Blog Review - Cocoa Cream's Craft Closet

Today we're exploring the world of Cocoa Cream's Craft Closet. Cocoa is a crochet aficionado, photographer, seamstress, and designer. Her blog shows off her finished projects, patterns, photos, tutorials, and her lovable kitties (along with other, general, life-stuff). We're focusing on the crochet side of her blog today, but be sure to check it all out for inspiration in other areas!

Cocoa has a long-time love for crochet. She often uses her talents to produce gifts for family and friends, while still working on a thing or two for herself! She doesn't have a huge repertoire of patterns available to the public, but the patterns Cocoa has posted on her blog are all beautiful!

Below you will find Cocoa's email interview.

How long have you been crocheting?
I started crocheting when I was about 13, so I guess that would be 14 years ago now. My grandmother taught me how to crochet rugs using a hand-carved wooden hook and strips of old material sewn together. I didn't begin crocheting with yarn until college when a friend taught me how to make a scarf. After that, I just started teaching myself basic stitches using old pattern books my mother had.

What's the project you're most proud of?
Hmmm...that's a tough one! I am very proud of the first wearable I made, a Circle Jacket from Caron designed by Doris Chan. It was a big step for me to go beyond the basic rectangles and circles and make something lacy and feminine to wear.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
I love the forgiving nature of crochet. I am a huge perfectionist, so if I can see a mistake in something I made I feel very frustrated. When I crochet, even if I miss a stitch or misread part of a pattern, the finished product usually still looks great. And if the mistake is too obvious to go on, it's easy to just frog back to the mistake and fix it!

What type of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
I really enjoy making things for other people. Whether it be baby afghans, hats, scarves, or kitchen sets...I just get the most gratification out of making things to give as gifts. I seem to have more motivation to finish a project when it's a gift, too, which helps me crochet more quickly!

What's your favorite design you've ever created?
I think it would have to be shawl/wrap I designed for a craft bazaar a couple of years ago. It was a simple design, but it turned out looking so elegant and feminine that I didn't want to part with it!

How do you go about designing?
I usually design things out of necessity. It starts with a specific project I have in mind, and I begin searching the internet for pattern to fit my idea. When I don't find what I'm looking for, I often go to my stitch pattern books, looking for inspiration. Once I have decided what stitch pattern and colors I want to use, I just start crocheting what's in my head. Sometimes I write out what I'm doing as I go so that I can post a pattern for it later, and other times I just shoot for the final product. I'm not very organized or professional about how I design things, no charts or graphs or anything like that. I just go where ever inspiration leads!


What else are you interested in?
I also enjoy other crafts besides crochet, such as sewing, embroidery and paper projects. Cooking is become more of a hobby for me since I quit my job to be a full-time housewife. I also enjoy blogging, obviously, and exploring on the internet. Music is a huge part of my life...it was my major in college, and my husband is the full-time Music Minister of our church. I love to sing, and I also play the piano and clarinet. My faith is the center of my life, so I am very involved in my church, not only in the music program, but women's Bible studies as well. I also love working with children, so I'll probably be getting plugged into our children's ministry soon, as well!


Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
Not much, oh, except that my three kittens Molly, Max and Maggie want to say "hi." They will probably be trying to take over my blog any day now, so watch out!

Thanks to Cocoa for joining the Blog Review!

Blog Review - Coffee n' Crafts

Today's review is of Tammy's blog "Coffee n' Crafts". Tammy's blog is an intimate look into her life, her talent, and her faith. Her openness and vulnerability make her readers feel like they've known her for years! Tammy (or Tam) is an avid crocheter and knitter who also had a budding "printable" business on the side (see her email interview for more info). She has a large repertoire of finished objects for display on her blog; some from patterns, some she created herself, and even free patterns! One of my favorite items is a "recon" taking a thrifted tank top and making it into a bag using a little yarn- ingenious!

Besides her passion for coffee, Tammy has a passion for charitable works - especially supporting those struggling with nephrotic syndrome like her son. If you are looking for encouragement or just a reminder of how your skills can be used to glorify God, be sure to visit her blog! Tammy can also be found on Crochetville, yahoo groups, or many other boards as "teakaycee".

Below is Tammy's email interview:

How long have you been crocheting?
I’ve been crocheting since I was 7. An Aunt of mine taught me to crochet one day.... as I sat watching her make a beautiful blanket for a new baby that was due in our family. I caught on pretty quick… and supplied each house in my ‘family’ with potholders, wash clothes, and trivets that Christmas.

What's the project you're most proud of?
I don’t have one project I’m most proud of… I’m very proud of each and every item I have ever made. The simple completion of the item is a proud moment… then seeing the smiling face of the one receiving it make me even more proud…. And quite thankful that God has blessed me so with the crafting talent and giving heart that I have that I’m able and willing to do the things I do.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
I have to say that being able to create gifts for others is my favorite thing about crocheting…. Along with all my other crating talents. I love being able to put a smile on someones face from a simple skein of yarn and a hook. A pair of slippers for grandpa … or a blankie for that new baby… or maybe a sweater for your neighbors daughter. Like I said before … I’m so thankful to God for blessing me the way He has. The creations are endless with a hook and yarn… and ‘Nothing is impossible with God’ *Matt 19:26*

What type of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
Well gosh…..lets see…. I don’t know that there is one particular type of project I like most. I just love creating…. Whether it be from someone else's pattern or my own design…. Just taking a hook and a skein of yarn or two and turning it into a toy… blanket.. wearable… etc. is amazing and fulfilling to me!

What's your favorite design you've ever created?
That’s a tough one to answer. There are so many stories behind all I have ever designed on my own…. I’m not sure I could pick one. Hmmm?

My son’s Prayer Blanket

Christmas of 2005 my sweet little man was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. During one of his more difficult relapses I created him a very special Prayer Blanket. He picked the colors and told me why. Yellow for the streets of Heaven.. brown for the cross.. and white for wings of angels and Jesus robe. Well………. I had no idea what this blanket was going to look like… I just started crocheting…. Before I knew it… I had his blanket done and he was covered in my prayers and Gods love. From that my son inspired me to make Prayer blankets for other children like him.

Prayer Blankets for Children with Nephrotic Syndrome

My first wearable for “ME”

This one is a bit selfish. I have never created a wearable for myself. And really I bet I can count on one hand how many things I ever created for myself. But I decided one day.. I was going to make myself something for ME. I was proud of myself that I met my deadline I had set .. it fit great … looked nice… and I received several compliments.

How do you go about designing?
Honestly…it all comes from whatever ‘need’ is about at the time. I have a need placed on my heart…. Which then starts changing to a design in my head… and before I know it… I’m putting down whatever I’m working on and trying out a sample item. With all the crocheting I’ve done from other patterns… it helps a great deal with knowing where and how to create a certain stitch to make the item form correctly. Now don’t be fooled… I do a lot of frogging (ripping out) but that’s what makes a good crocheter/designer…. Learning from errors. Not to mention creates determination to get it right.

What else are you interested in?
Oh.. goodness… all crafting. Knitting, Crocheting, Scrapbooking, Rubberstamping, Sewing, Beading, and so on. I have a couple little online stores/bisnesses… that I have fun with. CarltonCandyCovers, Wrapped to Go, igotmugs.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I’m a proud mommy of 6 wonderful kids! I have 5 beautiful grandbabies… and I’m married to my best friend…. The most loving … giving man on the earth. I live on the outskirts of a small town in the country on 11 acres of land in a Beautiful house that my hubby built where I can sit and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while watching the sun rise or set. I love God and He loves me! I’m a serious coffee-o-holic. I love crafting. I love roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire in our back yard. *Coffee… love coffee* I love watching my 3 younger boys play baseball!!! I LOVE spending any and all time with my family. I love Coffee!!! A year ago.. I decided to change my eating habits which has given me some of my youth back… I lost 60lbs and feel so much better! Did I mention that I love coffee? Hmm maybe I did. Anyway…. Thank you for taking the time to read through these things … Thank you Andrea for doing a blog review on my blog.. this was exciting an fun… and Thank God for wonderful family and friends!

Thanks to Tammy for participating!

Blog Review - Lesalicious Style and Life

Today we're taking a look at Lesa's blog, Lesalicious Style and Life. This blog is a mix of sewing and crocheting. Lesa has a fresh, open writing style that draws you straight into her life and her creative genius!

Lesa uses her years of sewing experience to guide her crochet work, which is mostly improvised. She offers great tutorials for crocheting without a pattern, specific crochet techniques (e.g. working off a chart), and sewing (e.g. a reversible purse). Lesa makes lots of items for her two gorgeous daughters both with sewing and crochet, even some recycling of old clothes into new ones. Ideas abound on her site for those of us with little ones!

Here is Lesa's email survey responses:

What is your name?
Lesa is what everyone calls me but, Ellisa is my name.

How long have you been crocheting?
About 2 years and a half now.

What's the project you're most proud of?

I have a lot but, I am only going to pick a couple that I like the most that has a little of a reason behind to why I picked them

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
To me it helps relieve stress. I took on crocheting because I liked it a lot but, didn't know anyone to teach me so I tought myself and every since it has been a stress relief for me that now became a great hobby that I would like to pass down to my kids one day.

What type of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
I notice I tend to crochet purses a lot more since they are fast to whip up so I will have to say purses. What woman don't like purses?

What's the project you're most proud of?

I have a lot but, I am only going to pick a couple that I like the most that has a little of a reason behind to why I picked them

This shirt I made for myself was the first shirt I ever made for myself. NO Pattern followed. My proudest ever.

This blanket I made for my niece first time I ever used letters in my crocheting.

This purse was my first purse to sell on Etsy. I loved this purse it was hard to give it up lol. But, those was my proudest crocheting projects.

What's your favorite design you've ever created?
I do design but, I yet to write my own pattern so do that counts. I am more of a winging person. I am more of a look at something and go for it. So I will have to say all my own designs are my favorite I don't really have just one because most of my crocheting projects are mainly my own designs.

How do you go about designing?
How do I go about hmmmmmm, I mainly just think of something I like to wear or I use my daughters as a way to help me out. They love looking at books, and magazines so I tend to get ideas like that also from other people blogs also helps me a lot with my own designing it gives me a little idea of what I like to make in the future of give a try at without a pattern.

What else are you interested in?
Well I started off with sewing when I was 13 years old. I started with making little baby doll clothes then I started with making small purses for me and my friends and worked my way up to making my own summer clothes and every since I have been sewing. Have had about 10 different sewing machines since then lol. So sewing and crocheting are my main hobbies. I do read a lot whenever I am not doing either sewing or crocheting. I am a horror movie fan so you can find me watching horror movies and crocheting up a storm on the weekends.:)

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
Well I am a mom to my 2 wonderful gals. Nesa that is 5 going on 30 lol Nellie that is 3 going on 25 lol. I am 27 wow not in my early 20's no more lol. Live in Milwaukee, WI. I am on my way to try to lose weight and be health for myself. I am a SAHM due to my daughter Nesa being born with a liver disease it's hard for me to work right now but, as a SAHM I now use my hobby to make a little extra money from time to time. Either selling my things at a boutique or doing custom made items. Other words that's me Lesa:)

Oh by the way I am also the host of 2 other blogs. Crochet Chicks where us ladies that love to crochet and show off our work to other crochets. Also Swap Swap Gals for us ladies that either crochet, knit, or sew to come together and swap gifts ever month with other lovely ladies that love to crochet, knit or sew.:)

Thanks for participating, Lesa!

Blog Review - Taking a Break!

Ok, so I'm going to have a lot on my plate with my brother's Charity Auction this month, so I will be taking a break from the weekly blog reviews. In fact, I think I may move it to be a monthly review. It is harder than I first thought to get a blog lined up, reviewed, and get an email interview completed every week! Thanks for all my participants, and the reviews are not over, just on hold till next month!

Blog Review - Little Flower's Knit

This week we're going to break into the world of knitting with a look at Regg Kong's blog, Little Flower's Knit. Regg is an accomplished fiber artist living in Singapore. She is recently married, and shares about her life as well as her art in her blog.

Regg mainly focuses on knitting, but has a love for crochet as well. She has produced some gorgeous FOs that will have you drooling! I know that just reading through her blog made me want to dust off my knitting needles and get back into the knit-side of fiber arts. Regg has a gift of photography that makes her site something special to read!

Here's Regg's email interview!

How long have you been knitting and/or crocheting?
I started knitting and crochet when i was 12 years old..in between i do stop on and off…till now, should b 20 years.

What’s the project you’re most proud of?
When i see my Finish Object given to friends and they like and treasure it.

What’s your favorite thing about knitting and/or crochet?
I am always very amazed by the 2 needles twirling the yarns and ..TADA…here come the FO!

What kind of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
knitting - cardigan, socks and stole are my favorite
crochet - toys

What is interesting about you besides fiber arts?
join me for some cooking or coffee? anytime :D

Anything else you want to share?
Let the craft be an inspiration to our lives and not let it fade away…

Thanks for participating, Regg!

Blog Review - Debbi-a1

This week we're looking at Deborah's blog - Debbi-a1. Her site features mainly in-progress and completed shots of her work. Deborah is very active in producing items for charity, like her 100 squares for the cancer comfortghan on C'ville (oh my goodness!) along with gifts for others and a few things for herself too! She can be found on Crochetville as Debbi-a1, just like her blog name.

Charity squares are not all Deborah is up to, she's got beautiful shawls, afghans, scarves, and various other projects. Her sidebar has some great links to free patterns along with other crochet resources around the net. She also has fun info about herself and her crochet history.

Here's even more on our newest friend:

How long have you been crocheting?
Oh, since I was about 8. But stopped, of course. Started again when I was actually a teen. I was very, very shy (still am shy) and so I stayed home a lot and my mom taught me again.

What's the project you're most proud of?
A round tablecloth done in thread. No picture (maybe need one). It’s about 30+ inches around (I never measured, but somewhere around there). I has a few pineapples around it. That’s the one I kept. There were a few others that I’ve given away.


What's your favorite thing about crochet?
The way it reduces stress. Gives me something to do and look forward too. The sense of accomplishment when something is finished. The friendship it creates when you meet someone else who crochets (online or in person), and this is an almost instant friendship with crochet which I don’t see elsewhere.

What do you enjoy working on the most?
I don’t know if I have a preference. At the moment, I’m not enjoying thread, although I haven’t abandoned it. I’m enjoying making purses, which I just started doing this last year (okay there was one a few years ago but without lining, which I didn’t know how to do, doesn’t help).

What else are you interested in?
I also do bead jewelry (just easy items, non crochet too). I’ve done some cross stitch. Some plastic canvas (proud of the 3 Christmas houses I did). Writing. Make up (that’s why I do Avon). Internet and computers. Reading (just about anything).

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I’m a very shy and introverted person so that’s why my blog doesn’t have much on it besides crochet. That’s the way I am in person too. I haven’t been married and I don’t have kids, just never happened for me and it’s not the worse thing, and as I’m getting older I’m feeling better about it. Although I do like men and children (for some reason children call me “silly” and I don’t know why…). I do seem to get along better with kids and the elderly then people my own age (not sure why but I’m okay with that). Most of my crochet items go as gifts and I don’t mind at all. I did start making things for me after years of crocheting for others. I have made sweaters and vests that I do wear. I am a religious person. I don’t travel much and I’m okay with that, although it always sounds like fun.

Thanks to Debbie for sharing her work with us and for participating in the review!!

Blog Review - A Little Something Different

Well, it finally happened, after a mere 5 weeks of doing my "weekly" blog review, I just can't get one done this week. I've been super busy trying to get patterns together for my girl's shrug and JoJo blanket. That, coupled with going back to watching my nephew full-time during the week and some other personally time-consuming things, just made this week's review impossible to get done!

I was thinking of what to do instead and, remembering it was Good Friday, I thought I would do something a little different. I'll give you a review of the life of Jesus, whom we honor in this season for his Life, Death, and Resurrection!

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
—Acts 10:34-43, NIV- emphasis mine

Jesus is Risen!
He is Risen, indeed!

Blog Review - A Whole Load of Craft

This week we're taking a look at Laura Hanks' blog, A Whole Load of Craft. This site is full of beautiful color photography and crochet links galore. It is a great resource for any crafter.

Laura, also known as the kidney bean, is not only a crochet enthusiast, but a budding designer as well. Her Chromium Star blanket and Through Any Window baby blanket are fine examples of her designing abilities. She provides tutorials for these patterns along with other useful crochet tutorials she has created. There are also links to great resources on her site for those with an interest in learning crochet.

The sidebar on A Whole Load of Craft is a great resource in and of itself. There are crochet tutorial links from around the internet, online store links, and other crochet resources. Another interest is the Blogroll in her sidebar that is one of the longest list of crochet and craft blogs that I have seen!


Check out Laura's email interview for a personal take on her skills and her site:

How long have you been crocheting?

The summer I turned eighteen my older cousin Kristin was making Red Heart SS hats by the dozen. There was no pattern, but she knew how to crochet in the round and change colors. That day in the den of her parents' house, listening to Grease in the background, she showed me to chain and double crochet. I'm a leftie, so it took a little patience, but I did finally figure it out. That was about seven years ago and counting!

What's the project you're most proud of?

It sounds crazy, but it was my first single crochet scarf. In college, during the fall and winter months especially, I would make plain double crochet scarves for various friends. No border, color change or fringe of any kind, and always with Red Heart Super Saver.

One winter, my friend LeAnn asked me to make a scarf that was less 'holey'. Like I said, my cousin only had only taught me double crochet, so LeAnn introduced me to a crafty friend of hers who knew how to single crochet. After a million double crochet scarves, the single crochet scarf (in Bernat!) seemed to take forever, but I was proud when I finally finished it. That scarf really started me on a path to learning more about crochet.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?

The craft community. There are so many talented people out there who are funny, creative, generous, friendly and supportive. Just look at how many blogs and craft forums like Ravelry are allowing meaningful connections from people all over the globe. Part of the excitement of crocheting, for me, is becoming part of that.

What do you enjoy working on the most?

This changes all the time, but in-the-round crochet seems to hold my interest continually. I hate counting chains and stitches. Maybe it's all those plain double crochet scarves, but I prefer watching an in-the-round project grow. Also, I enjoy patterns like the round ripple where there's some concentration required in the beginning, but it's easily memorized and there's no exact amount of yarn needed.

What else are you interested in?

The first craft I learned well was cross stitch. My mom is very skilled in embroidery and she taught me to cross stitch on scrap linen in the sixth grade. When our family moved to NSW the following year, the Australian embroidery magazines she bought came with those little dollar cross stitch kits. My mom always gave me the kits and I slowly got better with keeping all the threads slanting the right way. Cross stitch was actually a great skill to learn before trying to knit or crochet. Tension is important, follow the directions and most of all, absolutely no knots! I still love to cross stitch, but crochet takes up a much greater portion of my craft time.

Other crafts I like are knitting, paper models, rug hooking, origami and beading. My high school art teacher would be disappointed, but I like paint-by-numbers, too. (He said paint-by-numbers had little artistic or creative value.) I'm slowly learning the fundamentals of photography and I also would like to take a class in book-making someday.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?

I'm a Guitar Hero fan. It started in a Best Buy when I was in my last quarter of college. They had a huge sixty inch screen in the store and those rocking game chairs. Customers would play eachother and the employees would compete on their breaks. I had a great time playing, but had no intention of actually buying the game. Then, as a college graduation present, my younger brother got me the PS2 and Guitar Hero I. Now I've got Guitar Hero II and I'm stuck on the expert level song Free Bird. If you're a gamer on Ravelry, join my 'You Rock! Guitar Hero Enthusiasts' group!

Thanks to Laura for all she offers and for participating!

Blog Review - Crafty Ashley

Ashley Gibbons (also known as Ashley3121 or Crafty Ashley) brings us her blog this week, Crafty Ashley. This blog is a mix of personal revelation and display of fine crocheted work. Its obvious from her writing that Ashley has fallen in love with crochet, as many of us have!

While Ashley is still relatively new to crochet, she shows off her skill with her fun and creative projects. She hasn't branched out into writing her own patterns yet, but Ashley has tried out many different areas of crochet. She provides helpful links in her sidebar to some great free patterns online; be sure to check them out.

Below is Ashley's email interview:

How long have you been crocheting?
I have been crochet since October of last year. I tried about 3 years ago and couldn't get the hang of it. Until a friend taught me and if it wasn't for her and the internet I would have this crazy obsession.

What's the project you're most proud of?
I wish I had more projects under my belt. But it is a toss between the recent tote I made or the sock monkey afghan for my nephew. The reason I love the tote because I love the look of the stitches going up and down and I put such hard work into the lining. I love the Sock Monkey afghan because of those dang cute monkey faces and I thought the pattern was cute and made it into what I thought would be cuter.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
I love how versatile crochet is. I can make anything from blankets, to toys, to purses. I feel like there isn't anyone I can't make something for. (Except for me at the moment. I hope to change that next month!)

What do you enjoy working on the most?
I can't say I love anything the most. They all have such great attributes! Afghans are something you can always fall back on if you need some good routine stitches. Ami's are so great to see your results the same day. Purses are so exciting to make because the possibilities are endless and it only takes a few days. Oh they are all so wonderful I can't wait to try everything at least once!

What else are you interested in?
I hope one day to have a eureka moment and design my own things. I love blogging and hope to meet more and more people! My other loves are sewing, cross stitching, and reading. Oh and I'm a third degree black belt!

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
Well something most people don't know is that I am only 24. I am from Louisiana and have only lived in Utah the last 6 years. My husband and I have been married for almost 6 years now. I have 3 great kids, Cassy almost 5, Carson 3, and Lydia 18 months. I have spent the last 5 years putting my husband through school and this year is the big year where we (I say we) graduate and move out East.

Thanks to Ashley for participating!

Blog Review - From Heather's Hook

This week's blog review is of Heather Hensler's blog: From Heather's Hook. Heather's blog contains what she describes as "inspiring feminine crochet" - and she really lives up to that! She has a love for intricate design and creative expression that lends itself to beauty, and her site is setup to inspire and encourage in crochet, and in faith.

Many of her posts contain patterns for her creations, but she has also had several patterns published on well-known sites. The patterns she offers to her readers are great for learning how to design using embellishments, as many have a "base" design with a crocheted embellishment on top. Most of her patterns are for jewelry or accessories, but functional items are present as well. Along with these patterns, From Heather's Hook is a great resource for videos that teach crochet. Be sure to check out the sidebar for these helpful tools!

The following is Heather's email interview:

How long have you been crocheting?
I have been crocheting since I was a young girl. My mother showed me the basic chain, single & double crochet, and the rest I picked up from books.

What's the project you're most proud of?
The project that I am most proud of (unfortunately I don't have a pic) is my very first doily. It was a simple pattern with irish roses and leaves around the entire outside edge. I had never crocheted flowers before, so I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment when I was able to decipher the pattern, and complete the doily.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
My favorite thing about crochet it's simplicity. There are only a handful of stitches that are necessary to learn from which you can create most anything imaginable.

What do you enjoy working on the most?
I enjoy complicated, intricate projects - I love pretty stitch details, and tons of embellishments. Flowers are by far my favorite thing to crochet (it all goes back to that first doily). If you are familiar at all with my designs, you will know that they almost all include flowers of one kind or another.

What else are you interested in?

While crochet is by far my favorite hobby, it is not my only interest. I also dabble in quilting, pineneedle basketry, and papermaking. I've been known to turn out the occasional sewing project, as well as a counted cross-stitch every now and then. I enjoy crafting in general, and am always on the lookout for something new to try.

Thanks to Heather for participating in the review!

Blog Review - Crafty Christina

Christina (known as Crafty Christina or CrisKad online) presents a blog that is a mix of life-experience and her obvious passion: crochet. Her 13 years of experience has produced some excellent free patterns that she has graciously shared with her adoring public.

Christina gives you lots of insight into her life and heart through her posts. While crochet does dominate the site, she isn't afraid to share her forays into other pursuits, like baking (just looking at her brownies had my mouth watering!). It is easy to see Christina's giving nature as 99% of the items she shows are ones she gifts to family, friends, or even strangers (if you can call another crocheter a stranger?!).

Crafty Christina is also a place to lighten your heart. Interspersed in all of her posts is Christina's witty writing that will keep you chuckling, and wondering, "why can't I be that clever"... or maybe that's just me :)

Here's Christina's email interview:

How long have you been crocheting?

About 13 years now! When I was 12, my twin sisters were born pre-mature. They were gifted beautiful crochet preemie blankets, which is where my interest stems from. I remember looking at and feeling those blankets with amazement because I knew someone had made them by hand. About two years later, I finally decided it was time to learn. I took out lots of books from the library and mostly self-taught myself how to crochet.

What's the project you're most proud of?

I'm most proud of a top down raglan sweater I made for my daughter. I haven't made many wearables that aren't for babies and without a pattern! I winged this one and really love the way it turned out.

What's your favorite thing about crochet?
My favorite thing about crochet is the relaxing effect it has on me. I crochet on the subway to and from work. After a long day, that 45 minutes of crochet eases my mind and body before getting home. Its a total stress-buster!

What do you enjoy working on the most?

My new obsession is ami toys! I love that they're fast, easy, and cute. They're not just for kids either. I know lots of adults that love them too.

What is interesting about you besides crochet?
I have six toes on one foot. Just kidding! An interesting thing about me is that I'm a psychology nut. I've got my degree in forensic psychology even though I'm not working in the field right now. Psychology is incredible interesting and never ever boring. *taps glasses* Who wants to be analyzed next? :)

Many thanks to Christina for her participation in the review!

Blog Review - Crochetroo

This is the first in a weekly series of blog reviews that I hope to host here. I will mainly focus on crochet and knit blogs, but may branch out into my other interests as well. The purpose of the review is to encourage connections between members of the crafting community across the world. And it gives me an excuse to look all over someone's blog and have a reason to email and ask them personal questions ;) If you would like your blog reviewed here, please contact me!


This weeks feature blog is Crochetroo.

Crochetroo is a blog created by Susan (known as Cupcake or Crochetroo in various places on the web) to display her beautiful crocheted works. She is an Australian with a heart for local indigenous wildlife, which is reflected in many of the designs she produces. Susan is also proficient at many other items - most recently baby items, like booties; and wearable accessories. Susan has created an online store on Etsy.com where we lucky fans can purchase patterns and finished objects of many of the works you can see on her blog.

The blog posts displaying Austrialian wildlife designs include info on the little creatures she has crafted and excellent photography of the finished items. Susan is obviously proud of her country and is able to make even the ickiest creatures interesting to the crochet enthusiast!

This blog is a great resource for budding designers, as Susan also gives her readers some insight into the creative process behind her work with a tutorial and work-in-progress photographs for her Pug Square (starting design process, finished product).

Crochetroo is a treasure trove of free patterns. The patterns are all clearly written and offered with both Australian and American instructions.

The following is an email interview of Susan:

How long have you been crocheting?
My mum taught me to crochet and knit when I was about 4. I learnt to crochet and knit before I could write. My Nana was an avid thread crocheter who had a doily on every cupboard and crocheted head rests on the old Genowa Lounge. I grew up with crochet.

What's the project you're most proud of?
Probably my gecko bookmarks and rugalugs series. I love making boy things and things which are no frills. A lot of crochet if girly so I try and extend my craft to appeal to the blokes.



What's your favorite thing about crochet?
I have had 1 girl and 3 boys. My sons played a lot of sport at school, in particular cricket which goes forever. I liked the transportability of crochet. My hub and I have always watched our kids play, and used to take a fold up chair, a thermos flask, him with the paper and me with my crochet. I have made a lot of small things for fund raisers and crochet is quick and fun. I am not really into wearables as I live in a subtropical climate.

What do you enjoy working on the most?
Would have to be baby things, and coming up with natty ideas for boys. I also like finishing an afghan. Nothing like that for a sense of achievement.

What is interesting about you besides crochet?
I am a keen gardener and collect bromeliads. I also do water colours. My professional background is as an Occupational Therapist.

Thanks to Susan for her willingness to participate and for all she offers her readers!