NAME: Briana Holdstein, but you can call me Bri!
LOCATION: Auburn, Maine
PLACES YOU’VE LIVED: Born, raised and reside in southern Maine
TEMPERATURE BLANKET STRATEGY:
My strategy was to challenge myself with using as many coordinating colors as I could that were already in my yarn stash. (I only had to buy 4 colors!)
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY (temperature and activity):
My perfect day would definitely be a day that is warm enough to open up all the windows and not need to put a sweater on. I like to be able to walk around barefoot and wear my Birks without socks.
FAVORITE SEASON: Fall, hands down.
FAVORITE CROCHET STITCH OR TECHNIQUE:
I’m alllllll about that half-double crochet! As for technique, I love working in the round, and the less assembly the better!
FAVORITE PROJECT TO DATE:
There’s too many to pick only one! If I must choose though, it would be any of the mandala’s I’ve made. I really like being able to display what I made!
PEOPLE YOU LIKE TO MAKE THINGS FOR:
Everyone! If you’ve been following me, then you know I love to make things for Charlotte, but I really love to make things for everyone. Especially if we’ve just met. There is nothing more inspiring than someone who doesn’t have anything handmade from me.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EVER CROCHET PROJECT:
Shoe laces! My mom first taught me, and I made shoe laces to practice my chaining. After that my first real project was a magic potholder that my mom still uses!
HOW DO YOU CRAFT? (WORKSPACE, SETTING, BEVERAGES?):
I craft everywhere. On the couch, the bed, the floor, waiting while the kids bathe, while the noodles cook. My favorite space is my corner of the living room, I have my half of the couch, a side table (where you’ll always find a bottle of water, a notebook and a pen), my shelves of yarn and everything fiber related I could need.
FAVORITE NON YARN HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES:
Baking! I love to try new recipes and collecting kitchen gadgets. I also enjoy all the other crafts as well, I’ve been doing more drawing, painting, and beading in my spare time. I also enjoy reading, and recently took up yoga and meditation.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS DESIGN?:
Honestly, I didn’t have much inspiration for this month’s stripe. Everything I tried to use for inspiration didn’t work so I looked for new stitch combinations I hadn’t tried that I thought would make an interesting texture.
Fun questions:
Most unusual talent?
I have a knack for not being able to replicate a recipe twice hahahaa. Even my own cookie recipe doesn’t come out the same every time.
Favorite book and why?
Ahhhh! There is so many, can I choose a few and a series? Ultimately, I love The Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson. I’ve read every novel as he’s released them!
Favorite toy as a kid?
I don’t remember having a favorite toy, I remember being crafty, and that I really liked to make beady buddies.
What was the best year of your life?
I’m not sure it’s happened yet. I’ve had many good moments like getting my nursing license in 2011, getting married in 2012, and having my kids in 2013 and 2016, but for every wonder filled moment there were also many challenged ones.
Most caring thing anyone has ever done for you?
There is not enough room to describe the amount of caring things that have been done for me. Whether they choked down a test recipe, smiled at a terrible first try, or lent an ear for the fiftieth complaint about the same thing, the kindness is insurmountable.
Favorite Beatles Song?
I don’t actually know many Beatles songs but I would have to say my favorite would be the songs “When I’m Sixty Four” or “Yellow Submarine,” because I can see and hear my mom singing them in the car.
What is your favorite memory that happened in February?
My favorite memory in February would be getting married. Kevin and I were planning a September wedding, and then one day I had enough and decided I didn’t want to plan anymore, I wanted to elope! So on February 29, 2012 Kevin and I said our I do’s in our jeans and coats and have only celebrated one actual anniversary since we’ve been married! This year we celebrate 7 years of marriage!
Teagan And Lu 