10HoursOrLess Interview Gift A-long 2019

When I was 12 years old, I found a long-forgotten “How to Crochet” book alongside an old skein of yarn and hook stuffed into the living room closet. From that, I taught myself the basics of crochet. Shortly thereafter, I learned to knit from a book I borrowed from my local library.

Open Ocean Shawl by 10hoursorless

The initial inception, when an idea first takes hold and the possibilities are endless: What fibers? What patterns? What colors? What shapes? It’s a magical time when I begin to see a design take shape much like a movie in my head.

Chorus of Cats Hat by 10hoursorless

Nature. At this point in my life, I appreciate the clear mind and quiet reflection that comes with hiking Florida’s forest trails surrounded by trees, ponds and wildlife. Since I left the city over a decade ago, I’ve come to really “see” and appreciate the wonders around me. That not only inspires my designs, but my everyday life as well.

I’m a full-time designer and publisher. And that suits me perfectly. I’m my own boss. I control my own time. I do what I want, where I want, when I want. If it’s a beautiful day, I might spontaneously stop work in late morning and then drive to the coast for the afternoon. If I’ve spent the day hiking, I might decide to come home and design until midnight. Every day is new. Every day is different. And that’s how I like it.

Fisherman’s Fabric by 10hoursorless

I actually don’t. And I’ll tell you why: I get bored very easily.

Being a designer allows me to immerse myself in one type of project and subsequently move on to an entirely different one thereafter. A month of working with wool will have me yearning for cotton or silk. A couple of knitted designs will eventually give way to thinking about crochet. After a succession of bulky projects, I’m ready for sport or fingering weight work. So I guess my “favorite thing to design” is whatever I’m working on at the time.

Since I spend my work time immersed in knitting or crochet, I never pick up the needles or hooks otherwise. Living in Florida, I much prefer to spend my free time in the active outdoors. So while I do have time to make things for myself and for others, I never do.

Penguins on Parade by 10hoursorless

Definitely an afghan. Any style. Any kind. To me, there’s something quite comforting about a handmade afghan that goes beyond function or aesthetics. In fact, my aunt made an oversized afghan for me over 40 years ago – and it’s currently sitting atop my bed.

I don’t have a favorite yarn per se, but I do have a favorite type. My favorite type is natural, non-superwash wool. The way it feels. The way it flows through my hands. The way it settles into the stitches. And the way it ultimately comes alive during the first wash and block.

Stag Season by 10hoursorless

I love all my “children” equally. Even the ugly ones. 🙂

That’s an interesting question – and a timely one. Especially since I’ve chosen to use the month of December to reassess my business direction. At this point, I don’t know whether I’ll continue the 10 Hours or Less™ brand as it is, expand it into other areas (like sewing and quilting) or add another entirely different brand to my portfolio. And that I don’t yet know. So stay tuned!

Would you believe I don’t have one? The palettes I’m drawn to depend entirely on my mood at the time, which can lean toward soft neutrals or rustic heathers or deep jewel tones or electric neons.

Lace Labyrinth by 10hoursorless

Without a doubt, what I love most is being on the Moderator Team. The intelligence, competence and humor of the GAL moderators is second-to-none. We come from different walks of life, different corners of the globe, and yet work seamlessly together. Every year, I get so much more out of being a GAL moderator than I ever give back.

There are so many! But to name a few that stand out to me in specific categories:

Classic: Nina Machlin Dayton (Therese Hat – https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/therese-hat-2)
Contemporary: Christelle Nihoul (Bel Ami Shawl – https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bel-ami)
Lacework: Lily Go (Proud as a Peacock Shawl – https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/proud-as-a-peaco…)
Patterning: Barbara Benson (Courant Stole – https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/courant-3)
Whimsy: Loraine (Santa Tea Cozies – https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/santa-tea-cozies…)