Thursday Chat: Meet Emma!

This week it's the turn of Emma, from the beautiful blog Winging It. Here is how we got on!

What got you into knitting and/or crochet?

"Ever since I can remember, my Mom and Grandma have knitted. Since I was constantly watching them knitting away, it didn’t take long until I was determined to learn. My mom taught me to learn to knit when I was six. Six-year-olds don’t exactly have a ton of patience, so it took a few years until I really caught the knitting bug. As for crocheting, I’ve tried it a few times, but it’s never really caught on the way knitting did. For now, all I know are a few simple crochet stitches."

 We all have a weakness when it comes to buying materials, whether it be yarn, buttons or stitch markers, what is yours?

"I definitely have a weakness for yarn. I have enough yarn to fill up a closet, so I’ve been trying to avoid buying yarn. Despite the guilty feeling in the pit of my stomach, I always have an urge to buy more every time I see another skein of yarn. I also have a weakness for fiber, especially those gorgeous hand-dyed braids that every Etsy shop seems to sell."

Is there any item you've sworn to never knit again?

 "I’ve had a couple of bad experiences with sweaters and socks, but that didn’t scare me off for long. I’m pretty persistent when it comes to knitting new things, and I like to keep trying even if I’ve had trouble with a certain item before. I do try to stay away from lace shawls, though, because they tend to take a while and I end up finding several mistakes after I finish."

Which pattern, that you have designed, is your favourite and why?

 "I’ve only designed a few things, so I can’t say I have a clear favorite yet, but I really love how my Viridescent turned out. Viridescent is a unique fingerless glove pattern featuring a cable pattern on the back which blooms into leaves. I designed this pattern as a fresh idea for spring and summer. Although it’s been a challenging pattern to chart and write, I know that it’ll be worth it when the pattern is finally published. At the moment I’m still preparing the pattern for submission to KnitPicks, but it should be available soon!"

When you're not knitting or crocheting, how else do you spend your spare time?

"I’m a big fan of the arts, and I normally end up writing, drawing, or crafting when I’m bored. At times when I just can’t keep still, I like to jump on my trampoline or go ice skating. I spend a few hours every week doing gymnastics, which is my main sport. I have a busy schedule, but it’s worth every minute."

 Which is your favourite hank of yarn that you've spun or dyed yourself?

"I’m not big on dyeing, although I’ve always wanted to get better at it. Mainly, I do lots of spinning. My favorite skein is normally the one I’ve just spun up- I fall in love with each new skein that comes off the bobbin. I’m also getting more consistent at spinning, so my more recent spins tend to look more professional than my first few thick, uneven skeins of handspun. I have to say my current favorite is Brick and Mortar, a red roving with a touch of turquoise that I just finished spinning."

Any other hobbies other than knitting?

 "I have lots of hobbies. My hands always have to be moving! I’m into a lot of activities involving the arts, such as writing, playing piano, spinning, making jewelry, drawing, and photography. I’ve always wanted to trying dyeing, but it’s been a slow process to learn the works. Thankfully, I have so many other hobbies that I’m hardly ever bored."

Thank you so much to Emma, for not only letting us learn more about her, but letting us look at her beautiful photos!  

Thursday Chat: Meet Josie

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing Josie, from the oh so lovely blog Handmade by Knottygal. Josie writes beautiful patterns, and incredibly helpful tutorials. I managed to grab a couple of minutes with her, and this is how we got on!

What made you want to learn to knit?

"I used to dabble in embroidery and tatting during my college days. But, never took up anything seriously. After my marriage, my Hubster and I worked different shifts and I used to stay up late waiting for him to get back from work. I needed a way for me to keep myself awake till he came home. At this same time, I chanced upon many knitting blogs and was inspired to learn knitting. The rest is history."

Technicolor Whirlpool

What is your favourite item to make?

"My favourite items to make are scarves and shawls. Although, I rarely wear the shawls I've made, I like the process involved in it. I am more a process knitter than a product knitter." 

Have you ever had a project that turned into a complete disaster? 

 "I remember my first ever scarf. The Irish Hiking scarf. I was not intimidated by the cables. In fact, I enjoyed them. But, what made this scarf a disaster was my color choices. Whatever made me think that a cabled scarf with abrupt color change will look good!! I am yet to frog this scarf to salvage the yarn."

It's always great to knit or crochet with other people, have you every participated in a Knit or Crochet-a-long?

"Yes. I recently participated in a BAG-ALONG for which I crocheted a bag that I am proud of. I've been taking this bag to work since I made it and I've been getting compliments on it often. Its the Summer Sling Tote by Priscilla Hewitt. Its a lovely pattern and recommend it to anyone who knows crochet." 

What has been your biggest success?

"My biggest success has been my designs. I will not consider them out-of-this-world designs..but, still they are precious to me. I've always been a follower when it comes to knitting. I can follow a pattern to the T. So, I never imagined myself to design something of my own. So, I consider my designs my biggest success in my crafty life."  

Which is your favourite pattern that you have designed, and how did you get the idea for it?

"I have 2 scarf patterns to my credit and one more scarf pattern design is in progress. Till date, my most favourite is my Lost in transit scarf which came about when I was playing with ideas on a graph paper with pencil. I like to design on paper and not on my PC."

Big thanks to Josie for taking part, and I'm sure you'll agree with me that those scarves are absolutely gorgeous!!

Thursday Chat: Meet Contessa!

This week I had the pleasure of interview Contessa from Writing, Yarn, Pucks and Diapers! Here is how we got on!

What made you want to learn to knit and crochet?

"To be honest, I wanted to knit for such a long time that I don’t recall that first moment where I realized I was interested in learning. However, it was during my pregnancy -- for which I’d been put on bed rest -- that I finally got around to learning from a Klutz book. I can’t say learning to knit was great for relieving my stress but it was great for taking my mind of the constant fear of losing my baby.  

My knitting provided inspiration for my mother to pull out her crochet hooks for the first time in a couple decades. It was watching her race through a scarf the same thickness as the one I was knitting that spurred me to learn how to crochet."

Are there any new skills or techniques you would like to learn?

"Every time I think I’ve learned all I want to learn with both crocheting and knitting, I discover another fifty things I need to or want to learn.

A technique I’d love to conquer someday is Fair Isle knitting. I’m still quite inexperienced when it comes to color work so I definitely need to get some more of that under my belt before I pursue more difficult undertakings."

What has been your biggest success?

 "I don’t feel like I have a great many real success stories but the day I finally decided to try knitting a sock is definitely “up there” among my successes. 

I’d heard nightmare stories about gussets and turning heels and strangely enough, the thing I messed up with my first sock was shaping the toe.  

 But I completed the sock and rushed to complete its mate.That first pair is something I wear every time I visit my parents’ place and the knitting and yarn have held up beautifully despite my first sock’s “dorky toe.” 

I consider that pair a great success because I learned so much from them and they get the (second) most use out of any of my other projects. (My current purse is a knit mesh bag and gets used most but I don’t consider it a big success because it wasn’t as big a deal to make as was my first pair of socks.)"

Have you ever dared to create your own patterns?



"Ha, “dared” is exactly the right word when it comes to creating my own patterns. I’ve attempted a shawl and a Mobius wrap without patterns and both resulted in some pretty unsatisfactory garments. I’m not giving up, though.

I feel it’s my lack of understanding for shaping that is holding me back the most. When I start a new project, I’m following a pattern but not really giving any thought to what each portion of the pattern is contributing to the final product -- nor do I really understand how it all comes together in the end (I just trust that it does).  

Recently I’ve changed my approach to reading patterns and I’m hoping that will result in an eventual ability to create my own designs.  

Do I think anyone would pay for my designs? Doubtful. But I’d have no problem offering them for free if it meant people actually used them and enjoyed them! When it comes to designing, I’m much more a jeweler than I am a seamstress (or toy-maker, when it comes to amigurumi)."

 We all love hand-spun, and hand-dyed, have you ever tried spinning or dyeing yarn?

"Several years ago while at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire, I purchased some roving and a drop spindle after watching some women spinning their own yarn.

That roving, I am sad to say, is still in its roving-state and still in its original packaging. At least I can say the drop spindle has since been looked at though it still hasn’t been used.
One of these days I’m planning on sitting down with the roving and the drop spindle with a YouTube video cued up on my computer. (It’ll be a grand celebration with the trumpeting of horns, lots of confetti, some almond champagne and a giant buttercream-topped, multi-tiered cake. You’re all welcome to join me for the party!)

Happily I can say I have dyed my own yarn. I started at the end of 2010 with a skein of Patons Classic Wool and a couple packets of each color (I mean “flavor”) Kool Aid. I threw everything into a slow cooker and the rest is history.
I took a several month break from dyeing but with the opening of a friend’s online store (Candy Skein by Tami), I was inspired to get the slow-cooker and punch drink packets back out."

 Big thanks to Contessa for her wonderful answers and allowing us to pick her brain! 

Thursday Chat: Meet Sharon!

The lovely Sharon from Witchy Knits 4 Ewe is next up in the firing line, here is how we got on!

What got you into knitting?

"My Aunt was at my house one day making a blanket and after watching her for hours, I thought, “I can do that!” I asked her to show me and I was hooked from there! Then of course, all these Hollywood stars were getting into it and that made me even more interested in mastering it. So, I did!!"

Is there any item you've sworn never to knit again?

"Yes!! It was a beautiful entrelac shawl pattern that was written so horribly my friend and I frogged it at least 8 times. Finally, between the two of us, we figured out the pattern and rewrote it. It was a nightmare though and I swore I’d never make another!! I’m sure my knitting group is laughing reading this because they know what the pattern was and how much it frustrated me!!"

Where is the weirdest place you've ever knitted?

"I think I’d have to say at my friend’s college graduation. I’ve knit in Dr.’s offices and during my kids’ music lessons, but never in a giant stadium! That was definitely strange!"

If there was anyone you could knit for, who would it be, and what would you knit?

"I think it’s a tie between making something for Gwen’s new baby in Torchwood Miracle Day, or something for the stars of Dr. Who. Maybe a knitted bow tie for the Doctor and a new scarf and fingerless mitts for Amy…"

 Which pattern are you proudest of, and why?

"That would be my Cabled Fingerless Mitts. They are my most popular pattern and have been featured in The Daily Knitter & Crochter free pattern blog."

 We all have a weakness when it comes to buying materials, whether it be yarn, buttons or stitch markers, what is yours?

"Definitely yarn!! I used to teach knitting at Michael’s Arts & Crafts and got a store discount and had a friend who worked for a major yarn company and gave me her discount. Needless to say, I have a ridiculous amount of stash!! I also like gadgets of any kind so I have a lot of things lying around that never get used but are “cool” to have!"

What inspires you to write?

 "I’m in the middle of writing a book with my business partner for witchyknits4ewe, LLC and so trying to get my name out there and patterns for people to try has been a huge inspiration for me. I also love to write about my kids and all the cute animals I take care of all summer at the Day Camp I work for. So, my blog ends up being a little bit of this and that. Also since I found out I have Celiac and need to be Gluten Free, I’ve been blogging on that a bit too. I have my younger son on a GF diet and his Psoriasis has cleared up and his behavior has been better. He like to star in pics for my blog too!!"

We all have a blog post we are particularly proud of, which is yours and why?

 "Wow, that’s a hard one!! I posted about a great day I had out with one of my good friends here and I was very proud of my husband and son when they made their igloo hereand I finished my vest for the Ravolympics… My Maryland Sheep and Wool post was fun too and then I used that for my first ABC Week post to your blog!! Like I said, WOW - I can’t decide on just one!!"

 How would you sum yourself up in 5 words?

"I would say I’m a “witchy, wacky, gluten free knitter!” Does that work?! Haha!!!"

Big thanks to Sharon for answering all my nosey questions, especially since she is a very busy girl. You can take a peek at all Sharon's patterns over at her Ravelry page, definitely worth a glimpse! Next week I'll be interviewing the lovely Contessa, so stay tuned! 

Thursday Chat: Meet Faye

This week, it's the turn of Faye, a pattern designer from the blog, Cravings. Here's how we got on!

What made you want to learn to knit?

"I was taking classes at a local pre-professional dance company and apprenticing with the company, and need a way to cope with the pressure. It was a great way to relax backstage and during downtime in rehearsals, and really cleared my head. I’d always been kind of crafty, I just hadn’t really found knitting until then."

 What has been your biggest success?

"I think I was proudest when the UK mag Let’s Knit approached me about featuring my blog (specifically the Jaymie cowl pattern) in their February 2011 issue. I really liked how the pattern had turned out, and it was incredibly cool to see something I’d come up with talked about in print! It definitely inspired me to try to do more with my knitting."

What got you into blogging?

 "I was actually in China at the time, and was having amazing experiences. I felt really inspired and alive, and it was showing a lot in my knitting. I wanted a way to chronicle that a little bit, but also to put down my passion for creating into words. I think knitting is something we fall in love with, and it’s nice to share that with other people like us!"

What inspires you to create patterns?

"I think I draw a lot from current styles. I get inspired by something I saw on the street, or in stores. I’m one of those people who always has my camera phone ready to snap up-close pics of cool stitchery whenever I'm at the mall. If I see something I like, I’d much rather rework it and make it unique than buy it off the shelf. Sometimes yarn can be a huge inspiration as well. Certain skeins are just begging to be something in particular."

Which is your favourite patten that you have created, and how did you get the idea for it?

"My Fantastic Mr Fox Hat is definitely my favorite. It’s so whimsical and fun. I sell my knits at a local arts show, and that’s the piece everyone picks up and talks about. Plus, I love patterns that give you a great result with simple techniques. 
I think the idea was just wanting to express that childlike, bold bit of ourselves we still carry around with us no matter what age we are! Sometimes it’s just good to let yourself be silly and wear a hat with ears on it."

Who is your favourite designer, and why?

 "Naturally, I have to say Ysolda. Stephanie Dosen and Cecily Glowik MacDonald are up there, too. I really admire designers who can consistently create beautiful, unique patterns that are always recognizable as theirs."

 Myself and many others are aspiring knitting and crochet designers, and advice?

"Knit or crochet everyday, even when you’re in a funk. Whether you’re working on a pattern of your own or someone else’s, just keep going. It’s like any other kind of art--the more you do it, the more you can do it. And never, ever apologize for your stash."

Big thank you to Faye for the wonderful interview and advice! If you'd like to see more of her designs, visit her Ravelry page! 

Thursday Chat: Meet Jasmine!

In the knitted seat this week is the lovely Jasmine from Jasmine's Crafts. Like myself, Jasmine suffers from M.E, as it is mentioned in the interview, I would suggest having a quick read of what it is before you continue reading! 

Back? Okay, on with the interview!

What got you into knitting?

"Boredom. And the fact my grandma didn't like me moaning about being bored. So she taught me to knit one afternoon. I'd like to say I searched out the best teachers in all the land after seeing something that inspired me to create with my two hands, but nope. Boredom!"

What was the hardest technique for you to learn?

"Colour changing, I still haven't mastered it but I did learn to do stripes,  eventually. I can do lace (advanced beginner, albeit!), cables, I can knit in the round but the idea of doing fair isle/intarsia scares the heebie jeebies out of me!"

 What is your favourite item to knit?

"Hairbands, I am bias though as I wear them all the time, but I do enjoy knitting them as well."

We all have a weakness when it comes to buying materials, whether it be yarn, buttons or stitch counters, what is yours?

"Yarn found in charity shops, has lately become my down fall. Especially if it's discontinued, then there is just no choice other than to buy it!"

Which is your favourite pattern that you have designed?

 "Probably the Moldova headband pattern and the idea for it came from the show Life Unexpected, the buttoned on piece is an abstract version of the décor on the main characters hat. Not particularly original!"

 If there was anyone you could knit for, who would it be and what would you knit?

"I really like an artist called Tanya Davis, she's not that well know but she has knitting in a few of her videos. If I knitted for her, it would be a privilege, and I would knit a little toy."

Knitting is very much in style now, why do you think that is?

"I think this is because a lot of high street shops sold a lot of machine made knitwear styled kit over the winter, which proved very popular. It became 'trendy'!"

How would you sum yourself up in 3 words?

"Crazy, fairy, different." 

 If you could live in any other time, when would it be and why? (E.g Ancient Egypt, Tudor Times) 

"I would probably have been born 10 years earlier, if I'd had a say in it! I can't explain this, no rhyme or reason to my thinking (like usual)!"

Who or what inspires you in your life?

"The first thing that came to me when reading this question was, the idea of recovering from M.E inspires me to keep going. But I would probably not have that hope and inspiration if not for the kindness of the people around me, ravellers, friends and family who go on when things are tough. Life goes on, that inspires me."

Favourite film?

"Hands down, Everybody's Fine. Different, moving and oh so lovely!"

A big, big thanks to Jasmine for the interview, you're an inspiration to us all!

Thursday Chat: Meet Tracey!

This week, I have the pleasure of interviewing Tracey from Tracey Knits. This is how we got on!

What got you into knitting?

"About 6 years ago my best friend told me she was pregnant. I decided at that moment that I had to give her a handmade gidt as a present. I was already a painter and photographer, but I what I wanted to make was a blanket that the baby and his mother would treasure forever. I learned how to knit just to make that blanket for that baby."

What was the hardest technique for you to learn?

"So far the hardest thing for me to learn has been patience. Any project that takes more than a week or two to complete is a true test. I have completed 2 sweaters and a few blankets, but they have all been done with little interruptions just so I can feel like I have finished something." 

What is your favourite item to knit?

"I would have said in the past that I am a sock knitter, but I am not sure that is true any longer. I really love designing new golf club coves, which I sell the patterns for in my shop." 

Which knitted item that you made, are you most proud of?

"I am most proud of an entrelac blanket that now sits on the couch in my living room. It was a gift I made for my grandmother a few months before she died. It was her favourite colour, grey, and she would use it all the time. I still call it grandma's blanky to my children."

 We hear you have a shop, tell us about it!

"Yes, I do! Tracey Knits sells my hand-knit golf club covers and sports themed items, as well as the patterns to make them yourself. I have been making and selling my knitting online since the summer of 2009 with some unbelievable success. I even had the honour of being  featured in an article on CNBC's website! I started selling the patterns for my items recently so that other knitters could enjoy making my items as much as I do."

Which is your favourite item that you stock?

"My favourite item I have designed has got be Yoda. He has gotten RAVE reviews. He is just so cute and green, and those big ears are adorable!"

What got you into blogging?

"I started blogging as a way to promote my business. I was 'advised' that it was a great way for customers to get to know you and think of you as a friend when they need something that you offer. While I still blog, the subject matter is very different then when I started. I used to write exclusively about Etsy, and now I often share funny stories about personal experiences and advise as well."

What are your blogging goals for 2011?

 "I want to connect with my readers this year. Figure out what makes them tick and keep them laughing and coming back for more. I think I am well on my way to making that happen."

When you're not knitting, how else do you spend your time?

"Most of my non-knitting time is spent with my two young children. Boy, do they require a lot of work! I have taught them how to knit, and during this past Christmas rush they were nice enough to try and help me with some of the simpler parts of my projects. At the very least it kept them out of my hair for an hour or two."

Who or what inspires you in life?

"I find most of my inspiration from necessity. They saying necessity is the mother of invention should be my motto. That necessity generally comes from my friends and family, so I guess I could point to them as well." 

A big thank you to Tracey for letting us find out what makes her tick! Don't forget to pop over to her blog and shop, you won't be disappointed! Tune in next week when I'll be interviewing Jasmine from Jasmine's Crafts.

Thursday Chat: Meet Natalie!

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Natalie from Misadventures in Craft. Here is how we got on!

What got you into knitting?

"It was a bit of a whim really! I was in Edinburgh while my boyfriend was at a conference. It started to rain so shopping became less fun and I decided to head back to the hotel until he got back. I stumbled across a 'how to knit this scarf' kit and decided that would kill some time! I made the scarf, which I don't actually like, and decided that this was something I could really get in to. One of the reasons I carried on was so that I could knit a Christmas present for my Mum. I always make things for people's presents, and used to make a food hamper with handmade chutneys, truffles, all sorts of things, that my parents looked forward to all year. After my Dad passed away, it wasn't the same and Mum didn't want to be opening the same type of present that they used to have. But I couldn't not make something, so I knitted instead!"

What is your favourite item to knit?

"Hmmm, interesting question... I haven't been knitting long enough to have favourites yet I don't think!  started less than a year ago, and haven't made many of the same types of things (you can see my finished item list here). I loved making my first pair of socks, I am working on my second pair and have yarn for at least 4 pairs waiting in my stash, so I may have to say socks! I have so many more plans, and so many patterns to try out (I mean, I haven't even knitted a hat yet!) so I have plenty of time to start developing favourites"

Is there anything you've sworn never to knit again?

"Well, I keep cursing my Clapotis but that probably has more to do with the fact that I'm knitting it on a deadline than anything else! The scarf I made for my Mum was the second thing I cast on, and I didn't have any experience of different yarns or anything like that, so I picked up something that I thought looked lovely in the ball. The colours were great, it felt nice and soft... it just so happened to be eyelash yarn. Yeah, never again! It took forever, was very unpleasant to knit with and I didn't enjoy it one bit. On the plus side, it was very forgiving - the yarn covers up all of the twisted stitches, unintentional yarn overs and variations in gauge! So, anything in eyelash yarn is in my 'never again' list."  

Is there any item you'd love to be able to knit, but currently can't?

"I don't know if I'd say can't (at infant school I was always told 'there's no such thing as can't, you just haven't tried hard enough yet!') but I'm not good at lace. At all! I tried making a Wisp, which went badly wrong, and I'm not patient enough to do it all properly. Having said that, the bottom of my hooded cardigan is fir cone lace, which worked out well (with only one rogue yarn over!) but that was in Aran (worsted) weight, I'm not up to trying teeny lace on teeny needles with teeny thin yarn again just yet!"

Ever attempted crochet? If so, how did you get on?

"I haven't, although I'm sure I should at least get some of the basics down - lots of patterns seem to call for crochet edging. I do have one hook - which is currently exclusively used for picking up dropped stitches!"

How would you sum up your blog in two words?

"2 words?! That's not a lot at all...

Creative and Impatient"

Who is your favourite blogger, and why?

"I don't know if I can answer that! There are loads of blogs that I read and enjoy, for many different reasons, so I don't know if I could pick just one. I do like Ysolda's blog, her post about what's included in Little Red in the City made me buy the book! I never really got into reading the Yarn Harlot blog (shhh!), but that's probably because I like lots of pictures to go with the words usually." 

We all have a post we are particularly proud of, which is yours and why?

"Oooooh, good question! I really like re-reading my archives (wow, that makes me sound conceited doesn't it!) and there are quite a few posts that I particularly like, for different reasons. The day 5 post for Knitting and Crochet Blog Week (2011) was a big success, the title of the topic was 'And Now For Something Completely Different' with the aim of blogging in a different way to normal. My post was simply a selection of images that I represent me; some photos that I've taken, some that boyfriend had taken and some random images that said what I wanted them to say. I really enjoyed putting the post together, and it is my second highest viewed page ever.

My highest viewed post, is surprisingly a sewing project rather than a knitting one, my little notions bag. And my highest ever commented post (I really do love comments!) was a work in progress Wednesday, and I'm sure it was the colour of my sock yarn that got everyone talking!"

What inspires you to write?

"I've always loved to write, and have made up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. I started my blog because I live over 2 hours away from my Mum and wanted to keep her up to date with what I was making! Some days I'm inspired by what I'm working on, other days it's by what I've bought/done recently and sometimes I just have a bunch of thoughts in my head to get down on paper. Boyfriend always encourages me to write and was so pleased when I started a blog because it meant I'd be writing regularly. I've written 2 children's stories, for his kids, and I also have ideas for 2 novels stored in my head - but then, doesn't everybody?!"

 If you could live in any other time, when would it be and why? (E.g Ancient Egypt, Tudor times etc)

"It's funny that you put Ancient Egypt in the question, because that is exactly what I'd choose. I am fascinated by Egyptology (nearly did a degree in it fact!). I've been to Egypt 4 times, visited the pyramids and sphinx, cruised down the Nile, visited the temples, the Valley of the Kings, the incredible Abu Simbel...

There are other time periodss that I'd love to see too (not sure about living in any of them though) but I think it depends on which social class I could be in. Lower social classes had a pretty rough time throughout history, and women didn't fare particularly well. We have things pretty good now, in terms of our rights and freedoms, so I think I'm better off where I am now!"

Well, I hope you enjoyed the interview with Natalie, because I certainly did! (and I'm sure like me you're very jealous of all those wonderful trips to Egypt!) Don't forget to visit her blog, and don't forget to come back next Thursday, for your weekly interview fix!

Thursday Chat: Meet Tami!

Welcome to Thursday Chat, a brand new feature on An Accidental Knitter! For all those who don't already know, Thursday Chat is where every week (on Thursday!) I interview a knitting or crochet blogger/designer/yarn shop owner. I'm full booked for the next 3 months, but if you are interested in being interviewed and you meet the above criteria, drop me a message either on Ravelry, or email me at: memyselfandknitting@rocketmail.com

So to kick start the proceedings, I managed to get an interview with Tami Klockau from Tami's Amis & Other Creations. Here is how we got on!

What made you learn to knit and crochet?

"I tried to learn how to crochet from my Mom years ago (around 2002-2003), but ended up just getting frustrated. I'm left handed, and she's right handed, so I was never able to watch her and mimic her movements. I gave up and didn't give it another thought. In December of 2009, I just woke up one day  with the urge to make something. I'm an artist, but put down the pencil and paints for writing several years back. I guess my love of color was what spurred me on to try again. I asked around the workplace to see if anyone knew how to crochet, but working in a male dominated industry (make video games), everyone looked at me with a blank stare. The next weekend, determined to learn, I bought a skein of Red Heart Super Saver yarn, a size J hook and sat down to YouTube. Luckily, I found videos on how to crochet left handed. 

As far as knitting, I just started in November 2010 (as some of you know). I wanted to learn how to knit for a few reasons. One, I was sick of going into LYS (Local Yarn Stores) and having people ask how long I'd been knitting for. I hated the way crocheters were looked down upon. I felt out of place not knowing how to knit, or not welcomed. I also wanted to make garments like swearers and socks. I know you can crochet those items as well, but knitting just feels more store bought of real. Since then, I haven't been able to put the hook (and now needles) down."

 What is your favourite item to make?

"This a hard question. I LOVE making amigurumis (which is one of the reasons I wanted to learn how to crochet), but right now I'd say socks. I just finished my first sock and loved the process. It almost seems like magic knitting the heel flap, heel turn and gusset. The great thing is now that I know how to knit socks, I can finally use the large amount of sock yarn I have in my stash!"

What has been your biggest success?

"At this point, I'd have to say the amazing community built through Work In Progress Wednesday (WIPW) and FO Friday.  If we're talking about skills, I think how fast I've generally picked up knitting has been a big success. I surprise myself whenever I finished a knitting project and it actually looks good with pretty even stitches. And for projects? I'd say Roger, my Rebecca Danger knitting monster. I had to learn so many different knitting skills to finish him, and even put it down for several months due to frustration. I'm proud that I picked it up again and kept going."

 Not everything turns out as we hoped, tell us about some of your disasters!

"Like everyone, I've had my fair share. You're really going to make me relive them? LOL."

"When I first started crocheting, I wanted to make amigurumis like I mentions. For some reason, I crochet CRAZY tight, so tight that sometimes it's hard to put the hook into the stitches. I started making a Tortoro with a grey Red Hear Super Save yarn that I had to search all over for. For some reason, none of the stores I looked in had this particular grey and when I finally found it, I started right away. I ended up trying to crochet the poor thing SO tight, that it was taking me hours just to make a little progress, and my hands ached like no other. Seriously, it was so tight, the thing could stand on its own before even finishing or stuffing him. It was like a sculpture. Funny enough, I just frogged it the other day when I was re-organizing my stash. It was crocheted so tight, I had to just cut off the yarn I had crocheted with from the rest of the ball because it was way too crinkled to do anything with."

"As far as knitting, since I'm a fairly new knitting I've had a few. I bought this chunky wool yarn to make a scarf with. it was a basic ribbed  pattern, but considering it was pretty much the first thing I'd ever knitting, it didn't go well. After 3 froggings, I gave up. I was using terrible Clover bamboo needles I bought at a box store that had no point, and the yearn was way too fuzzy. It probably would have helped too, if I were to realize that I had to bring the yarn forward to do a purl stitch and bring it back to knit." Shakes head.

How did you get into dyeing?

"As I mentioned before, I gave up painting (and drawing) several years ago. I have an art degree and even taught art at a studio for a few years to all ages. I think I missed the act of mixing paints, and just the beautiful colors I could create in a painting. I guess you can say I now use yarn as my canvas. I started simple, using a few colors here and there with Fisherman's wool. I was hooked! I went and bought every Kool-aid color I could find and the 12 color Wilton's Icing Dye set. I started reading all about different ways to dye. I'm lucky that all the years of color theory have come in use!"

What inspired you to start blogging?

 "I had a writing blog at the time, but it was with a few other writers, so I felt like I needed another blog to share the other creative side of me. I seem to always jump into something with both feet. LOL! I got the idea for the blog well before actually launching it. I just felt like I needed to to get a little better at crocheting before showing anything off. My first blog post was August 2, 2010. I got a few comments, which made me SO excited. We had a lot of readers/followers for the writing blog I was involved in, but not many seemed to comment on our posts. I loved how responsive the crochet/knitting community was and how quick they were to take in a new blog into their daily or weekly routine."

How did the ideas for WIP Wednesday and FO Friday come about?

"I originally started WIPW because my friend and I thought it would be fun to share what we were working on and it would spur us on to actually feeling guilty when we stopped working on a project. I never dreamt WIPW and now FO Friday would grow the way it has. Once WIPW took off, it seemed like we needed an outlet to share the projects that we had finished. I posted a poll on my blog asking if anyone would participate in a FO Friday, even though they were already committing to doing WIPW. A few people said yes, so FO Friday was born . I look forward each week to sharing my projects and being able to share in the fun (stress, frustration, elation) of other people's projects. I feel like I know most of the participants and like I have friends across the world now. I also love that we have new people sharing their links each week. It's a great way to find new projects to add to your queue, and like I said, I feel pressured (in a good way) to have new projects (and finished projects) each week."

We hear you have a shop, tell us about it, and how it got started!

"I do! It's called Candy Skein  and I officially opened the virtual doors May 3, 2011. Right now I sell all weights of yarn, in fun colorways inspired by both candy and drinks, but hope to expand to handmade stitch markers and other items. I try to come up with colorways that I love (which is hard to then sell them since I'd kill to keep most of them) and use all techniques (kettle dyed, hand painted, self striping). I also have a section on the Candy Skein site where customers can view all colorways that exist in all weights, so if you see a color you'd love in lace weight, for example, that isn't available at that time you can just contact me and I can custom dye it for you. I plan to continue to release new colorways in all weights (especially in the coming weeks) and I also just got the tools to do larger batches of dye lots for those of you who want to make bigger items like sweaters. If there is a color you'd like in larger dye lot quantities, please let me know! I ship domestic and international!"

"To be honest, I would have never dreamt I would be opening a yarn store a year ago. As I mentioned above, I started dyeing yarn just for fun, needing an outlet to use my love of color. There was such a great response on my blog, and I started dyeing way too much yarn to keep (is there such a thing? If you live in a small place like I do, there is!) I got the idea to try to sell a few skeins. I didn't seriously start thinking of opening the shop until around the holidays last year. I'll never forget, my husband and I took a trip up the California coast the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve to visit the tiki bars and LYS that area has to offer. We were playing around with different names, as I sat with my phone typing our ideas into Google to see if someone had already come up with the same name. It was a cold, rainy afternoon (is there any other kind in San Francisco during the winter?) and we were having lunch at Trader Vic's (we're HUGE into tiki) and my husband got the idea to call the shop Candy Skein. I knew I wanted the word skein in the name, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE candy (seriously, if I could live on one thing in this world it would be candy and cake). It seemed like a perfect fit. It gave me a chance to have colorway ideas built into the name, and using bright fun colors. The name wasn't taken, so as soon as we got home, I made sure to grab it on any site I could think of to make sure it wasn't taken from under my nose. I built the website and my amazing husband did all the graphics (it pays off to be married to an artist!) that you seen on my business cards/yarn tags. The rest is history as they say."

A big thank you to Tami for allowing us to find out a little bit more about her. If you have any questions for Tami, about her shop etc please email her at: candyskein@gmail.com

Tune in next week when I'll be interviewing Natalie from Misadventures in Craft.

Roll Up - Roll Up!

I have to say, I have been pretty lame this week when it comes to blogging. I do apologise. Not only was my ABC post up late, but I didn't even write a WIPW post. All I can say is, I am very ashamed. And it won't happen again.

A couple of posts ago, I spoke about my attempt to blog daily. Well, after considering all the time I am going to need to spend on planning posts, preparing (e.g photographs, research etc) and actually writing the posts, I'm not going to have much time for the thing that this blog is all about. Knitting. So, after taking all this into consideration, I have decided to just blog through the weekdays. Of course, I may (like today) blog at the weekend, to share an update or tell you an hilarious story, but normally, the weekends will be blog free.

As you already know, on a Monday I blog my way through the alphabet, on Wednesday I write about my current Works-in-Progress and on Fridays, I show off my latest finished objects. So that leaves Tuesdays and Thursdays free. Well, not anymore.

Announcing 'Tunes on Tuesday with An Accidental Knitter'. Every Tuesday I let my trusty iTouch Bertie, choose a song through Shuffle mode. When the song appears, I have to think about how the title or lyrics of the song apply to the world of knitting and crochet. For example, the first post is entitled 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', and the post is based on the song 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' by Michael Bublé. This song made me think about my love of knitting, so that is what I am writing about. 

If you would also like to take part in Tunes on Tuesday, please leave a comment below, and if there is enough good response, I will make it into a meme like WIPW or FO Friday.

If you  haven't already heard through Ravelry, Thursday Chat is where every Thursday I interview a Knitting or Crochet blogger/pattern designer/shop owner. It has received some brilliant response so far, I'm not currently looking for any more people to interview (I have enough until October - yikes!) but if you fit the criteria and would like to be interviewed in the future, please leave a comment on this thread on Ravelry. Thank you!

Both of these items are starting this coming week, so don't forget to come and pay a visit!