Photo from the Cambodia Knits Facebook page.
It seems like one of the best channels for harnessing the power of people (or the Wisdom of Crowds, if you will) is that wonderful website: Kickstarter. Today, I'm writing to help spread the word about a wonderful group called Cambodia Knits, who has developed a Kickstarter campaign to launch a new line of crochet toys and provide work for more people in vulnerable communities.
Read MoreHere's a little guy that doesn't get enough photo love on my blog - or in general. Meet Nelson, our rescue kitty that we adopted nearly two years ago from a local shelter. He's too quick to get photos of on a regular basis, but he's always interested in the photo shoots for my blog and shop. How could he not be, really?
Pigtail hat photo is Copyright 2013 by Jenn DiMaria.
These pigtail hats are all the rage right now; everyone from kids to adults is picking them up, and it was a hit at the craft show I attended last weekend. How could it not be? It resembles a Cabbage Patch hairstyle, so it's only natural that I would be drawn to crafting something that resembles the favorite doll of my youth. And I mean my really young youth, not the more mature youth that was into Barbie and Polly Pockets (a stage I still haven't grown out of, to be honest).
I didn't use a pattern for this hat, but there are plenty of similar styles that exist around the web. I've gathered some of my favorites here so you can try making one of your own:
Read MoreMe with my goodies at the Marple Christian Church Craft Fair on October 19, 2013.
This past Saturday, my fabulous crafty friend Nicole and I attended a craft show that we've been going to for years. If nothing else, it's become a nostalgic part of the year for us - a sign that fall has arrived and an excuse to chow down on yummy church chili or soup. And boy, that church can cook!
With it brings not only a ton of inspiration (thanks to all the other talented artisans in attendance), but the chance to truly evaluate your product and how you are as a business person. Plus, as a full-time marketer, I get to experiment with some fun ideas I've either thought about or read online without destroying someone else's company.
So this year, I threw almost everything I've learned out the window. And here's why:
Read MoreHost Brett Bara returns for a pattern-packed fourth season of Knit and Crochet Now!
Great news, readers! One of my favorite crafting shows, Knit and Crochet Now!, is about to return with an all-new fourth season. Nothing gives me more joy than those rare weekends when Hubby has to go somewhere and I can curl up with my yarn, my cats, the dog, and a DVR full of KCN recordings - am I right?
Or is my life just way cooler than yours?
Depending on your local public broadcast station, a whopping 13 new episodes will begin airing this October (hey, that's now!). You probably already know this, but each episode features knit and crochet projects, exciting new yarns, interesting stitch patterns, and now - a fun new segment called Knit and Crochet Now! Scarf of the Week. That couldn't be better timing, either; after all, October means there are only two months until Christmas and winter, so scarves are perfect for gifts and practicality.
Hosted by the lovely Brett Bara, episodes welcome designers and experts Robyn Chachula, Ellen Gormley, Kristin Nicholas and Maggie Pace, who help explain an array of projects and techniques. Their combined expertise in knit and crochet, and in color, felting and beadwork will inspire viewers to watch, learn and grow their skills.
"I’m so excited about everything we have to offer in the new season! We’ve got a ton of amazing projects, from afghans to dog sweaters—and I love my new ‘Scarf of the Week’ segment, where I show how to make a different scarf in every episode. There’s really something for everyone, both knitters and crocheters from beginner to advanced," Bara said.
Some of the new projects we'll see this season include garments, pet sweaters, stuffed toys and even a knit scarf made of mink yarn. Techniques shown are suitable for all levels and include spool and loom knitting, crocheting with beads, and embellishing with knit and crochet flowers. Viewers will watch as projects are worked from alternative yarns such as recycled denim, mink and milk fibers.
So, are you as excited as I am? I've already set my DVR again :)
Consult your local public broadcast station for dates and times, or use the handy station finder at KnitandCrochetNow.com/schedule/.