olfactory learner), hearing the gears run through. Like a lullaby to me! So it was interesting and appalling a while back to overhear my mother telling Des, that when I was a baby - we're talking a TINY baby, because I was about 6 months old during riding season in OH - there weren't any child restraint laws. So mom and dad would wedge me between them on the bike, mom trapping me in by putting her arms around dad, and ride... and I would lean my little head on my dad and sleep! Gee no WONDER the sound of the bike is like a lullaby to me!

My dad used to take me to motorcycle races (to watch) on Sundays in season. I got my first little bitty, street-legal bike, a Honda 70 4-speed, when I was 10; bought my own first full-size bike when I was 17: a 1973 Suzuki GT250, which I still own. We didn't ride for 18 years of time we lived in FL... too many retirees with bad eyesight on the road. Now I also own a 1982 GS450T Suzuki and I am keeping my eye peeled for a 650 to 880 if the price is right. My dh also rides - once rode a 350 Honda over 22,000 miles from FL, across the Southwest, up the West coast to Alaska, and back in 9 months. My SonIL also rides, and I have taught my older 2 sons. For a while I was in the choir at church and actually sang in the choir once in my fringed leather chaps! Conversely, it is interesting that my younger sister never liked dad's bikes (noisy) and to this day, loathes motorcycles. hmmm.

Please let me also mention that Diantha just got accepted to a Christian modeling agency (http://amtcworld.com), so for the rest of the year, in all our shops, the portion of our profits that we are not already donating to the youth center (80%) will go for her classes and trip to Orlando for scouting next January. Thanks!

And a BIG CONGRATS to Diantha!!!

Nikki and her family have four shops:
http://my7kids.etsy.com - High-end fiber recycled yarns
http://heartfeltfun.etsy.com - Hand knit and recycled felted accessories
http://fluff4ewe.etsy.com - Diantha's fiber, carded batts & handspuns
http://rossoaps.etsy.com - Richard's handmade goat or soy milk soaps

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-07-10T00:10:00.006-05:00

Anne Flood's shop Ennadoolf has colorful hand sewn doll clothes, beautiful prints of her flowers, a journal and corking sets, as well as, her knitted scarves, bags, hats, and cup sleeves. It definitely has something for almost any taste.

When and how did you learn to knit and sew?

I learned to sew on the Pfaff machine my mom brought to Canada from the Netherlands - she packed her belongings inside the cabinet along with the machine. At first I had lots of practice "sewing" a straight line without any thread and using lined paper. I still use a Pfaff now - and my mom still has that first machine.
I learned to knit in Brownies! Of course, every time I wanted to start a new project I had to ask my mom to cast on for me. That's changed now, and I'm trying new ways to cast on as well as being experimental in my knitting stitches and patterns.

Did you make your own doll clothes a child?

oh yes! And always for Barbie. I have no idea if my baby dolls or other dolls had much of a wardrobe, but Barbie had lots of creative styles that we sewed - I remember sewing with Dawn who lived on the neighbouring farm, as well as with my sisters and mom. The very first dresses and tops were the basic squares of fabric with holes cut for the arms. I don't remember if Barbie even got a button on those first dresses.

Besides your love for knitting and sewing, I notice that you have prints for sale also. Are you a shutter bug?

I am now. I never could figure out f-stops and shutter speeds on my 35mm camera and even though I tried to get creative with my shots, I often wasted lots of film. Digital has changed that and I am enjoying photography now. I've only got a small camera and I'm not sure yet if I want to go back to a bigger and better one. But it would mean getting those shots I can't get now - like when we hiked to the local bald eagles' nest. A better camera would result in much improved photos of those majestic birds.

You have several prints of flowers in your shop. Do have an extensive garden?

[sigh] I have many gardens. I love my flowers. I love the variety of plants and flowers we have. I just don't really enjoy gardening all that much. If only the flowers would do their thing and the weeds would simply stay away. From a distance my gardens look great...please don't look too closely because you're sure to see a few weeds sneaking around in there. [smiles]

Which of your crafts do you enjoy the most?

Oh, tough question! I think it changes as my needs change. I've been doing a lot of knitting lately and it seems to be the current favourite. I think I prefer it because I'm able to knit while I watch tv and I'm addicted to a few shows (like Canada's Next Top Model - my nephew helped to edit it while completing a work term for school so his name is in the credits! how exciting is that?). I can also take my knitting and work on it pretty much anywhere. I'm still working on a few sewing projects though, and dabble a bit in paper crafts and other crafts as well.

Do you sell at craft fairs?

Not too often. I don't really do too many since they don't fit my schedule very well. The part of them that I love is chatting with the other vendors as well as the customers and visitors.

Have you ever considered knitting doll clothes?

Yes. I still have a red knit dress from when I was a girl and I'd like to try some of the knit doll clothes patterns I have. I'm getting better at knitting with finer yarns and smaller sized needles, so the dolls will have to wait a bit longer - I don't have the patience for these projects right now as I find they are more time consuming.

Do you have any new plans for your shop?

There are so many plans swimming in my head! My mom was visiting a few weeks ago and I was telling her about some of the ideas I had for things to make and such. She laughed and said I sounded just like her years ago. I definitely take that as a compliment. But I know what she means ... I have to make sure I keep time for family and friends and not get completely caught up with crafting. Not everyone wants to see me knitting while they are visiting - and I'm okay with that. Not every idea in my head will be completed. I'm okay with that too.
Thanks so much, Dianne, it's a pleasure "chatting" with you.

And thank you, Anne. This really has been an interesting chat. Fiber artists are anything but boring. Check out Anne's shop at http://www.ennadoolf.etsy.com
Oh, Anne, what does Ennadoolf mean? Please leave us a comment telling us.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-07-03T00:03:00.011-05:00

When I first entered Joan Lahy's shop, Focus on Color, I thought I had just entered a fine nursery school. It's full of dolls clothed with beautiful clothes that Joan has made for them both knitted and sewn. Knitted and crocheted animal pacifier holders, knitted finger puppets abound, And there are the cutest, brightly colored baby outfits. I think you'll find that she is a crafting renaissance woman. To go to Joan's store click on the spotlight title.

When did you learn to knit or crochet, and who taught you?

I pretty much taught myself to knit and crochet starting around 9 years old. One of my grandmothers was a wonderful knitter, and the other was an expert crocheter. I used to sit by them and intently study how they knitted/crocheted; then, I sat for hours with a How-To book and learned the crafts. This self-teaching continues, and I’ve much more to learn in both crafts, and will enjoy every moment along the way. I’m a very fast knitter and crocheter, so I’ve practiced many techniques and patterns over my many years beyond 9.

Do you have a lot of contact with young ones, and how do they inspire you?
Actually I have NO contact with any children. My only child is a nearly 22 year old daughter. We have no family near us, and there are few young children in our neighborhood. I love children of all ages and have always had a magnetic attraction for children and them for me. Many of the things children like are what I like, and am inspired by, such as: pretend play, fantasy, color, little things, glitter, sparkle, magical things, fairies and elves and more.

What kinds of fibers do you enjoy spinning the most and are they your own fibers or do you order them?

I mostly spin wool, but also enjoy silk, angora, flax, mohair, dog hair. None of these fibers are my own. I usually attend sheep shearing events in the area, and buy my wool. Most times I buy a whole fleece right off the sheep, do all the preparation myself, and find pleasure in processing the yarn from the very beginning . . . well, short of raising the sheep. Spinning puts me into total relaxation and frees my mind to think and wonder. I’m self taught at this as well. Some day I’ll treat myself to buying some dyed and un-spun wool online. That is when the economy perks up and we don’t have to worry about stretching our money to eat.

Sewing is something that many of us knitters and crocheters just hate, but you enjoy it. So, I want to ask who taught you to sew?

Again, I taught myself to sew and quilt. My mother sewed some and showed me the very basics. I sew clothing, household items, doll clothes, and quilts (bed and wall). Quilting allows me to create my own designs and use lots of color, fabrics, prints, and fibers. My collection of fabric matches my yarn and crochet thread collections . . . huge!

Of all the varied crafts that you engage in, which is your favorite and why?

Selecting a favorite craft is very difficult. Knitting is probably my choice today because it is so versatile and portable and can be picked up and put down. If I answered that question tomorrow, and I was deeply involved in a quilting project or drawing or painting or tatting or stenciling, those would be my picks. They all require blocks of uninterrupted time, but I find pleasure loosing myself into a fantasy world when I’m creating. I’ve dabbled in so many different crafts and lost arts, and still want to learn more.

I was astounded to find out that Joan has no contact with children. Her shop looks like children live there. To visit click on the spotlight title or go to http://www.focusoncolor.etsy.com

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-06-26T14:26:00.008-05:00

This week I am spotlighting another shop that both knitters and crocheters have an interest in, and that is one that has stitch markers for sale. Not all projects need them, but for those that do, stitch markers make it so much easier. So, let's meet Beth of Needle Bling. As always, you can click on the title Knitters and Crocheters on Parade to go to her shop.

Needle Bling is such a cute name for stitch markers. How did that name come to you?

I love the term 'bling' for jewelry -- it's so descriptive -- and at some point I saw a post that referred to stitch markers as 'jewelry for your needles'. I thought 'needle bling', and when I was looking for a name for my shop, that just seemed perfect.

You sometimes sell hand dyed yarn in your shop. Do you own sheep or have access to them?

No. Actually, I'm allergic to sheep's wool in even the smallest percentage. And it really is the wool I'm allergic to -- I use a lanolin-based hand lotion regularly. At one point, someone sent me an angora/wool blend yarn, not knowing that I was allergic to wool. I thought she did know, and since angora is one of the fibers I want to play with when I'm rich and can afford it, I took the yarn out of the package and fondled it for a couple of minutes without checking the ball band. The angora was 80% of the yarn, and it made the yarn so soft I didn't feel the wool itch right away. Once I felt it, I checked the ball band, said a few nasty words and washed my hands. About an hour later, I had small white blisters on my fingers. Anyway, the yarn I sometimes have is usually alpaca. When I sell yarn that I've dyed, it's usually because I was trying a new technique and the results aren't my cup of tea. That doesn't mean it's ugly yarn, just not one that I'd knit with. I recently dyed a couple skeins of llama/silk blend yarn that I purchased at the local knit and crochet festival, and I'm not immediately thrilled with the result. I'm giving it a bit of time before I decide, but it may end up in the shop.

When did you learn to knit and crochet, and who taught you?

I learned knitting in grade school from my mom, but didn't know about knitting patterns, or stitches other than basic knit and purl. I made a lot of scarves! I tried it again in college, but again, only knew knit and purl, so lots more scarves. A couple of years ago, I was looking for something creative that would be new to me. I was in JoAnn Fabrics and happened to wander into their yarn department. I found books of patterns and different stitch patterns and the knitting bug bit again. It had been long enough that I literally had to re-teach myself how to knit.

I had never tried crochet before this year. I went to the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival in February, and they had a free 'Teach Me to Crochet' class. I've made one crochet project so far, an afghan to raffle for a science fiction group I belong to. I literally finished it the night before the weekend get-together it was being raffled at. It took 3 1/2 months, and it will be quite a while before I tackle another crochet project. Knitting is my favorite!

You stated in your shop bio that you are having so much fun knitting. What motivated you to make and sell stitch markers rather than knitted and crocheted items?

I enjoy knitting, but I prefer to knit for myself, my friends, my family and charity. Years ago, I made glassware decorated with fine sterling chain and semi-precious gemstone beads for the art shows at science fiction conventions. I still have a lot of the gemstone beads, as well as the wire and silver accent beads. I've some of the chain, too, but that doesn't lend itself to stitch markers. I started by making stitch markers for myself, and for the Random Acts of Kindness group on Ravelry. Then I found out about Etsy, and things just grew from there.

Are you considering selling knitted and crocheted items?

No, I'm a slow knitter, and I'd rather give the items I create to people I know, or knit them for charity.

What kinds of things do you like to knit?

I like small one-skein projects like fingerless mitts and hats. I just recently found alpaca sock yarn with no sheep's wool at an Etsy shop (Wild Fire Fibres), and purchased 4 undyed skeins. Once they're dyed, I'll be teaching myself to knit socks!

You live in Pennsylvania, have the Amish had any influence on your craft?

Not really. In Pennsylvania, the Amish are primarily located near the center of the state, and I'm in south western PA, near Pittsburgh.

Currently, I'm playing with dyeing silk scarves. I'm probably going to open up a second shop on Etsy to sell them, since they don't exactly fit under the name 'Needle Bling'. I'm looking for a great name for the shop, but I'm having problems with it. Any suggestions? :)

So if you need some stitch markers, her url is
http://beth123b.etsy.com

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-06-19T00:10:00.014-05:00

If I had known how much fun it was going to be to interview Etsy knitters and crocheters, I would have started this series a long time ago. Jo Anderson of Nannas Knitting just can't stop saying nice things about everything. I think I will e-mail her everyday just to get some compliments to make my day, lol. I was just thrilled that she sent me the picture of her knitting on the porch as a child. Isn't it beautiful?
Jo's shop has an assortment of scarves and scarflettes that will keep even those who live in Minnesota warm. They are all knitted except for one very pretty crocheted Floral Petal scarf that is strictly for looks.

You raise collies to herd sheep. Do they herd your sheep or someone else's?

The only herding going on at my house was last week as our Collies were busy caring for our little lamb of a Grandson out in our yard and yes, they attempted to herd him directing him where they thought he should be in the yard. We had our first litter of Collies just last Summer. They are such gentle and smart companions. One of them went to Washington State and he is taking herding classes. It is so nice to know that one of them is doing what they have actually been bred to do though lucky him, he gets to herd the sheep and then sleep in the house at night. I don't have sheep though I do love animals. I collect sheep the kind you can put in each room to look at. I think that from the time I first heard a dear older woman named Gunhild Hallquist tell a sweet story using characters on a flannel graph of this incredible Shepherd who had 100 sheep and one of them was missing and he loved these sheep so dearly that he left to look for the lost sheep and carried him back to the flock in his loving arms I was hooked. Hooked on a Savior named Jesus that cares enough to rescue the lost. And hooked on sheep soft, fluffy, wayward and not making the smartest of decisions.. So my sheep collection is in my home and when I see them it reminds me of how much God loves me. As for my love of knitting it just doesn't hurt that sheep also provide the wool to knit with and my love of Collies who by instinct care for the sheep just seemed to be the perfect dog for me.

Do you spin and dye your own wool to make your scarves and scarflettes?

No I do not. I am so pleased that someone does this and I think it sounds so interesting but for now I will just work with their finished product.

What part of the process do you enjoy the most?

That would be hard for me to say. I love the whole process. When I was young my Aunt took me to a yarn outlet and from that point on I have just felt such joy when I am looking for yarn. I love the colors and textures. I love to try to figure out what I could make from each type of yarn. Like most people who love working with fiber I have to do a touch test to see if it is soft, I guess this is just part of the whole process. I love the knitting too, it is just so calming to me. Then the finished project when I look at it and think that I made every single stitch that is in the finished item it gives me a feeling of satisfaction, contentment.

Do you crochet?

Yes I do and it seems that I can understand how to make a pattern and dream up projects of my own much easier with crocheting than with knitting. I would say that knitting is my first love but that crocheting gives me a break once in awhile to play with something different and usually I can complete a project faster when I am crocheting.

Who taught you to knit, and how old were you?

I found a photo that my Mother had taken of me knitting on my back porch with my cat named Puff lying next to me with that tempting string of yarn right in front of her. The photo looks like I was almost 10. So when I think that I have been knitting for most of my life it is quite a realization. My cousin Debbie lived next door to my house when we were growing up. Her mother and sister and she would all knit during Summer afternoons. I really thought that it looked like such a wonderful thing to learn. Debbie taught me how to knit as we sat together on her front porch steps. I can still envision this memory today as I was so busy concentrating and she was so busy teaching. She is only 10 months older than I am so I am always impressed that she was able to teach me at such a young age. It makes me smile when I think of my first attempts as I made slippers for my Grandmothers for Christmas gifts. The loose then tight tension and as I dropped stitches I would either take everything thing off of the needles and marvel at how quickly it all comes undone compared to how long it takes to put it together. Or I would run next door and interrupt my Aunt's day to ask for help and watch with amazement as she could figure out the problem and then correct it. A remarkable woman indeed! As I knit today it is always very dear to my heart that I learned this skill from someone that I loved so much. Knitting is such a great heritage to pass down through the generations though in saying that I must confess that I haven't been a very good teacher in passing this skill on to others.

I am intrigued that as a jewelry crafter, you also like to knit. Is it because the weather is so cold in Minnesota, or is there another motivation?

I do like to make reference in my Nanna's Knitting shop about how cold it is in Minnesota and to remember to put your scarf on so you don't catch a chill! My small attempt at Grandma ism humor. I guess I just want to whine a little about it being -31 and I'm not referring to wind chill factor in the Winter in Minnesota. I'm just looking for a whole lot of sympathy! Actually my motivation is just the joy of being able to get out of bed and do something that I love. That is quite a blessing indeed! I didn't even know that I could make jewelry until a little over a year ago I started playing with beads and wires and clasps in a kit that my sweet husband purchased for me so that I would have something fun to do. Neither of us knew that it would develop into quite a passion for making jewelry. I am so happy to have had a friend recommend Etsy to me. I did not know that it existed. To be able to create my jewelry and knit or crochet and then have a place to share what I make and to be able to have a way to help with my family's income is just truly a joy and a dream come true! In the past twelve years my health took quite a hit. I have come from a time of being totally flat on my couch or in bed. I have a combination of Chronic health problems that involve body pain, difficulty sleeping and have had a long recovery from a serious surgery all of this combined has caused a great deal of discouragement. When I finally reached a point of being able to sit up for a period of time one of the first things that I attempted was to pick up my knitting needles. Because I suffered from so much neck and shoulder pain I had to take my knitting sessions in slow and limited time frames. I started making scarves for my family and friends. I can't even express how much it meant to be able to do something that was so much a part of me. Now that I am stronger I can knit for longer periods of time, and I was also able to start making jewelry. To have two things that I enjoy so much and that give me a feeling of accomplishment makes me happy indeed! Having gone through this I would just encourage those who are suffering to try to pick up your needles and knit or to try to remember something that brings you joy and just take small steps in attempting to get your life back. There isn't much that we truly have control of in our lives but knitting for generations has been a form of therapy to calm us, well that is unless we drop a stitch or have a cranky pattern before us. It can give a feeling of peace, of accomplishment, of joy and can get a person through both good and bad times in their life. I am just so thankful for a cousin that taught me a lifelong skill and joy.

If you had all the time in the world (and all the yarn), what would you knit.

That is such a great question! I would have to give two answers for this question. I would knit blankets. Soft beautiful blankets! And I would knit scarves. Soft warm scarves. Blankets to greet newborn babies and blankets to cover the homeless and the hurting in warmth and love. There isn't much that says love better than a soft, clean, warm blanket. Both of these ideas are pretty dear to my heart but when you suggested all of the time in the world and all of the yarn! Wow! Does that ever get my brain going! I have participated in knitting for the Warm Up America! Foundation where one can knit rectangular blocks that are 7" x9". They can be knit in any pattern with acrylic medium/worsted weight yarn. The rectangles can then be sent to Warm Up America! Foundation, 2500 Lowell Road, Ranlo, NC 28054. The rectangles are then stitched together to make blankets for the homeless. It is a great way to use up those little amounts of yarn that tend to collect in the yarn stash. Though if I had all of the yarn in the world I wouldn't have to even think about the yarn stash would I? I would also knit scarves. For several years now I have been knitting scarves as I love fast, simple, relaxing knitting, and I would call them a Hug Around the Neck. I made them for my loved ones, which included family, friends and those who were going through a time of ill health or suffering a loss in their life, and I would send them off with a Hug Around the Neck note. As I made these I would pray for the person that I was making them for. It was a great way to feel connected to them and what they were going through in their lives. I also knitted scarves when my daughter was attending North Park University in Chicago. She was involved in some service projects at this school and so I would send scarves back to school with her after she had been home for a visit for her to give to the group that gave care to the homeless in the Chicago community so that they could distribute them for me. That would definitely put a smile on my face to be able to knit to welcome newborns into the world, to care for loved ones, and to be able to give a loving gesture to those who are suffering. Well, plus all of the yarn in the world! Wow that really puts a smile on my face!

What gets your creative juices flowing?

I guess that would tie into the previous question when I think of the possibilities to comfort another person. Creative juices about knitting itself is that it is a very tactile form of creating for me. The sight of the beautiful colors, the tactile essence of the texture and stitches that are chosen. Then of course as I am finishing one project, there are usually a couple more on my needles in beginning or mid stages of completion and something going through my head about the next yarn that I want to purchase and what I think that I want to make with it.

Drop by http://www.nannasknitting.etsy.com and check out Jo's warm winter wear, or click on the title which will take you there.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-06-12T00:01:00.013-05:00

Purple Bow Crafts, owned by Cheryl Burke, has been open on Etsy since February 17. Cheryl is a stay at home mom with an adorable little three year old girl (as anyone can see from the picture). Her profile states, "Knitting helps me stay sane when my three year old is being, well, three." I can relate to that, except when my boys were all little, there was precious little time for knitting. I might be more same today if there had been. Cheryl has been able to stay sane enough to be very creative and come up with some very innovative ideas. And, she tells us about it.

When did you learn to knit, and who taught you?

I learned how to knit in about 2001. I actually taught myself out of a book I bought at the craft store. I come by this talent honestly though as my aunt and both grandmothers knit. Had I not lived 1,000 miles away I am sure one of them would have been glad to teach me in person and I would not have knit my needles together. I'm better now.

Do you crochet?

Yes I do, but not quite as much. My daughter loves to play the colorful crochet hooks though.

How were you inspired to create knitted envelopes?

The inspiration is two-fold. I was watching Oprah around the holidays and she spoke of meaningful gifts. One of the gifts that she, and others, loved the most was the result of a group effort. Each person in the group wrote to each other person about why they were thankful for them, what they loved about them, etc. I loved the idea of having my family do this at Christmas. Since we all live so far from each other I thought that everyone would enjoy having ready reminders of our family's love nearby even if the actual people were not. Since I am a knitter, I decided to knit the card holders for each person and that is how the gratitude envelopes were born.

Do you have any other creative ideas in the making?

I'm trying my hand at knit necklaces and hope to have some more ready soon. I like the mixed media aspect of the necklaces. The one currently in my shop includes beads.

Can you explain your three stitch philosophy?

This is actually based on the prayer shawl pattern. When a prayer shawl is knit, the knitter prays into the shawl as s/he knits. I like the pattern but prayer shawls really aren't something that should be sold, they are knit out of love. Instead I knit health, happiness and wisdom into the shawls that I sell as these are universal needs. I really love how this pattern looks when knit on large needles, it is so simple but produces a beautiful and interesting garment.

Your daughter is very young, but has she shown any interest in your craft? At what age do you think would be a good time to begin teaching her?

Oh yes she has shown interest! She has been asking for the last 6 months or so for me to teach her to knit. I've purchased some child friendly needles and yarn. Every time she asks, I break out the supplies and show her how to cast on or knit. She "knits" for a little while and then goes off to her next 3 year old task which is frequently another crafty project. She'll be a knitter for sure but I think that she will need to be 5 or so to have the attention span and dexterity needed to really knit. Just this weekend I taught her 7 year old friend to knit and I took both girls shopping for more yarn just this morning! Not to worry all, the next generation is definitely interested.

What direction would you like to see your shop take in the next few years?

I plan for the shop to remain mainly a knitting shop but I hope to have a wider variety of items. I'm learning how to spin (slowly I might add) and I am looking forward offering items made of yarn I have spun. I am also a paper crafter and hope to include some of those items in the shop hence the name Purple Bow Crafts instead of Purple Bow Knitting.

I can't wait to see what new and creative thing will find it's way into her shop
http://www.purplebowscrafts.etsy.com Click on the Title Etsy Knitters and Crocheter on Parade. It will take you to her shop. You know you have to have those envelopes for all your loved ones.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-06-04T23:52:00.006-05:00

I was checking the crochet listings to see where mine was when I spotted a T-shirt. It looked like just a T-shirt, but knowing that crochet must be involved for it to be in the crochet listings, I clicked on it. It took me to a shop with the cutest crocheted T-shirts I had ever seen. Well, the only crocheted T-shirts I had ever seen. They were so cute and such a great idea that I just had to send the owner a convo and tell her so. Through our conversation, the idea came to me that so far only knitters have been spotlighted, and this shop would be perfect for the next feature.

Vinette of Nique's Boutique http://www.niquesboutique.etsy.com is the mother of three, two very handsome boys and one beautiful daughter. She recently became unemployed when the company she had worked for for 12 years downsized. She has decided to make lemonade out of lemons by spending the time pursuing her passion to make beautiful things. I've loved getting to know her a little.

When did you learn to crochet and who taught you?
I started to crochet when I was a young girl living in jamaica, I learned by watching my older relatives crocheting.

Do you knit? If so, what do you knit?

No, I have never tried my hand at knitting, but I always thought I would try to see what I could come up with.

How long have you been crocheting T-shirts, and what inspired you to do so?

Ive been crocheting t-shirts over 10 years now, what inspired me to do so was to try something different from the traditional crocheting techniques.

What else do you crochet?

I also crochet bag, doilies, pillow cases, window valance and basically anything else that can be crochet.

What are your goals for your shop?

To sell my products to customers with a one of a kind taste.

Do you create for other venues such as charities or friends?

Yes, I have been making crocheted tops for my younger sisters since we were children.

What do you create that gives you the most satisfaction?

Just completing any crochet piece, and seeing my design come to life.

I have to confess that I'm going to have to have the red one in her shop. Drop by Nique's Boutique and see what she is doing. Those T-shirts are definitely out of the ordinary and would make great gifts.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-05-28T23:56:00.009-05:00

One of seven children, Diantha Ross, of Fluff 4 Ewe, is a 14 year old homeschool student from a very talented and industrious family. Her mom (Nikki), sister and father all have shops on Etsy. She likes to quilt among so many other things. Her shop is full of the most gorgeous yarns and batts, and I WILL have to order that Fun in the Sun and Raspberry Caramel Cheesecake. But, if her shop were a physical place and not virtual, I would not be able to leave without spending a fortune. I wouldn't be able to take my hands off all that wonderful fiber. So, let's listen to her answers to my questions.

When did you first start to learn to spin and why?

January, this year, Mom and Des (my older sister) were doing it and I thought it would be fun.

Do you knit or crochet, and do you prefer spinning over these?

I Knit. I Like to spin, because it's kinda calming and I don't have to think about it too much. But I like to Knit just as much as I do spinning.

You are homeschooled, what is your favorite subject and why?

anything where I have to read, (But Not MATH!!!!) I Love to read, I get it from my Mom and Des. I'd like to go on to forensics, so I need to focus on science.

Do you see fiber art and owning a shop as an important part of your education, or do you just enjoy it so much that you would do it anyway?

I think that it is an important part of my education, because I can get a bunch of credits, But I also enjoy it very much.

Do you see fiber art as something you will want to continue after completing your education?

Yes, I don't think I'll ever stop doing it.

What are your goals for your shop?

to make beautiful things that people can use for their own crafts, and to run a small business well.

What inspires you the most?

color, the feel of the fiber, nature, just about anything really, and knowing that I can make something really nice that makes people happy, and can make something great out of it!

Diantha also added, "It is very useful to know how to do those things, it's Wonderful! you can make WAY more beautiful yarns than you can buy at the store. It's a fun, great way to pass time if you're bored, and I think anybody can do it!"

I dare you all to go to her shop and not come out with something. http://wwwfluff4ewe.etsy.com

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-05-20T20:51:00.007-05:00

The spotlight this week is on Elena Shulman of Passion Knits. I think the name of her shop tells a lot about Elena. She has a passion for knitting and for fiber. Her shop is full of bright, gorgeous, creative items that just make you want to reach into the computer and touch them. The colors are beautiful also. I would love to have many of them, but my favorites are the knitted bracelets. My first contact with Elena was in the Etsy Knitters Street Team, but we have had a lot of fun getting to know each other in Spanish. She twittered in Spanish, and I answered one day. We've had a lot of fun, though I know I made a lot of mistakes since it's been several years since I've really studied and my dictionary is packed. She never points them out to me though and keeps on twittering. So here are her answers to my questions in English:

Do you have a day job? If so, what do you do?

I usually do have a day job: my profession is speech-language pathology, and for quite awhile now I have worked in our school district doing Spanish-English bilingual language evaluations with preschool thru high school-aged kids who are referred as having possible language difficulties. I took this school year off, though, so I have had lots of extra time for knitting, which has been wonderful! Oh -- my other day (and night) job is raising my two daughters, which is the toughest, most frustrating, most incredibly fabulous work of my lifetime!

When and how did you learn to knit?

I learned to knit 20 years ago this month. (My goodness, time flies!) I had been shown how to knit twice before that, but didn't take to it. This time, I was going on a three month cross-country RV trip with my now-husband. Before leaving, I mentioned to my mother-in-law that I might get bored after awhile when it wasn't my turn to drive. She suggested knitting, and sat me down with needles, yarn, and a sweater pattern. She also sent me off on my trip with a big book of knitting, which luckily included info on how to fix mistakes! I worked all summer on that sweater, finished it, and actually wore the sorry thing a couple times! (I'm sure you can imagine: uneven tension, lopsided...) After that, though, I was hooked, and I've been knitting ever since.

In the favorite materials section of your shop bio, you listed Rosewood and bamboo knitting needles. What about them appeals to you?

Again, it was my mother-in-law who introduced me to wooden needles, and I have been so grateful. First, the sustainability of bamboo appeals to me. Second, I just love the way wooden needles feel in my hands, particularly the rosewood. They are so smooth, and I find that yarn slides so easily on them. I also love the rich color of the rosewood; for me it just adds to the aesthetic and the incomparable tactile experience of knitting.

Do you have other venues for selling your creations other than your Etsy shop?

Etsy is actually the newest place for me to sell knit pieces; I just set up shop a few months ago. I started selling about eight years ago, sort of inadvertently! A friend of mine had been looking for a scarf for her daughter at holiday time, and couldn't find anything she felt was special. So she asked me if I would knit a scarf for her. Believe it or not, it was the first scarf I had ever knit; prior to that, I had always done clothing. I was actually nervous, because it was something I didn't have any experience with! After that, my friend asked for another one, and then a second friend decided it was a great idea and asked me to make a scarf for her mother....from there, it just took off. For a long time, most of my selling was word-of-mouth.

I still do a lot of custom orders, but I have branched out in more recent years. I have sold at some local craft fairs, participate in home shows, and have pieces on a regular basis in two local, really fun boutique stores. One of them sells nothing but artists' work, both local and national!

When you begin to knit, do you already have your creation in your mind, or do you just go where the needles take you?

I would say some of both. Sometimes I am pretty certain of what I want to create, and other times the idea is more hazy and evolves with the piece. At times, particularly with scarves, all I know is which yarns I want to combine. I just cast on, and see what happens from there. For me, the surprise of what something turns into is part of the fun of knitting!

I have a suspicion that (like me) when Elena visits a yarn shop keeps petting and pawing and fingering all the yarn. Elena's shop http://www.passionknits.etsy.com has some scarves and bracelets that I think look like cotton candy.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-05-13T21:45:00.010-05:00

This week the spotlight is on Tracey Lord of Cheese at Four Pence. It's been many years since I was in London, and I didn't know her then, but I wish that I had known and looked her up. We could have had a cuppa and knitted with the pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Tracey lives in the U.K. where she turns out the cutest little pixie hats and little people knits. These luring creations are available at Cheese at Four Pence on Etsy in cotton that is so comfortable for delicate skin of little ones. But, let Tracey tell you herself:

Being a teacher, do you find enough time for knitting?

As a teacher, no, I have to say, I don't find anywhere near enough time for my knitting but I after 6 years of teaching literacy to students with learning difficulties I am set to have a change in job role for September, which should ease things up a bit: I have been given my own brand new fashion and textiles department to run, with a graduate degree programme. So I guess my life should all tie together a bit more closely once I'm back teaching textiles again at last!

Do you currently have venues other than your Etsy shop for selling your creations?

I sell on Folksy as well as Etsy at the moment (http://www.folksy.com/shops/cheeseatfourpence) - Folksy is a UK version of Etsy. Etsy is not so well-known in the UK yet. I also have some of my work in a small designer kids' clothes shop in West London (which I used to be a partner in.) I plan to set my own website up this summer ready for the winter rush. I love selling on the web, it's so personal - especially the direct contact you have with customers, and the support of groups I belong to like Etsyknitters Team. It's been a revelation to me and I wish I had started web selling years ago.

Do you design differently for different markets, such as outside the U.K.? If so, how and why?

I would say I don't really design that differently for different markets: but I have observed that some designs sell much better in some countries than others - I always sold retro/ironic styles really well to Japan for years before the UK/US really 'got' that look, and I sold the brightest colourschemes to Germany and Denmark. I would like to think that most of my work would appeal across the oceans, though!

Do you think that machine knitting saves time on smaller items?

I do still love hand knitting but found when I had a shop that it was not really viable for me to make a living. When I was at university, though, I did more hand knitting than machine knitting and I still always have a project on the go for myself on the needles (well, several to be honest, as I have terrible startitis...) Machine knitting speeds up the more tedious, plain knit pieces, I find, so that I can spend more time on the details: embellishing by knitting in extra bits, adding a tassel here or there, embroidering or crocheting trims: I still love the hands-on fiddly stuff, that's where the fun lies. You can do all kinds of fiddling about on the machine; people perceive it to be less interesting than handknitting, but it's just a different way of working, like knit v crochet really.

What is the inspiration behind your pixie hats?

My pixie hats came about after I found an old book at my mum's that I loved as a child, which was about the circus. There was a lovely big top tent in it and I came up with a hat shape based on it. The trims are I think from the little drums that the seals in the book stood on while they clapped! I may have had a dream about this book as well, so I think it was well-loved.

If you could quit your day job, what aspect of your art would you concentrate on?

If I could quit my day job I think I would concentrate on developing my patterns for others to use: I have always wanted to do a book one day. I never made the most of the fact that Rowan sponsored my degree collection, I regret letting that link go. I would also love more time to paint.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop?

I hope my Etsy shop will be full of fun and inspiring accessories and clothes for all, over the next few months: I've got a head bursting with ideas for bags, gloves, scarves, socks, cushions, blankets....... and I can't wait to get started on them!

I can't wait to see what new items arrive in Cheese at Four Pence. My current personal favorite is the Potato Patch Beanie.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

2009-05-08T01:17:00.008-05:00

I am starting a series of blog posts that I think will be great fun for me and of great interest to all of us. I'm going to pick other knitter's and crocheter's shops and spotlight them on my blog. If you would like to have yours spotlighted, contact me. My first post is an interview with Celeste Myers. Her boutique is the colorful and always creative CRICKETS CREATIONS.

My first contact with Celeste came about three weeks after I opened my shop on Etsy. I still hadn't had a sale and was trying to find out how on earth to get people into my shop. She had just had her beautiful green scarf featured in "Better Homes and Gardens" and it was almost always on the first page of the knitting listings. Being so knew, I still didn't know that you had to re-list to do that. She didn't know me from Eve, but being the jump-in-with-both-feet kind of person that I am, I just sent her a convo asking her how to do that. I know she must have giggled as she sent me a thread that she had posted in the forums about re-listing. She was very kind and informative, and we have been friends ever since. She has always been willing to share her experience and business sense with me and anyone else that might ask. So here is my interview with her about her talent, inspiration and very successful shop.

When did you first learn to knit?

I took an elective class when I was eight years old. From there, I studied knitting books and tried out patterns. Now I design all my own work and have tons of fun getting really creative!

When did you make your first scarf and why?

My muse, inspiration & support is my husband, Nicky. I made my very first scarf for him (see that first scarf, modeled by Nicky here). He loved it so much that he said, "You could sell these and people would love 'em!" And since that time in August 2007 this has become my full-time career, so I guess he was right. :) You can see some of our wedding pics (we’re newlyweds!) here.

What inspired you to begin making Fringies yarn photo props?

It's kind of funny how it all went down! :) I love to "get a little crazy" with the fringe for the scarves I design and create. To me, the fringe is the playful part of the scarf that dances when we move and I like to go all out with the fringe.

So, one day Bonnie Grist Johnson of Still Time Photography contacts me and asks me to make a scarf that's ALL fringe to use as a photo prop with women and girls; I was delighted! I made her my very first Rainbow Fringe-O-Rama...shortly thereafter another photog pro asked for a Bohemian Fringe-O-Rama...and I was on a roll!

Then another stroke of genius came from Jane Eaton Hamilton of Jane Photo when she asked me to make her a Rainbow Fringe-O-Rama in a blanket shape. I cranked my poor, little brain and measured and fretted and the Fringie yarn photo prop was born (see that very first custom request here and here)! Thank you, thank you, Jane!

What motivated you to move in the direction of fiber experimentation?

I love to play with texture and color, and will use up to 50 different yarns in a single scarf or Fringie. I often start with a special request to match a backdrop, outfit or some other purpose and then just start pulling out yarns and pulling out yarns that I think will add dynamic depth and texture and interest and contrast and....all of a sudden I've got a new piece that I’m proud of!

Has your style evolved since becoming a fiber artist?

Hmmmm…from the outside, it may look as though my style has evolved, because I’m continually launching new design lines, such as my See Through Lightweights and Fringe-O-Rama Scarves. Really, though, it’s more like the designs are already there, just waiting to be plucked from the ether and brought to fruition. It’s very fulfilling to facilitate a piece in its journey from idea to reality.

You once said that taking better pictures was the biggest step in your success on Etsy. What was the second?

I think a close second has been how very prolific I am. I now offer 200+ designs in my shop…and there are a lot more in my head that are waiting to be given life!

In addition to creating new designs at least weekly, I typically make 2-3 scarves a night (and 2-5 Fringies during the day) to restock my inventory, whether for custom orders, special requests from the many retailers I supply, to sell online or getting ready for craft fairs & expos.

How do you promote & find so many customers who love your work?

My online boutique is how most of my customers find me.

There’s also:
my blog and Flickr

The ways that I’ve been able to "go pro" and be so successful are to have fun, create a quality product, and cherish the customers I work for and with. It’s been a blast and I appreciate the opportunity! I so enjoy the chance to interact with my customers and get to know them as people or even friends. If you’re a professional crafter, too, please let me know if I can offer support or advice on how to succeed.

Isn't that just like her always helpful?

Book Project

2009-05-06T01:33:00.006-05:00

I've decided to accept an invitation from a book publisher to submit some items, since I've heard from a fellow Etsy knitter that they are legitimate. As usual, it took me days to make something gel in my mind that would work for them and that I could write down so that someone else could understand it. So, I will post the project as I go. This one will be short and sweet. This yarn and buttons were my inspiration.

I've also decided that one of the most interesting things I could talk about would be other Etsy knitter's shops and items. So every week, Lord willing, I will pick a knitter's shop and blog about it. Some will be on the street team and some won't. I already have in mind which will be the first one. But, after the first one, I want to start with those that have 20 sales or less and work up.

The Source of My Joy

2009-04-24T20:20:00.004-05:00

This Bible was given to our family when our youngest child died. My husband and I both became Christians when we were children, but this was the time that tried our souls. I had to be led around by the hand for months. I couldn't remember or concentrate on anything. I remember thinking that only the presence of the Lord in my spirit was keeping me alive.

You may be wondering what does this have to do with knitting or crocheting. Well, it has nothing to do with it and it does. I learned how to do this about the same time I became a Christian at age nine. I spent certain periods in my life pursuing and neglecting both but not usually both at the same time. There was not much time for artistic endeavors when I was raising children. Fortunately we did raise our kids in the teaching and admonition of the Lord. They have been such blessings. Now I find that I have plenty of time and many joys. One of those joys is the time to knit and crochet. I know that it is a joy given to me from the source of my joy. It is only because Jesus chose to suffer horribly and die on the cross that I have survived, and that my soul will live with Him. I have chosen to follow Him, and He has never deserted me.

As I knit and crochet, I am reminded what a great creator He is. He created the Heavens and the Earth. The Earth is so beautiful that it is hard for me to imagine that it was created more beautiful than it is now. I love to knit and crochet. I love to be creative sometimes spending months on a special project. He spoke, and all this beauty was created.

Finished Inspiration

2009-04-02T16:53:00.005-05:00

I think I started this sometime in December. It may have been before. Sometimes I have an idea of something I want to start and just start it not knowing where it's going. This is a perfect example. I finished the main part of the scarflette and dropped it while I fingured out what next. Later, I picked it up when I decided to add the pink flowers. I felt like it needed a little glitter so I added lame to the cashmere flowers. After adding them with the little lampwork bead in the middle, I knew that I would need buttons that showed off the little white flowers but didn't clash with the bead. So, I went looking on etsy to find someone who could make buttons that matched the bead. Well, no one could match it, but I did find someone who could make some that didn't clash. Voila, pink buttons. Then, you guessed it, it sat around until now waiting for me to be inspired. I just put the finishing touches on it yesterday with cashmere and lame leaves and vines. I do love to see flowers both in winter when everything is so drear, but especially when spring comes and the weather is still chilly at times, especially in the evening. Hmm what will I start now that might get finished in September?

Please give your comments about what gives you inspiration.

by The High Plains Knitter

Project for Me Finished

2009-04-01T17:26:00.003-05:00

I finally finished it. I had to make some adjustments, because the pattern wasn't well written and wasn't the pattern of the sweater pictured in the pattern. But I added a neck to it and wrangled a little with running out of some of the yarns. But, overall it didn't come out badly. I love the yarns in it. I almost decided to just take the yarns and make scarves out of them, but my dh would have shot me. He thinks I don't make enough for myself. So here I am. I'm glad it's done.

My Stash

2009-03-28T17:40:00.013-05:00

Ok, this is my stash. And I'm sure that most of you that knit will not be surprised by the size. I've seen much bigger stashes. What most of you are snickering about I'm sure is how unorganized it is, and that it's scattered throughout the house. Well, most of that is due to lack of space. We have a son staying with us for a while while he looks for a job. When he finds one, I will have room to organize. Of course, as you can see, that will also require buying a lot of tubs. Right now the wools have first priority on being locked away, since summer is coming and the moths will be looking for places to lay eggs.

I buy whatever takes my fancy, especially if it's at steal prices. Almost all of this stash was at steal prices. Anyway, I like to put different yarns together and play, see where it takes me.

Decisions Decisions-Project for Me Update

2009-03-27T00:24:00.002-05:00

Where am I on my project? Well, I am doing that part that almost all knitters hate. I'm sewing it up. That's the I have to make myself do it part. But, the decisions can be annoying when you come on a problem in the middle of the project and have to decide what to change. As sometimes happens with a kit, some of the yarns ran out before the project did. I had to decide whether to continue on without them, (This pattern would allow that, because the yarns are so variegated) or do I make it short sleeved instead of long. Well, I plan to wear it as part of a nice outfit which means I will always be inside air conditioned buildings when wearing it. I'm cold natured, so I decided to go ahead with what I have. It came out alright, and I don't think anyone will even know the difference.

The problem is when I make the decision, I'm never absolutely sure it will work. Well, it did work, but I am (as always) having trouble fitting the sleeve in. Well, we'll see how it comes out this weekend.

More Summer Scarves

2009-03-04T00:07:00.005-06:00

I have managed to add several, but not all of my summer scarves. They are light, airy and fun to make. The only problem is that they are made with a yarn that is no longer available in the US. I bought all I could get my hands on, but I can't get any more. I hope the line is successful, but then if it is I may have to try and find something that will work when this runs out. Well, maybe if you see something that would work you could let me know.
The upper picture is Bouqet of Violets. The middle picture is Earth Tones Bouquet, and the lower picture is Pastel Bouquet of Flowers.

My versatile past- time

2009-02-28T16:03:00.003-06:00

Knitting and crocheting are perfect activities for me. If I am feeling energetic and creative, I can push myself to create something new and hopefully write the pattern (sometimes there is just no way to communicate what I have done). Other times, I can take the simplest pattern that I have and just knit mindlessly. I can have several projects going at one time, because I either don't have what I need to finish one at the moment, or I'm just in the mood for something else. I think I have four projects going right now.

Summer fashion scarves

2009-02-28T15:46:00.006-06:00

I'm currently working on my summer line of scarves. I have one listed so far basically because my husband took the camera with him to a weekend seminar, so I haven't been able to take pictures of the other two. I need to take better pictures of this one though. I was looking for something light and airy for summer and found this great yarn in this shop's going out of business sale. I got lots of it because this yarn is no longer sold in the US. So, when I use it up, I will have to find something else hoping it isn't too expensive.

It's 83" long but its stretches when worn, because it's so light that the weight of it stretches it. It's stretchy anyway, and there are so many ways to wear it. I will enjoy this scarf myself, because I get so cold when I go into air conditioned buildings, yet it will be light enough to wear outside.

A steal- a sweater for me

2009-02-28T15:35:00.007-06:00

This project is from a kit, but I couldn't pass it up. The owner of the yarn shop was going out of business, and this kit was marked down from $120 to $40. The yarn alone was worth more than that. Its a gorgeous pattern anyway. Well, except that I'm finding that one of the yarns is running out, so I will have to leave it out of the sleaves. I was hoping that there would be enough left to make a scarf of many colors. It doesn't look like that is going to happen. Well, I can use a new sweater anyway. Almost all of mine are too big.

One of the great things about this project is that it has inspired me to create a sweater pattern that compliments one of my scarf patterns to approach a local boutique with. I'm going to mull it over and try to perfect it this summer. Hopefully it will be ready by winter.

upcoming posts

2009-01-31T18:33:00.002-06:00

I will soon be adding pictures and links, in addition to blogging about my craft.