Thursday, February 05, 2009

Learning New Crafts

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before or not, but I have been promoted at work. I work for Jo-Ann Fabrics and am now the Hard Lines Supervisor. Basically I am in charge of every department that is not fabric or home decorating. This includes: seasonal products, florals, storage, jewelry, paper crafting (scrapbooking and stamping), Wilton products, kids crafts and needle arts (knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and embroidery). I'm happy with the promotion, but there are three areas where my skills are non-existent or lacking: knitting, scrapbooking and jewelry.

I asked my supervisor what order should I learn these skills so I can be more helpful to guests. Her response was: knitting, jewelry, then scrapbooking. She recommended the knitting book below to get me started. It's written for young girls, but the instructions are great and the projects are simple. The other magazine is my newest reading love. The sewing projects in the magazine are great and always inspiring.
DH had given me a large gift card to Michael's for my birthday for getting some of our menus framed. I had enough money left over on the card so I decided to purchase some knitting needles. I also found this Scrapbook in a Box. I figured this is a good way to learn the basics of scrapbooking. I plan to use it to highlight our special meals.
I don't need any beading supplies. I purchased those supplies last September when I was thinking about starting beading.

This doesn't mean I'm giving up quilting. I think of it more as I'm expanding my skills. I doubt I'll ever become a master scrapbooker or a master knitter. But I intend to have fun trying!

PS - If you know of any great knitting or scrapbooking blogs, please let me know. Thanks!

Sweet P

12 comments:

dawnkristine said...

Good luck with the knitting, I am a crocheter since I can remember, but I cannot get the hang of knitting for the life of me! I will check back to see how you are doing!

Michele Bilyeu said...

I think it's all wonderful! Wonderful you got back out into the world and took on a new exciting challenge....and a new learning curve! You are so creative...you'll figure this all out in no time (whether you learn to knit, make jewelry or scrapbook..ha ha..and I bet you do!)

Paula, the quilter said...

Wow, I had to really search for the 'post a comment' it is such a different color that I could not see it on that tan background. Anyway, if you find your [knitting] stitches slip off those Silvalume needles, switch to some bamboo. The wood seems to 'grab' the yarn a bit more. Just a tip. O, and congratulations on the promotion!

Libby said...

Congrats on the promotion! The only help I could offer on knitting was to check in with 'the quilter' - but she already checked in *s* Have fun.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the promotion! Good luck on the knitting, it's not bad once you just get used to holding the needles. I learned from just my mom showing me how to knit and purl, and the rest I learned online or from books.

Denise in PA said...

Wow, a job where learning news crafts is part of the work "you take home." What fun! Have a great time learning these new skills and Congratulations!

Carolyn said...

I worked in craft stores when I was in college and loved learning the popular crafts. Back then
(1979) I learned macrame, tole painting and stained glass. They were such fun! Enjoy your venture into knitting. That one could become addictive...there's just something about working with fiber, whether it's yarn or fabric!

Lurline said...

Congratulations on your promotion - how lovely to work with crafts! I, too, love the bamboo needles for knitting - have only just switched to them and yes, they are the best!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Anonymous said...

Congratulations of the promotion. One Question, where do you get the time to craft? I work at Joann's and all the supervisors at my store seem to work non-stop, the reason I will never be anything but part-time.

Your customers are very lucky to have someone who cares enough to learn enough to give advise to them.

I have the same problem as you as I work in the Framing dept and frequently spend all my 2 wks salary on a frame or two!

Anonymous said...

Hey Paula, Congrats on the promotion. I knew you would get it. Any woman who can survive a day with two jetlagged aussies whilst visiting quilt shops can certainly manage some new skills.I love crochet more than knitting. Usually get mum to do the knitting.

Paula said...

I wanted to hop over here to your new blog and say hello!! I changed my Google Reader, so I can still follow your craftiness!! LOL

Cathi said...

If you want to read a great knitting blog, check out the Yarn Harlot at http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/ -- her blog is marvelous, as are her books. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak in person, don't hesitate. No affiliation, etc., etc.
If you're going ot do much knitting with cotton, I'd suggest getting the Addi Turbo needles. They're nice and slippery smooth -- make it very easy to work with cotton.