Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Sarah Mason opened her shop, Yard by Yard Knits, on June 28th. She has the cutest baby clothes and accessories, and her choices of yarns add such an attractive glow to her items. Just have a look.

Sarah, you mentioned in your shop bio that your college friend showed you numerous times how to knit, but you just never got on with it. What triggered your desire to start knitting?

I started stamping cards in 2003 and really enjoyed the creative process. After a move in 2004, I considered picking up another craft but never made a commitment to anything. In the fall of 2005, I had dinner at a friend's house. She was knitting a pair of socks at the time.. She gave me a knitting lesson and sent me home that night with a how-to book, yarn, needles, and instructions to keep practicing. I made her a scarf with the baby yellow yarn she gave me and haven't stopped since!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brunswick, Maine. Although I have lived just outside of Boston for the last 2+ years, I am definitely a Mainer at heart - especially when it comes to driving!

What fibers interest you the most and why?

I really enjoy knitting with wool because you can do so much with it. I fell in love with felting when I took a class on felted bags. I haven't done much felting in the last couple of years because I have to go to the laundromat, but hopefully I pick it up again once I move this weekend and have my own washing machine.

What is your most favorite project of all time?

My favorite project is the first baby blanket that I knit. I had only knit two scarves and one hat when I decided to dive into baby blankets. My friend, Christine, is the most giving and selfless person you will meet, and I was so excited to give something back to her after all she had given to me. It was also the first time I searched through patterns and picked out my yarn, and I realized that knitting was something I wanted to keep doing. I think Christine and I both cried when she opened the gift - I was so proud of my first hand-made gift!

What would be your dream vacation?

I studied abroad in Paris for a semester when I was in college, and I would love to go back. Unfortunately, I hate flying, so I'm not sure how soon the vacation will be planned.

Do you crochet?

The only reason I own a crochet hook is to help pick up dropped stitches! I do not crochet, but I think it might be time to learn the basics. The first pair of baby booties I made called for a chain to form the tie around the ankle. I managed to figure it out, but I can't say the tie looks very good!

What gets your creative juices flowing?

Searching through patterns. I haven't yet created any of my own patterns, but I love to look through websites, ravelry, or my day-by-day calendar (one of my favorite Christmas gifts the last few years!) for new ideas. And of course, wandering around the yarn shops to see what colors and textures I can put together always gets me excited for a new project.

If you haven't already been to Sarah's shop, click on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade or copy and paste http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7612521 I'm sure she will be glad to see you.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Shortly after I opened my shop, I came across a shop with the most beautiful flowers. They weren't traditional crocheted flowers. They were knitted and unlike any I had ever seen. I had to have her rose pattern because it is the most gorgeous I have ever seen. I knitted it up, all the pieces came out great! When my sewing skills improve, I will sew it together the way it is supposed to be and add it to some accessories to make them gorgeous. This is how I met May Lee Ho. She is the owner of Ohmay Designs. Take a look at these pictures and see if you can stay away from her shop.

May, your flowers are so BEAUTIFUL. Most flowers are crocheted. What inspired you to design knitted flowers?

Thanks Dianne. I do know a bit of crocheting, but it is not my favorite thing to do. I had just joined the California Crafters Club of Etsy (CCCOE) and the team has a monthly challenge with themes. The theme at that time was Christmas in July. Thinking of Christmas type items, the poinsettia came to mind. I thought the shape of the petals did not seem that difficult to recreate. With needle in hand and some yarn from my stash, I started, one petal at a time.

Would you please take us through your design process?

I love texture and am always intrigued with how a series of increases and decreases will bring some string to life.. Many of my flowers were created unintentionally from designs that did not work out as originally planned. I think of the shape I want and start knitting; increasing/decreasing at will. Sometimes they come out and sometimes not, but the “mistakes” always remind me of another one of nature’s beauties. So, I keep the sample and continue trying for the shape of the design in mind. At times, I like the “mistake” so much that I shelve my original design and continue to work and improve the “mistake”. My aster flower was one of my “mistakes”. I liked the way the petals looked and continued with the secondary design and lo and behold it all came together. Another of my ideas came from the creation telling me what it wanted to be, the creation of my wedge shaped flower neckpieces. I had put the original piece away and when I took it out again, it had folded in on itself and I just loved how it looked.

If you were stranded on a deserted island with every kind of yarn imaginable, what would you knit?

OMG….first I would have to touch and feel everything and then like picking a puppy, find one that “talks” to me and of course, it will tell me what it want to be. Crazy huh?

Is there something you are dying to try or create but just haven't been able to get to it?

Felting……needle and/or wet felting. I do a bit of felting now by knitting the piece first and then felting, but I want to learn about the other techniques. I just love the way it is so mysterious, just never knowing how it will come out in the wash..

When did you learn to knit and who taught you?


I picked up the basics when I was 12 years old from my sister. It bloomed into an addiction when I was in my late teens and it just keeps growing stronger.

What do you enjoy most?

I really enjoy knitting and selling in Etsy and other venues. It is very gratifying to have strangers see and love your items enough to buy it. There is nothing like getting a sale, whether it is your first or 1000th. The knitters in the Etsy street team, Etysknitters aka EKS), are a fantastically talented bunch and they keep bringing new and exciting ideas and support to the team members. Yay for the ability to do what you love to do.

Now tell the truth. Have you all already checked out her shop before you finished reading the interview? If you haven't click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade or go to http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5202957

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Are you a native of the U.K.?

Yes I was brought up mostly in Scotland but lived in Iraq, Luxembourg and Kenya in between due to my Dad's job. He was an engineer and was working for the UN in Baghdad at the time of the Iran-Iraq war so bad timing there, my Mum and I were evacuated to Jordan in a truck.

Alona Kemmett has had her Etsy shop since July of last year. As always, to visit her store just clicke on the title above. I have enjoyed all of my interviews with Etsy fiber artists, but I especially like to interview someone outside the U.S. because there is always a chance that I will learn something new culturally. Alona Kemmett is not only outside the U.S., but has lived in many places.

Your Etsy profile says that you like natural fibers. Are they more popular than synthetics in the U.K.?

I wouldn't say so, there're still a lot of knitters who won't use anything but synthetics but I prefer to use wools that have been hand dyed and spun due to quality, softness and colour depth. Especially on Etsy there are so many amazing fiber artists who do wondrous things with yarn in both colour and texture...major kudos from me to hand dyers and spinners!

I do use synthetics but only if they look good and not too artificial - I use a lot of Lang and Lanartus ladder yarns in my necklaces.

You learned to knit when you were five years old. Who taught you?

My Mum taught me. I remember the first pair of needles were short and I think probably a 4mm and I did lots of mustard coloured hot pads! I found them years later so I guess she was proud! On her side of the family there were a lot of knitters - my Aunt was always sending me wool for various projects so I was always knitting as a child, some worked; a lot didn't but it was great fun.

We knitters always want to know how someone else does it. Do you use the throw the loop method or continental and why?

You know, I had to google this one...I only use continental as that's the way I was originally taught and wasn't really aware of the loop method.

What items do you enjoy knitting the most?

Anything for my children - I have 2 - Joe, 4 and Matilda, 18 months, unfortunately I don't have enough time to do everything I'd like for them. I love knitting soft squidgy yarn - its the best feeling!

Where do you see your shop in five years?

Using my experiences to add more interesting designs and being able to grow it to be in a position to do this full time! I work part time from home as a freelance internet marketing consultant so it would be great if I didn't have to do that!

What captivates you outside of the knitting world?

Arthouse cinema, travelling, my husband, my children, animals (3 cats and a dog), my garden, my house. Mickey, my husband is a house husband and he looks after Tildy whilst I'm working and Joe's at school, does all the cooking and also does amazing things in our veggie patch - even though this summer we've had more rain than we needed but even so its very abundant.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

As I browse Irene Ellefson's show Falling Leaf Designs, I am very taken with how varied and one of a kind her pieces are. When I look at her items, I have the feeling that their creator must be in love with adventure. See if you don't think so too.

Where did you grow up, and when and how did you learn to knit?

I was born in and grew up in the sunny San Fernando Valley which is a suburb of Los Angeles, California, so, I am truly a Southern California native! As a child, I was fascinated by my grandmother's fingers as they held knitting needles and yarn and wove amazing sweaters, blankets and slippers for everyone. I remember thinking there was some kind of magic involved because I couldn't understand how anyone could weave a sweater out of string. When I was 8 years old, my grandmother told me it was time for me to learn to knit. We went to the local dime store and she bought me my first pair of knitting needles and a skein of bright red yarn. I was in heaven imagining the new sweater I would be able to wear to school the following day!!! Needless to say, my first attempt was a misshapen square with holes and lumps, but my grandmother proudly announced that I had made my first hot pad to put a hot dish on. She continued to work with me all the time telling me stories of her childhood which I now cherish. I never got very good so when I was a little older I quit. Also, I never saw anybody else knitting, so I was embarrassed to do it on my own.

When did jewelry making make an entrance into your life?

Life went on. After my children moved out of the house, about two years ago, I suffered from the "empty nest syndrome" and decided to pick up some knitting needles and comfort myself by learning or relearning how to knit. Now, I can't put them down.

You have incorporated crochet into regular metal jewelry. What inspired you to do that?

Six months ago, my daughter took me to a beading class and I loved the challenge of learning a new craft. Unfortunately, I couldn't knit and do beadweaving at the same time, so as soon as I tired of one, I would switch back to the other. Then, I decided to take on the challenge of learning how to crochet so I could weave beads into crocheted pieces. And, I love that, too. What could be better than blending beautiful beads with soft luxurious fibers. So, here I am with an eclectic etsy shop that reflects all the loves of my life. My daughter keeps encouraging me to continue to experiment with beads and fiber and my husband supports me by taking the beautiful photos that I use at my website.

Where do you see your store in five years?

My shop will continue to reflect the beauty and wonder that I see in the world. I have so many ideas and I am acquiring the skills I need to actually bring them to fruition. Etsy is a great place to not only showcase my own crafts, but to be awed by the beauty and craftsmanship of others.

Where do you focus most of your attention and energy besides crafting?

When I am not knitting, crocheting, or beading, my husband and I are members of the Kiwanis Club of Northridge. This is a wonderful philanthropic organization whose main goal is to make the world a better place by helping kids. We are always involved in fundraising or volunteering to help those who cannot help themselves. I also mentor High School students through Key Club International. This is an organization that is run by the students themselves and is also focused on helping others. I also volunteer in a youth program targeting middle school and high school students at my church. Other than that, my husband and I love to travel the world and play with our dog. Life is good and we have been very blessed.

As always you can click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters to link to her store. I am going to start including the shop owners' blog urls,if I have them, in my spotlights. Here is Irene's http://fallingleafdesigns-livinglife.blogpot.com

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

This week I am enjoying getting to know Velvet Dishon who has a shop on Etsy and 1000 Markets. As always click on the Title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade above to get to her Etsy shop. Besides her two shops Velvet is involved with her local Knitting Guild. Last year she was the secretary, this year she is co-chair of the altruistic projects. Their favorite charity to support is Project Linus, who supplies blankets to children of trauma.

Velvet what is your background?

I am a former Army Brat that grew up pretty much in Northern Virgina with a short detour to Japan for 4 years, and Florida for 18 months. I graduated from George Mason University with a BS of Early Education, but spent most of my professional, in the "real" workforce, as an Executive Assistant. I have an 8 year old son, a husband with whom I'll celebrate 15 years of marriage with October 8th, my Grandmother "Nana" who is 94, one shitz tuz dog of also 15 years called Piggy, another dog named Ruby, a cat Tinkerbell, a hampster named Squeekers, and assorted fish at home. I have told my son that the "ark" is full, he'd like another cat. I also play hand bells at church.


Velvet, you began knitting as an adult, what prompted you to take up this art?

I have always liked knitting and the look of knitted items. I grew up in a home where mom was always crafting and encouraging us to craft and experiment. When I finally found an acquaintance from Canada and found out that she could knit I asked her to teach me. 14 years later we are closely bonded friends, she was even my birthing coach (her "real" job is a nurse) I also have obsessive compulsive tendencies with attention deficit and knitting is one of my coping mechanisms.

Are you involved in other crafts?

I dabble in just about anything, and am usually game to try any new craft at least once. I have tried everything from painting t-shirts & stamping to counted cross stitch and latch hook rugs. I have concluded that knitting is my niche. My scrapbooks look like a demented 5 year old has constructed them.

How did you become involved in the prayer shawl ministry?

There was another knitter in church that heard about the ministry and asked me to participate. When my family changed churches, I started a new one in the new church. We are up to a team of 4. The prayer shawl ministry is truly a blessing both for the receiver of the prayer shawl, and also the creator. We don't discriminate and have both knitters and crocheters. We are a very loose group, and only have 2 rules. 1) pray over your shawl as you are creating 2) find your own personal blessing doing the task. Creating the shawls is a gift and a joy, and when the project is stressing you out, put it down. No bad "karma" allowed. We do not follow any particular patterns. Pretty much just whatever "floats your boat".

What is your favorite fiber?

I really like alpaca, bamboo, soft wools. But I am usually on an acrylic blend kind of budget.

What is your dream project?

I have a pattern for a medallion backed shawl shrug that I would love to do in a soft alpaca or wool. I would also love to discover a quick way to knit the beautiful lace shawls that can fit through the eye of a needle.

You crochet also, which do you prefer?

I prefer to knit. I have some nerve damage in my left wrist, and I'm left handed. Knitting is more of a straight motion and doesn't irritate the nerves as much as the rolling kind of twisting motion of crochet.

What else is Velvet all about?

I love machine (aka loom) knitting. I own three, and have borrowed one. I am totally in love with the process of being able to create a knitting item in the matter of several hours rather than weeks or days by hand. And my opinion is that loom knitting still counts as knitting because my hands are all over those needles and fibers. And there still is a lot of traditional finishing that goes into a loom knitted item. For me it has what has allowed me to have an etsy shop that is cost effective, practical, and consumer priced. Must be my Scott-Irishness coming out. Incorporating both handknitting and loom knitting into my etsy shop allows me to have a happy harmony.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Everle Young of Kneat Knit Creations opened her Etsy shop on June 23rd of this year As you will see in our interview, she loves the challenge of working with different materials. She sent a few pictures that show the kind of things that inspire her, one of which I have included. So, meet Everle.

How close to the beach are you, and do you get any inspiration from the ocean?

I am originally a native Californian, from the Monterey Peninsula, to be specific. I've lived here in Newport News, VA since June 2006 so I've experienced the beach and ocean from both sides of the country and have a lifelong fondness for the beach and ocean. Strangely enough, though, despite my environment being predominantly beach, sun and ocean, I seem to find my inspiration in the flora and fauna found out here in this part of the country. I have never experienced the seasons until I moved out to Virginia. I never experienced seeing leaves change color and fall. I never experienced snow. And I have never seen so many different types of plant and animal life until I moved out here. So would have to say that the seasons and the beauty of the flora and fauna that I have experienced out here in Virginia have proven to be a source of inspiration for my creations.




You learned to knit when you were 13, how did that come about?

It was in the late 1970's when I was in junior high school (better known now as middle school). During that period of time, the school system was so much better than now that schools were able to afford additional classes dedicated to subjects outside of the typical academics. One of the classes was a knitting course that I signed up for and was accepted to the class. My first project was an orange garter stitch scarf, and my instructor saw that I had a talent with the needles. I've continued on and off throughout the years, but as of the beginning of this year, I really started exploring and developing my skills.

Do you crochet?

My knitting instructor did give us the opportunity to dabble with crocheting, but I really didn't get into it. Perhaps sometime in the future I may take it up again.
What contributed to your decision to open an Etsy store?
When I started to take my craft seriously at the beginning of the year, a friend of mine whose sister has a store on Etsy gave me the site address and encouraged me to open up a shop once I had some inventory to post.

What fibers are your favorites to work with and why?

I am surprised to find that I enjoy working with non-traditional fibers. I enjoy working with the Bernat Boa, Bernat Matrix, and Lion Brand Trellis- the more thread-like fibers- because they're challenging in the sense that the I need to make sure that the threads/fibers don't twist and that I need to be conscientious of not allowing a stitch to drop because picking up dropped stitches is very challenging with these types of threads/fibers.

Are there any fibers that you would like to work with but haven't had a chance?

I would love to work with wool, mohair, cashmere and, if I can eventually afford it, alpaca.
Where do you see your store and your art in 5 years?

I anticipate having a larger and diversified inventory still dedicated to the craft of knitting. It is also my goal to eventually develop my own patterns that are unique to my personality and style so as to contribute the spirit of originality which manifests itself within the Etsy site.

You can check out Everle's shop by clicking on the title "Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade" above.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Nikki Ross is a knitter and twitter friend that keeps me in stitches most of the time. I love to hear about the hilarious things that go on at her house. Her sense of humour always brightens my day. Then I have to tell her all the hilarious things that happened at my house when I was still raising boys. She is very close to nature in a very sensible way and has taught her family many traditional crafts.

You and your family live in the country and participate in so many different hand crafted arts. Were you raised on a farm?

Sort of? I grew up in Ohio. My grandfather owned several acres within the city limits, but he had a large garden, apple orchard, and several dozen free-range chickens. He also owned 31 acres in the county, where he grew what he called "Government Corn", more food for the family, raised hogs and steers. Every year my grandmother, who raised me until age 12, "put up" the produce from the garden for use in the winter months. Every autumn we had the hogs & steers butchered and quartered, and my family got together for 3 evenings of cutting & packaging beef. When I was little we lived "in town" in a house my grandparents owned, and when I got older we moved out to one at the corner of his acreage. Lots of room to explore the fields and woods, and sled in the winter!

In addition, I spent several summers in NC, in the Boiling Springs area outside of Murphy, where my grandmother owned a house with a couple acres next to her brother, who owned a commercial eggery. He had 22,000 hens!

Knitting, spinning, sewing, quilting, Richard makes soap, did you pick these up as a child or as an adult, and did someone teach you?

My mom's mother (mentioned above) taught me how to hand-sew and hem when I was very little... perhaps kindergarten age. My dad's mother taught me how to sew on a sewing machine and tried to teach me how to knit (a purse, with rug yarn, in seed stitch... and I *hated* it) in my pre-teens. I put away all those domestic arts until I was out on my own. Needed a wardrobe for a new job (in a bank) so I bought an old sewing machine, patterns and a couple hundred dollars worth of fabric & taught myself to sew all over again. I have won awards with my sewing -- 2nd place in the State in FL for 2 men's tailored suits I made my dh and Grand Champion once with a bridesmaid's dress. When I only had a couple kids I took in custom sewing for pay. Additionally, I quilt.

When I was pregnant with our oldest, Desiree (who is 23), I had a total of 4.5 months bedrest. I got bored with reading (imagine!) so I had dh take me out in a wheelchair, to a local hobby store, where I bought needles, yarn, and a basic knitting book and taught myself knitting all over again. One of my first projects was a knitted lace blanket for the baby with a different-pattern knitted lace ruffle all around it. We still have it!

The spinning is a relatively new addition, in about the last 8 months. I can already spin fine (sock weight) and ply, so I guess I am doing alright! I have taught Des, Diantha, and Veronica all to quilt, spin, and knit. Also my 17yos Artemas has knitted and Josiah, my 8 yos knits a little. We also cook experimentally and excellently... Artemas wants to be a chef!

Do you crochet?
Marginally, LoL. I have a queen-size coverlet that is ONE huge granny square, that I helped my mom make when I had mono when I was 11 and finished when I had the mumps when I was 12. LoL. Mostly I do a crochet-chain cast-on for socks.

You have another shop that has beautiful recycled yarns. What is your resource for yarn?

Wow, I get them wherever I can find high-quality fiber yarns disguised as sweaters. Thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, etc. I look for desirable and dyeable fibers in beautiful colors. Last year we took a trip from the Knoxville area where we live, to the Philadelphia area. We hit every thrift store in the lower eastern US I think! Brought back so many sweaters I thought I was going to have to put one of the kids on the roof of the van (this is a joke, LOL). If I find that the fiber is weak or beginning to felt, I finish shrinking the sweater and turn it into accessories instead... fingerless mitts, cozies, small handbags, etc. Nothing goes to waste at my house!

You homeschool your children. How many years have you done so?

We decided when we first got married that we were going to homeschool when we got married. As Christians, took the scripture literally that says, "Whatever is not of God is of beelzebub." We felt that if God is not welcome in the public schools, we did not want to turn our kids over to whomever *was* in charge. So we started with Desiree when she was 5 (18 years ago). She graduated a year early with honors. Some of our results haven't been that spectacular (our 1st son graduated a year late by the skin of his teeth, LoL), but it has still been a great experience learning how each of the kids learns, and then helping them learn in a way that sticks with them. Every one is different, each arrow needs to be aimed at its own target, and it is a blessing to see that in action. Not to mention that we have the privilege to take off and travel somewhere if we have the interest and the funds, no matter what time of year my dh's vacation falls, etc. One year we were doing a unit on the Civil war. We did some traveling and woke up one morning to find that the motel we stayed in (having arrived after dark the night before) was right across the street from a Civil war cemetery. Everything has a potential for learning if you allow it. Mostly we unschool, using books and resources as we find them or are interested in a subject, and using everyday activities as a catalyst for learning. Just in case people might think my kids are barefoot and ignorant, we own probably close to 3000 books. LOL

As a retired homeschool mom, I know how much time it takes. Where do you find time for so much crafting?

We incorporate some of it in our homeschool. The kids can get credit for creative arts, domestic arts, etc. Also the kids that are in high school can get economics, accounting, part-time job, small biz admin and other credits for running or helping run an online shop.

I find it so interesting that you are a biker. When and how did biking make an entrance into your life?

I have always said to my husband, that riding the motorcycle is like defrag for my soul. Feeling the air go by, smelling the world (I am an olfactory learner), hearing the gears run through. Like a lullaby to me! So it was interesting and appalling a while back to overhear my mother telling Des, that when I was a baby - we're talking a TINY baby, because I was about 6 months old during riding season in OH - there weren't any child restraint laws. So mom and dad would wedge me between them on the bike, mom trapping me in by putting her arms around dad, and ride... and I would lean my little head on my dad and sleep! Gee no WONDER the sound of the bike is like a lullaby to me!

My dad used to take me to motorcycle races (to watch) on Sundays in season. I got my first little bitty, street-legal bike, a Honda 70 4-speed, when I was 10; bought my own first full-size bike when I was 17: a 1973 Suzuki GT250, which I still own. We didn't ride for 18 years of time we lived in FL... too many retirees with bad eyesight on the road. Now I also own a 1982 GS450T Suzuki and I am keeping my eye peeled for a 650 to 880 if the price is right. My dh also rides - once rode a 350 Honda over 22,000 miles from FL, across the Southwest, up the West coast to Alaska, and back in 9 months. My SonIL also rides, and I have taught my older 2 sons. For a while I was in the choir at church and actually sang in the choir once in my fringed leather chaps! Conversely, it is interesting that my younger sister never liked dad's bikes (noisy) and to this day, loathes motorcycles. hmmm.

Please let me also mention that Diantha just got accepted to a Christian modeling agency (http://amtcworld.com), so for the rest of the year, in all our shops, the portion of our profits that we are not already donating to the youth center (80%) will go for her classes and trip to Orlando for scouting next January. Thanks!

And a BIG CONGRATS to Diantha!!!

Nikki and her family have four shops:
http://my7kids.etsy.com - High-end fiber recycled yarns
http://heartfeltfun.etsy.com - Hand knit and recycled felted accessories
http://fluff4ewe.etsy.com - Diantha's fiber, carded batts & handspuns
http://rossoaps.etsy.com - Richard's handmade goat or soy milk soaps