A Letter from me to you 29 Sep 2024 8:36 AM (6 months ago)
I’m excited to share a project that’s been brewing for awhile —something that finally came together during a recent flight home from Colorado. I intentionally had just a pen and a notebook, and with that bit of focus time I figured out how to bring my art, craft, and ideas online in a simplified more authentic way to me.
I’m moving my future podcast, blog, newsletter, and essays all to Substack. What I like about Substack is its flexibility: you can read or listen to my posts by visiting the page, subscribe to get them in your inbox, or catch them as a podcast—whatever works best for you.
So, what will I be writing about? Honestly, the same things I always have: art, craft, and life. It’s about how I strive to live sustainably—personally, as a business owner, and as an artist. I’ll share what inspires me and what I learn along the way. You can read the most recent letter or sign up to receive future ones here:
Until Next Time,
Kristin M Roach
Mini Zine: Step-by-Step How to Make a Basic Zine 23 Feb 2024 11:11 AM (last year)
While I’ve had this in the shop for bit, I realized… I never shared it with you! How could I? This little guy is a great gift to yourself or anyone who is zine-curious. Get started making your own mini zines from a single sheet of paper — the “Onsie” zine. My newest mini book shows you my favorite techniques for mini book making. Learn how to pronounce “zine”, make a zine, and why I love them!
Collaged from an old crochet Afghan pattern, it is written and illustrated by me, Kristin M Roach. This minibook is made from one flat sheet of paper and is bound using an instant book folding method (instructions included in this zine). It is 8 pages including the cover and back.
Purchase in my Shop or on Etsy.
Mini Zine: How Math Ruined Summer Vacation 3 Jan 2024 11:47 AM (last year)
My newest zine is out! This past summer while my daughter was being excessively determined to never do math again and that it’s worthless — this little gem was born. Just 3 months later she’s enjoying math (or at least doing it) and thinks this little zine is hilarious and the best thing to possibly come out of our summer standoff math sessions.
All the Details
It’s little, cute, and bringing of giggles. That’s really all you need to know. Page counts and those details can be found in the shop.
I have a larger zine in the works, the release date is tentatively April in time for zine fest season… if the fates align.
Happy New Year and….
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
New in the New Shop 14 Dec 2023 6:51 AM (last year)
Grand Re-Opening of the Craft Leftovers Shop: Your Hub for Resourceful Craft Inspiration & Eco-Conscious Fine Art!
I am thrilled to announce the return of the Craft Leftovers Shop at its new digital abode! A leftovers hub for craft zines & patterns is re-emerging at a new web address, and (so happy about this!) the integration of my fine art collection into the catalog.
New Address, New Adventures
Http://www.kristinmroach.com/shop is where the magic now unfolds. Update your bookmarks, and be ready to explore a revamped site that’s designed to enhance your browsing and shopping experience.
Craft Zines Meet Eco Art
In this grand re-opening, I’m intertwining the enchanting world of Craft Leftovers with the elegance of fine art. My catalog is expanding to include the Junk Mail Migration Bird Paintings & Backyard Botanical Gouache Paintings, creating a harmonious fusion of creativity and sustainability.
A Fusion of Creativity
Whether you’re passionate about crafting or seeking unique, environmentally conscious art, the KMR Shop is the destination where both passions converge. From zines to patterns to captivating upcycled art pieces, there’s something for every art enthusiast and eco-conscious creator.
New in the New Shop: A New Zine!
This summer brought all kinds of fun and challenges. Lucy did not have care for the first time ever and I was balancing a new role. This little zine is a peek into the daily conversations between parents and kids. And fun fact, after a few months removed, it was Lucy (my daughter the zine is about), that encouraged me to finish it and put it up for sale because “it’s hilarious mom!” Grab yourselves the print version today, the pdf version will be available in January.
Thank you for being an integral part of the creative community. I am eagerly anticipating sharing this new chapter with you! Enjoy free shipping (US continental only) through Christmas (Dec 25, midnight) when you make your first purchase in the new shop. Just use coupon code: WELCOME at checkout.
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
Free Crochet Pattern: Oscar’s Fingerless Gloves 6 Nov 2023 3:38 PM (last year)
First published January 05, 2007; Oscar’s Crocheted Fingerless Mittens was my very first crochet pattern every published on the blog. I still remember typing up the pattern in my college apartment all those years ago — and my complete delight when my new friend Diane shared a photo with me that she had made a pair & loved them! You can see other’s finished projects over on Ravelry.
Over the year’s I’ve often wondered where these two pairs of fluffy fingerless gloves ended up. If I ever come across them, I’ll share some updated photos too. In the meantime, here is a revised and updated version of the pattern. Hopefully a little easier on the eyes to read. Read the original pattern post here.
Get the updated Oscar’s Fingerless Glove Crochet pattern as a printer friendly pdf
Read about the pattern recovery project here
Well the first pair that I made of these reminded me so much of Oscar the Grouch’s fur, so I decided to name them after him. They are Crocheted fingerless gloves, super warm and super quick to crochet up. Plus, they only take one skein of bulky yarn to make. I wanted to keep the pattern to one page, so I’m posting the gauge, abbreviations, and alterations here.
Materials
Chunky Baby Alpaca or something similarly fluffy, softy, and big
Tools
Size US I (5.25mm) crochet hook
Yarn Needle for finishing
Techniques
Half double crochet
Working in the round
Increasing
Note
To make a larger size (my hands are a “woman’s medium”) – increase your foundation chain by 2 per size increase.
Gauge
12 hdc & 8 rnds = 4″ square
Abbreviations
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
rnd = round
beg = beginning
sts = stitches
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
Directions
Foundation Chain
Leaving a long tail, ch18. Join the chain into a ring by working a slst into first ch made.
Wrist
RND 1: Ch2, work 1hdc into sl st. Work hdc into remaining 12 chains. Work sl st into the 2nd ch that was worked at beginning of rnd. There are now 16 hdc in the 1st rnd.
RND2: Ch2, work 1hdc into 1st hdc from hook. Work hdc in ea remaining hdc. Work slst into 2nd ch st at beginning of rnd.
RND 3-6: Work as rnd 2.
Thumb Hole
RND 7 (RS): Ch2, hdc in ea hdc to beginning of rnd. Turn work.
RND 8 (WS): Ch2, hdc in ea hdc to beginning of rnd. Sl st to join over gap. Turn work.
RND 9 – 13 (RS): Work as RND2.
Index Finger
RND 1: Ch2, work hdc into next 2hdc sts. Hdc into 3rd st from end of rnd. Hdc last 2 sts of rnd. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 6 stitches.
RND 2: Ch2, work 1 hdc into 1st hdc from hook. Work hdc in ea remaining 5 hdc. Work sl st into the 2nd ch st at beginning of rnd.
RND 3: Work as RND2. Cut yarn, pull loose end through loop to finish.
Middle Finger
Join the yarn with a slip stitch in the next st from index finger. Ch2, work into next 2 hdc sts. Hdc into 3rd st from Index Finger. Hdc into last 2 sts of rnd. Hdc into bottom rnd of Index Finger. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 7 stitches.
RND 2 & 3: Work as RND 2 & 3 of Index Finger.
Ring Finger
Join in yarn with a slip stitch in the next st from middle finger. Ch 2, work into next hdc st. Hdc into 2nd st from Middle Finger. Hdc into last st of rnd. Hdc into bottom rnd of index finger. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 5 stitches.
RND 2 & 3: Work as rnd 2& 3 of index finger.
Pinky Finger
Join in yarn with a slip stitch in the next st fom index finger. Ch 2, work into remaining sts, 2 hdc into bottom round of ring finger. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 4 stitches.
RND 2 & 3: Work as rnds 2 & 3 of index finger.
Thumb
Join in yarn with sl st along thumb hole. Ch2. 1 hdc into side, 2 along the top, 2 along the other side, and 2 along the bottom. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd.
RND 2 & 3: Work as RND 2 & 3 of index finger.
Weave in all ends.
Make a second for the other hand and enjoy the pair!
Get the updated Oscar’s Fingerless Glove Crochet pattern as a printer friendly pdf
Read about the pattern recovery project here
Sign up for the Craft Leftovers mailing list to get a monthly update of new content and re-releases. You can also follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting. And of course, if you make something with one of my patterns, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique leftovers!
Until next time!
Kristin M Roach
Ep 18: Do it for the Publicity Guidelines 10 Oct 2023 7:01 AM (last year)
Do it for the “publicity” rarely works: Here is how to Make sure it Does. Enjoy the podcast here or your favorite player.
Enjoy the Livestream video edition:
Treat me to a cuppa: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach
General Notes
- Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
- Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
- Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
- See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
- Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media
Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.
And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
Switching up Live-Stream to Pre-Recorded + Schemes 30 Aug 2023 5:43 AM (last year)
Just wanted to send a quick message out to let you know I’m pausing live streaming for the rest of the year. I’m working on some really exciting projects right now and as they ramp up, I need more time to get them going.
One of the challenges live streaming has been presenting since I moved into our new home is the low quality internet at the house. Live streaming at my office has not quite worked out yet.
So I’ve got some plans… of course. Here is what I’m up to:
- Pre-recording and posting my real-time mending videos. I think this will allow me to follow my creative impulse in a more genuine way and make it into a more enjoyable experience while crafting + a more polished experience while viewing.
- Trying out an audio only podcast. A podcast’s podcast. And maybe what happens is I combine these two things — I pair my audio with my crafting videos I’m creating.
- Converting out of print zines into pdfs for Ko-fi folks as well as available for purchase on Craft Leftovers.
- My book! I’m working on it! You can follow my progress on https://kristinmroach.substack.com/
- Little Woods Herbal is ramping up… oh do I have schemes. It’s been really exciting to see it flourish — year 10 since I started the online store, year 7 since opening the brick and mortar. I feel like I’m really hitting my stride here.
Anyway, I didn’t want to just ghost ya. I’m still thinking of you, miss ya, and can’t wait to share more craft and craft biz with you… just in a different form.
Until Next Time…
Kristin M Roach
Ep. 17: The Clarifying Nature that is a Cancer Scare 28 Jul 2023 5:46 AM (last year)
And back! Whew, the first Livestream after the move. What a whirlwind. Made it here through a rainstorm! Giving you an update on why I took a long break, and then a longer than expected break.
Podcast Audio Version Coming Soon. Enjoy the Livestream video edition:
Treat me to a cuppa: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach
General Notes
- Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
- Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
- Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
- See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
- Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media
Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.
And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
A Place to Mend in May 11 May 2023 11:21 AM (last year)
Gather up those textiles you’ve been meaning to work on and join me for some creative social fun. Bring any projects to work on, ie.. knitting, crochet, needle work, whatever.
5:30 – 8:00pm
Thursday, May 25th, 2023
Octagon Center for the Arts, 2nd Floor Studio
FREE IN PERSON EVENT | RSVP HERE
$5 suggested donation for mending help from myself & Octagon Staff
Ages 21+ (Feel free to bring your favorite beverage; alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
Mending is that bridge between creative worlds. Whether a hobbiest or professional, we all have something to share, contribute, and a sock with a hole. For those of us that are a little more quiet, it gives us a task to keep attentive to and help with any social anxiety. For those of us a little more outgoing, it gives a way to share our skills and stories with others.
If you are around Ames, join us at the Octagon Center for the Arts for the May Place to Mend. Can’t make it this month, mark your calendar… turns out this is turning into a monthly thing most 4th Thursdays of the month.
Until Next Time…
Kristin M Roach
Ep 16: Take a Break from Work 22 Mar 2023 1:15 PM (2 years ago)
What if you don’t take breaks because you are so in love with what you are doing every day? Welp. Suck it up buttercup, you need a lunch break too.
I’m borrowing today’s topic from a post I wrote back in 2010! Apparently (funny what we forget) I’ve been into talking about crafty business topics (aka small biz ownership topics) since near the beginning of my career.
Also note, I’m switching to the1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month and a new time! 1:30-2:00pm Central Stop by and ask me just about anything related to art, craft, and entrepreneurship.
Enjoy in video and audio:
Show Notes
Treat me to a cuppa: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach
Download the Ep 16 Transcript Here
- Tea Feature: Kitchen Sink Chai + Elizabella Vanilla Creamed Honey (local favorite)
- Original Post about Making Time for Lunch
- More on Meal Planning in the Craft Leftovers Archive
- My favorite lunches (other than leftovers which is my default)
General Notes
- Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
- Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
- Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
- See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
- Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media
Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.
And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
A Place to Mend @ the Octagon 22 Feb 2023 11:21 AM (2 years ago)
Mending is that bridge between creative worlds. Whether a hobbiest or professional, we all have something to share, contribute, and a sock with a hole. For those of us that are a little more quiet, it gives us a task to keep attentive to and help with any social anxiety. For those of us a little more outgoing, it gives a way to share our skills and stories with others.
If you are around Ames, join us at the Octagon Center for the Arts for the second Place to Mend.
A Place to Mend
Thursday, February 23, 2023
5:30 – 8pm
Octagon Center for the Arts
Third floor library/meeting room
Click here to Register
Pre-registration is helpful (last time we had to do three round of pulling out extra chairs! A good problem). Everyone is welcome and it’s free! Just tip if Beth or I end up helping you a ton with your mending project. The suggested donation for mending help is $5.
What Inspired this Event?
My friend and fellow creative person Beth W. (education director at the Octagon Center for the Arts) invited me to help host a mending meet up at the art center last month. We decided to keep it simple and see what happened. Because even if it was just her and I hanging out and mending together we knew it was going to be a good time.
Here’s what happened. It wasn’t just us.
We had over a dozen folks make their way out into the cold Iowa Winter and stitch with us. Share stories and projects and life lessons. I taught things. I learned things. Folks were from all walks of life. Artists and researchers. Weavers and bakers. Scientists and scientists in training. It was awesome.
We aren’t sure what the spring and summer will look like, so sign up for my mailing list to get updates when this and other events like it are happening.
Speaking of which…
Also this week: Visit the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge with me!
For all my Iowans, this weekend is the closing day of the Junk Mail Migration exhibit at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. And we have a great treat planned for you.
- 10am – 10:40am Presentation + Q&A Learn about how this project came into being, what inspired it, and what I’ve learned along the way. No registration required.
- 11am – 12:30pm Tapestry Weaving Workshop Learn the basics of tapestry weaving with my favorite type of loom… the Cardboard loom! Ages 10+. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free. Space is limited so pre-registration is REQUIRED. Email or Call: nancy_corona@fws.gov or 515.994.2300.
Until Next Time…
Kristin M Roach
Ep 15: How and Why I use Profit First in my Creative Businesses 8 Feb 2023 12:56 PM (2 years ago)
The number one book I recommend to creatives entrepreneurs is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. Today I’m going to share the story of how reading this book transformed how I run my businesses’ finances and allowed me to pay myself a wage + make a profit for the business. Little Woods Herbal has been using this method since 2018, and I’m implementing it this year for my art business and I’ll show you how even the most micro biz can benefit from using this simple method of financial planning.
Also note, I’m switching to the1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month and a new time! 1:30-2:00pm Central Stop by and ask me just about anything related to art, craft, and entrepreneurship.
Enjoy in video or audio form:
Show Notes
- Profit First Book by Mike Michalowicz (affiliate link)
- Tea Feature:
- Buy me a cuppa tea: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach
- Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
- Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
- Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
- See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
- Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media
Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.
And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
Re-Knitting Dropped Stitches in Realtime Live 2 Feb 2023 10:45 AM (2 years ago)
Join me for 40 minutes of relaxed mending and afternoon tea. Today I reknit the top of my daughter’s hat that “exploded” at school. I also show off a few other projects in my mending basket and the socks I’m knitting up just for fun.
Show Notes
- Featured Tea: Bright Eyes Black Tea
- Toe Up Sock Knitting Pattern — whoa. It turns out I never released this pattern! Looks like it might be time to knuckle up and test my notes by knitting a new pair of knee high socks.
- Top Notch Top Down Sock Knitting Pattern
- Crystal Palace Double Pointed Needles
- Buy me a cuppa tea: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach
- Subscribe over on Youtube so you don’t miss a thing.
- Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
- Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
- See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
- Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media
Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.
And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
Turning off Ads on Craft Leftovers 25 Jan 2023 9:40 AM (2 years ago)
Last year I turned google ads on.
This year I’m turning them off.
Here is the why for both choices. Plus a little digressing.
Craft Leftovers the blog has been around since that 2006 Hello World Post. Believe it or not, it was one of the OG blogs on recycled/upcycled/green crafting. Started in art college, and by the time I graduated it was my full time gig. Then I took a long hiatus. You can read the full story of why I took a break from blogging in the archive. Long story short, the website was hacked and demoralized I just gave up on it.
I got back into blogging because Jason found and rebooted an old back up of the blog. I was so excited. It’s like my crafting/writing fire was reignited in that moment (he surprised one day in 2020). Some of those old posts sure are hilarious, and kind of a time capsule into the 2006-2016 blog world.
In many ways Craft Leftovers has returned to the 2006 roots of holding me accountable to create things regularly, use up my stash, and share what I know (which now includes random biz things via the podcast/livestream). And I’d like that to be available freely. No SEO, no ads. Just unfettered impulsive creative joy.
Turning on Google Ads
Turns out, when I rebooted the blog I had about $50 in my google ads account. So I turned those ads on until I hit the $100 payout.
Turning Google Ads off
So three things happened in December. Finally hit that payout amount (1).And pdf Pattern sales were enough to cover the cost of libsyn and wordpress for the year (the two biggest expenses related to the blog)(2). And I found Ko-fi (3).
Going with Ko-fi vs Ads
I love the idea that if you have the means and enjoy what I’m putting out there, you can offer a cuppa worth of funds in support of the project. And if you don’t, that’s a-okay too. You also get to come and read and enjoy without getting blasted with ads or hitting a pay wall. It’s a win all around.
If you want to get all the posts I put out there (because they most likely won’t show up in google searches), I do recommend Follow.it. It’s refreshed my love of blog reading. I get an email digest of updates to websites I follow. No muss no fuss. You can also sign up for the eNews. I send out an email about 0-2 times a month to let you know about new things going on the blog and locally. Or just stop by from time to time.
Until Next Time…
Kristin M Roach
Ep 14: Annual Review in an Hour 25 Jan 2023 8:22 AM (2 years ago)
Before making a plan for the next year, (Ep 01 of Craft Leftovers), let’s take an hour to consider this past year. What went well? What could have been better? What just totally missed the boat? Do you try again next year or let it go?
I’m taking you through the process I use to reflect, celebrate, mourn, and regroup before launching into the next year. Did you make a year plan with me earlier this year? Dig up that big ‘ol sheet of paper, grab some post it notes and let’s go.
Listen as a podcast or watch the original live stream.
Words of Wisdom:
Will you regret doing it? Or will you regret not going it? – Jason
Don’t Should yourself to death – Beth
Show Notes
- Ep 1: Make an Annual Plan Anytime of Year
- The Confident Mind (affiliate link)
- Tea Feature: Earl Grey with Silver Tips
- Buy me a cuppa tea: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach
- Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
- Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
- Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
- See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
- Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media
Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.
And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!
Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach
