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Hand crafting is a very large phrase. It encompasses tens of thousands of genres and ideas and touches nearly every industry. There are handmade components in even the most highly manufactured items. I love this truth. Our hands and our creativity set us apart from all other of God’s creations.
Over the past 2 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see very up close the vast community of hand crafters that stroll in and out of my online world. Let me just say that I’m impressed. I’m inspired. I’m excited.
In a recent venture, I was able to partner with several crochet designers and handmakers. I was able to see their process and learn a bit about each person behind the online presence. I’d like to introduce these creative folks to you one at a time, starting with Katie Hanken, for Design by Katie Hanken.
How can I introduce such an array of talent? I thought the best way to do this would be to ask them the same two questions that come my way all the time. Please enjoy the photos, visit Katie at one of her online venues and don’t leave until you are inspired (it really shouldn’t take that long).
- What motivates and inspires you?
I love designing crochet patterns because it excites me that I can make something new. I feel like I am a contributor on the leading edge of crochet design and I get a kick out of solving a new design idea. Inspiration comes to me all of the time. Where I live in Northern Norway there is no shortage of cold weather inspiration – we need hats, scarves and mittens here most of the year! Shapes, patterns, color combos that I see in my day to day life can spark ideas but very often I get new ideas while crocheting. The yarn and the stitch I work with can oftentimes spark new ideas. As for motivation to keep at it and finish projects – this is not an issue for me – I only crochet as much as I feel like it. I do it because I think it is fun. If I don’t love it – I don’t do it! So there can be long breaks in my designing and sometimes I have way too many ideas to fit into the day – it fluctuates. It’s all good. :-)
- How to go from hobby to business?
Let me know when you figure that out! Haha! I really only do this for fun. That is my strategi. I will let you know if it works out! Maybe I could get “there” (there being making big money on pattern design) faster with more stick-to-it-iveness but I am holding out for the fun route. The -follow your bliss- path. So far it is working out great for me. Opportunities seem to come when I am ready for them.
You can find Katie here online:
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Finallly! (I feel like the Rocky music should be playing in the background). The Happy Everything Motif is pattern is done! It may not seem like a big deal to have a crochet pattern done but at the very last minute I got this bright idea to make that whole thing a photo tutorial, and then make a photo tutorial for the Curlicues on the bunting and then ANOTHER photo tutorial on how to join the motifs for a bunting.
So the trio of Happiness is complete.! The Happy Everything Motif is for sale at all three Mad Mad me shop locations.
Please enjoy the tutorials.
- Curliques (free)
- I provided this as a stand alone pattern since it can be used for so many more applications than this bunting.
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Posted inBlog,Craftsy,Crochet,Crochet Patterns & Tutorials,Etsy,RavelryTags: bunting,celebrate,crochet pattern,garland,Happy Everything,home decor,house,photo tutorial
Curlicues are important. I’m not sure exactly why, but you just have to take my word for it. They are necessary in life.
Here is a pattern for crochet Curlicues, enjoy! Originally part of the Happy Everything Motif pattern, I wanted to separate this out and offer it for free since Curlicues are necessary in life after all.
Please visit my Craftsy shop to download the PDF of this pattern, I’ll be uploading it and some other ‘how to use the Happy Everything Motif’ PDFs as an ebook soon as well.
Coming up I’ll be showing how to string up your bunting, make a wrap and even spiff up a jacket with the motif.
Please enjoy this first installment of Happy PDFs!
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I‘d like to thank Ladybugs ‘n Lily Pads for donating to cover admin costs and banking fees so that 100% of ALL donations being made to Stephanie for the BLOCKTION 704 will go straight to her and her family.
Thank you. Stephanie has already received over $200 from you and she has expressed her thanks over and over at your generosity. Your financial support, prayers and kinds words have meant so much to her. She’s recovering from a surgery she had on Friday and I’m letting her rest before I hound her for details but I’m glad to say that she’s doing well.
As the BLOCKTION 704 continues, I ask that you share this with the folks in your life, that you leave encouragements in the comments below for Stephanie and that you keep her in your prayers, she’s still got a long road ahead of her and all that we are doing is just a drop in the bucket compared to what she and her family will need.
Please click below to see the updated graphic of how the blanket is coming along and stay tuned for photos of the finished squares, they are looking amazing!
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Posted inBlocktion,Crochet,handmade,Sponsors,WIPTags: auction,Blocktion 704,donation,fundraiser,helping,Ladybugs 'n Lily Pads,need,progress,WIP
You are amazing! So many of you have donated to the BLOCKTION 704 already and the Sponsors and I want to thank you so much and Stephanie thanks you even more! Since the launch of the BLOCKTION 704 many more Sponsors have stepped forward wanting to help so we’ve created a few baskets of goodies for you.
So it’s Raffle Time! For every $5 donated to the BLOCKTION, donors will receive one raffle entry. The three baskets will be awarded randomly to donors when the BLOCKTION project is complete but before we auction the blanket.
Please enjoy browsing the goodies and feel free to visit our Sponsors and leave a note of thanks.
Stay tuned for the baskets, we are filling them up right now!
All new and previous donations WILL be awarded raffle entries (one for every $5 donated). I cannot wait to show you what our generous sponsors have donated (it’s pretty much an online shopping spree…).
Feel free to read more about the BLOCTION 704. To donate to Stephanie, please use the donate button below, thank you.
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Hello. I am the proud mother of 3 creative children and married to an adorable man who loves me more than coffee. My blog is filled with the Madness of our home, our lives, our hands, and our Love for each other. All toil is for my family, whom I love more than chocolate.
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Thank you for the spotlight on Katie. Her retro flower blanket was my favorite of the competition. I have bought the pattern and look forward to making it.
You are welcome. I was so glad that she agreed to be a guest here!