When did you first start knitting / crocheting and where did you learn?
I attempted to crochet several times in my life, to no avail. I'm a visual learner, so trying to learn from books proved fruitless. When I became pregnant with my daughter in 2012, I was determined to learn to crochet so I could make booties and hats for my little bundle of joy. Thank goodness that THIS time, I had YouTube to help me! I credit YouTube videos for teaching me how to crochet and how to read a pattern.
Can you remember the first thing you made?
The first thing I made was a pair of wrist warmers, from BobWilson123's (Claire's) video tutorial. It was a simple single crochet rectangle, whip stitched together, leaving a space for the thumbs. I was elated to have actually created something useful...plus I LOVE fingerless gloves.
Who are your favourite pattern designers and celebrity knitters & crocheters?
I love Vickie Howell, her designs are great, plus she just seems like a really fun, down to earth gal - someone I'd like to hand out and crochet with over a glass (or two) of wine!
Also Twinkie Chan. Her designs are SO fun and whimsical - she's the opposite of your grandmother's crochet!
What are your favourite things to stitch and do you have a favorite item you've made?
I think my favorite things to crochet are bags. There are just so many directions to go in stitch and design wise, and they really are the most functional thing you can make. They are my go-to holiday gifts to make...you can only make so many scarves for someone!
What music/podcasts/TV shows do you love to stitch along to?
There are so many! If I crochet while watching tv it has to be a minimally interesting show, or else I'll just sit there with my hook and project and realize I haven'd made a stitch.
I LOVE listening to podcasts though! Right now my favorites are mostly business related. The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur, Brilliant Business Moms, Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn.
I'll also listen to music when I crochet...Phish, Grateful Dead, Ryan Montbleau, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd are among the top.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
Before I conceived my daughter I was an avid bead weaver, using those lovely (and very tiny) seed beads. I love peyote stitch specifically. I put my beads away for a while (since they weren't really "baby friendly") but I'm sure I'll be picking them up again soon.
I also love to hula hoop! At a music festival I saw an incredible hooper, and after I tried it I was hooked! I've since made my own hoops. It's a bit of work but lots of fun too!
Clothes
Jewellery
