A Creative Friendship Story

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This is a cool story:

I've known Sabina at Crochet Gallery for many years - since she started her shop I believe. I was looking for a triangle scarf for myself on Etsy and that is how I discovered her shop. I hate making things for myself, so I am more than happy to support another artisan to make something for me.  Since then, I have commissioned work for myself, and occasionally for my customers as well, and over the years we've enjoyed chatting about yarn and growing our businesses. Over time we have become friends; but we've never "met" in person.

Last week, Sabina posted about having s'mores on Instagram. I commented: "I want crochet & s'mores" and then she replied "come on down".

I thought about it and ...  it is slow season, I can crochet anywhere, I mean... why not! Since I was about to take a road trip anyway, I decided to change my plans and leave the next day. Once I reached her general area, I sent an email: "want to have s'mores tomorrow?" The reply was funny because even though we'd never "met" I could imagine her as she typed it. It read: "Seriously?"

I said sure... and a few emails later, just like that, the next day we were two old (and new friends) hanging out bonding over s'mores, crochet and yarn. If you follow me on Instagram you saw the awesome fire pit .

Sabina welcomed me and it was instant connection. We laughed, traded stories and she even made home cooked curry and a Bosnian bread for us to enjoy. (The woman is a dynamo and does it ALL). Oh, and yes, s'mores did indeed happen for dessert!

The next morning we enjoyed coffee, more laughs and she even taught me how to knit - which I've been wanting to work on and learn for so long. That was a huge bonus!

It was probably one of the best ideas I have ever had and so much fun in a short time. The time visiting flew by in fact. It was as if we'd always been friends, which we kind of have. Sabina is amazing and it was a blast hanging out.

I will always be grateful for the way we connected so many years ago and love the way this craft world really brings people together.   💖🌺🌷

Crochet & Stay Organized In Style

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I have been on the hunt for the "perfect" crochet hook case for about 2 years. It's not that I am picky, it's that I had in my mind exactly what I wanted and wasn't ready to settle for something that didn't meet all my needs. I was about to give up and have one made for me. I support handmade and custom work, but this "custom" aspect always adds to the cost and I am a gal on the budget. Plus there is always the fun of communicating the idea in my head to someone else in a way they get it. I call this artistic challenge.

So there I was... feeling a little frustrated when I decided to give Etsy one last try. And boom!

I discovered a Atelier de Soyun, fabulous shop in South Korea owned and run by a woman who is married to an ex-pat.  Her shop is filled with delightful cases and cary-alls for us knitters & hookers.

I purchased the case and was delighted to received a lovely thank you note. Not the typical generic note, but a very personalized thank you email with information on when my case would ship and when to expect it. It was an unexpected element that made me feel even better about my purchase.

The case arrived very quickly. Within 2 weeks, and well before the estimated time of arrival. When I opened the mailer, the packaging was clean and simple and accompanied by another hand written note.

The case is perfect. First of all the simplicity of the design is perfect. No extra wasted frills and attachment. The fabric color , embellishments and ruching really give that touch of style and beauty. The craftsmanship and materials are top notch. It has a side flap pocket for my small snips, stitch markers and quilting needle. I love the flap over top to keep the hooks from sliding out as well as the snug button closure.

I am truly blown away by the quality for the price.  Most of all though, I am thoroughly impressed by the level of customer service.

In fact, I loved the case and the buying experience so much that I ordered a second one for my larger wooden hook set.

So check out Atelier de Soyun and stay organized in style.

 

 

This post originally appeared on Crochet by Michele