Hello Friends! Its been awhile since my last post- I've been in Ohio visiting family for the past month and have failed to keep up with my blog- the allure of outside,summer fun including naps on a hammock,bonfires with yummy smores, pushing my babies on a tire swing and being engulfed in a good book have made me avoid the glare of a laptop. Can you blame me? But as soon as my vacay is over and life takes up its usual inside routine, i'll be back to posting on a regular basis :) Well here is this week's Feature Friday, an inspiring knitter named Kate who's personality and shop, KnitStorm is charming enough to pull anyone in from the summer sun for a 'blog retreat' read....
What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
Tell us a little bit about your Etsy shop, KnitStorm
I opened up KnitStorm about 2 years after I joined Etsy. I was previously selling as ShutterKate on Etsy, but wanted a more creative name that I hoped would be more descriptive of what I actually make and sell. Before I opened KnitStorm, I was selling mostly knitted wrist warmers and scarves. I intended to sell those items on KnitStorm as well, but soon after I moved shop, I had a eureka moment, which was the idea of my mug cozies with embroidered wording added to them. My cozies didn't get much notice at first, but I kept on making them because I really loved how sweet they were and was sure others would too. And they really did catch on after a while, with the help of some great exposure from websites and blogs. I was lucky enough to have my shop featured on Etsy last October (on the same day my son turned 1, coincidentally), and after that things really got busy, in a majorly awesome way. I was truly blown away by how many people admired these cozies I had dreamed up. Aside from my innate love for knitting and crocheting, it has been the admiration of my work by so many people online and in person that has kept me creating my work and evolving my ideas.
When did you first learn to knit and who taught you?
Around 2004, when I found myself living far away from friends and family, and going to college full time, I needed a hobby for my down time. I had always wanted to learn to knit. All of the people I knew who knit at that time lived far away, so I took it upon myself to teach myself. I bought a cute little knitting how-to kit, some cheap yarn, and made the most awkwardly chunky and crooked bookmarks you have ever seen. I was in love with the act of knitting from that point on, and ended up searching for more books to help me understand certain techniques even better. Eventually KnittingHelp.com and Youtube.com became the perfect ways to get clarification when written directions made absolutely no sense to me. It really is so much easier to get a visual explanation when you're learning to knit. I always tell anyone interested in knitting to check out those websites if they want to give it a go.
What inspires your pieces?
The things that I love and find cute, sweet and/or awesome. Instead of "write what you know", I knit what I know (and love). :D
Can you tell us one vintage and one handmade item currently on your Etsy wishlist?
It shouldn't be too surprising that these are both tea related, as I'm obsessed with the stuff…
This adorable organic cotton tea towel would have such a great home on my new wooden counter top
And for the closet kitsch-lover in me, I totally dig this vintage tea pot wall paper switch plate
What personal knitting project are you currently working on?
I recently came across a free knitting pattern for a project I've been longing to do FOREVER now. It's a knitted puff! I am amazed at how simple a pattern it turns out to be. Here's a link to the pattern for anyone who might want to give it a go themselves:www.pickles.no/puff-daddy-knitted-stool
and just for fun, what is your favorite flavor of coffee? or tea if you don't drink coffee
I love them both! As far as coffees go, I gravitate towards whole bean breakfast blends, i.e. Starbuck's, Trader Joe's, etc. I am also a HUGE fan of tea, in case you hadn't noticed by now. I really adore loose leaf tea for its blend-ability. My favorite at the moment is a combination of darjeeling, ceylon and english breakfast. Super awesome yum in your mug stuff right there.
Thank you Kate! Kate has also offered 20% off your next KnitStorm purchase (not including custom orders) with the promocode 'folklureb2011' This coupon is good for one month only so hurry on over to her sweet shop :)
What a wonderful idea! I could surely use one, since I'm sitting outside a lot, my tea cools off way too quickly!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I love that tea bag mug cozy.
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