Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

PROPERLY CONNECTED?

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We are all aware of the many published crochet artists/designers.  We buy their books and read articles about them in magazines.  We peruse their websites and buy their goods on etsy.  But, just HOW professional is professional?

I was researching some online media communications methods when I ran across this:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/7/a0b/a9a

This crocheter truly thinks of herself as a Crochet Professional with a Capital ‘C’.  There may be a message here for the rest of us – especially those who seek to sell their designs, publish their patterns, and get themselves in the crochet spotlight.

Here’s a sample of Mr. Funky’s work:

While I like this scarf, I do not find it exceptional.  But, this artist is making a living (it appears) with crochet.  What’s the difference between Ogawa and the rest of us who love crochet?  I read often of people asking if and how one can ‘make a living’ with crochet.  Maybe we just need to get the proper connections.

Comments

  2. This crocheter truly thinks of herself as a Crochet Professional with a Capital ‘C’.

    Hey, hey! Herself or himself! Plenty of guys crochet too.

  3. While you make an interesting point regarding the importance of being connected, as well as the fact that it’s important for anyone who wants to sell their work to “just do it,”… I would hardly say that this woman is making a living, at least not on Etsy, given that she opened her store in May of 2008 and only has 8 sales listed, and absolutely zero inventory… I hardly call that a living. Linkedin is a great way to stay connected with people, but it certainly does not insure a steady stream of income! The right product, the right price, exceptional customer service as well as hard work and perseverance… that might, if you’re really good, earn you a living with your art/craft!

Have you read?

Crochet Baby Beanie – A Sweet Beginner-Friendly Hat Pattern for Baby Showers and Handmade Gifts

This Crochet Baby Beanie is one of those simple little patterns that makes a really lovely handmade gift. It uses soft Bernat Softee Baby yarn for the hat, a fluffy Pipsqueak edging, and an optional crochet flower on the side, giving it that cute baby-shower-ready finish.

What makes this one appealing is that the shape is worked in easy rounds, starting with a magic circle and increasing up to 48 stitches before moving into the textured post-stitch section. The fluffy edging softens the whole look, and the added flower gives it a sweet decorative touch without making the project feel too fussy.

I also like that it feels like a pattern you could easily customize. You could skip the flower for a simpler baby beanie, change the colors for a more modern look, or keep the pink-and-white version for a classic handmade baby gift. It has that practical “quick weekend project” feel, which is always handy when a baby shower sneaks up on you.

If you’re looking for an easy crochet baby hat pattern with a soft, cozy finish, this one is definitely worth a look. It’s cute, giftable, and the fluffy trim gives it a little extra charm.