Worldwide Artist Blog Hop

I was nominated for the Worldwide Artist Blog hop by Maria from Pattern Paradise!  This Blog Hop has traveled all over the world, and all sorts of creative artisans have answered these 4 questions about themselves and their crafts...

Why do I do what I do?
I have always been "crafty".  I love to paint, sew, knit, and cross stitch... but once I learned to crochet, I fell in love.  When I took up crocheting in 2007, I immediately began making gifts for my friends, and made a stack of hats to donate to chemo centers.  Shortly after that I began designing my own patterns, and I haven't looked back since.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
It's really amazing how so many people who do the same craft can create such different works of art!  I don't think my work is super unique, but I strive to create designs that are colorful, textured, interesting, and have a "this is easier than it looks" feel.  I also love to create quick and colorful designs that are perfect for gifting, or for making in bulk for craft fairs or consignment shops.

How does my creative process work?
My creative process varies widely.  Sometimes I'm inspired by something I see in a store, sometimes I'm inspired by a fun stitch, and sometimes I'm inspired by the color or texture of a cool yarn.  I then work up a swatch or sample to see how I like it, then I begin making the item in different sizes.  I always work up one of each size (if there are several sizes included) and I write the pattern as I go.  Then I have the pattern tested, proofed, and edited by a group of reliable pattern testers.  After all that, it's ready to go!

What am I working on now?
I have been knitting a Doctor Who scarf as a gift for a friend.  That, and my job with Happily Hooked Magazine, have kept me quite busy.  I also have a new cowl on my hook, but that won't be ready for a week or two.  I have big plans for some Christmas gifts... guess I should get busy on those, too!

HERE ARE MY NOMINATIONS…….
I’d like to nominate Alessandra from Just Be Happy Crochet and Pam from Sincerely Pam!
Keep a eye on their blogs, they’ll be answering these questions within 2 weeks and announcing who they nominate next!