Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Suzette Lenzen is an enthusiastic knitter, who makes the cutest hats and accessories. After felting many of her items, she uses inspired embroidery talent to make them exceptional. Check out her shop KNITANDCURL by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Your profile says that you were six or seven when you learned to knit. Who taught you?

Mom mom taught me to knit when I was six or seven.


What was your first project?

My first project was a potholder, then I made doll blankets and Barbie clothes. My first project for cash was a red-white-and-blue jumper for my seventh grade teacher's daughter. It took me three weeks to complete and I got a check for $25.00. I was hooked!


What is your first priority in life?

My first priority in life is God; my husband and family are second. If I have those things in order, everything else falls into place in my life and things go more peacefully. If I'm out of whack - life is chaotic and stressful.


What would you do if you if nothing in the world hindered you?

If nothing hindered me, I'd go back to school and finish my degree.


Where do you see your shop in five years?

In five years, I'd like to be able to quit my regular day job (medical transcription) and only work part-time so that I could devote the rest of my day to creating beautiful things to sell in my etsy shop.

Suzette says she used to marvel at people who said you never work a day in your life if you love what you do. And now she's found it! She loves making things by hand to sell to others. "What a rush when I have a sale and get good feedback. It makes me want to stay up all night and finish my latest project so I can list it right away." I think that would describe most of us knitters. We love what we do, and certainly so does Suzette.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Jennifer Smith of JayCee Originals makes gorgeous baby clothes and sports them on models that grab your heart. After you have met Jennifer please click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade to check out her shop and her models.

You knit beautiful baby clothes, are your three sons your models?

I discovered Etsy in the months following the birth of my youngest son Steiven and while considering what to put in my store my Mom suggested that I photograph him in his home-knits and replicate them as a base stock for my store. Sometimes I think it can help a potential buyer to visualise an item of clothing better if they can see how it wears. My second son, Nicholas lent his cheeky grin to the hooded afghan. Unfortunately for Michael, at the grand old age of 5 he is far too big to model any of my current lines (although he tries very hard to prove that he could model for me by squeezing himself into his younger brothers’ sweaters). Hopefully, safe arrival permitting, I will have another little model in around 5 weeks.


What kinds of things do you do to get such great happy photos of them?

The little ones are all fantastic, they seem to have been blessed with amazing self-confidence, and it’s not necessarily that the camera loves them but they certainly love the camera. There is never any need for bribery or distraction, they were born to pose. Nicholas in particular is very charismatic and flirts constantly with anyone and everyone – just a momentary glance, the hint of a smile and perfect strangers are instantly smitten!


Tell us how you came to learn to knit?

I learned to knit from my Grandmothers and my Mom initially and was confident in the basics (cast on, knit, purl, cast off) by the age of around 4. Needless to say my dolls were always the best dressed “babies” in town! As soon as I was able to read, I was following patterns and plagued relatives and friends with various knitted gifts and ensembles, in addition to beginning to support charity knitting projects. I took something of a well-earned rest from my mid teens until first falling pregnant in my early twenties during which time I focused all of my energies on cross-stitch and needlepoint (in addition to the whole school – college – university thing of course). Craft and creativity is a fantastic juxtaposition to formal academic study because it maintains focus while at the same time providing the brain with some valuable down-time!

Having filled the wall space of my own home and that of my parents with beautiful needlecraft creations including a beautiful baby afghan and birth sampler for the imminent arrival, I returned to two needles in preparation for a December baby. Since then I have had great fun playing with knitwear design and learning as many new techniques as I can find. About 6 months ago I finally got around to figuring out how to crochet and am getting plenty of practice creating hats for preemie baby charities. My “Knit List” of important things to do includes taking the time and effort to transcribe and test some of my favourite design ideas into marketable patterns. Despite always beginning a project with good intentions of writing EVERYTHING down I never quite manage to get past the completed garment accompanied by some half-hearted instructions which in no way could be of use to anyone trying to recreate my design (and in some cases I get sidetracked and never actually reach the completed garment stage).


With three boys, I would like to know how you find time to knit. Do you have a secret way to keep them busy?

My trade secrets are routine and of course prioritising. Despite this, it’s a painfully slow process updating my stock! With three (almost four) children so close in age there is no chance for knitting during the daytime hours. While they all play so well together and help to occupy each other, my full attention and input is still demanded at all times. Even now at 8 months pregnant I still have to run around the park kicking a soccer ball just as lively as ever! If the younger ones take a nap I catch up on study and household chores but bedtime is 6pm for all and is strictly observed. We have tried to treat the boys to late nights on occasion but the fall-out the next day makes it a waste for them as they really don’t cope well with over-tiredness. By the time I have cleared away after dinner, there is precious little time for relaxing but I look forward to that well-earned evening break with my needles and yarn.



Beside raising boys and knitting, what is your passion?

Ooh, excellent question! I love life, there is so much to learn, so much to try – I am never at a loss for something to do and it never ceases to amaze me how many people waste precious time waiting for life to come to them when all along they could have been out there doing something. The dominant factors in my life besides my family and knitting are a love for learning and cooking. I hold two Degrees in Medical Physics, have had my associated research published and hold all manner of other qualifications including a Diploma in Egyptian Sugaring! I am currently writing a thesis to complete my Diploma in Life Coaching and will eventually return to full-time study in pursuit of my Doctorate. Food-wise I love to grow it, cook it and of course eat it. I have an enormous collection of recipes and am constantly inspired by food (note the food-themed names for many of my knits). Cooking and baking are great family activities and help the children to appreciate not only the origins of their food but also how the combination of different flavours and ingredients come together to create delicious dishes.

Jenner also has a gift bag shop, Jaycee Thoughts. You can check it out here. http://www.etsy.com/shop/jayceethoughts

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Missy Littell has had her shop Littelme and My Knitting since November 1999. Her shop has truly unique knitted jewelry, as well as, scarves and other items. I was captivated by her and her items. To browse her shop, just click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

You have been knitting for four years. What motivated you to learn to knit?

Actually, a library conference. I'm a part-time children's librarian, and at this conference there were several knitters. I don't know how many people would go to a library conference, see some librarians knitting and think, "Oh my gosh, I must be a part of this," but that's what happened to me. The portability of the craft, the idea that what started out as just a ball of yarn could be turned into something useful, wearable, beautiful--a creation that would probably outlive its creator. I was hooked. I didn't know any knitters at the time, so when I went home checked out a knitting DVD from my library and would use online video demos whenever I got stuck on a particular stitch. Within weeks, I had produced my first scarf.

Where did you get your inspiration for your beautiful knitted jewelry?

Books. As a librarian, I have immediate access to the newest, most modern knitting titles as well as the knitting classics. I find them in catalogs, put them on hold at the library, pour over them, save away patterns to make later, make little tweaks here and there. I also have a lot of knitting friends I have made in the past few years that will e-mail me new patterns or drop off knitting patterns at work for me. In this way, I am able to find a lot of unique patterns and ideas.

Any recommendations?

I've been really impressed by the "One Skein Wonder" series. They have lots of patterns that are easy to make, but the end outcome is really unique. I like anything by Debbie Bliss, I think she is an amazing knitter. For some lighter reading, "At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much," was great, even made me laugh out loud! All knitters will relate. I also checked out "A History of Hand Knitting" by Richard Putt. It was quite texty, but full of interesting knitting history and just a fascinating read. There was a photo in that book of a sock that was dated back something like 1500 years. All I kept thinking was, I wonder what this knitter would think if he/she could have known that 1500 years after creating that sock, a girl would be sitting on her lunch break eating a sandwich and reading about it!

Your bio says you love crafting. What other crafts do you engage in?

My aunt taught me to cross-stitch when I was 5, though I pretty much folded that away once I began knitting. I sew and do scrapbooking and I dabble in writing and photography. I am currently teaching a series of classes on digital photography for my job. It's kind of a compulsion for me--I simply have to be creating something at all times. I taught myself to knit without looking at my project so that I can knit while watching TV or in a dark theater or a long car ride. While I was in the early stages of labor with my son, I knitted a scarf, which is no small feat with an IV in your hand. The hospital staff must have thought I was out of my mind.

If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be and why?

Well, with a part-time job, a husband who is a minister, a private voice lesson business and an active toddler, my first inclination is to say "a good night's sleep." But I guess what I really want is more time. More time to spend with my family, more time to serve in the church, more time to learn to be a better mother, wife, friend, worker, teacher. More time to live a healthier life and take better care of myself--and, of course, more time to knit! I don't know if this is normal, but the older I get the more I feel like I am capable of accomplishing anything, if only there was enough time...


Where do you see your shop in five years?

Hopefully an expanded version of what it is now. I am dying to add more items to my shop, but as I have already expressed, my time is limited and I do the best I can with the time I have. In five years I hope I will have discovered new and amazing treasures to add to it, or made up something entirely new and different on my own.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Pamela Ziemlewicz of Most Favorite Aunt opened her Etsy shop in February, 2008. Her shop sports many accessories, as well as, coffee cozies and doll clothes. Check out her shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Pamela, you are an engineer. What area do you work in?

I'm a Quality Engineer. The company I work for makes ATMs. I make
sure they're right, and lay into contractors to make sure they stay
that way.

Your bio says that you are overworked. What do you do away from work
when you are not knitting?

I travel ~70% of the time. I used to split travel downtime between
knitting and reading. Recently, the lovely folks at TSA have decided
that aluminum needles are a potential weapon, so I've been doing a lot
more reading.

When did you learn to knit and who taught you?

My grandmother taught me when I was very young. I re-taught myself
w/ youtube after college.

If you lived in the tropics, what would you knit?

I'd probably still knit scarves... then sell them to the blustery
cold North. I love when guage isn't a requirement for the pattern.

How has your shop changed since you opened it in 2008?

Not really. When I opened up it was a lot of baby hats, and adult
scarves. Still true to form.


It seems that grandmothers are a common teacher of knitters. Yay for grandmothers. I thank your grandmother for teaching you, and you, Pamela, for sharing with us. You can follow Pamela at http://twitter.com/MostFavorite

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

As I have interviewed Etsy knitters, I have come to realize how much I find in common with them. However, it seems that many of us share participation in performing arts, homeschooling and broadcast media. Deborah Long of Anytime Accessories says she grew up a military brat - living between Fayetteville, NC and Panama, Central America. She graduated from East Carolina University in 1995 with a BS in Communication and Minor in Theatre Arts. That's where she learned to sew.

You have had your shop on Etsy since October, how did you come to the decision to sell your work here?

I have been selling my handbags and scarves locally for about three years. With lots of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to take my items to a larger market. I had visited Etsy before and was impressed with all the talented artisans and their shops. I just thought I would give it a shot. It’s been slow going, but I’m determined to make it a success. I get excited when I finish a new item and showcase it in my shop.

When did you learn to knit, and who taught you?

I learned to knit more than three years ago thanks to my mother-in-law. She’s an avid knitter. She got me started by giving me some of her yarn, needles and a how-to book on knitting. I was addicted from the first cast-on. One of my first projects was a simple handbag. After that I knew I had found my niche. I now create my own patterns.

You have a background in TV news. In what area did you work?

I got my start in television news while I was in college. My first job was as a tape editor at WITN TV-7 in Washington, North Carolina. After graduation I worked my way up to newscast producer. Shortly after that I became a reporter/anchor. I’ve covered everything from bank robberies and car accidents to hurricanes and floods. I’ve interviewed lots of interesting people - from actress Beth Grant to former presidential candidate John Edwards.

If you could pick one thing to make huge impact on the world, what would it be and why?

I really think the concept of re-use could really make a difference, instead of using something one time and then discarding it. I am amazed at the artists who create beautiful items out of something old and drab. Recycling in general is important to me. I live in an area where it is not mandatory. But we do it in my house. I want for it to be second nature for my kids. I want them to always think “can this item be used again?”

What do you do when you are not knitting?

I am a stay at home mom so my days are filled with diapers, dishes, laundry, homework, dinner, baths, and bedtime. I literally do all my knitting at night. At times I sew for my kids. In the near future I plan to take a break from yarn and work on some spring dresses for my girls.

You can find Deborah's shop by clicking on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Nevena Mileva comes to us from across the pond with some wonderful talents. You can visit her shop by copying and pasting her link below or click on the Title Etsy Knitter and Crocheters on Parade above. You will love her textured and beautiful scarves and baby items.

How did you hear about Etsy?

I live in Bulgaria, it's a small country in south-eastern Europe where
only a small number of people know that there is such amazing place
like etsy.com. I have a great post with videos about Bulgaria on my
blog http://boutiqueaholic.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-country-bulgaria-in-videos.html
Last year, a friend of mine was searching for online stores for good
Christmas sales. She told me about this place. When I started
searching in etsy stores, I got lost in so rich choice of handmade
items.

What made you decide to sell on Etsy?

I always wanted to open a store and sell my hand knitted scarves and
baby clothing. However, my full-time job, and pregnancy didn't bring
enough confidence in this picture.
When my beautiful baby daughter came to the world, she brought new
hope and faith in myself. I found knitting section and crochet
section and I was happily surprised that someone is selling so many
handmade creations. At that time the idea that etsy.com is an easy way
to create and maintain shop came into play. With etsy, I figured, I
wouldn't have to care about renting and maintaining a physical shop,
and at the same time I'd have flexible working hours. Now I stay at
home as mother, enjoy spending time with my baby daughter, my
knitting, and promoting my shop via interesting online tools. My shop
is www.nevita.etsy.com

How did you originally get into Handknit and Gobelin making business?
I learned to knit and make gobelin tapestry, when I was a child. I
went to my grandparent's home, during school offs. My grandmother
thought me different handmade techniques, such as knit, crochet, sewing
and others. During the years, I was paying more attention to knitting
and gobelin tapestry, and found I enjoyed it a lot. It became my
hobby, and after my daughter's birth I decided I was determined to
share the products of my passion with people around the world.

What motivates and inspires you to create?

Winter scarves... When I was young girl, my mother kept telling me to
wear scarves so I wouldn't get cold. I hated scarves! That is, until
the day I knitted myself a very colorful, soft, and pleasant to touch
and look at piece of happiness (yes, a scarf!). My classmates loved
it. That motivated me to make more scarves, because I found scarves
could be joy, emotions, and good looking fun - yes staying warm became
not so bad experience after all :)
Inspiration sources have been changing during my path in life. At
some point in time, I enjoyed to come back home, and to get calm and
be all by myself while making my needlepoint tapestries.
At other times, inspiration was there, but I couldn't tell where it
came from, so I'd like to think of it as coming from deep within the
human soul.
Now I am motivated from the smile of my baby daughter and the look of
her eyes. In addition, when I look and reflect on the results of my
hand made creations I've made during the years, I get a good feeling
of accomplishment, and I want to do more. I'm proud of my winter
scarves, my gobelins, and last but not least my baby clothing.

What do you like most about being a seller?

Being a seller is something new for me. I like to learn new things,
find information too. I learn how to sell by reading a lot of articles
from experienced etsy sellers. It is not easy work, I love to create,
but honestly, I don't know how to sell my creations. It is something I
want to learn to do. Being a seller is a new opportunity to bring joy
to people.


What are your interests outside etsy?

I like the Human Resources area and I am finishing my masters degree
in Human Resources management. I enjoy interacting with people.

I love to travel and regularly organize small trips through my country.

I think Nevena has found her niche, don't you.

Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade

Jolen, of Knits by Jo, is a very energetic and busy lady. I think you will find her and her shop to be very interesting. Take a minute and get to know her and then check out the beautiful entrelac in her shop. Just click on the title Etsy Knitters and Crocheters on Parade.

How did you learn to knit, and who taught you?

While working at a school about 4 years ago, I became good friends with a 4th grade teacher. She was teaching two of her students to knit after school and I got excited telling her that this was one of my "bucket list" items! She told me what type of needles to get and I borrowed some scrap yarn from the after school program's craft bin.
Miss Hagstrom was so nice that she volunteered to stay with me at the school after all the kids left from 6-8 p.m.! In those two hours, she taught me how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, and even seed stitch. I picked up on it quickly and went home to practice in every spare minute I had. From there, I learned everything else I know by looking in books or online and teaching myself.

Tell us about your time in AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps was my first job out of college. For those of you who might not know much about it, it's a one year commitment to work for a stipend. The amount of that stipend depends on how many hours you commit to do in that year. The amount, of course, is not much, but they pay some of your student loans when you are all done. Because of this, I was also working a second job beyond this full-time position with AmeriCorps. It was a busy time!
I was placed in an after school program, taking the secondary lead position. Before even starting, I was asked to begin a science club, which I took to three different schools each week to children in grades K-5. It was that spring that my friendship with that 4th grade teacher turned into a knitting session.
While continuing my commitment at the local YMCA summer program with the kids, many of them saw me knitting during their free time. I simply could not accept all the requests to knit them all something (there were 27!), so I told them I would teach them instead! I started a sign-up list and the most committed ones signed up, two a week for seven weeks. For some of the younger ones, it was more of a lesson in mastery of hand-eye coordination, but some really took off with it!
While all this was going on, I was interviewed in the local newspaper for my time in AmeriCorps. I just happened to be teaching a 6 year-old at the time how to knit so that ended up being the picture on the front page. That picture is the one you see with this interview.

What is your favorite material to work with?


I'm a pretty simple girl when it comes to materials and base it more on colors than I do on the actual material. I have to admit, my favorite material I did work with in both texture and colors was a Lion Brand wool when I made my Raspberry Mocha Entrelac Scarf.
I have tried all kinds of things however, even "larn" (plastic bags cut to a yarn-like consistency). One thing I have been thinking about but have not delved into yet was making a "yarn" out of old t-shirts. I'm all about reusing if possible.

You are spending time with photography. What is your favorite subject to photograph?
I have not done as much since I've moved to South Carolina, but my passion in my very amateur photography adventures is always the small stuff. I love taking photos of very small things in nature, and I love doing it close up (almost always using the macro function) so that I get all the detail you don't usually see. I think this comes from my love of the outdoors and outdoor education and the fact that I don't care much for a vista view, but rather a highly focused detailed one.
I took many pictures while living in Wisconsin at a YMCA camp for two years. I would get up early and go out in the woods and just shoot anything that came into view that I thought might be interesting. It almost always came out to be more interesting in the picture than it seemed to be in real life!
After I gathered a somewhat large volume of these pictures from the camp and other various locations in Minnesota's Twin Cities area, I started a "Life in Detail" series in my Facebook page and a little section devoted to it on my blog (http://environmentaledgirl.blogspot.com/).
Life in Detail-flowers: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=11363&id=500254587
Life in Detail-other plants: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=11378&id=500254587&op=36
Life in Detail-winter: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=11379&id=500254587&op=36

If you could invent anything, what would it be and why?

Wow, what a big question?
When I was a kid, I always thought that the best thing would be to have hover crafts instead of cars, and I would invent an entire highway super structure that would feature air holes that blew up from the ground to keep you all up off the ground and Plexiglas between the lane sort of like a big vacuum tube. This way there would be fewer accidents?right?
Now that I'm an adult (although I think I still see the world as a child in some ways) I don't think I'm quite as creative!