Posted in Artists, Gifts, Natural Crafts on July 3rd, 2006
I know a lot of people who would give anything to make their hobby into their job. Is it possible? Sure! It is like any other business. You have to have the skill, the drive, and the self-discipline to make it work. Sometimes with a hobby, that is a double-edged sword; you are turning your leisure time activity into your work so working on it is part of what you have to do. That can be good, but it can also turn something you love into a chore. Only you can decide if that will work for you.
For Kelly Mason, in Maine, it works great. She had a hobby making soap. She turned that hobby into a business and is building a good reputation with a product that she has a passion for. Read her story as reported in the “Bangor Daily News.” You too could take your hobby to the next level – the main ingredient is dedication.
In A Lather
Posted in Gifts, Knit/Crochet, Patterns, Techniques on July 2nd, 2006
When you think of crochet, you probably think of a hook that is about the length of a pencil and a spool of thread, or possibly a ball of yarn, with repeated stitches forming a design. That is one form of crochet. But there are others and some of these other forms lend themselves to more creativity and a better “fabric” that the traditional form of crochet. There is hairpin lace, Tunisian, crochenit, and camel crochet as examples. I found a blog that explores some of the traditional but goes further into depth on alternative forms of crochet. I think you will find it interesting
I have always enjoyed Tunisian Crochet, which is also known as afghan stitch crochet. It can make a bit of a heavy fabric but that is nice for an afghan. Different stitch techniques make a lighter weight fabric which then open the crafter up to other designs, such as sweaters. One of the best things about Tunisian is that is creates a fabric perfect for counted cross stitch. Take a pattern intended for counted cross stitch and make a very unique afghan or design on the back of a cardigan.
I think you will enjoy these sites about Tunisian crochet. The equipment will cost you very little; the hook is a modified crochet hook, being long like a knitting needle but with the standard hook at the end. These hooks can also be purchased with flexible cables, such as are found on double pointed needles.
Crochet Kim
Kimane Designs by Crochet Kim
Camel Crochet – Another technique to crochet
