Some Fav Crochet Designers a.k.a. "Our Hookin' Heroes"

Most people have a hero... a mentor they admire for one reason or another... someone they look up to for guidance & inspiration...

I've found some fabulous crochet designers in my webworld explorations... teachers I learned new stitches from... fantastic video tutorials to help me with different techniques when an "I don't get that!" situation came up in an advanced written pattern... people who inspired me to be a better yarn twister.
 
One of my top 10 favs is Mikey (Michael Sellick) at The Crochet Crowd. It's great to see men crocheting and doing other needlework!! Mikey has a huge library of videos on YouTube to subscribe to if you want to learn pretty much anything about crochet, including how to read patterns using universal crochet symbols. His tutorials are perfect for visual learners, and his sense of humour will definitely provide you with a giggle or few. Be sure to check out the new Crochet Club Challenges as well ~ Mikey's Afghan Club & Cathy's Hook Club ~ fun stuff & a chance to win cool goodies!! The site is being renovated over there at the moment, so if something isn't working, check back soon.

I also found Kim Guzman, designer & pattern developer. I recently completed a class with Kim over in Crochetville, where I learned some new graph crochet techniques... filet technique for lacy shadowed work... intarsia to incorporate different colours into designs other than row colour changes... a few Tunisian stitches to expand my previous skills with... This is one busy lady with a list of published books, video tutorials, social media connections, and a few web pages to boot. And she *still* has time to crochet!

www.clipsahoy.com

My #1 true crochet hero is Laurie Wheeler ~ the Fearless Leader of the Crochet Liberation Front and the social site Hookey. I love her attitude about it the art of crochet ~ I do *not* knit (nothing against those that do); I crochet & I hold my hook high!! 2 different skills requiring different tools! ...a craft requiring time, patience & perseverance! Hookey was my first refreshing gasp breath of fresh air after setting my hooks down for 20 years due to lack of what my standards held to be decent market resources for crocheters. (Okay, I admit... I was hyperventilating with excitement at the prospect of having my hook in hand again! Thank you, Laurie <3 ) 

Speaking of heroes, have you seen how close our "Quit Your Job/Follow Your Creativity/Be A Success" heroes, Jenna & Neil, are to reaching their goal for the Make It Happen documentary?? SD & I made a donation this week, and we're excited about seeing all the interviews with everyone in the finished film! Let's help this project over the top before the deadline ends in 4 days ~ donate &/or spread the word!! Thank you!!

I'm skipping off now, with hook in hand, until next week... may the yarn gods be with you!

Who are your Hooker (Creative) Heroes? Who inspires your creations? Tell us about it in the comment box below ~ we'd love to hear about them...

Our Crafty Biz Heroes

We have a change of subject in The Parlour today... We promise to bring you a post with links about our Hooker Heroes at a later date =)

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing info & tidbits about our fav craft market ~ Make It! ~ a twice yearly artisan market in Vancouver, BC, & Edmonton, AB, featuring handmade crafts, fine art and delicious homemade treats & snacks. The first shows of the 2013 season take place in the Edmonton, AB, area at The Enjoy Centre in St. Albert this weekend, followed by the Vancouver, BC, show at the Croatian Cultural Centre next weekend. 

Today, we want to share with you something near & dear to our hearts... Make It Happen! is a documentary being put together by Jenna Herbut, (Make It! craft show, Make It! University) and her partner, Neil Mangan. Together, this amazing couple are seeking to spread the word that it is possible to quit your day job and be a success at your creative pursuits. Their film features inspiring interviews with several artists sharing their personal stories about how it is possible to be a full-time artist & entrepreneur working whatever craft your heart, hands & soul desire... We no longer need to be a "starving artist" ~ we now have "living proof" of that!! *all humor intended in that remark*

You can view the trailer & fund-raising campaign by clicking on the right sidebar. Since the start of this project on April 5, 40+ supporters have contributed a little over 1/3 towards Jenna & Neil's goal of raising $15,000 to help cover the production costs of the DVD being released in the spring of 2014. Be sure to check all the fabulous perks for being a Make It Happen supporter too!!

Share the links, follow the Facebook page, contribute financially ~ your support in any way you are able, for this special project will be so very, very much appreciated by creative entrepreneurs the world over!! 

From the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You Muchly & Big Huggzz" ~~to Jenna & Neil for all the hard work, talent and commitment being put into this project ~~to all the artists for sharing your stories with us ~~and to all those behind the scenes of every artist choosing to follow their creative passion, for giving the love & support you do every day...

Keep safe & we'll see you next week, here in The Parlour =)

Photo by ccthompson

Coming Next Week: More Fav Local Artisan Markets