Eight Legs and a Crochet Hook?

If you know me at all, you know I'm terrified of spiders.  I mean seriously afraid.  If I see one, I must leave the room.  I won't go in a pet store if they have one of those eight-legged horrors in a cage.  So, the fact that I am really into crochet patterns by someone who uses the name Spider Mambo is just plain odd.  But so am I.

I was lucky to "meet" Laurie Kahn on Facebook recently.  I lured her into MY web and asked some questions.  BUT I didn't ask WHY she uses the name Spider Mambo.  I prefer that some things in life remain a mystery.  Like why I... uh, never mind.

When she was about 8, Laurie's mother taught her to crochet.  Laurie thinks old Mom may have regretted that idea when stuffing began to go missing from a mattress.  Our spider lady was busily crocheting little toys and stuffing the heck out of them.

From tiny toys, Laurie graduated to reading sewing patterns.  I asked her how she KNEW she could design apparel.  She says being able to read patterns helped her to create an open work sweater when she was about 15.  From there, things snowballed.  Her crochet patterns feature many different designs but there has been some emphasis on skulls.  Skulls?  Yep.  Skulls.

Now you know we have to know the why of that.  Here you are making a cute sweater and suddenly you're into dead stuff.  I asked Laurie about this.  She said she noticed skulls were popular.  She's right.  They are very popular and there are tons of skull things showing up on Facebook daily.  Laurie dabbled in fused glass skull pendants and various other media.  She then decided to turn those creepy heads into some crochet amazement.  

Her patterns are featured on many well-known craft sites.  Her prices are AMAZEBALLS and reasonable.  I wondered why.  I loved her answer.  She's appealing to the "impulse buyer".  We all know how that goes.  You're cruising along on Ravelry and see a pattern.  You immediately check the price.  Whoa, baby, a buck???  Click Add To Cart NOW.  I have worked up some of Laurie's patterns and was honored to be included in her testing group on Facebook.  Her stuff is great.  If you haven't "found" her yet, visit her on Facebook.  Laurie hopes her future includes being discovered and turning to making custom items for boutiques.  I have no doubt this will happen!

Like all of us who crochet, Laurie loves yarn, especially the tie-dyed versions.  I asked if she saw a skull Christmas tree skirt in her future.  She seemed intrigued.  LOL, gotta love that!  Her inspirations for design come from her own twisted head but I just couldn't help but add a little weird thought for her to ponder.

I hope I've put a few of your spider fears to rest.  I know I have for myself.  Spider in bathtub - bad juju.  Spider doing crochet - good stuffs.

Visit Laurie on on Ravelry and on Craftsy and  on Etsy.  You'll be glad you stepped into her web of delights.

And you can visit MY Pinterest board here devoted to all things Spider Mambo.

Meet One of My Favorite Designers and Friends

Howdy.  Happy Friday.  Of course, I'm assuming you're reading this on Friday.  But happy whatever day you happen to land here.

I haven't done a lot of blogging about crochet and my love for it.  So, I shall remedy that right now.  And you'll learn why I can't type the word "pink" without having to go back and correct it.  Every.  Single.  Time.

I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Jennifer Middleton Pionk.  Note that last name.  THAT is why I can no longer spell pink without adding an o. (umm, not that kind of O you freak)  Jennifer joined a Facebook crochet group I was in.  When a friend added her, I was less than pleased.  I had seen a few of Jennifer's designs and while they were great, I figured she would be a snob.  Much to my surprise, she's NOT.  She is totally down-to-earth, fun, creative and a true friend.

I have had the pleasure to watch her business grow and expand on Facebook. Her page is A Crocheted Simplicity and you really should visit her.  Go ahead, I'll wait.  (Cue Jeopardy music)

I probably got to know Jennifer best when I was struggling with one of her patterns.  Mind you, the fault was entirely mine.  She painstakingly walked me through the areas where I was struggling.  She sent me photos to show just what she meant.  I honestly have no idea why I had such a rough time. The pattern couldn't have been easier.  In fact, I made and sold several hats.

 

The "crochet world" has taken a turn lately.  There are people who don't understand what goes into creating a pattern.  And the time spent writing it out.  Then it must be tested.  And tested again.  There are so many steps before it can be released to the public.  Sometimes designers are criticized for the cost of these patterns.  That is so wrong!  Just today, I read a comment about pricing.  Here's what Jennifer had to say:  "With all of my patterns I try my hardest to incorporate something unique to make them worth the money and to teach you something new. All of my patterns are thoroughly tested and I answer questions almost immediately (I hate waiting for a response myself)"   And this is absolutely true.  Each pattern I've completed has taught me a new stitch or technique.  And in some cases, a new friendship too!  Thanks for sticking by me through Chasing Chevrons Sun Hat Hell, Jennifer.  As you can see, I finally mastered it!

When Jennifer introduced her crocheted beach/yarn bag, I was in heaven.  I loved making it and being creative.  Again, her instructions were so easy and there were plenty of photos.

I have so enjoyed watching Jennifer mature and expand her fan and pattern base.  I know the time she puts into designing and perfecting her designs.  You can find her on the well-known sites like Ravelry and Craftsy.  Click here to go to RAVELRY

Based on the items I've shared, you'd think that Jennifer focuses only on her female fans.  Fear not!  She actually has patterns for boys.  Yes, boys.  Click the link, darn it.  Take a look.

Super Cute Vest for the Younger Man in Your Life

Jennifer has tons of patterns now and many new things in the works.  I hope you'll take bit of time to get to know her and visit her Facebook page.

I have the distinct honor to be friends with several great women who design crochet patterns.  I'd love to share them with you.  Stay tuned for more yarny goodness in blogs to come!

But FIRST, go learn more about Jennifer at Her website