ChainOne Crochet

Today's featured shop is ChainOne Crochet!  Owner Lynn has been crocheting lovely items for years - I love the variety of pieces she offers, including clothing, hats, purses, iPod cases and even baskets!  The softness of each of the pieces is so appealing, and I'm so impressed that she is able to create such a wide array of items by crocheting alone!  The photos featured in this post barely scratch the surface of what Lynn makes, but here's what she has to say:

crochet notion wicker basket OATMEAL

CM: Tell us a bit about yourself...
LR:  I'm thrilled to be featured on your blog because its absolutely gorgeous! And I appreciate good design, since I have been designing and creating since forever. I love diversity, because I bore easily; so unlike most crochet stores and websites, my shop is filled with everything crochet; from apparel to jewelry, to baby and pet supplies, accessories, toys, play food, home decor and housewares too. I want to offer a wide variety, that appeals to and suits everyone. I also find it challenging to create the unusual and unexpected. I find this holds my interest longer and most days all I think about is what to design next! I get very melancholy once a crochet project is over because I put so much thought and love into each piece. I think about crochet and design 24/7, while driving, doing dishes, the laundry, and everything in between.

crochet shoulder shrug wrap made to order custom made

CM: When and how did you start crocheting? Did someone teach you?
LR: I started crocheting at the age of 8, thats over 40 years ago, but I wont tell exactly how much over :) My mom taught me to crochet and sew, so my Etsy shop and all my work in general, is a tribute to her because she recently passed away. I think about my mother while I crochet and how much she shaped the woman I am now. Her unwavering persistence that everything I create be as perfect as possible. I find it extremely relaxing to loop beautiful yarns, over and over again, while morphing a plain piece of string into a work of art. My mom lives on in my work.

crochet MY POD IPHONE case leather and cotton

CM: How long does it take you to make a piece to sell? What's the process like? Your workspace?
LR: Each piece I make takes a long time because I design it. I think it through in my head first. I dont finish it until it's exactly how I pictured it! Sometimes that can be over a week. Sometimes less. There are times when I have taken apart a whole project because when I finished it, it didnt look right. When I say design, that could be anything from the pattern, shape, color, texture, size, material etc. Its a process. I dont really have a workspace. There is yarn and supplies literally lying on every surface of my home! My workspace is even in the car sometimes while my husband drives. Thats the great thing about crochet, its so portable. I love to work late at night when there is no noise. I can think better and there arent any distractions.

crochet headband LICHEN flower you choose color

CM: What's the best thing about selling on Etsy? The most challenging?
LR:  For me, the best thing about selling on Etsy is making new friends and creating fun and functional treasures that people can really use. There are alot of challenges to selling handcrafts online, but the most challenging part about selling on Etsy is promoting the work. That takes up more of my time than creating product.

crochet ORANGE CRUSH purse bag handbag w/ cell phone case and keyring holder OOAK

CM: What's your favorite item from your own shop right now?
LR:  My favorite item is currently either the patriotic food cover, the wine bottle cozy, the orange crush handbag or the fortune cookies. I cant decide! I like them because they truly are unique, yet functional at the same time. There isnt anything I dont like, beacuse they are all things that reflect me and my personality. I choose my projects very carefully. But I also have to take into consideration if they are things people would want or need to own.:

crochet fortune cookies play food handmade felted wool set of 12 custom fortunes 

CM: Do you have a favorite shop or item on Etsy? If so, which one(s)?
LR:  When I first got involved with Etsy I was absolutely blown away at the talent. There are so many shops that I love ( I literally have 10 pages of favorite shops listed on my home page) but these are my top 3 favorite shops: They are:

Inner Wild

 This lady is from Scotland and her shop is truly brilliant. I absolutely love neutrals and natural organic material. Her creations are works of art, as is her photography, colors, compositions, and most of all, who she is an individual.

 Leuckit

 This shops items are absolutely the most creative things I have ever seen in my life. Who would have thought? Thermos bottle art !

and my 3rd favorite shop because I LOVE animals (Her pet ID tags are amazing !!):

Poochy Couture

 crochet slipper pom poms

Thank you, Lynn!  Stay tuned for more great Etsy shops!!