…ut lots of fancy equipment. No fancy equipment allowed! The most common misconception about taking nice photos is that you need to have a super-fancy camera to do so. But you don’t! You can take fabulous pictures with a point-and-shoot-camera and having a few tricks up your sleeve. I use a GE Digital Camera, which cost about $100. Nothing fancy. And I don’t want to toot my own horn, but my photos come out alright! So, what are these ti…
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Design Week, day 1: sketches
Welcome to Knit and Crochet Design Week! If you haven’t read the details of knit and design week, read this post to get caught up to speed. Basically, we’re dedicating a little time each day this week to design and sharing our progress. There are no requirements: I just want to encourage you to have fun and be creative! And, if you’ve written a blog post about your progress, please post the link in the comments section below…
Continue ReadingHow to add hair to your amigurumi
…end through the front loop, until about an inch is pulled through: If you accidentally pull the hair all the way through… don’t worry. Just start again! Now, your aim is to pull the two ‘tails’ of the hair through the bend. I’m doing this by using my hook, but you might find it just as easy to use your fingers. Pull the tails and… ta da! Step 4: Repeat until your cutie has lots of hair! I’m not going to fi…
Continue ReadingAchieve Mindfulness in 7 Easy Crochet Steps
…high blood pressure. The brain may also whirl wildly in what is called a “cycle of rumination”, which can be both a hallmark of and an exacerbation to mental illness including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Practicing mindfulness teaches the brain and body to relax. It brings peace and helps both prevent and alleviate myriad stress-related health problems. Seven Crochet Steps to Mindfulness Crocheters can practice mindfulness using thi…
Continue ReadingInterview with the Shibaguyz!
…e… I suppose… but it is what keeps me up at night sometimes… that and the occasional odd craving for fish and chips at 1:30am. The theme of a collection is actually a critical component when it comes to anchoring all of the workflows of creating a book. From final design choices to the photography and layout off the books, if I don’t have that anchor to come back to, I could easily spin out of control and be overwhelmed with ideas and concepts. In…
Continue ReadingTips for workin’ it at TNNA (for designers)
…of your most important work will take place after the show. Follow up with people. Email companies. Keep workin’ it! Remember that everyone has had a crazy weekend, so don’t expect a response Monday afternoon. Include a refresher of the conversation, if necessary. Something like, “I loved chatting with you about your designs. Would you still be up for the interview on my blog that we talked about?” 9. Have fun! Does that c…
Continue ReadingNew Pattern! Robbie the Rocket!
…t pattern! So, I decided to get creative with Robbie’s flames… check them out! It’s three layers of color that gives you a really neat effect. And it’s not too hard! You know I always give you lots of great photos in the pattern, and links that will help you lots! For this pattern, you’ll need to join with a sc and work the bottom side of a foundation chain. You can do it! Get started! As always, this pattern is a pdf…
Continue ReadingHave you tried these ways of making yarn?
…n find one for less than $20 on Etsy. If you’d like to take a class, check out Ply to Knit: Spin the Yarn you really want on Craftsy Before investing in a wheel, shop around. Try borrowing one from a local spinning guild or renting one from a yarn shop so you can see if it really suits you. Shopping for fiber is as much fun as shopping for yarn! Search for ‘hand dyed roving’ on Etsy to get started! Make t-shirt Yarn T-shirt yarn…
Continue Reading5 Myths about Handmade
…ality materials, and can last a lifetime. Myth 5: Handmade is for special occasions/gifts only. You’d be surprised how many things people make! When I need anything (even if it’s a broom), I look around, and see if I can find a handmade one before buying it in the store. Handmade is for everyday! My Broom Don’t believe me that handmade goods can be practical, everyday items? Let me show you my broom. Isn’t it beautiful? It&…
Continue ReadingUpcoming Yarn Events & Holiday Cuteness
…ing the hot weather and mangoes in Australia. I’ve been posting the occasional photo on my personal instagram account, so follow me along on vacation! Ami Club members can hop over to the forum and download the Guide to Traveling with Crochet… packed full of useful info! I’m still knitting my cardigan from Drop Dead Easy Knits. I’m knitting the sleeves two at a time… it’s the best way to go! I was anxiously awai…
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