Archive for January 19, 2011
New Case for Tunisian Crochet Hooks! I Have the First One!!!
Yesterday the snow and ice did not prevent the mailman from delivering a special treat from Slipped Stitch Studios. A few weeks ago, I contacted Laura Lundy, owner of Slipped Stitch Studios, and explained to this incredible crafty gal that I needed a case for my hand-carved Tunisian crochet hooks. Little did I know that I would become the guinea pig for her latest design.
“I chose your custom order to do this because, as we discussed, you above all wanted to protect your hooks. I currently only have rolls in my shop, and while they are a great organization tool, I am not 100% happy with them because one pocket is visible no matter how you roll it,” explained Laura.
“This new design folds in and will not only organize, but keep your mind at ease because your precious tools will not fall out from this case.”
If you have not visited Slipped Stitch Studios’ Etsy store, you are missing a real treat. It features handy tools for knitters, crocheters, and spinners such as project bags, organizers, pattern solutions, and special gifts. My favorite aspect of Laura’s products is her choice of coordinated fiber-inspired fabric designs – from “Great Balls of Yarn” (which I selected) to “Sock Monkey” to “Do EWE Knit.” Each one puts a smile on my face – and life is too short not to be surrounded by such joy.
Recently Laura unveiled the “miPattern Saver.” This light weight pattern wallet both protects your pattern and keeps your place at the same time. It even stands up, so you don’t have to crook your neck while stitching. It’s pure genius!
I guess I am not the only one who thinks so because Laura is on the cusp of a huge expansion. “I just got back from my first TNNA, and by early spring, I will be in over 33 local yarn shops across the country! I am so excited. I am very serious about the indie movement. Knitting was my gateway drug. It opened my eyes to see what people are doing out there – creating and trying to make a place for themselves, by themselves, not under some corporate lock and key.”
“I do everything I can through other indie artists. If I can use a cottage industry rather than a big business, I will! I think the network of people doing this, like Etsy, is the biggest stepping stone to a whole new way of making a happier living,” continued Laura.
And, a happy living is what Laura seems to be making, indeed. When asked to explain the “story behind the story,” she mentions that she started her business to stay at home with her daughter. “She was born in 2008 and I was laid off during my maternity leave. [So, I decided to make] lemons into lemonade. Now I am pregnant with my son, who is due in April, and I am the most fulfilled I have ever been. It is crazy juggling a family and a business, but if it makes any sense at all – this actually keeps me sane.”
