I've been crocheting most of my life. My mother taught me as a child, using string & my finger. I'm a leftie so I learned sitting across from her & watching her movements. She also taught me embroidery & how to sew. Her name was Willis Ruby & my company, Willie Ru Designs, is named for her.
I love to crochet! I find it relaxing & stimulating at the same time. I can't wait to finish a project just to see what it looks like. Often, the idea I start with isn't the same one I end with. Many of my creations have a Plan B, Plan C and sometimes it goes on and on until I like what I see. I rarely use patterns because I change my mind as I go along. I tend to jot down my own design instructions on little pieces of scrap paper or old envelopes that I may never find again, or if I do, have no idea what they mean.
Yarn is my biggest vice. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to buy much recently but luckily, I have quite a collection or stash, as we adicts refer to it. I also have a large stash of fabrics...
I have a weakness for the unique & one-of-a-kind & handmade. Always have. This also translates into my yarns. I love handspun & hand dyed yarns. I love supporting other women owned small businesses who make a living spinning & dying yarn. It may cost a little more but we all need to support each other.
I love vivid, intense colors & texture. I love the unexpected. I like high quality materials to work with which doesn't necessarily mean expensive but it needs to hold up with wear & time. I love fun & functional accessories & that's what my creations are all about.
All this is probably more than you need to know but I hope it gives you some insight into me & how I create. Now for some eye candy...
I sell most of my work on Etsy - mostly scarves & cowls. Here's the link
Willie Ru Designs
Here are some of my favorites available now in my Etsy shop.
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Black, Teal & Purple Scarf
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Handmade Crochet Multi Color Scarf
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Autumn Colors Handmade Cowl
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Light Blue & Lavender Handmade Cowl
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Handmade Crochet Mobius Cowl
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Handmade Crochet Roving Scarf
Right now in my Etsy shop you'll find mostly scarves & cowls but I also sew & crochet purses & pillows. I'll be adding a few small purses to my shop soon & other goodies.
I also do custom work so if there's something you want but don't see, let me know & let's see what we can create together. My email is palskaren@aol.com. If you need some ideas, you can see more photos of my past work on my Flickr page.
Several months ago when I was facing eviction, many of you came together to help save me. Please know that I appreciate your help to this day. Quite of few of you bought some of my Willie Ru creations so hopefully you're enjoying them & can attest to the quality & to the fact that I'm a terrible photographer & they are beautiful in person. I'm not out of the woods yet financially, so any & all purchases are needed & I am always thankful to the Kos Community.
Many thanks & happy shopping!
Karen (fineena)
Willie Ru Designs on Etsy
7:28 PM PT: Just a reminder - although I do custom work, most of the yarns used for the creations on my Etsy page are one-of-a-kind. There is no more yarn like it to be had so if there is something you want, buy it now.