NATIONAL CRAFTING MONTH MEET AND GREET

[nsfwords]

Welcome! Here is our space to squee about the current theme and tell others a bit about our crafting interests.

Below are the thematic questions for this months fest. Fill in as much or as little of it as you wish, depending on your interests as they relate to National Crafting Month.

 

My Name (how I wish to be known):
Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried:
I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other:
Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed:
Project I’m particularly proud of:
Something I learned the hard way:
Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try:
Biggest crafting frustration(s):
Something else I'd like to share:

Feel free to copy this Meet and Greet into your blog as well as filling it out here.
<strong> My Name (how I wish to be known):</strong><br /><br /><strong>Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried:</strong><br /><br /><strong>I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Project I’m particularly proud of: </strong><br /><br /><strong>Something I learned the hard way:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Biggest crafting frustration(s):</strong><br /><br /><strong>Something else I'd like to share:</strong>

Comments

[smallhobbit]

My Name (how I wish to be known): Small Hobbit
Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried: Cross Stitch, Knitting, Embroidery, Drawing/Painting
I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other: Intermediate at cross stitch and knitting; Beginner at embroidery and art
Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed: I love cross stitch and knitting
Project I’m particularly proud of: The Floral StitchALong in my icon, which is now hanging on our wall
Something I learned the hard way: Nearly everything!
Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try: Given how much time I'm currently spending on crafting, I don't currently have any wish to try anything new, but in the future, maybe.
Biggest crafting frustration(s): Making mistakes and having to undo them

[nsfwords]

Your stitching is beautiful, and I took a look at your page's monthly crafting posts and your jumper/sweater in progress looks incredible - I hope you share the finished piece with us!
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[badly_knitted]

You know I'm always impressed with whatever you make!

Hi all:

[dialecticdreamer]

My Name (how I wish to be known): DD, Dialecticdreamer

Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried: The whole list spans more than fifty years. FAVORITES include crochet, knitting, sewing, quilting, cooking, paper collage, printmakign.


I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other: It depends entirely on the craft.

Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed: Let's go for 'loathing' this time: woodcrafting with power tools. Actually, pretty much anything with a powered blade involved.

Project I’m particularly proud of: Being the overeager, curious person who, in the fourth month after learning to knit and purl, cast on a pair of two at a time socks which had absolutely DIVINE cabling all up the front. (Most people kept suggesting washcloths, not even hats, at the time!) OF COURSE I got it wrong, but that's a story for later in the list!

Something I learned the hard way: Those socks? Yeah, it turns out that I was wrapping the yarn around the needle incorrectly, and discovered that they were about as stretchy as a piece of paper halfway up from the toes to the heel. I had to frog (pull out all the work) all of it, of course, but getting that orientation right meant that my eventual first pair of socks came out perfectly.

Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try: There are powered rotary cutters or power scissors for cutting fabric, and I want to buy one or the other to continue crafting in cardboard. Arthritis won't take away my hobbies any more than the neuropathy did, and I am bound and determined to have a crafting project within ten feet of me when I eventually die of very old age.

Biggest crafting frustration(s): Having to relearn EVERYTHING due to neuropathy. Having to SLEEP and do pesky things like housework when there is so much more to LEARN and do!

Something else I'd like to share: Got a question, feel free to ask me!

Re: Hi all:

[nsfwords]

"I am bound and determined to have a crafting project within ten feet of me when I eventually die of very old age."

This is an incredibly relatable goal! If I can't go out while being wholly inappropriate with my aged Husbando, this will be my preferred second choice! LOL
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Re: Hi all:

[smallhobbit]

I have never tried knitting socks, but since I wouldn't want to wear them it does seem a little pointless.

Re: Hi all:

[badly_knitted]

When I first started knitting, many moons ago, I picked the most complicated pattern in the shop and kept trying until I figured it out. I always tell people, if you want to learn to knit, don't pick something simple that people yay you SHOULD make first as a beginner. Pick a pattern you really WANT to make, and then you'll be motivated to keep at it, however frustrated you might get. Well done with picking socks, and completing them!

Re: Hi all:

[merrileemakes]

I love your story about the socks. Picking something you really want to make is a great way to learn! I'm sure many a newbie knitter has been turned away forever my the garter stitch scarf that's the default newbie project.

[badly_knitted]

My Name (how I wish to be known): badly_knitted or BK
Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried: Knitting, cross stitch, card making, macrame, crochet
I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other: Reasonably experienced.
Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed: Love most of what I've tried. Loathe sewing in general.
Project I’m particularly proud of: I cross stitched a Stonehenge design for a friend, on 20 hpi aida using a single thread. It took about 6 weeks but the result was so worth it.
Biggest crafting frustration(s): Running out of yarn halfway through a row, or thread with only a couple of stitches to complete.

[nsfwords]

"Running out of yarn halfway through a row, or thread with only a couple of stitches to complete."

Sounds like losing Bobbin Chicken, which is also massively frustrating.

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[smallhobbit]

How often do I find that in stitching a pattern and I just can't stretch the floss!

Heh

[dialecticdreamer]

I can empathize with that shortage. Ever had a known brand with supposedly standardized dye lots come out WRONG after buying enough to finish a project? That was so annoying that I actually dumped that WIP and never touched it again.

[merrileemakes]

I am also not a fan of sewing. It's just... different from all the other crafts. More mechanical. I still do it because I like having sewn things (but that's a rubbish excuse, I mostly sew because I enjoy buying quilting fabric and then I need to do something with it).

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> I cross stitched a Stonehenge design for a friend, on 20 hpi aida using a single thread. <<

Wow, that is epic.

Hello!

[nsfwords]

My Name (how I wish to be known): NSFWords, Brandy.

Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried: I've taken a shot at many different crafts but stuck with relatively few. My paternal grandmother taught me how to crochet; didn't stick. Same grandmother taught me to sew; much success! So, at this point in time, I focus on sewing/costuming as my main crafting outlet (other than writing) and when I decided a few years back that I wanted to get good at a second craft I looked for one I felt was sewing adjacent so they could work together. I choose to self-study hand embroidery and cross stitch. That way I could further embellish the costumes or decor I created with my sewing machine.

I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other: Intermediate sewing, beginner needlework.

Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed: I adored watching my grandmother crochet. She could do it while watching TV and never once looking down at the incredible creation draped over her lap. How?! I hate that I'm not good at painting. I'm so-so with doing pencil drawings, but paints don't do what I want, the way that I want them to.

Project I’m particularly proud of: In 2024 I realized I hadn't actually touched my sewing machine since 2014. Depression had robbed me of my main crafting outlet, and I decided I HAD to return to it. So I made the 2025 intention to sew at least once a month. Not rush to finish something or achieve anything - literally just turn on and use the machine at least once a month! Using that as my goal I made 18 finished pieces last year!

Biggest crafting frustration(s): My body. I have Psoriatic Arthritis, and it keeps trying to interfere with everything.

Re: Hello!

[smallhobbit]

That's an impressive number of finished pieces in one year!

Re: Hello!

[badly_knitted]

Ouch, that sounds painful!

18? That's an amazing achievement! Well done!

Re: Hello!

[dialecticdreamer]

OH, GREAT going! Eighteen projects is fantastic success!

I can't draw a straight line with a ruler (this is in no way hyperbole), so I admire those skills far more than familiar ones. Creating art with thread is its own kind of beauty.

Re: Hello!

[merrileemakes]

Go you for getting back into doing something you love. 💜 That's a real achievement, yet alone making 18 items!

[merrileemakes]

My Name (how I wish to be known): Merrilee

Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried:Lol, almost all of them. But my current main ones are knitting, spinning and weaving, with dashes of crochet, sewing, quilting, mixed media art and beading

I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other: An intermediate jack of all trades

Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed: I love weaving, something about it makes my brain sing and I can easily find flow state with it. I dislike sewing, especially garment making.

Project I’m particularly proud of: I've made some great woven pieces and I've even started selling them.

Something I learned the hard way: Do. not. rush. to finish something because you'll only make a mistake and then it will take even longer than if you took your time.

Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try: There's a bunch of more complex weaving I'd like to try, like overshot, crackle and turned twill. I recently bought an 8 shaft table loom to explore these on but have yet to use it.

Biggest crafting frustration(s): My limited energy and time. Chronic fatigue is a bitch.

Something else I'd like to share: If you're thinking you're not crafty enough to join this bingo or feel intimidated, please join in. Even if you don't post about it. The world is on fire and the tech bro-induced apocalypse is looming. Make things with your hands, it doesn't even have to be good.

[nsfwords]

“Do. not. rush.”

I know this, but does it stop me from making this mistake over and over? No. 😣

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Hello!

[ysabetwordsmith]

My Name (how I wish to be known): ysabetwordsmith

Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried:
I have attempted a huge number of crafts including but not limited to applique, beading, button art, calligraphy, candlemaking, carving / whittling, ceramics, collage, crochet, cunieform writing on clay, drawing, drop-spinning, dyeing, embroidery, fake stained glass, finger-weaving, flower arranging cut flowers, flower arranging in pots, flower pressing, jewelry making, kirigami, knapping tools, knitting, leatherworking, macrame, making long strands with beads / bells / crystals, making firestarters, making god's eyes, origami, painting, papier-mâché, papermaking, plaster casting, polymer clay sculpture, PVC drum making, quilting / patchwork, rock painting, sand painting, scrapbooking, sewing, soap making, string art, tanning, terrarium building, tie-dye, upcycling, weaving, woodburning, woodworking, wreath making, etc. My hippie parents and Depression-era grandparents had a tendency to give me craft supplies or kits just to see what I liked, which was great fun; and I got some interesting classes along the way too.

I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other:

It depends a lot who I compare myself to. I've done a few things for money, like scrapbooked poetry pages and sewing things for friends. Occasionally I've had people express amazement at things I've made, particularly because I hand-sew rather than fight with a sewing machine. Most of the time I'm happy if it just gets the job done; many of my crafts are practical rather than decorative.

Things I do periodically and am reasonably good at include applique (mostly sewing symbols onto tabards), beading, candle making, jewelry making, making dangles, scrapbooking, sewing, terrarium building, upcycling ... and grabbing random objects outdoors to do whatever I need.

Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed:
I really like sewing and scrapbooking. A lot of my crafts are fairly random -- I'll see a thing and it will inspire me to make something, which is how I got into making the dangles.

I'm not good at most drawing or painting, calligraphy, knapping, or woodburning. I had no luck learning how to knit or crochet in the past, but I want to try again with crochet.

Project I’m particularly proud of:

Recently I've made a mini-water garden, a worm bin, and water jug greenhouse pots.

The hippie strand is a favorite of the dangles.

This is a crystal window ornament I made several years ago.

Something I learned the hard way:

If you're no good at drawing, you will be no good at other drawing-based crafts like woodburning.

Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try:

I can't really think of anything. When I want to try something, usually I just do that. Well, I guess we could count the mini glue gun. I've used a glue gun a few times, but not in terms of owning one and applying it to different crafts.

Biggest crafting frustration(s):

Lack of time. I'm also frustrated by my lack of talent for art such as drawing and painting, but I've found other things to do.

Something else I'd like to share:

I enjoy tutorials and photo-essays. I often take pictures of things I've made, or making them in progress. You can watch my Crafts and Photo tags for those.

I like reading about other people's projects and looking at their pictures too.

Re: Hello!

[nsfwords]

The crystal window ornament is stunning. And I adore seeing all of your gardening adventures!
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[matsushima]

My name: Meep (e/em)

Type(s) of crafting that I’ve tried: In no particular order: crochet, quilting, knitting, sewing, nail art, resin casting, paint pour, embroidery, cross stitch, appliqué, batik, tie-dye, ikebana, origami, making those funny little lizards out of beads… I'm sure there are others that I've forgotten about.

I consider myself a beginner, intermediate, master, or other: Of the crafts that I consider a hobby and not something I tried once: crochet - intermediate (fast but I prefer simple patterns that don't require much/any counting); quilting - beginner; cross stitch/embroidery - beginner; nail art - beginner/intermediate

Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed:
Loved: crochet, resin casting, cross-stitch
Loathed: knitting

Project I’m particularly proud of: This blanket was the second and nth revision of the picture book manuscript that was the cornerstone of my MFA creative thesis. (It made sense in context.)

Something I learned the hard way: I mean… everything? except crochet, which A. taught me.

Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try: I've never seen a craft I didn't want to try but lately I've been eyeing the deco whip at the craft store and I want to experiment with decoden.

Biggest crafting frustration(s): I work full time but|and I am chronically ill. I wish I had more time and energy for my crafting and other hobbies.

[nsfwords]

Your blanket is lovely; I particularly like the revision.

And I really empathize with "I work full time but|and I am chronically ill."

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[fuzzyred]

My Name (how I wish to be known): Fuzzyred/Fuzzy J, Jenn

Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried: Knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, latch hook, beaded tapestry, paint-by-number

I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other: I'd consider myself Intermediate at knitting and crochet.

Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed: I really enjoy knitting and crochet. I did not enjoy cross-stitch at all when I tried it.

Project I’m particularly proud of: The temperature blanket I crocheted. Also the floor cushion I knitted.

Something I learned the hard way: Trying to knit from a twisted skein that has been untwisted but not wound into a ball leads to a lot of knots and a LOT of frustration.

Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try: I haven't knitted a sweater or shirt yet, but I would like to.

Biggest crafting frustration(s): Weaving in the ends.

Something else I'd like to share: I enjoy buying pretty yarn, although I can't use it nearly as fast as I buy it. LOL

[nsfwords]

I definitely subscribe to the philosophy that the craft, and buying/sourcing materials for the craft, are two distinct hobbies of their own! :-)
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Meet'n'Greet

[darkdanc3r]

My Name (how I wish to be known): DD. my bingo card is here
Type(s) of Crafting that I’ve tried: Cross stitch, crochet, and office organization (it counts, right?)
I consider myself a Beginner, Intermediate, Master, or Other: I'm a Master of cross stitch (It's just little x's) and crochet (there's a few things I haven't tried but I'm game)
Crafting I’ve loved and/or loathed: I ADORE cross stitch - it's relaxing to stab something and not get arrested
Project I’m particularly proud of: The crochet pillow from a cross stitch pattern that went to charity auction for over 300$ Completed Hubris Pillow
Something I learned the hard way: Cross stitch patterns can be WAY too intricate for even single crochet!!!
Something I haven't done yet, but I'd like to try: some of the newer stitches I've seen on Facebook for crochet. They're interesting looking, but never show you how to START the new stitch. grrr. Oh, and drop spinning my own yarn. I'd like to try that some time.
Biggest crafting frustration(s): Crochet ads that are obviously AI generated.
Something else I'd like to share: I'm a crazy cat lady and there is SO. MUCH. CAT. HAIR. in all of my projects. OOps.

Re: Meet'n'Greet

[nsfwords]

All of my sewn garments come pre-sprinkled with cat hair as well!