I joined a project set up by Kathryn at Crochet Concupiscence called Hookin' Up and its 'designed to allow crochet bloggers to connect with one another, do a little bit of “paying it forward” with crochet reviews and help everyone find more great blogs that talk about crochet'. Yesterday Art like bread did a great review of my blog (Thanks :D ) and today it is my turn to review the blog Donna's Decembers by Liz.
To start with Liz was very kind and agreed to do an interview with me so without further ado...
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hiya, my name is Liz. I began Donna's Decembers as a tribute to my grandmother, Donna, in 2010. I run a blog that reflects my day to day life, interests, and musings on crochet.
How and why did you start to crochet?
My grandmother, Donna, taught me to crochet when I was just 7 years old. I was staying at her house a lot in the summer time and always saw her crafting. She would always let me work on projects with her, but knew that if she taught me to crochet, I would probably stay out of her hair ;).
What inspired you to start a blog?
I have always wanted to be the girl that has a cupboard full of notebooks and journals. I have found that it is easier for me to sit down at the computer and record my thoughts or recent events. I love blogging so much! I have met some really incredible people through blogging (via internet and in real life).
What gave you the idea to start your etsy shop?
During the 2009 winter holiday season, I began crocheting earrings for my friends and family members. I gave every female in my English department a pair of earrings as a token of my appreciation for them. They loved them! A close friend of mine whom owns a handmade shop encouraged me to persue Etsy a little futher. So far, so good!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from fashion magazines and how people live in various conditions. I look through Vogue each month and imagine the trends and concepts in crochet. Sometimes the ideas work, sometimes they don't! As I travel or go for drives, I think about what accessories would support day-to-day lives in various climates and lifestyles. It's so fun imagining people in your crocheted goods and then actually bringing them to life!
What’s your favourite item in your shop and why?
I really love the necklaces I offer. They are so delicate and beautiful. It's such a modern twist to vintage crochet. I love it when designers take an old style and give it a new use!
(Both images above are of the beautiful necklaces Liz makes and sells in her etsy shop,
What’s your favourite type of thing to crochet (accessories, clothes, toys, etc.)?
I truly love to crochet accessories. While I'm teaching, it's easy for me to keep up with those small projects. I do, however, crochet bigger peices in the summertime, though! Right now I'm working on a granny square coverlet for my new home!
Do you have a favourite type or brand of yarn to use?
I really, really love Lion Brand Yarns. They have a special collection of top notch yarns that are really beautiful. I honestly shop anywhere though. It is more important for me that the yarn be wearable, of good quality, and a good color than anything else!
Do you have a favourite crochet stitch?
I'm definitely going to go with any form of a bobble stitch. I love textured stitches. They can offer a lot of personality to the simplist of designs!
Do you have a crocheting role model?
Yikes. It's a tie between Linda Permann and Twinkie Chan! They design peices that are representative of their personaltiies and lifestyles.
Do you have any advice for a beginner?
Yes! Take your time! It's better to perfect things as you go than rush and have to go back and re-learn stitches and movements. Also, take risks. Make sure you put your own personality into your work!
I strongly recommend any beginner to check out the following links:
Thank you Liz for taking the time to do the interview.
Now for me to tell you what I like about Donna's Decembers. Its great source of inspiration as she share images of things that inspire her. Her blog journals her life with crochet weaved in throughout, this really makes you feel like you get to know her and her crochet. I would definitely recommend checking out her blog Donna's Decembers as I am sure you will find inspiration for your own crochet there.
You can also find Liz at
twitter: @donnasdecembers
Now go check out her blog!
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Saski, it was awesome reviewing your blog. I love your work! Thanks for the great info about Donna's Decembers. Seems like a lot of us have a thing for Twinkie Chan & Linda Permann. :) I hope to hear more from you soon, but I know what grad school is like! I'm impressed that you even find time to crochet at all!!! See you on Twitter! @artlikebread XOXO! -Cami
ReplyDeleteAnother great Hookin' Up interview! I'm a huge fan of Liz's blog and her crochet work so this one was personally great for me to read. I love her advice ... and I have to say that I, too, love bobbles!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful review :) It was nice getting to know you as well :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review of Liz's blog! I always find it interesting how people decide what to name their blogs, how they got started crocheting and what inspires them. Like Liz and Kathryn, I am a fan of bobbles!
ReplyDeleteMisty
www.crochetyourway.com
@Cami Thanks, I really loved the review you did and I am so pleased that you made the geisha, made my day!
ReplyDelete@crochetblogger, thanks, I'm really glad you gave me the opportunity to join in. Its really been great!
@Liz, thanks, I really enjoyed doing it.
@La Manosa, Thanks. I think i must try boobles then as I have never tried them before!