Crochet Cabin Interview

Today, we're kicking off the 2nd summer season of Etsy Interviews! Hoooray!  I'm thrilled to have Shelle or Shelleden as she is known on her Etsy Shop, Crochet Cabin, here at knit1fortheroad.  You'll be in awe of her passion for knitting and crochet, and swept away by the variety of patterns and items in her shop.  Gather around the knitting lawn chair, grab your lemonade and let's get started, shall we? 

Q. Shelle, welcome to knit1fortheroad. Which came first for you, crochet or knitting?

A. Crochet. Most of my designs are crochet, but I love to knit, too!


Q. Do you find that knowing how to knit and crochet enriches your patterns and which yarns inspire you the most?



A. Knowing how to knit and crochet enriches my whole life! Period. ;) I love textured yarns with rich, earthy colors.



Q. What made you decide to take the Etsy leap?



A. My friend, Jodi, told me about Etsy a few years ago, and it appealed to me as being user-friendly and a very effective way to promote my designs.


Q. Do you have any hopes, dreams, or goals for your knitting and crochet that you would like to share with us?


A. I would love to have another book published! I’d also love to see one of my designs in “Interweave Crochet” magazine. My goal is to submit a couple of my more unusual designs - something nobody has ever seen before - and have them accepted for publication!


Q. Shelle, I can’t help but notice your colorful creations and excellent feedback. Do you have any tips for new Etsy shop owners?


A. The main thing is be patient, give good customer service, and keep things re-listed as soon as something sells! Also, it doesn’t hurt to network - Facebook is great. You can post pictures and links to your shop.


Joining crochet/knit forums online is a wonderful way to get your name out there, too, not to mention making lots of friends along the way!


The crochet/knit community is a wonderful group of people who will support and encourage you all the way!


That is excellent advice, Shelle.  Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and taking time away from your creative life to share some valuable insight with us.   Here's to continued success to you and your knit and crochet adventures.

You can find Shelle and her work on the following links:
http://crochetcabin.bravehost.com/
http://shelleden.etsy.com/
http://queeniescabin.blogspot.com/

 

Support your local spinner...

Last week we had a chance to go to St. Mary's.  While we were visiting, we saw the Craft Guild of St. Mary's, a group of crafters and artisans from the area, who were there to spin, weave, and sell their crafts.  The Guild also has classes available.  Naturally, I was drawn to their tent and sale table.  I snagged a wonderful handpun wool by Tracey Pintell Quade, a member of the Craft Guild.  I came home with my prized handspun wool and created the ribbed scarf pictured above.  I added a strand of Patons SWS in Natural Earth to create some accenting colors to the already beautiful color of the wool.

Wherever you roam, I hope you find the knitty, crafty, and yarnie and support their efforts any way you can. 

Happy Tuesday!
Marg (enjoying historical Maryland)
The Legends of Sotterley

Sometimes you just need the right button...

Koko Noelle Buttons I found at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

Are you looking for the right button for a knitting project?  Try Koko Noelle for handcrafted buttons in porcelain and stoneware.  You're going to love their unique designs, quality, and durability.  There are even care instructions for you.  Visit the ArtFire Gallery or Etsy Shop, KokoNoelle and soak in the colors, textures, and organic sensibility. You'll definitely want to check out the blog for updates, look for an event near you, and discover your inner button personality.

Incorporate a little art wear. Dare to dress up and accessorize your knitting.  Your projects will thank you. 

Enjoy the madness in your Monday.  You always have knitting to help you recover.

Marg (immersed in Monday madness with knitting in mind)

 

Twilight New Moon Bella's replica Jewelry in gift box Set of 3

Twilight Saga New Moon Bella's Cordoroy Hooded Jacket (Medium)

Cardinal Games Twilight Eclipse Board Game

Free and Fabulous Friday Patterns

Let's wrap up the week with some fun patterns to knit and crochet.  Here we go!

Cozy Earflap Hat Pattern at knit collage by Amy Small

Stars & Stripes Throw to crochet from Caron International

Emmaline Pullover at knitty.com

Moody Blue at Verena Knitting Magazine (free today!)

Hatchling Cardigan at Lion Brand for Baby

Playful doggies will love Francesca and Sharkey at Lion Brand as seen on the Martha Stewart Show

See you on the knitting couch.
Marg (too much work makes me cranky-time to knit)

Project 8 Mail Day!

Crocheted Pima Cotton for Craft Hope Project 8

Gulfcoast Oil Spill

Today I'm sending my Craft Hope Project 8 items in the mail.  I was lucky enough to have just enough of this soft absorbable cotton on hand to crochet these washcloths.   Please visit Craft Hope for crafty charity projects and join in this wonderful community of crafters.  Craft Hope has a group on Facebook and you can receive updates on projects there or follow them on Twitter.

If you're interested in helping with this project, there is still time.  The deadline is the end of August. Please visit Craft Hope for details.

I hope you'll make time to get closer to nature this week and experience the peace and joy that it can bring to your life.

Marg

Threatened Wetlands (Protecting Our Planet)

Knitters Connection Event

Last Friday, I was in Columbus, OH for the Knitters Connection event.  The event is one of my favorites and even though we moved to Maryland, I managed to make the trip to Ohio. 

When I reached the Greater Columbus Convention Center, I spotted knitting enthusiasts making a beeline for the registration and information booth.  I could feel the anticipation in the air.  The market was not open when I arrived and I had plenty of time to look around, visit with fellow knitters and go through my member's goodie bag. Yum!  There was discussion amoung the group waiting on the ottomans in the lobby about who knits, who knits and crochets, and how far they traveled to reach the event, as well as their favorite yarns.  I was lucky enough to join in the fun.  I never feel lonely at these events if I have to go on my own.  There is great fellowship among the knitty.  We all had our favorite vendors and looked forward to new knitting accessories, yarns, and demonstrations.

This year, the event was all in one room and air-conditioned- Yay! I chatted with familiar faces and met new vendors and knitting authors.  I searched for the unusal or new (at least for me) fibers, accessories and vendors.There were also classes and a fashion show.  I spoke with several people who had been in class that day and they were all happy with their lessons and ready to learn more.

Knitters gathered at the tables, knitted and shared information, along with items that they had purchased.  There was more community than I've seen in awhile at an event.  The focus this year was not only to buy needed products, but also share and encourage others. 

The North Market is always my next stop after the Knitters Connection. It's close to the convention center and has some great food.   We like the Vietnamese food vendor.  Order #6 - very yummy.

I feel that we were reminded of the valuable need for community. I urge you to attend at least one knitting event near you to revitalize your knitting life.

Look for a way to share your knitting joy this week and let your needles fly.

Marg (Revitalized!)

Caps for Caleb

You are invited by Hearts of Love on Ravelry.com to join in a new featured project called Caps for Caleb.  Caleb is a 20 month old child who is currently receiving chemotherapy treatments twice a week for seven weeks. He will then have a bone marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota Hospital.   Please visit the Hearts of Love group if you are on Ravelry, and look for the Featured Project Discussion. The post by CleoHutton (Caleb's grandmother) is dated Tuesday, June 8 and there are updates on the project thread with more details for you. If you have questions, please contact the moderator of Hearts of Love, SeasidePurl or CleoHutton.
Visit Caringbridge.org for more information and updates on Caleb and his progress.

I hope you are able to move into your week with love  gratitude, knitting and laughter. 

Marg (getting organized!)

From Knitters Connection to Colonial Knitting

Taken at St. Mary's A Mid-Summer Fair - Knitting kit with patterns, yarn and history of knitting during Colonial days. Score!!!

A note for all my knitting friends.

I'm slowly catching up from a busy weekend at KnittersConnection and a little Maryland history day at St Mary's (there was spinning and yarn, people).  I have pics and interesting knitty info for you this week as well as info on a new featured project at Hearts of Love on Ravelry.com called Caps for Caleb. I'll also have some pics of some of the projects I've had on my needles this week for CraftHope Project 8. 

Been so long...okay, only since last Wed, but I'm back and ready to knit, laugh and blog.

Have a relaxing evening,and be sure to stay tuned to this blog.
Marg (hoping for cooler weather soon)

Video Wow Wednesday

Wednesday is video "wow" day around here. Okay, in the interest of full disclosure and before you do the video happy dance, I have to confess that one article is included. Many days are hectic for us and there are so many videos, with little time to choose. Here are a few links that might be helpful as you navigate through the knitting video maze. 

Make Needlework Finger-Friendly
by Margaret Littman  for Athritis Today

Learn to Speed Knit! Video by KnitPicks

How to Change Yarn at VideoJug

Don't see a subject that interests you?  Take a look at more advanced knitting videos like the Kitchner Stitch AND so much more you need to know, experiment with, and review at KnittingHelp.com

I so enjoy that you love knitting.
Marg (leaning into the Wednesday knitting crunch with glee)



The Complete Beginner's Guide to Knitting
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Knit Out Box

Knit Out Box

Just when you thought I was over my yarn accessory obsession, you caught me blogging about the Knit Out Box at YarnMarket.  These goodies are 5"square and available in  Aquamarine/Apricot, Garnet/Jade, Orchid/Tangerine, Purple/Gold, Sage/Pink, and Pumpkin/Seafoam.  Each box is made from floral silk taffeta on the inside and outside, making it super decorative.  The yarn easily glides through a keyhole opening without tugging or snagging as you knit.  It's a fun way to keep your yarn under control, clean, and tangle free.  Hooray!

Peace out, knit out!

Marg (knit and crocheting for CraftHope Project 8)

Craft Hope: Handmade Crafts for a Cause