Craft:

Linda Permann is a talented girl who loves to quilt, sew, crochet, bake, and recycle. She has contributed some great little projects to the pages of CRAFT as well as some Made on Earth profile writeups to the pages of MAKE, our sister publication.

In CRAFT Volume 09, Linda shared with us how to take an ordinary beer or soda glass bottle, and transform it into a gem with this adorable crocheted Button-Up Bud Vase:

Then, in CRAFT Volume 10, she gave us a couple of great party-related how-tos with the pattern for a sweet crocheted bow tie and also the Printed Party Flags, teaching us how to sew festive flags and stamp them with a homemade foam stamp:

We checked in with Linda this week to see what she's been crafting lately, and here's what she wrote:

"I contribute to Craftstylish.com three times a week, with one how-to post published each Wednesday, such as this Button Bedecked Headband and a Crochet Tawashi how-to."

"I also have my blog, where I post personal projects generally related to crochet or sewing. Two recent favorites were the Big Ass Granny Blankie and my new project tote bag. I also started working at my local yarn shop (The Yarn Shop and Fiber Place) and that has been really fun too -- I'm also teaching classes there and petting pretty yarns two days a week. Getting out of the house definitely helps my creative work, and my sanity."

"I'm still a regular contributor to Crochet Today, and in the most recent issue I have some pretty crocheted earrings, starched vases, and an article on seaming, in addition to my "Crochet Doctor" column. I've also been working on some forthcoming projects for Interweave Crochet , Sew Stylish, and Sew Simple and always have ideas brewing for more of that.

And most importantly, I've been plotting some book events for this August when my new book comes out! The book is called Crochet Adorned, and it's all about adding easy embellishments to your wardrobe -- either to revamp your thrift store finds, or just to add a personal touch to your garments without being overwhelmed by the amount of time each project takes. The book also features some pretty home and accessory projects, and a stitch dictionary filled with trims, motifs, and stitch pattern goodness. I'm planning a trip to Portland to celebrate the launch of the book and I can't wait to hang out with my crafty PDX friends."

Thanks, Linda! Keep up with Linda on her site, Lindamade. And for back issues of CRAFT, head on over to the Maker Shed, and get em while they last!