Chudames

How did you find CO+K and why did you join?

I found CO+K around 2010. I believe I found it by mention of another Crafty friend that enjoyed the site. I joined because I have always loved to create, and enjoy seeing what others can do. The tutorials provided by other members make it less intimidating to try a new craft. It’s inspiring and motivating.

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently I am working on a Rainbow Dash Amigurumi by Nerdy Knitter Designs, an embroidered portrait of myself and my husband (from pictures I've drawn), ​​and I am also working on a “Craft Battle Vest.” For those that aren’t familiar, Battle Vests are denim vests usually covered in Metal and/or Punk patches. I have a metal one, and decided it would be awesome to decorate my second vest in a punk-crafter style. I am using Urbanthreads.com embroidery designs to hand-embroider craft-themed patches. I’m super excited!

If you could learn one new craft or make anything, what would it be?

A new craft I would love to learn would be doll making in another medium. I love the look of well-made felt and fabric dolls, especially My Little Pony ones. Another would be the ability to make the pose able fantasy creatures like the kind that Wood Splitter Lee makes.

Who are your crafting heroes?

My very first crafting heroes are my Dad and his father. My grandpa was someone who could look at something, and recreate it. His specialty was handmade elaborate birdhouses that looked suited for a little girl’s beloved doll, more than for house for birds. Every shingle was handmade, and within each window, with its tiny lace curtains, lived a painting of his dogs, or a tiny lamp or chair in an imaginary living room. Everything he made was lovingly crafted, and he would sometimes sell his crafts on boardwalks. It warms my heart to know that there are other people in Washington that have my grandpa’s art in their homes.

My dad is also a huge inspiration for me when it comes to crafting. Like my grandpa, he’s skilled with wood working, and builds for himself. Many years before Pinterest was even thought of, and using Pallet Boards popular, my dad was making household items from them. My one and only play house as a child was made entirely out of pallet boards from his deliveries. My dad has always been “Mr. Fix It,” and one that loves to tinker to make something himself.

Both my dad and my grandpa taught me that anything is possible if you can envision it. And that trial and error is just a way of life. As my dad says, “Learning curve.”

My eldest sister is gifted in Needlework. Her ability to cross-stitch has long been a skill I long have envied. Inspired by her, I recently tried my hand at embroidery. I love it very much, but her skill at Counted cross-stitch is still beyond me.

A long-time friend, and big sister figure, Sarah (http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/users/69048), has also been both an inspiration and a guiding hand when it’s come to the art of crafting. She’s always been very adamant about creating for oneself whenever possible, rather than buying from a corporation. She taught me how to be less scared of my sewing machine, to look to second hand shops for craft supply treasures, and has coached me through many other crafts, like knitting, that I’ve found intimidating. Sarah is a crafting goddess, and I always look to her for inspiration, as she is fearless in giving something a go for the first time.

Many of my crafting heroes are within the crochet world. Allison Hoffman of AmiguruME is an amazing example of a creative mind when it comes to crochet. She rarely follows traditional format, and her character likenesses are uncanny. Stephanie of All About Ami always astounds me with her clean stitching and adorable creations. And, of course, Ashley Andrews of Nerdy Knitter Designs, who mainly specializes in My Little Pony plushies. She brings characters to life in yarn. How any of these women can just envision and create such lovely pieces of art is still something I covet, and hope to be able to achieve.