Today I would like to introduce you all to a wonderful lady who make adorable crocheted sweaters and goodies. ^_^ Meet Ruby of Trends Of Bend.
What inspires you?
~My Bible :-)
~Being outdoors, especially near rushing water
~Those rare moments when I can just sit and be quiet with a cup of tea in hand, and have no one calling for my time and attention - where I have time to just BE.
What yarn do you enjoy using?
Ack. So many choices - it's hard to pick just one or two. My favorite yarn for making newsboy caps is Premier Breeze, because of its non-fuzzy nature, and ease to crochet - as well as how lovely and supple it is for wearing. I enjoy crocheting with bamboo yarn just because it feels so wonderful. But my all-time favorite yarn from any project I've ever done, was a lovely merino wool yarn that a client chose for a custom newsboy cap. I'm afraid it completely spoiled me for ever again enjoying crocheting with "cheap" yarn. :-)
How long does it usually take you to make an item?
Are we talking on the days when I am also homeschooling my boys, attempting to keep my house clean, cooking dinner, and doing all the other things a stay-at-home mom does? *grin* I'm guessing not. Sooo... if I had nothing whatsoever to do but crochet... I could probably get a mug cozy done in an hour or two. That's my quickest project. Other things, like the infant sweaters or scarves, would probably take me several evenings of solid crocheting. Of course, that also depends on how much detail I add. But that's the fun part!
What made you start crocheting? what attracts you to it?
My mom taught me a few basics when I was very young, but I never really made anything useful. But then one winter as an adult, I got terribly sick, and was off work for nearly a month (that was during my single days). I was feeling completely useless, but didn't have much energy for doing anything. I picked up my crochet hooks more in an attempt to keep myself from going mad inside the same four walls that winter than anything else. But somehow it stuck. And now it's become one of my favorite hobbies.
What is your biggest creation to date?
Hmm... the largest incomplete project is an extra-large blanket that I started crocheting for my own living room. It keeps getting shoved aside in favor of clients' requests. :-) My largest (or most time-consuming) project that was intended for selling is a darling pink heirloom dress. It took me what felt like forever and a day, and it still hasn't sold. *lol*
what is your smallest?
Amigurumi snails
What is your personal favorite so far?
The custom merino wool newsboy cap that I mentioned above. The same client was so delighted that she ordered a Greek Fisherman's Cap for her husband and requested that I use the same type yarn - but in many colors. It turned out fabulous, and was really fun to do!
What is your creative process? how do you start creating?
Sometimes it starts with a client requesting something they can't find in stores, and I make up a pattern to help them out. Other times I just get a brilliant (or otherwise hairbrained) idea and start playing with yarn. Sometimes the end result surprises even me.
Please share any tutorials you may have...
I don't currently have anything posted online, but I am in the process of creating a PDF file for my retro tote. It had such amazing reviews that I figured other artists should have a way of replicating it. When the file is complete it will be listed on the Trends of Bend website.
What is the story behind your etsy shop? what made you start it?
I had been selling online for quite a while before opening my Etsy shop. But friends kept telling me "you need an Etsy shop!" So I opened one. But didn't even have one sale in months of posting items. I considered closing it down entirely since other avenues seemed to be more beneficial for us, but somehow never got around to officially closing it. And then I got a sale. And then another one. So I guess it will remain open for now.
What are some tips for others out there wishing to create?
Focus on the things that are fun for YOU to create. Part of the fun of creating is being able to make things original and unique. Personally, I get bored easily if I'm doing the same thing over and over again, so I made it a policy to never make the same item twice. I'll do the same basic ideas of items (for instance, the newsboy caps) but each one is unique in the styling, the detail, the buttons, or whatever else I can think up to add or make it new and fresh. Also, don't be afraid to try something new. When I first started crocheting I was attempting to follow patterns EXACTLY as they were written. Somewhere along the line I got a bit braver and tried changing something. And then I realized I could make anything I wanted. It's much more fun now. :-)
To find these and other wonderful items by Ruby of Trends Of Bend check out her website here: http://trendsofbend.yolasite.com/
And also her Etsy shop here: TrendOfBend
