We head to Liverpool to meet Jo and see her awesome craft space!
Featured Member Interview
How did you find CO+K and why did you join?
I think I found you by accident if I’m honest. I spend a lot of time ‘collecting’ knitting patterns and during one of the usual google searches; I came across the site. Once I got here, I stuck around because I love knitting and I’m always looking for something new to try – there’s something a little more fun about Cut out + Keep than some of the other crafty sites.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working through my Christmas presents at the moment – I’m always rubbish with my timing and never get everything done before the big day, so this year I started in June! I’ve got a couple of scarves on the go as well as a Minion for my nephew. I’ve also just finished one of my BIG projects, which I’ve been going back to sporadically over the year. Probably one of the greatest things I’ve ever made Mr. Moose. ***Cat - I've had problems trying to add the moose as a project this morning - i'll try again later, but will send photos over for the time being***
Stats
- Joined
- May 27, 2014
- Location
- Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
- Projects
- 15
- Featured Projects
- 0
- Favorited
- 18 times
What does your craft space look like?
Space being sparse in the flat means that my craft space is part of my living room! We’ve ditched CD’s & DVD’s and repurposed the storage space to display my yarn. Visitors love it and it’s a great conversation starter.
I have a small sewing box where all the exciting ribbons and pins live, a tin full of buttons (I inherited most of them from my Great Gran) and repurposed glass jars that I have knitted covers for and now use to store my needles.
Which tool or craft supply do you use the most?
What’s affordable! – I mean, let’s be honest… knitting it’s not a cheap craft to get into and like all yarnsters I wander the aisles of my local craft shop and lust over the wealth of beautiful yarn I don’t just want…but physically need. We’ve all bought THAT yarn that came at a price of a small mortgage and if you’re anything like me; you’ll get home and all of a sudden the joy of ownership becomes the knitters-anxiety of ‘what if I ruin it’, ‘what if I waste it’ … what the hell am I going to make with it?!?
For any special project I’ll always turn to Rowan wool, it’s beautiful and great to work with, but for those quick-finishers and knitting for the sake of knitting any wool will do – controversial I know! Lately I’ve been finding some absolute gems to replenish the craft display at my local Aldi! They do large skeins, in some awesome colours and at a great price. Believe me, knitting on a budget is possible!
What do you craft along to?
TV! – Always TV! … I’ve tried knitting with other people (nightmare!), knitting to podcasts (stressful! – do I count or listen?!) And to music (knitting to a beat makes for many dropped stitches) but the white noise of TV helps me focus the most. A good Netflix documentary is a great companion to any Saturday afternoon knitting session.
Jo's Most Popular Projects
Favorite Craft
I’m an impatient knitter, so I’m always making sure I have a big project as well as a quick finish on the go at any time – I hate having unfinished projects hanging around.
I really enjoy making small toys/teddies – Knit Your Own Zombie by Fiona Goble was my first pattern book and is still a favourite on the book shelf; I like the variations of techniques needed to complete each part and that each one ends up having their own personality.
Pattern work is also finding its way into my ‘go to’ for crafting – this Christmas I’m making friends framed pictures http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/framed-naughty-christmas-knit
Jo's Top Crafts
If you could learn one new craft or make anything, what would it be?
Crochet! – Of my days…If I could learn to crochet I’d be a happy girl. Every so often I try it and it boggles my mind. It just feels so ‘unnatural’ from a knitters perspective. I’ve got friends around me who are crochet-superstars but every time we try and make it happen – it becomes a mess of hooks, yarn and tears.
Who are your crafting heroes?
My Nan! – Now that woman could KNIT! Most of my memories of her are with a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook in hand. She taught me the basics when I was very young and whilst I didn’t really take it up as a hobby until many years later, I put my success down to her god-like persistence with teaching an 6 year how to cast-on. When each of her grandchildren were born, my Nan made us a blanket, which I still have and love dearly, it’s my kintsperation!
rainbowjo86's Favorite Projects
Oh – that’s a tricky one! I’m a big fan of Janice F’s socks. This year I’ve promised myself I’ll improve my pattern work and I really like the use of colour in this pattern. Plus – socks are always fun to make! On my hunt for exciting new patterns to work on; I’m always a fan of something that makes me laugh out loud and think ‘damn I wish I’d thought of it’ – this was my exact response when I came across Carissa B’s Lego Mitts Jill’s Octopuss has to be in my top 3 because it’s amazing and complete genius! I’m certainly going to make one for my cat-lover friend!
And finally...
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