2012 in review

This year has been a good one for House of Moss. I've seen my business grow by leaps and bounds. I've worked harder than I've ever worked. I've become more confident. It's been a rather "nose-to-the-grindstone" type of year, but when I look back I am happily surprised by some of the things that this hard work has accomplished:

1. BLOG: I began the "We make Portland awesome" series on this blog. Since beginning this project, I've hosted interviews from 42 amazing local makers. I've absolutely loved getting to know our handmade community, and I've made some real friends through it!

2. SALES: I met (and blew right past) my sales goal for the year.

3. WHOLESALE: I opened my first wholesale supply-purchasing account. This was a big deal and it kind of felt (haha, felt!) like I'd "made it" as a real business.

4. SHOWS: I did my first outdoor show (Arts Festival in the Forest, West Linn) and did 5 holiday shows in 5 weeks. I sold at both Crafty Wonderland's Spring and Holiday Sales. I learned that it's okay to leave early from a show if it's just that bad.

5. SHOPS: I expanded my local boutiques with seven new ones: The Blind Insect, Mag-Big, Little Things, Paper & Petal, Aster & Bee, Memento, and Hammer + Vine.

6. PRESS: Just this past week, I was honored to be featured in an Associated Press article about felting as a craft. It was published all over the country, including in our local paper, The Oregonian!

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed at what can be done in a year. I'm sure that many of you can relate to this: So many days spent working alone for hours on end, shipping never-ending amounts of packages, taking photos, tweaking Etsy listings, applying to (and sometimes not making it into) shows– and then one day you look back and see how far you've come.

Worldwide community

I usually think of Etsy as a community in the abstract sense. There are forums, teams, comments, feedback, treasuries, and messages on the site, all designed to let us members communicate with each other. You can get a general feel for the culture there, and you can start to recognize names of people who participate a lot. I've had a good experience with all of these things and have gotten a warm friendly feeling from the time I've spent on Etsy.

But today broke into new Etsy-community territory for me: I met someone in person who I'd only talked to online through Etsy! And someone from the other side of the world, no less!

Liz from Laelia In The Sky had contacted me a few weeks ago saying she'd like to buy 40 red hearts. No big deal, right? I get custom orders like that pretty often. But what was different about Liz is that she lives in Australia! She said she was taking a trip to the West Coast of the U.S. and would like to meet up to make the transaction while she was in Portland! I was totally charmed. I love meeting the people who buy what I make! That's why I love craft shows. There's this mutual appreciation between people who make things.

So we figured out the logistics. I knew that I could not let her, a maker also, leave Portland without visiting Tender Loving Empire. It's the quintessential destination for anyone who cares about local handmade goodness! We met there and the transaction was complete– and I got to match a face to the online person with whom I'd been exchanging messages on Etsy.

Sometimes I forget that the people online are real people too. And sometimes one breaks through the surface and reminds me that there is so much more to all of this than just transactions. Thank you Liz! It was great to meet you.

We make Portland awesome: Gone Metal

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Carla of Gone Metal

 

Who are you?
My name is Carla. I am an artist, mother and wife. I have spent the majority of my life adopting rescue cats and now I have just one furbaby who keeps me company in my studio while I work.

What do you make?
I design and hand fabricate jewelry (mostly necklaces and earrings), using sterling silver. I was taught traditional metalsmithing techniques but I prefer to make modern designs that sometimes incorporate non-traditional materials to add a touch of color to my jewelry. I focus on using only reclaimed metals in my jewelry and recycled materials for the packaging I send to my customers. Oh, and I make lightweight aluminum big buttons for knitters.

Besides making things, what do you do?
Besides being a jewelry metalsmith, I enjoy walking for exercise. Walking really helps keep my creative thoughts flowing. I garden, raising a lot of our vegetables and cutting flowers – but I’m only out there when it’s warm and sunny! I also regularly travel to Seattle and Eugene to be with my daughters and enjoy the wonderful culture that their cities offer.

What inspires you?
A good shot of espresso. No seriously, I NEED an espresso every morning to kickstart my creativity in the studio! I am also inspired by American Modernist Jewelry, Mid Century Modern furniture and ceramics and fabrics, Art Deco architecture, and contemporary art.

Where can your work be found?
My jewelry can always be found online in my shop. I am taking a break from other venues because we have been house hunting in Portland (to include a better studio space!)

What do you love about Portland?
Camarones and margaritas at "Por Que No?"; rainy days in Powell's, reading and buying books; savouring a good macchiato at Spella; the farmer's markets; the variety of independent shops and restaurants; the city's eco-consciousness and the gorgeous green places to walk.

We make Portland awesome: Super Phoebe

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Super Phoebe

Who are you?
Phoebe Owens

What do you make?
I am mostly known for my lamps made from vintage photo slides and motion film. I also screenprint, crochet, cut things from wood, sew and draw.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I'm a Librarian.

What inspires you?
I'm inspired by the world around me. I'm also simply inspired by materials that can be turned into other things. I love looking at something and thinking about how it could be used in a different way or remade into something new.

Where can your work be found?
You can see my stuff in Portland at Tender Loving Empire, Crafty Wonderland Store, Redux and Cargo. There is a random smattering of other shops outside of the US carrying my lamps and library cards in London, Noosaville Australia, Toronto and Vancouver, CA. And, of course, my work can be found on Etsy!

What do you love about Portland?
I grew up in Portland, and I vividly remember deciding on the things that made me love it then- running as fast as I could with my little brother through the park blocks, going to the art museum, and staring at the ivy growing on freeway overpasses. The city has changed a lot since then, but the best of it has remained. I love the strong sense of community here--even though so many people are transplants from somewhere else. I love that creativity is valued here, that the nonprofit community is strong and passionate, and that we all root for each other in this town. Beyond that, it's not bad that I live somewhere with such fantastic public transit, parks and bike lanes!

We make Portland awesome: Board Games

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Jason of Board Games

Who are you?
Jason Greene

What do you make?
I make toys from recycled skateboards.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I skate, paint, paddle, fish, and play drums in a few bands (Yoyodyne, Johnny&Jason).

What inspires you?
I'd have to say my 3 yr. old son inspires me a great deal. Childhood in general inspires me. I've worked with young kids a lot in the past several years.

Where can your work be found?
Redux, Crafty Wonderland, Tender Loving Empire, Trillium Artisans, Spielwerk Toys, and Cal Skate. Oh, and of course on Etsy.

What do you love about Portland?
I must say, the summertime in Portland is outstanding - the food, the markets, the festivities, the woods, the weather, and the fact that everybody seems to be in a good mood. Also, the skateboarding in Portland is legendary.

We make Portland awesome: Love To Love You

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Love To Love You

Who are you? 
Hi, my name is Loni. I live in Portland with my boyfriend, his daughter and a three legged cat. I moved here from Virginia soon after college where I studied art and photography. I've been an artist and crafter as long as I can remember.

What do you make?
I make women's clothing for my line Love To Love You. I design skirts, dresses and shirts for quirky girls who are looking for a splash of color and whimsy in their wardrobe.

Besides making things, what do you do?
When I'm not sewing (and I'm almost always sewing) I love scouring thrift stores for vintage fabrics and treasures. I take lots of walks around the neighborhood to clear my head and get new ideas. I work a couple days a week at Powells Books and have an apprenticeship at Pinkham Millinery with the amazing Dayna Pinkham, with whom I am learning to make hats. In the summer, I play softball with the Mississippi Wreckers and love to take road trips and go camping up on Mount Hood.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by Portlanders' unique sense of fashion, vintage clothes, art, architecture, photography, nature, movies, books and magazines and beautiful fabrics. Designers and labels that I admire are Elsa Schiaparelli, Alexandra Mcqueen, Miu Miu, Manish Arora, Rodarte, Zandra Rhoades, Ossie Clark and Biba. I also admire Isabella Blow, Anna Piaggi and Iris Apfel for their fearless fashion sense and the photography of Tim Walker.

Where can your work be found?
Love To Love You is available online on Etsy.

What do you love about Portland?
I love everything about Portland- except the weather. I love Portland summers, the food, the beer, the colorful houses and flower filled yards, the one hundred shades of green, the parks, the cats and crows, the fascinating characters, and it's proximity to the mountains and the coast....and so much more.

We make Portland awesome: Betty Turbo

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Agnes of Betty Turbo

Who are you?
I'm Agnes, also known as Betty Turbo, a nerdy, tattooed wrestling fan and dessert expert, trying to bring you as much goofiness as possible from my very tiny (but chock full of radness) hot pink studio in Corvallis.

What do you make?
I make drawings and deliver them to you as art prints, greeting cards, plush toys, tea towels, and limited edition wearable items.

Besides making things, what do you do?
Sorry, what? I'm supposed to do something else?! In all truth, "making stuff" is pretty much my entire life. I stop for a popsicle or a dance party from time to time, but making art and being crafty is what I love and spend most hours of the day on. I do love cooking and baking, riding my bike everywhere (yay Oregon!), and running. But running for hours and hours is really my mental time-out to plan out art projects in my head, so I think it's all ultimately part of my creative process.

What inspires you?
ICE CREAM. Dessert. Okay, food in general. Wrestling, muscles, geeky tv shows, outer space, wild animals, words and typography. I am never short on inspiration. I want to squeeze all the juicy bits out of every day.

Where can your work be found?
In Portland, my work can be found at Powell's, Tender Loving Empire, Mag-BIg, Icon Tattoo, and ZimZim. I also sell at about a dozen other shops across the country. My Etsy shop is always the biggest selection of my current work, but I also show in galleries, and enjoy debuting new products in person at craft shows like Portland's super fabulous Crafty Wonderland sales.

What do you love about Portland?
FOOD TRUCKS. Crepes in the middle of the night. Portland is such a jackpot for vegetarian food, too! Prior to moving to Oregon, I had been living in Tennessee for several years, where most vegetables were either deep fried or cooked to mush with a ham hock. I am constantly in awe of Portland's food offerings. I like that it is big enough to have lots going on, but still small enough that you can easily connect with other art weirdos and find the funky places where you fit just right. SO many awesome artists and creators, and a great support community of art fans and people who are eager to support creativity and small businesses. Also, how rad is Powell's? I would like to build a tiny fort in the stacks and live there forever.

We make Portland awesome: Polly Danger

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Polly Danger

Who are you?

I’m Polly, a twenty-something lover of fine workmanship, cuteness, and over-the-top home interiors. I’m married to the cutest redheaded boy I know and we have 3 very quirky dogs and one snuggle-loving cat. Cuddling is at the center of our universe and is pretty much the fuel for my day.

What do you make?
I have a line of handmade sewing notions that includes bias tape, covered buttons, and kits and I also make accessories like button earrings and scalloped clutches. Everything I make is infused with as much cuteness as sewing notions and button earrings can possibly handle.

Besides making things, what do you do?
Normally this would seem like a trick question because my time is spent either making things for work, or making things for me! But I’m currently in the fifth month of a 9 month long crafty project- makin’ a baby! Being pregnant has put a skidding halt to my typical twelve hour crafty day and forced me to relearn the art of relaxation. Now I work in the mornings and spend the afternoons gardening, snuggling my dogs, and taking naps. When the weather gets warmer I’ll start working on our Mary Blair themed nursery and probably start on some baby-inspired sewing projects, but for now I’m really enjoying the downtime.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many different things, but usually it’s either a fantastic piece of fabric or a really specific place and mood. Although home decor and appliqued clutches may not seem to have too much in common, I find that environment and creativity are impossible to separate. So when I feel stuck I put down my project and take a long look around my studio or my living room. I usually find inspiration just by resting my eyes on a green scalloped lamp shade or a vintage still life painting of flowers. If that fails then I go to my most sacred sources- an issue of The World of Interiors (March 2004) or I put on Amelie without subtitles. These are guaranteed to get my creative mojo working.

Where can your work be found?
In Portland my work is at Crafty Wonderland, where I am currently Artist of the Month. Beyond Portland I’m pleased to say that my work is represented from California to Massachusetts to Georgia, and internationally you can find my wares in France, Norway, the U.K., and Australia. A complete list of shops can be found on my website.

What do you love about Portland?
I love that it is possible for makers to earn a living here. My husband and I moved from Los Angeles where earning a handmade living involves the crafty equivalent of selling-out; screen printing snarky catchphrases or guns onto baby onesies was never something I would consider doing. So living in an area where I can explore and create from the heart while actually earning an income and meeting supportive peers and customers is like living in a dream. I also love the amazing network of crafters that exists here. There’s a spirit of camaraderie between artists that’s like any professional network, minus the ladder-climbing competition, that doesn’t exist in any other city I’ve lived in.

We make Portland awesome: Ohlnu

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Amy of Ohlnu

Who are you?

My name is Amy Clark, I am an art student at PSU and the creator of Ohlnu.

What do you make?
I make bags from Pendleton wool and leather, accessories from natural gemstones, and paper roses from old books and vintage comics.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I am also an art practices major at PSU and a wife. I spend most of my time trying to balance going to school, creating things for Ohlnu, and still keeping a social life.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired primarily with my life experiences. My family is Ogallala and Rosebud Sioux and I have always been influenced by our Native American heritage. I have lived in the Southwest, Midwest, and Northwest regions of the US and always draw my inspiration from my adventures there.

Where can your work be found?
My work can be found at my etsy shop www.ohlnu.etsy.com. I also participate in local craft fairs, two large ones that are coming up are Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colossal Spring Sale on May 12 here in Portland, and this summer’s Urban Craft Uprising on July 7 + 8 in Seattle, Washington.

What do you love about Portland?
My favorite part about Portland is how eclectic it is. You can do or be anything that you want and will be accepted and loved for who you are. I also love how close it is to hiking trails and amazing wilderness areas.

We make Portland awesome: Walnut Studio

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Geoffrey and Valerie Franklin of Walnut Studio

Who are you?
Geoffrey Franklin. Age 33. Grew up in Beaverton, now living in SE Portland. Graduated U of O with a Bachelors of Architecture.

What do you make?
I design and make awesome stuff that I really want for my life and can't find. Then, if other people want it, I make it for them, too. I design and make gear and accessories out of wood and leather for bicycles, business, beer, and more.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I run a small architectural firm, Walnut Architecture, alongside a good friend and partner, Doug Ouderkirk.

What inspires you?
The smallest details can inspire me. The design of an object, which at first glance seems like it couldn't have ever been designed in any other way. But with deeper reflection reveals that all it's variables and components were harmoniously arranged, each decision adding to the greater whole. It's a rare thing.

Where can your work be found?
We are almost all online, on Etsy.com and on our own website, walnutstudiolo.com. Boutiques and bike shops have begun carrying our products around the world, from Melbourne to Toronto to London, but nowhere in Portland yet!

What do you love about Portland?
This is going to sound a bit nerdy, but I love Portland Metro's 2040 plan for growth. We're a model for the county in that respect. I love the infilled and mixed-use (walkable) neighborhoods. I love that I can ride my bike anywhere in the city; all the way to the airport, for example. The only limiting factor to riding your bike becomes the hauling capacity of your bike. And I love that Portland's bike builders are working to design the best damn utility bikes ever!

Crafty Wonderland in summary

The Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale 2012 was today! It was a pretty good day. Somehow, hundreds (thousands?) of people managed to pull themselves away from the 85-degree sunny loveliness outside and come into the Oregon Convention Center for this event. Despite being rather tired and fuzzy-brained, I had a decent time selling and shopping and socializing.

My favorite part of the day was meeting and visiting so many of my "internet friends"– some whom I've interviewed on the We Make Portland Awesome section of this blog. Some of them were:
• Sofia of Buttonlandia
• Emily of Hedgehog Hiker (my neighbor at this show!)
• Sara of Kitty Baby Love
• Brooke of Little Canoe
• Cassie of Mag-Big
• Pepe and Ale of Muluk and The Blind Insect (You are some of my favorite people!)
• Emily of FunShine Creations (Thank you for the wonderful trade! I love my new earrings!)
• Amy of Ohlnu
• Alysia of Prost to the Host
• Anna of Roots Soap Co (I can't wait to try that laundry soap!)
• Monique of Where The Moon Goes

...And I know there were lots of others who are now escaping my very tired mind! With over 200 vendors, we had a pretty good group of wonderful makers and artists and friends, and it was really fun.

We make Portland awesome: Roots Soap Co

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Roots Soap Co

Who are you?
My name is Anna, and I live in Southeast Portland, Oregon, with my fabulous graphic designer husband and our two little kids (with a third joy on the way this fall). I'm originally from Montana, and he's from Spokane. I am the maker in my business and he is the designer behind my logo and packaging.

What do you make?
I am a second generation soapmaker, and I make about 18 different kinds of soaps as well as herbal salves and am getting ready to offer all natural laundry soap as well. My mother taught me basically everything I know about the things I make, and instilled in me a love for all that is natural, close to the earth and handmade. She had me stir my first batch of soap when I was about eight years old, and I still use her same recipes (with my own unique touches) to this day.

Besides making things, what do you do?
Besides being a business owner and full time mom, I pour my creative energy into sewing things for my kids and friends' kids, gardening in my backyard, cooking whatever we're craving for the day and reading animatedly to my kids. When we get the chance we love to get out and go to Mt. Tabor to walk and explore, see the taxidermy animals at Paxton Gate on N. Mississippi, get wet at the Jameson Square fountain, eat ice cream at Fifty Licks on Belmont, and go for bike rides. We obviously love summer.  

What inspires you?
Definitely my older sister Jen who is also a soapmaker, runs a farm, is an amazing mother, and probably the strongest woman I know. She helped me so much when I first started my business and has been an immense support all the way through. I am also inspired by the many local makers in our community and by really amazing design.

Where can your work be found?
My soaps are sold at Powells on Hawthorne, EtCetera in St. Johns and Aster and Bee on Division. I'll also be peddling my wares at Crafty Wonderland on May 12th at the Convention Center.

What do you love about Portland?
I am endlessly amazed at how beautiful and diverse this city is, and how friendly the general feel is. I love how it somehow has a small town feel while having all the amenities of a big city. Plus wilderness and ocean are right out the backdoor! I think that's why it attracts so many young wanderers; you can really make this place your own and fall in love with it. We sure did! We have all our favorite spots where we feel at home; Hopworks on Powell, Stumptown on Division, The Landmark Saloon, walking in Ladds Addition, picnicking on Mt. Tabor, and many others.

We make Portland awesome: Bo Betsy

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Cathie Jo of Bo Betsy

Who are you?
I am a person who likes things one at a time. I'm not a multitasker... don't juggle well. But alas! Life isn't really like that. It's messy and all at once. So, in the mayhem that is just an ordinary day in a happy life - I've found that the one. stitch. at. a. time. of hand embroidery brings me back to right. Each slow, purposeful stitch brings about stillness and order -- how nice!
 

What do you make?
I make freeform hand embroidered hoop art. I used to do a lot of hankies and patterned work - oh, and custom portraits - but I am so hooked on working freeform right now that i don't want to look back!

Besides making things, what do you do?
I'm a mom, so much of my days are spent with these great kids and what they've got going on.

What inspires you?
Most of all, I'd have to say color combinations. Aren't there just the most amazing colors? There are snapshots in my head of movie scenes and magazine pages and old fabrics and children's books -- combinations of colors together that make me want to climb in and live there. And come to think of it -- I patterned the wall colors in our country bungalow after the odd color combination I loved in a children's book. I do live there! Those same colors I use a lot in my embroidery, too...

Where can your work be found?
My hoops are always a' plenty in my Etsy shop (www.bobetsy.etsy.com)... And in the last few months, I've branched out a bit to some shops. Most recently, Cakespy Shop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle is loaded up with some sweetly embroidered hoops. Also, The Marketplace at Rain Dance Ranch (here in Newberg wine country) has a fun selection of Bo Betsy hoop art.

What do you love about Portland?
While I lived in Portland for several years between college and getting married, I now live in the outskirts of beautiful nearby Newberg - overlooking gorgeous vineyards. I still love Portland for all it's color and life - and once a year my dear Portland-dwelling friend keeps me updated on all the hip areas of town for our birthday celebration. I love that - it's so fun to see how the city continues to change and become more...

As a family, it's an ultimately great day when we get to spend a Sunday afternoon roller skating to the classic organ music at Oak's Park. (My special joy is watching the fantastic aging roller boogy-ers... I dream of learning to skate easily and beautifully, in the style of the older men I see gliding around the rink.) Top the day off with some myzithra and spumoni at the Old Spaghetti Factory - and we're happy! Long live the Oak's Park Roller Rink!

We make Portland awesome: Fleur + Dot

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Fleur + Dot

Who are you?
I'm Brianne, owner/designer for PetalPetal and Fleur + Dot, two lines of handmade children's apparel.

What do you make?
Fleur + Dot is a line of vintage inspired apparel for the modern child in bright and bold cotton prints. PetalPetal is a line of mix and match tops and skirts in customizable fabrics for the modern birthday or flower girl.

 

Besides making things, what do you do?
I eat and listen to music and read. I should do more yoga and spend more time learning French, but while trying to get a fairly new business off the ground it can be hard to focus on anything else!

What inspires you?
I'm really inspired by art forms that I have no ability to participate in, such as architecture, painting and drawing, music, cinema and storytelling. When I'm in front of a beautiful or interesting building, I can picture the girl who should live/work in the building and what she would wear. When reading a brilliant novel, I picture the characters' closets. Sometimes those designs make it into my collections. I also find myself most inspired when I step away from my studio and just get out in the city or out into nature and give my brain a chance to stop drafting patterns in my head or wondering if I should use a large or small scale print for a new design.

Where can your work be found?
PetalPetal is available only at our online shop as we work with our clients to create one of a kind pieces, but Fleur + Dot is available in a number of fun locations, including Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and hopefully Australia and France very soon! But if you are in the Portland area, I would recommend browsing the Fleur + Dot online shop.

Fleur + Dot Shop: www.shopfleuranddot.com
PetalPetal Shop: www.PetalPetal.com
 

What do you love about Portland?
The music and the food! I especially love the brunch culture of Portland. Sunny Sundays usually mean brunch with friends and then strolling and browsing shops. And we are so lucky to live in one of the best cities for live music! There are so many other things I love about Portland, such as all the breweries, the great bike culture, the backyard chicken trend (I have 7 and they make me laugh every day). Portland is a beautiful city with so much personality that there really isn't much to complain about (I'm feeling especially loving towards the city as we've had such a dry and sunny winter so if the rain picks up soon, I may be found complaining about that).

Fleur + Dot Web: www.fleuranddot.com
PetalPetal Web: www.PetalPetal.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PetalPetal
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/petalpetaldsgns
Blog: www.petalhandmadelove.blogspot.com/

We make Portland awesome: NeekaKnits

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: NeekaKnits

Who are you?
My name is Adrienne and I live in Southeast Portland with my husband and our dog, Annie. I moved here 10 years ago on a whim, looking for something different after college. A born and raised New Yorker who always hated the city, I love the creative, quiet, laid-back attitude here. Hmmm, what else do you need to know about me? I'm kind of a combination of a grandma and a toddler - I like to knit, worry, feed people and complain about my joints, but I'm also petite, hyperactive, constantly singing silly songs, spilling things on myself and obsessed with candy.
 

What do you make?
I knit stuff. A lot of stuff. I pretty much started knitting about 7 years ago and haven't stopped since. I'm also a dabbler in all things crafty - painting, drawing, sewing, playing with clay, taking pictures, coming up with new recipes. My brain is constantly bossing my hands around.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I spend a ridiculous part of every day fawning over my dog. Seriously, it's a little off the hook how much attention she gets.
 

What inspires you?
All the creative people in Portland! I'm always in awe of all the amazing art, illustration, and all-around style exuding from my fellow Portlanders. I get a lot of the ideas for my knits from my stylish friends, as well as my own need to feel cozy in the rainy winters.

Where can your work be found?
You can find my knits and patterns on my Etsy shop, www.neekaknits.etsy.com. My knits are also available in a bunch of lovely Portland stores like Crafty Wonderland, Tender Loving Empire, Little Things, Etcetera and Knack. I'm also particularly in love with custom orders and working with people to design their perfect knit!

What do you love about Portland?
I love the cloudy weather, the craftsmen houses, the cute dogs, the amazing food, and the veggie gardens in people's front lawns. I love the fact that it's city-ish and country-ish at the same time, and I love that people here take comfort and coziness, in their many forms, very seriously.