Featured: Annemarie's Breiblog

Who's ready for another featured artisan and some cheerful crochets? Just in time for the coming of Spring (and Valentine's day), Annemarie's adorable and colorful crochet garlands (among other goodies) will brighten your room, work space, or anywhere else that needs some uplifting.

Choose your own colours - Little Hearts Garland



Name: Annemarie
Location: The Netherlands (ships internationally)
Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/annemariesbreiblog
Blog: www.annemariesbreiblog.blogspot.com

Pink Hearts Garland

Tell me a little about yourself:
I am 35 years old, I have a full-time job and I live in The Netherlands. Although my job takes a lot of my energy, I try to crochet every day. My first crochet projects were made out of t-shirt yarn. In The Netherlands they sell it in shops and it has become very popular here over the past year (see www.hoooked.nl). I think working with t-shirt yarn is a great way to learn to crochet because the thread is huge so you can see very well what you are doing.

Crochet Fish

How would you describe your shop? Who should definitely stop by?
My shop is all about garlands and a little bit about crochet animals. I love bright colours so if you are looking for something to brighten up your room, you've come to the right place. 

What keeps you motivated?
The sweet comments on my blog and the emails of my readers keep me motivated! It's an amazing experience that people you don't actually know are so interested in what you are doing and are coming back to my blog every now and then to see what's new. What also keeps me motivated is other people's items. I love to surf on Flickr or just do some blog hopping to get new ideas.

Shamrock Garland

What is your most cherished handmade possession?
My crochet mice I cherish most! When I was about 5 hears old I lost a mouse in Denmark while I was on holiday with my sister and parents. Ever since, I've been trying to find a copy of that mouse. I've never really succeeded, but when I learnt how to crochet I saw so many nice patterns. The mouse I've created is a combination of a lot of patterns and it comes really close to the mouse I lost. I love making them!

Flower Garland - Red

Do you have any advice for those who are new to handmade/crafting?
If you think it doesn't get as pretty as you wanted it to be, just keep trying! I'm still having days that things don't turn out the way I wanted them to be, but it's just a matter of persistence. And maybe sometimes you should try using different materials or just ask an expert. I've had some great advice of Karin of www.karinaandehaak.nl who has a great blog about crochet as well!

Tell us who one of your favorite sellers is on Etsy!
My favourite shop is definitely Hi Tree's shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/hitree). I think she makes the most gorgeous pincushions and the idea of accessories that can be added to the pincushion is really cute and brilliant.

Crochet Star Garland

Crochet Mouse

Crochet Snake

Spring Flowers

Who's ready for Spring? :) Thanks Annemarie for sharing with us and keep up the great work!