Meet the Maker of One Big Happy

Jenny Fish, Knitter at One Big Happy

When and how did you first start knitting?
Almost 20 years ago, I had a Lucy moment and convinced my best friend Becca to go a knitting class. The class was a disaster.  I don’t think we ever got past the cast on row. Looking back, it was quite hilarious, but at the time I was so frustrated!!! After that we stuck to books from the library and local yarn shops for tips and tricks. 

What advice would you give to someone who just started knitting?
Be Patient and Persistent. Knitting is a labor of love. It takes time to master. But if you keep at it, soon you’ll be able to knit up some beautiful works of art and we all have to start somewhere. 

What are your must-have tools in your studio?
BAGS! I love all the bags. I have so many! Seriously. I have a thing for my knitting bags. I also love the clicking row counter and my locking stitch makers. The markers help keep me on track especially when my babies need me. 

What inspires you and gets your creativity flowing?
I’m inspired by the yarn. It’s almost like the yarn tells me what it wants to be. I soak in the color, fiber content and how its spun. Then I vision the fabric it will make, from that something usually pops into my head.. like, this texture would make a good scarf. Ok, this yarn wants to be a scarf. 

How did you become the face of One Big Happy?
Everyone that knows me knows I love to knit. Fortunately for me, when MSQC decided to start selling yarn, I already worked for the company. I’m local, a part of the family and have a passion for knitting and sharing my knowledge of the craft. We did a test run and so far it seems to be working. Being the face of the company just kind of happened.

Explore One Big Happy Today! >

Take Your Work on the Go!

Spring is here and summer is on its way and with them comes beautiful, warm weather! It’s getting harder and harder to want to spend your days completely indoors when you could be out soaking up the sun.

With hand work, you’re never confined to any specific space – the world is yours for the taking (and making!). Get outside and create to your heart’s content!

Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) and English Paper-Piecing

Both QAYG and English Paper-Piecing are perfect ways to continue stitching up beautiful projects wherever you roam! Take your pieces on the go, all you need are your materials, a needle and thread, and your hands and you’re all set to create some magic!

Quilt As You Go QAYG Hexagon Quilt by the Missouri Star Quilt Company.
QAYG Hexagon Quilt by the Missouri Star Quilt Company.

Hand Binding

Finish off your quilts with a little personal touch – by hand stitching your binding closed! With hand binding, you can take your project outside or on the road easily – all you need is a needle, some thread, and your project, ready to be bound! Finishing your quilt can be one of the toughest parts of the process, especially when you’re so eager to have the beautiful finished project adorning your spaces. Luckily, binding is something that you can do wherever you are – take that project with you and you’ll have that binding stitched up in no time!

Embroidery

Embroidery floss

Do you embroider? It’s the perfect “on-the-go” project for people of all ages! No matter your experience level, it’s a great way to keep your hands busy and the outcome is a beautiful work of art! There are no limits when it comes to embroidery – if you can sketch or trace it out, you can embroider it!

Embroidery project by Jenny Doan.
Jenny works on an embroidering a cute puppy!

Knitting and Crocheting

If you knit and crochet then you already know how mobile of a craft it is! Grab your yarn and needles or crochet hook and the world is your oyster – outside, on the go, snuggled up in a quilt on the couch – there’s no bad place to whip up something beautiful!

One Big Happy Cowl Knit-Along.
Join the One Big Happy Cowl knit-along!

If you haven’t yet taken a dive into the knitting or crocheting world, have no fear! Our sister company, One Big Happy, can show you the ropes and have you whipping up projects in no time. There are tutorials and patterns and all the supplies you’ll need to get started and keep going here.

How do you create when you’re on the go, away from your sewing machine? Do you ever take your work outside with you? Let us know below! 

10 Quick and Easy Handmade Gift Ideas!

Have you bitten off a little more than you can chew this year with your holiday projects? We all love giving homemade gifts, but sometimes we forget how much work goes into making them! Well, jump right into the festive MSQC spirit, watch a few fabulous tutorials, and in no time you’ll be full of holiday cheer and ready to tackle that gift list you’ve been avoiding!

10 handmade gifts pinnable

Here is a list of ten simple projects that are truly quick and easy. You’ll be able to finish any of these gifts just in time to sneak them under the tree! And here’s the bonus: Each one has a FREE VIDEO TUTORIAL to teach you how to make it step by step!!

1. Classic Zipper Pouch #dontfearthezipper

If you’ve never used zippers in your projects before, you’ll be amazed at how easy it truly is! Watch the tutorial once and you’ll find yourself making little pouches of all shapes and sizes for the whole family! It takes so little time you could practically make them on Christmas Eve!

2. Drawstring Gift Bag

gift bags straight on

This tutorial is so much fun and you won’t believe how awesome the results are! It takes about half an hour to make one of these cuties. Fill them up with something special (or yummy!) and give them out to a dozen of your friends!

3. Fabric Catch-All Box

holiday boxes 1

These little fabric boxes are so simple to make! Make them big or little! Fill them with anything you’d like! They are great for gifting and for organizing clutter around the house.

4. Burrito Pillowcase

Sewing a beautiful, personalized pillowcase is such a thoughtful, fun project and it doesn’t take much time at all! Make the holidays even more special with pillowcases for the whole family and you won’t have trouble pleasing everyone on your gift list.

5. Tech Case

ipad cover tutorial

Everyone seems to be getting new technology for Christmas, but what will they put their tablets in? That’s where you come to the rescue! It’s a practical and thoughtful gift for the techies in your life!

6. Fabric Scrap Dog Bed

Don’t forget man’s best friend! This simple pet bed is like a pillowcase stuffed with all your fabric scraps! It’s the perfect way to use up all the excess fabric and batting you have around the house. It will keep your pet comfy and cozy all winter long!

7. Improv Tote Bag

tote5 copy

This great tutorial teaches you how to make a stunning tote bag from a jelly roll! Once you get going, you might not be able to stop! You’ll be finding any excuse to make another! They are a lot of fun to put together and take less than a couple hours to finish!

8. No Sew Blanket

Don’t have time to sew a quilt this Christmas? Jenny Doan’s got the perfect solution for you! Quick, personalized, no sew-blankets will help you survive the holiday rush! Everyone loves cuddling up with their favorite blanket. This is a project even the kids can help with!

9. Action Figure Holder

action figure holder

Do you know a child with loads of action figures? Control the clutter by making a special place to keep them! This handy action figure holder has clear pockets on the front and holds 24 figurines. That’s 24 fewer to step on! It hangs on the wall or folds up for easy storage. 

10. Crocheted Headband

crochet headband for blog

Make cute headbands for all the ladies in your family, and a few for yourself too! They are super easy to make and customize!

Find more quick and easy projects here: