Monday 9 June 2014

Around the World Blog Hop


I’ve been invited by Carina to take part in an Around the World Blog Hop, where crafty folk answer questions about their creative processes then invite others to join in the fun. I’ve read the trail of blog posts leading to me, it’s all so inspiring and interesting! Click here to see Carina’s post. At the end of this post I name three more blogs to hop to...

1. What am I working on? 
Well. That’s a good question, but an easier one would be what am I not working on? The tagline says it all: Life is one big WIP...

I’m a magpie when it comes to craft and creativity. I want to learn everything; I’m all-too-easily persuaded to give something new a try. From crochet to pottery, sewing to singing, drawing to decoupage...I’d probably try to build a log cabin if given a good instruction book. Then I’d yarn bomb it.

At the moment, I have a number of shawls on my crochet hooks. I’ve made two shawls, here and here, and now I’m drawn to different textures and yarns.


I’m currently teaching three separate crochet workshops as well, plus running two monthly crochet clubs, so there are granny squares, flowers and cushions taking shape, too!


I have a deep love of embroidery, but it takes more detailed concentration than crochet, so I find the projects back up more frequently. I have projects in hoops, here and here for example,

Just a small sample of projects on my list...
and I’ve lost count of projects in the queue!

I bought these because they are beautiful. Now I have to think of a purpose for them...
But I will get to them, my intentions will not be thwarted!

I have a few sewing projects, after making my first skirt here, including a Coco top and other clothes,


a panda quilt,


and I’m desperate for some summery cushions for the living room:


Plus I have myriad ideas swirling constantly in my brain, which I jot in a notebook so I don’t forget them forever. I’m creating more items from my own designs, more on that soon...




 2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? 
That’s a tricky question! I’m not even sure I have a genre. Everyone is different. I suppose sometimes I tap into my more eclectic side with certain projects; I don’t always have to be pink and flowery...so maybe the differences within my own work makes me different. I don’t have a set style.


3. Why do I write/create what I do? 
I’ve been reading blogs for a few years, and so many inspired me to try a new craft or create something lovely. A few friends suggested that I should start my own blog to share what I do, from my crochet projects to birthday party ideas to home decor...and I started thinking that maybe I could inspire others as I have been via blogging. And I thought that perhaps having a blog would help spur me on to complete my WIPs. It’s sort of helped, but I also have more WIPs than ever!

I create because I can’t stand an idle mind. I don’t watch a lot of telly, I’m happier spending my free time making something, baking something, or out singing with my chamber choir or chattering away at a craft group! Creativity makes me happy, connects me to others, and in general makes the world a better place. Handmade is the best!

4. How does my writing/creating process work?
Regarding blog writing, I write and post in the same breath. I don’t conjure an idea, mull it over, write it, revise it, etc. – a topic pops into my mind, I take some photos, I sit down and write, then click ‘Publish’. Sometimes I’ll know that a topic is imminent, like a ta-dah moment or an event I’ve attended, but I don’t have an overall plan.

My creating process is even more erratic. Part of me wishes I could focus my days on certain projects, like Tuesdays and Thursdays are sewing, Mondays are crochet, etc. Then I’d probably get more accomplished. But I never want my craft and creativity to be *work*. That would stifle the creative process. I may have an embroidery project waiting, but if I’m not in the mood to focus on tiny stitches, I’m not going to. Don’t force it, or the craft will suffer. So ideas simmer, fabrics and flosses wait, and when it’s time, it all comes together and is fun!

I had a list as long as my arm of blogs I’d like to hop to, but limited to only three, here are my choices:

Laura at Mason Bee – Laura’s embroidery is at once elegant, fun and incredibly inspiring. Her workmanship is absolutely perfect, and her blog is a joy to read. I wish I could sit and drink tea and stitch with her one afternoon!

Sarah at A Little Happy Place – The blog name says it all – I always feel happy when I read Sarah’s blog! Endearing projects, jolly fabrics, and delightful stitching. This gal’s got talent!

Kate at Just Pootling – My kindred spirit when it comes to neutral colours, Kate’s creations are always beautifully crafted. I adore her stony greys, earthy taupes and rich, calm colour palettes. Her blog is always so inviting, like I’ve been hanging out at her lovely home for years.

Hoppity hop! Thanks for reading!

Chrissie x



25 comments:

  1. It is lovely to read more about your process Chrissie and how you work on things. Everything that you produce is so beautiful and I love your colour palette, it is always so calming when I come to visit your blog! xx

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  2. To know a little more about you...great post !
    Have a nice week !
    Anna

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  3. Lovely post Chrissie - without a doubt you are 100% crafty through and through !
    Looking forward to my hop next Monday,
    Have a lovely Monday,
    Kate xx

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  4. An eclectic mix of craftiness. My biggest problem is having lots of ideas but not the time to follow into reality. Role on retirement and more time to do everything I want to do.

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  5. So great to seewhat you are all up to! I guess it helps me to feel a bit less guilty too ;-), for doing so many different things at the same time.... I would love a yarn bombed tree hut too!
    Love from Mirjam.

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  6. Great post Chrissie, and I see a lot of your ways in myself! Please don't ever stifle your beautiful creative spirit by planning too carefully or putting too many things in 'boxes'! Love, Joy xo

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  7. I think you do have a 'genre' for your embroidery Chrissie its the 'genius' genre you can find it in the extremely talented section!
    love a x

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  8. I am jealous when reading question 4...
    When I compare my process for writing a blog post... writing, editing, re-editing, re-re-editing, etc... before hitting the publish button... (luckily my creating stuff comes more easily ;-) )
    Lovely post, it's fun to learn more about the person behind the blog !!
    xxx, Ingrid

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  9. It was a real pleasure reading your post, Chrissie! I am so very glad I am not alone in buying beautiful hand-dyed embroidery threads and ribbons just because they are a sight to behold!

    Stephanie

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  10. Loved reading this, Chrissie! I love the energy you bring to everything you do, and you have so many talents. I also agree with you that crochet is a great craft to do with family around and lots going on, not requiring the same concentration as embroidery does. Your crochet makes are always lovely, and I am sure you are a great teacher.
    Happy week!
    Helen xox

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  11. Such a nice read, Chrissie. I always enjoy seeing what you've been up to. Your work is beautiful and you're always enthusiastic about it.

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  12. Fabulous post Chrissie, I was so thrilled to have found your blog, it is always so inspiring to read. My only regret is that I do not live close enough to have a crochet lesson from you in person!! Thanks so much for your introduction and I'm looking forward to my hop next week! Sarah xo

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  13. I love reading these! I definitely agree about not forcing it. That's the thing I struggle with most, I procrastinate and then I have no choice but to work on a project. It's so much easier to work on something if you're motivated to do it.

    I would love the opportunity to chat at a craft group with you, I'm sure it would be a blast!

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  14. A fascinating read Chrissie. These insights into the creative life are always welcome, as are links to new to me blogs ... off I hop :)

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  15. "I create because I can't stand an idle mind!" Totally agree!! Loved reading up on you and how you create. Thanks for sharing. Off to check out the links...hope you have a wonderful week.

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  16. Lovely post! You have so many projects on the go and I can relate to you. Crafting is such a wonderful pastime. I am a new follower.

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  17. What a great post Chrissie, I really enjoyed reading this. Your WIPs are all beautiful. I loved reading about your creative process! Hope you are having a great week so far.
    Marianne x

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  18. You make me chuckle because you remind me of me. Tiring isn't it?! I can be lying in bed, just dropping off to sleep when I suddenly have idea, sit bolt upright and grab the pad in my bedside drawer! Poor D gets quite frazzled!

    You can turn your hand to anything though, that's where we differ. You are a crafter extraordinaire!

    Heather x

    PS. Yup, still laughing over you building a log cabin and then yarn bombing it! :-)

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  19. Very interesting post Chrissie :-) Hmm...I have too many WIP's at the moment and I'm concentrating on getting one big one completed... and if you read my latest post you will see that I've just inherited a WIP from my mum... Lol!
    It is inspiring though.
    Tracey xxx

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  20. Anonymous9:52 pm BST

    Love your blog Chrissie. X

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  21. Lots on the go Chrissie! It's hard to start something and actually finish it before starting something else isnt it, especially when you have many different crafts on the go. Or rather lets say its impossible, for me anyway. Too many ideas floating around!
    Gill xx

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  22. Loved reading this post, Chrissie - you're always such an inspiration with your multitude of talents. I'm so glad you decided to start a blog and share your adventures with us :-)
    Hugs xx

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  23. Such a nice post Chrissie! You have so many interesting WIP's and bring so much energy in your project! :::Silvia

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  24. I really like this kind of blog hop, where you literally hop from one blog to the other - much better than "blog hops" where there is just a list of participants to visit.

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  25. I really enjoyed this. It was great to know a little more about the sort of projects you are drawn to and why. And lady, you really are the queen of WIPs! ;-) xx

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