Any other odds & ends the pattern calls for (in my case, craft eyes, thread, stuffing and felt)
A standard sewing toolkit (scissors, sewing needle, etc)
Fusible interfacing & an iron (optional)
I’ll confess: I don’t like using a sewing machine. It’s loud and takes effort to set up. So, I sewed my Pete entirely by hand and loved it! You can’t use not having a machine as an excuse to skip sewing a cutie!
Felt your sweater
You’ll notice that I said that you’ll need a ‘mostly wool sweater’. This is because you’ll want to felt your sweater before cutting it up (or else it will unravel). A cotton or acrylic sweater just won’t felt.
Read this blog post for details on how to felt, but it’s not hard: you basically throw your sweater in the washing machine!
Once you’ve felted the sweater, cut the seams so that you have flat pieces of fabric to work with.
Decide if interfacing is right for you
If you felt your sweater, and it comes out feeling like felt you would buy in the store (pretty stiff and non-stretchy), then you don’t need interfacing.
The sweater I used was a wool blend, so it didn’t felt to be completely stiff. This meant that it was very stretchy (it’s a knit, after all!) and I wasn’t confident the ends wouldn’t fray. So, I used fusible interfacing.
To use the interfacing, follow the instructions on the interfacing to fuse it to your sweater fabric. I fused the interfacing before cutting my pattern pieces, because doing so makes cutting easier.
Cut and sew!
Regardless of whether or not you used interfacing, cut your pattern pieces, and you’re ready to sew as instructed!
Isn’t this guy adorable?
This technique will work with any stuffed animal pattern that calls for fleece or felt as the fabric… which is most patterns! Go ahead and give it a try!
Lots of love to our June sponsors!
All the goodies that go into this blog take a bit of work, so I want to send a huge hug to this month’s sponsors for helping to make it all happen!
Purple Bird Crochet
Katie, of Purple Bird Crochet, is the maker behind beautiful ergonomic crochet hooks:
Aren’t they lovely? The hooks provide a comfortable place for your thumb to rest, and each hook is stamped with the hook size, so you won’t get mixed up!
These hooks are built on a Boye hook base. Katie’s hooks come in a variety of colors (and she’s open to requests), so you can get the color combo that’s right for you! Check out Purple Bird Crochet’s shop to view her full selection!
Katie is also giving the winner of the doll-a-long a set of three of her hooks… so you’ll want to enter!
Mountain Street Arts
You’ve heard about these labels before, but now Pam’s added even more choices to her shop! And these aren’t the skinny satin labels you had sewn into your socks as a kid… these are high-quality labels that your work deserves!
In addition to covering a number of crafts (crochet, knitting, quilting…), Mountain Street Arts labels now have the option of adding a photo!
Isn’t that fabulous? If you don’t want to put your face on the labels, there are also a number of graphics & designs (each designed & drawn by Pam!) available. She also stocks care labels, so your work will always be properly cared for:
Visit Mountain Street Arts to view the full collection. These labels are perfect for your crocheting/knitting business or for gifts that you make!
Yeah, that’s right. You can’t stick me in one little crafty box. I knit, crochet, sew and needle felt. I’ve dabbled in wheel-throwing (pottery), metal-working, quilting, spinning, locker hooking, embroidery, beading and tatting. And depending on your definition of ‘craft’, you should add baking, cheese making and gardening to the list.
I’m irresistibly drawn to making things. But do you know what? If you’re not careful, being involved in oodles of crafts can be a messy business. What do you do with all of those tools? How do you find the time to do them all?
Here are my 6 tips for managing your multi-craftual-ness… follow these, and you’ll be crafting with ease!
1. Accept that your work won’t be perfect
If you’re multi-craftual, then you’re only spending a small percentage of your crafting time on any particular skill. So, if you show up to a quilting group, don’t worry that your skills aren’t as advanced as some other people in the group! They’ve probably put more time into practicing!
Instead, be proud of yourself that you’re trying out something new. Chances are, because you have so much crafting experience under your belt, you’re doing great for the level of quilting experience you have. Enjoy the learning process!
2. Be careful about stashing
If you’re a knitter, then it’s fine to buy and stash beautiful skeins of yarn. But what happens if start stashing yarn and fabric and beads and…
A mess.
When you’re multi-craftual, it’s extra important to reign in your stashing. Focus on making purchases when you have a project specifically planned.
3. Allow your skills to transfer, even if it makes you ‘different’
I began my needlework life as a crocheter. This means that I tension my yarn with my left hand. So, when I began knitting, it was natural for me to knit ‘continental’ (holding the yarn in my left hand).
As a beginner, a number of people told me that I should learn to throw (also called knitting ‘American’ or ‘English’), because it was easier, and learn ‘continental’ later. I ignored that advice, and I’m happy I did!
You see, I was already comfortable holding my yarn a certain way… why not roll with that? When you’re multi-craftual, you need to let your experience from other crafts transfer, even if it means you’re learning ‘a little funny’. Follow your gut!
4. Divide your crafting time
Some crafts are better to do at certain times. Maybe crocheting a washcloth is easy to do in front of the TV, but your intricate beading is best done under the good lighting in your bedroom. And your sewing is easiest on weekends when you can commandeer the dining room table for your machine.
Think about when your crafts are most suitable to do. And if you work on crafts when they’re easiest, you’ll find that less frustration comes your way.
5. Know when a craft needs to leave your house
I told you I dabbled in metal working. Did I buy a soldering iron and drill press? No.
I took a class at my local arts center, where renting the equipment was part of my class fee.
Not all of the crafts you do need to be in your house. Look for opportunities (including renting sewing machine hours at a sewing shop) to do them outside of your living space. Not only will this provide a social opportunity, it saves space and a serious investment of money when you’re still just dabbling.
6. Find various groups
If you’re multi-craftual, it may be hard to find others who share all of your passions. But having others (either in real life or online) who support your crafts and inspire you is important to stay motivated and keep learning.
You may need to join a knitting circle and find a sewing forum online to meet your needs. Look for groups that meet infrequently, since joining multiple weekly groups would be a serious time-commitment!
What are your crafts?
Are you multi-craftual too? What crafts are you into? Any tips for managing them? Do share!
Are you crocheting along with us for the doll-a-long?
If so, hooray! What part are you up to? Today I’m going to show you some tips for aligning and crocheting together your doll’s legs!
Not crocheting along? It’s not too late to join in! Grab a copy of the pattern and start crocheting!
How to align the legs
Once you’ve crocheted your legs, you’re going to crochet them together to continue her body. This method of construction is great… since it lets you skip doing any sewing! But it may be new to some of you, so don’t worry if it feels a little confusing.
You want your doll’s toes to be straight and facing forward, right?
So, once you’ve crocheted your two legs, hold them together so that the toes face in the same direction:
Now, here’s the trick! Use a locking stitch marker to pin the legs together in the position you want them:
How to crochet the legs together
For details on the crocheting, you’ll want to check out this video.
Keep going!
Hooray! In my opinion, you’ve just finished the trickiest part of the whole pattern! (Well, besides picking the clothing colors… that’s a real pickle!)
The newest Starry Night Quilt Block of the Month Block is here – a Red Giant!
What is it about pink and red together that makes my heart sing? It’s one of my favorite color combinations.
And here’s a quick look at all the blocks so far. They’re starting to get wonderfully complex – but still very easy to make!
Update – I’ve pulled the Starry Night pattern temporarily while I reformat it to be released as a regular pattern. Sign up for the newsletter to make sure you know when it’s in the shop.
Now that summer’s rolling around, I bet you’re looking for excuses to get you (and your kids) outside! How about making a hacky sack? (Don’t know what playing hacky sack looks like? It’s worth having a look on YouTube!)
If you can single crochet, you can make a hacky sack! I’ll show you how!
Round 1: Sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook. (6) Round 2: Sc twice in each st. (12) Round 3: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (18) Round 4: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (24) Round 5: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (30) Round 6: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (36) Rounds 7-12 Sc in each st. (36, 6 rounds) Round 13: *Sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (30)
Remove hook…
Place a handful of poly-beads in the nylon sock and sew it up. Your goal is to create a ball that will fill your hacky sack about 90% full:
Place your stuffed stocking inside your crochet.
Continue crocheting…
Round 14: *Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (24) Round 15: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (18) Round 16: *Sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (12) Round 17: *Sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times. (6) Round 18: Use the drawstring method to fasten off, and weave in the end!
Variations
Want to use a thicker yarn, like Lily’s Sugar & Cream? Simply skip rounds 6 & 13 (working fewer increase rounds), and use a size H (5.0mm) hook.
It was a fabulous bunch of ladies and a lot of super-helpful information about publishing a craft book came to the surface. But what about those of you who couldn’t make it to Boston to see us? It’s not fair that you should miss out, is it?
So today, I’ll tell you some tips for getting started publishing your own craft book.
1. Consider how a book fits your life
When speaking on the panel, we all agreed on one thing loud and clear: writing a book isn’t for everyone. You probably won’t become rich and you’ll spend at least a year of your life (maybe not solid, but at least a year from idea to finished book) working on it.
You need to be passionate about your topic. I, personally, view writing a book as a leg of my existing business. Before beginning this adventure, make sure you’re ready!
2. Everything you need is online
Craft publishing is easier today than it has ever been before. Many craft publishers post their proposal package/submission criteria on their webpage! You don’t need the email address of an editor or inside information… following the proposal package instructions carefully is enough to get your book idea read!
3. Shop around
Not all craft publishers are the same. Some publishers may specialize in ‘niche’ crafts (zombie-themed basketweaving, perhaps?), while others may have strengths in particular crafts (such as quilting). Before sending in your proposal, spend some time researching different publishers.
This isn’t hard: walk around your bookstore and look at the available books. Which publishers catch your eye? Which suit your style (modern, quirky, etc.)? Publishers are likely looking for books that fit within their existing market.
4. Sell yourself and your ideas
When you send in a proposal for a book idea, you need to sell yourself. This is your one chance to get your ideas in front of an editor’s eye.
A good proposal:
follows all of the proposal guidelines, and includes all requested information
is well-thought-out, including a table of contents and photos/samples of project ideas
contains information about your professional experience: evidence that you can really write a book!
discusses market information: what makes your book different from others on the shelves? Are people interested in the craft you have to offer?
looks clean and professional (including a nicely-designed, but not over-the-top package, if that fits your brand)
5. Expect revisions
Between all of us sitting on the panel, we’d written 6 books. At least half of those book proposals elicited a, “gee, it seems like you’ve got great ideas, but I’m not sure this exact one will work…”
Don’t be discouraged! That’s good news! It means the publisher likes you and wants to work with you on an idea that will make a best-selling book.
It’s not unusual for your plan to undergo serious revisions due to suggestions by the publisher. Keep in mind, the publisher’s business is publishing: they give good advice!
6. Don’t get discouraged
You didn’t get an encouraging ‘let’s talk!’ phone call from the publisher? Don’t despair. Maybe your idea just wasn’t up the publisher’s alley. Maybe you didn’t provide enough evidence that pastel-colored polymer clay tiaras are the next big thing.
Keep trying. Think about your concept a little and try another publisher.
7. Prepare to negotiate
You’re getting a contract? Congrats!
But they want you to finish the book in 4 months? Or pay for your own photography? There’s no ‘right answer’ for what makes a good contract, but it needs to be something that you can live with.
Many authors negotiate their contracts, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and get something that can work for you.
And then the work begins…
Once you land the book deal, the real work begins! Tips for how to actually write the book are a topic for another day!
Today’s guide to yarn stores in DC is written by Jennifer Crowley, the designer/teacher/blogger at www.tinkingturtle.com.
Jennifer Crowley is a knit and crochet designer who teaches up and down the east coast. You can check out her designs on Ravelry. Recent and upcoming publications include Sockupied, Knitpicks and Classic Elite Yarns.
When not knitting or crochet, she can be often seen zipping around DC and the surrounding area on her bike.
So you are planning a trip to Washington, DC, and you want to visit some yarn stores while you’re there? Well, you are in luck. In addition to being a city full of cultural attractions, there are a number of yarn stores in DC, accessible by a combination of riding the Metro, bus, or walking. If you are fortunate to have a car, the access to yarn stores improves even more. Recent changes have meant that old yarn stores have closed, and new ones are joining the group this year, so it’s a great time to go and check them out.
When I first moved to DC, I didn’t have a car, and was entirely dependent on my bike and public transportation. I have firsthand experience about what stores are the easiest to get to, and in this quick tour I’ll highlight the ones that are accessible by public transportation.
Disclaimer: I teach classes at Woolwinders, Fibre Space, and The Yarn Spot as a contract. I do not believe this influenced my review.
Looped Yarn Works
Looped Yarn Works (1) is located on the second story of a beautiful building near Dupont Circle Metro Station, about a 2 ½ block walk away. Looped offers a nice range of different priced yarns. One of the things I love about Looped is the amount of Natural light they have in the store. Susan and Janie, the owners, have put such careful work into making the space welcoming to customers, and are constantly featuring new activities, visiting authors and other events in the store.
How to get there: Looped is located on 1732 Connecticut Ave, NW #200 (remember, they’re on the second floor!) in Washington, DC. The best way to get there is by metro, as there isn’t that much parking in that area of town. Dupont Circle, located on the Red Line, is very close to the store.
The Knitting Loft
The Knitting Loft (2) is one of the newest yarn stores in DC, having opened in the Summer of 2013. As a new store, their selections of yarns are still expanding, but the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming when I stopped by over the summer. The great thing about this store, is they are wheelchair accessible and on the ground level. Located near the Eastern Market, the store is the perfect stop on a day of window shopping.
How to get there: The Knitting Loft’s address is 1227 Pennsylvania Ave Southeast, and is near both the Blue/Orange Line Metro. You can get to it from both the Eastern Market or Potomac Ave stops – both are about a 3 block walk away, though Potomac Ave is marginally closer. Parking, if you choose to drive, is a little bit easier to come by, but I think it’s still easier to metro in.
Fibre Space
Fibre Space (3) is the hip yarn store of Old Town Alexandria. They specialize in hand painted and hand dyed yarns, but have a good range of workhorse yarns too. Fibre Space offers a vibrant array of classes and great space to sit and knit. I always love checking out the window displays when I come to visit – they always have something creative put up! This last time I visited their window had a mannequin with a packed box of yarn – referring to the fact that in a few short weeks they’ll be moving around the corner to a new location that offers more space and versatility. It’ll be exciting to see how the store continues to expand!
How to get there: While technically in Virginia, Fibre Space is very accessible to DC and so it’s easy for tourists to visit. Fibre Space’s address is 102 North Fayette Street (for now) and is about 6 blocks from the King Street Metro. It’s a little bit of a walk, but under a mile, and it’s a pleasant walk at that, with lots of stores to widow shop. If you choose to drive, it’s easy to get off 495 and go straight up Route 1 (N Patrick St). You should consider parking along King, Prince, Duke or Queen Street, or any of the cross streets. Then walk to the store. Most parking is one or two hours – so be careful how much time you spend in any one place. If you are planning to make an afternoon out of looking around Old Town Alexandria, take the Metro and save yourself the worry.
The Yarn Spot
The Yarn Spot (5) is my personal “local yarn store” and until I moved this past year, I could easily walk to it in about five minutes. The Yarn Spot features two great places to sit and knit (a circle of couches and chairs and a table) and a friendly welcoming atmosphere. Yarn is arranged according to weight, with a middle section that rotates out different yarns that are being featured. They also have spinning supplies and fiber. With a knowledgeable staff – this is the perfect store to go to if you have a “knitting emergency” and need some help. They feature a wide range of yarns, from hand dyed yarns to workhouse yarns like Spud and Cloe Sweater and Encore.
How to get there: The Yarn Spot’s address is 11406a Georgia Ave, Wheaton, MD. Unfortunately, they are a bit hidden from the road, but if you look for “The Anchor Inn” sign, they are in the shopping center located behind the sign. The store has parking if you choose to drive, or it’s about a 1/2 mile walk from the Wheaton Metro to the store.
Woolwinders
Woolwinders (8) is one of my favorite yarn stores in DC for classes. They have very knowledgeable teachers and staff, and every time I go there I learn something new. They have a good selection of mid-range yarns, and highlight some really interesting higher range yarns. The last time I was there I appreciated their selection of Rowan Pattern books. I love how two of the walls of the store are windows, and how much natural light comes into the space. It really makes it easier to choose colors for my projects.
How to get there: Woolwinders is a brisk walk from Shady Grove Metro Station – just under a mile. Located at 404 King Farm Blvd in Rockville, MD, this is also a good store to drive to, with plenty of parking street-side or behind the store.
Knit & Stitch = Bliss
Knit & Stitch = Bliss (4) is one of my favorite stores to go to if I’m looking for patterns or books. They have a really good selection, and a nice area to sit down and flip through all the books and patterns as you are deciding what to work on. Yarn selection runs from midrange to some nice high priced yarns, and they have a great selection of needles and notions. Located near the heart of Bethesda, there’s great shopping and restaurants nearby if you wish to make a short trip of going to the store and picking up dinner or lunch.
How to get there: Knit & Stitch = Bliss is located at 4706 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda MD. If taking the metro, walk West down Rockville Pike until you turn right on Bethesda Ave. If driving, there’s plenty of street parking available, and a few different parking lots if you don’t relish parallel parking.
Aylin’s Wool Gatherer
Aylin’s Wool Gatherer and its compatriot, Uniquties, are both a bit harder to get to by public transportation, but still worth the visit.
Aylin’s Wool Gatherer (6) has the honor of being one of the longest running yarn stores in DC metro area, running upwards of 35 years. Specializing in offering a wide selection of mid-range yarns, including some nylon blends I haven’t noticed elsewhere, this store is a solid addition to the Metro DC Yarn stores. When shopping, prices are listed on sheets throughout the store.
How to get there: Aylin’s is a bit hidden from the street, being located on the third floor of a building (however, there’s an elevator!). Their address is 7245 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA. However, when walking or driving to the store look for the Starbucks in Loehmann’s Plaza, and go around the corner. You’ll see a side entrance to the building; take the elevator to the third floor. The store is down the hall. If you have difficulty, call the store at 703-573-1900 – they are old hands at giving directions. As to transportation, this is one store where driving is definitely easier, though it is possible to take public transportation. If you ride the Metro to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Station, you can then walk to the Temp Bay D (follow the signs). From there, you can catch the 1B bus towards Ballston Station. Get off at Arlington BV & Graham Rd, and walk towards Loehmann’s Plaza.
Uniquities
Uniquities (7) offers not only yarn to knitters and crocheters, but is one of my favorite stores to check out for their spinning supplies. One of the other things I love about the store is their separate class space, which makes taking classes very pleasant. I also love their yarn choices, with a stunning collection of sock and laceweight yarns, and a wide range of worsted and aran weights too. They carry some of my favorite yarn lines, like Mountain Colors, Blue Sky Alpacas and Manos Del Uruguay.
How to get there: Uniquties is also a store that is easier to drive to. They’re located at 421 Church Street Northeast, Vienna, VA. Driving, there’s a spacious parking lot to park at. If you are looking to take public transportation, take the Metro to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Station, then walk to Bus Bay B. Take the 2T towards Tysons Corner and get off at R 123 Maple Ave & Beulah Rd. The store is a block away.
Want more stores?
While the eight yarn stores I’ve highlighted here are the easiest to get to via public transportation, there are a few others that deserve honorable mention.
When I published Flavia the Unicorn, I thought I was being quite clever in suggesting you could use the same pattern to make both a unicorn and a horse!
And then you guys got your creative juices flowing…
But my ideas are nothing compared to what happened when you guys got your hands on the pattern!
Horses and unicorns are child’s play! You started making donkeys and zebras!
Chloe made an adorable donkey:
And Nikki used the same pattern to crochet a zebra:
So creative!
I’ll bet that if you crochet this guy in pink, and leave off the hair, you’ll have pig!
What else can you think of doing with this pattern?
It can be hard to find a nice skin-tone yarn. So, I’ve compiled a few suggestions for you!
Keep in mind that it’s going to be hard to find a yarn that’s exactly like a skin tone… remember you’re crocheting a toy, not painting an exact likeness! Keep your mind open, and you’ll find a yarn that’s at least close!
Doll Day is tomorrow!
Don’t forget, tomorrow is the release day for my new, super-exciting doll patterns! I think you’ll love them!
And… now I know you’ll be able to pick the perfect color for your doll!
I saw oodles of great crafting on my trip to Vietnam! I’m going to give you an overview of some of the most popular crafts, as well as some resources and tips (whether you’re looking to purchase finished crafts or materials to do your own crafting!)
In general, Vietnam is a very poor country where the average worker doesn’t earn very much per hour. This means that you will be able to purchase incredibly beautiful handmade works of art, for much less than you would in the US or Europe (which have higher labor rates).
Vietnam is also a place where counterfeits and cheap imitations (both of finished items and materials) are abundant. So, use your best discretion when shopping.
Lacquerwork
Lacquerwork (or Lacquer Work/ Lacquerware) is an art form where a high-gloss lacquer is applied to wood, typically with a decorative mother-of-pearl inlay.
While the mother-of-pearl inlay is most popular, we visited a studio which created inlays with duck egg shells:
Bits of eggshell are applied, with tweezers, piece by piece to create the intricate design. After the design is completed, layers of lacquer are applied until a smooth finish is achieved.
To Visit
Tay Son Lacquerware: 198 Vo Thi Sau, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh. Studio and showroom.
Embroidery
Vietnam is home to stunning Silk Embroidery, where fine strands of silk are embroidered onto a canvas to create amazingly intricate designs:
A piece can take months to complete, and since silk absorbs dye brilliantly, the final piece of work can be jaw-dropping.
Across the country, you’ll be able to find embroidery of varying levels of detail. There are many places selling embroidery pieces created with silk, but lacking the fineness of the top-notch silk embroidery studios.
For a low-priced souvenir item, you will also be able to find simple embroidery pieces. These are typically created with a thicker thread, featuring a less-intricate design and made for function:
While I discovered one little cart selling white silk thread, I was not able to find a shop that sold the lovely silk (already dyed) for personal crafting.
To Visit
XQ Siagon Silk Hand Embroidery: 37 Donk Khoi Str, Dist. 1, HCMC Studio and showroom for fine silk embroidery.
Da Lat Su Quan: 110 Hang Gai, Hanoi Studio and showroom for fine silk embroidery.
Tran Gia Huy: 66 Ton Duc Tang, Dong Da, Hanoi. Showroom for fine silk embroidery.
Sewing
If you’d like a tailor-made garment sewn for you, then Vietnam is your place. Particularly in cities like Hoi An, you can find a tailor that will custom-make clothing to your specifications in under 24 hours.
For the crafter, there are ample supplies of fabric and notions in local markets (particularly in Hanoi and Saigon):
However, you should take care when purchasing your fabric. I’m suspicious that the ‘Versace Wool/Cashmere blend’ I saw for a few dollars a yard was the real deal. Many of the fabrics and notions are imported from China, and you’ll need to stay on your toes to ensure that what you’re purchasing is actually a good deal. After all, you’d like your fabric to hold up after a few washes, right?
Knitting and Crocheting
Although I happened upon a few women knitting/crocheting on the streets, Vietnam is a very hot country… so you can imagine that the demand for scarves is rather low.
I found yarn for sale in markets in major cities, but almost everything was acrylic (they even stocked Caron Simply Soft!). Even the ‘Advanced Cashmere’, after closer inspection, was actually acrylic.
Dyeing and Weaving
The ethnic minorities in the Northern Highlands grow hemp, spin it, dye it with indigo and weave it into fabric. Here’s a photo of some indigo I saw growing:
The ‘Black Hmong’ minority is named for the indigo-dyed clothing that they make and wear:
At first, I was curious if the local women really made their own clothing… but then I spotted oodles of women spinning hemp into thread:
And a loom in a local home:
Isn’t it lovely to see such crafting at work?
You can purchase locally-made products from the minorities at markets in the hill-country around Sapa. As with much in Vietnam, use your best judgement when purchasing. I saw a vast amount of identical-looking pieces being sold for super-cheap that I predict were mass produced (elsewhere) for tourists). However, after a little shopping around, you can find some more genuine articles.
Ever seen those giant stone lions outside of an Asian temple? They have to be carved somewhere, right?
We happened upon a place that carves huge carvings on the drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. If you aren’t looking to purchase an 8-foot-tall Budda, you’ll still be able to find lots of pieces of stone carving in shops around Vietnam.
If you’re lucky, you may even find a shop with works-in-progress!
Cross-Stitch
Hands down, the most popular craft (judging my what I observed most often) is cross-stitch.
I saw no completed cross-stitch pieces for sale, so it seems like the craft that women do for fun and use for personal display in their home (and not for selling).
I spotted a few cross-stitch kits at markets, so if that’s your craft, keep your eyes peeled!
So many crafts!
I found Vietnam to be lovely and really inspiring from a craft perspective. It’s a great chance to purchase a beautiful work of art for a reasonable price.
In terms of raw-materials to use for your crafting, supplies abound, but you’ll need to keep a keen eye out to make sure you’re getting quality materials.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my crafty-view of Vietnam… and take a peek at a few of the websites (or add some stops to your itinerary if you’re visiting!)
