Work in Progress Wednesday

Wednesdays, at least on the interwebs, is Work in Progress Wednesday or WIP. More specifically, in the crochet community everyone is asking “What's on your hook?” At anytime I am working on several projects; however, I try to minimize how many half-finished projects I have out at any one time. Wait--how am I working on a project if I’m not actually crocheting?

Each item I make has to be conceptualized and designed before I ever pick up a skein of yarn. Even when I am following a pattern that is already written, there is a choice of yarn color and style, hook size, and a level of interpretation and trial and error. There are many patterns available on the internet: some for free, others for purchase. My favorite website for beginners (and where I started with amigurumi) is AllAboutAmi. I found her patterns clear, easy to understand, and fun and adorable. From her patterns I realized that amigurumi patterns make mathematical sense. I have been able to use this general concept to make different shapes, which ultimately become my own patterns.

Maybe one day I will get into formal pattern writing, but for now suffice it to say there is a lot of mental power that goes into my patterns long before they become a reality! On this Wednesday there isn’t much on my hook, but that won’t last for long.

Most of the components I make are worked around in circles.

Change is good...

Please excuse my mess as I work on updating my website to reflect my new shop name and logo! I am an HTML novice, so there is a lot of trial and error when it comes to design. Being a visual person, I have play around with lots of designs before I figure out exactly what I like. Thanks for your understanding! Here is a cute bunny picture, for your patience:

Meet Stannis, aka Stanstan, aka the one true king of Westeros

Washcloths

I was commissioned by a new friend and fellow crafts-lady for a series of washcloths for her and her family. I was delighted, as I knew this would be a fun, and relatively quick, creative outlet. I love making my critters, but with washcloths I would be able to play around with different stitches and colors AND have a sense of instant gratification. In just a few days I had 6 beautiful unique pieces, all made with 100% cotton dishie yarn from KnitPicks. In exchange, I will be receiving a bar of my friend's homemade oatmeal stout (beer) soap! Trading crafts is such a great thing. Check out her lovely shop here. I bought a bar of her soap for my husband for Christmas at the UCR craft fair and he loved it.

Next time I will take better pictures! There is a lot of detail that can't be seen from this view.

New year, new name

This month commemorates the 9 month anniversary of my Etsy shop. Though I have been crocheting for many years, it wasn't until I started making crochet dolls and animals, or amigurumi, that I found my calling. Creating cute and cuddly (and often nerdy) things with yarn is such a joy! To convey this message through my shop and blog, I enlisted the expertise of my dear friend, talented artist, and graphic designer, Amanda.  She nailed it - my quirky sense of style, my love of yarn & bunnies, everything. So I present, not just a new logo, but a new name: Hop & Stitch Crochet by Amy

Check out Amanda's beautiful fine art on her Etsy shop

This year I hope to get more variety in my shop and have a greater inventory. I hope to add more wearable items and homegoods, keeping with the cute (okay and nerdy) theme! I will also be keeping my blog more up-to-date. January is a month for new beginnings, let's get creating!