Guest Star #1: Staring Jeri Riddle!

“Guest Star Blog 1”

Jeri K Riddle, a.k.a. “Minnasnowtan”

When asked why I knit, I joke that I knit so I don’t kill people, but crafting is my art and creative release. I find knitting to be very relaxing and is my go-to stress reliever. I have been known to fall asleep in my chair with a pair of needles and a skein of yarn in my lap. Believe me, it can be quite interesting to wake up and realize you have no idea where you are on your stitch count!

I guess I better say a little bit more about myself so people do not get the wrong idea and think I am a sociopath with a yarn obsession. I started knitting when I was nine-years-old, but it took many years to master it. The first project I ever completed that was usable and recognizable was a little red Christmas bell. Forty years later, I find I still do not know it all and one of my goals for the coming year is to learn and master a new technique, most likely it will be cable knitting. I absolutely love the look of cables and have done one project so far that used a simple, modified cable in its design.

I also sew, scrapbook, make hand-made paper and several other crafts. I know how to crochet, but have never mastered an even tension. :/ That said I have taught several others how to crochet and can even do so left-handed. The extent of my crocheting these days is to make simple embellishments for some of my knit projects.

I have designed a few knitting patterns over the years and my most recent is for a newborn hat that looks like the “Minion Baby Costume” from “Despicable Me.” I love the movies and collect minions as well as knit them. I have made over a dozen miniature minions for family and friends. I might try making a larger-sized one and several costume changes for it. We will see what the next year brings.

I had always wanted to make Christmas stockings for my family and so I learned how to knit socks and then designed my own over-sized stockings from there. I have also designed a ring-bearer’s pillow made with crochet thread.

I must confess I HATE seams! I honestly suck at them and will modify a pattern if at all possible to avoid them. If a pattern calls for double-point or circular needles, I am in!

I cannot call my crafting a career, but it is a passion and I always have a number of projects in the works. I am currently working on a cowl for myself using some absolutely to-die-for Irish wool my daughter gave me as a gift. (I love natural fibers by the way.) I am also working on a heart garland that says, “The Riddle’s est. 7-11-15.”

There are several other projects in the works, but I think I have rattled on long enough for a first-time “Guest blogger.” So until next time, may your stash overflow and your gauge be accurate! Happy knitting!