Meet the makers behind four of this season's new crafting titles.
Kathy Cano-Murillo
The Crafty Chica Creates! Quarry, Nov.
What’s your favorite project in your book and why?
For Dia de Los Muertos it’s a tradition to make sugar skulls with fluffy icing for decoration and have prayer candles. I combined the two to make a faux-iced prayer candle, then embedded some small trinkets to go with the spirit of the holiday.
What’s your favorite part of crafting?
My favorite part is finishing a large batch or collection, naming them and then sending them to their forever homes.
Jen Hewett
This Long Thread, Roost, Nov.
What got you into crafting?
I’ve been making things my entire life! But I started screenprinting in early 2008, as another creative outlet from my corporate job. I was hooked the moment I pulled my first print, and knew that printmaking was what I wanted to do in some capacity for the rest of my life.
What’s your advice for beginning crafters?
Don’t expect perfection but always strive for improvement. This means making a lot of work, trying new things that are slightly above your skill level, learning from your mistakes, and making improvements on your next thing.
Toni Lipsey
The Tunisian Crochet Handbook, Abrams, Oct.
What got you into Tunisian-style crochet?
I stumbled upon Tunisian crochet at a yarn convention. A woman was doing a demo as part of her booth. I stuck around after the demo and she walked me through the process step by step. I was so enchanted by her and this new-to-me technique that I spent hours poring over YouTube videos and books when I got back home.
What’s your advice for aspiring crocheters?
Don’t be afraid to start with a big project. Starting with a washcloth might give you instant gratification, but don’t make it if you won’t love it. If you fell in love with a shawl or a cardigan and you feel confident taking it on, go for it! You’ll learn a lot along the way and you’ll have a finished piece that you truly cherish.
Jenny Rushmore
Ahead of the Curve, Quadrille, Oct.
What’s your advice for aspiring sewists and pattern makers?
Start with patterns that are drafted for your size and body shape, and then learn to grade between sizes. Most of us are a different clothes size at our bust, waist, and hip, and when you grade between sizes you essentially make yourself a unique custom pattern, which will fit you at all points of your body, rather than being too big in some areas and too small in others.
What’s your favorite project in your book and why?
The fit clinic for the bust—altering sewing patterns to fit if you have bigger boobs can seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. As someone with an H cup, I know what a difference a good bust fit makes to the look and feel of your clothes!
