We know you're out there.

Yes you. You paint. You draw. You knit. You crochet. You cast jewellery and blow glass. You decorate fantastic cakes and build majestic gazebos. How do we know? We see the books that are brought back by the dozens (somebody has to put them back on the shelf!), so we know you're feeding your creative urges and we just don't always get to see the final products.

So, when we can catch one of you this is what happens:

What are you reading right now?

From Eroica with Love and The encyclopedia of crochet techniques.

How long have you been crocheting?

Oh, about seven years. My momma taught me.

What's the cutest thing you've ever crocheted?

A really cute little amigurumi alarm clock from Crochet Today! magazine.

The strangest?

A beard.

Seriously?

Yep. It was part of a ski-toque. Oh I've also crocheted really hairy caterpillars from 75 birds, butterflies & little beasties to knit and crochet and I needed the encyclopedia of crochet techniques to figure out which stitch would make the best beard.

What's your next project?

Leg warmers, or spats... I'm not sure yet.

Why do you like to crochet?

I like to do something when I'm travelling (bus or car.) It's a portable medium and there's a large variety of things you can create with it. Every time I crochet something I strive to make it not look like it's from the 70's (laughs)

Do you listen to music while you work?

I really like Jill Barber, Michael Buble, Michael Kaeshammer and DAFT Punk.

Come to the library and check out the music Leah's into:

So... I don't usually do the whole 'New Year's Resolution' thing but I decided that this year I really wanted to focus on making and giving handmade gifts. I'm trying for everything from 'thank you' cards to the gift wrapping and twenty three days into the year and counting - I've already crocheted three birthday presents and a couple other random projects! Hopefully I can keep up the pace! Thankfully I've got a great selection of super cute and creative crochet books at the library to help fill me full of projects ideas and inspirations - I'm super excited for my hold on 75 Seashells, coral & colorful marine life to come in!

Once you get into it crochet is pretty easy, fun and inexpensive. Thanks to some really well written visual guides that the library has I've been able to start making my own patterns - I just finished this cupcake coffee cozy after having a flip through Amigurumi World - Seriously Cute Crochet for a bit of inspiration.

I find crochet is definately something fun to do while visiting, watching a movie or travelling on a bus (having only one hook makes it really portable!) so it's great being able to borrow DVDs and Book CDs to help pass the time, or download an e-audiobook straight to my iphone from the library website if I'm on the go and can't make it in.

Also, if you think that crochet is just for girls, think again! For something serious have a look at The crochet's dude's designs for guys : 30 projects men will love, and for something super fun, read Otomen a manga all about men who enjoy sewing, crafting, cooking, and caramel macchiatos and have a hard time hiding their creative souls from a world that expects and accepts only 'manly men'. The series is out up to number 12 and just keeps getting better!

I'm always happy to talk crafts and books so stop by and say "Hi!"