About Us
Welcome To Cotton & Cloud - A Community for Makers
What started as a humble blog by Kyoko Nakayoshi, a gifted knitwear designer specializing in sophisticated knitting techniques, has grown into a bustling community of contributors passionate about crafting. Kyoko may have laid the cornerstone, but it's the collective expertise and passion of our diverse community that truly make this a sanctuary for anyone interested in knitting, crochet, and sewing.
At the heart of Cotton & Cloud lies a thriving community of passionate creatives who share love for crafting, fashion, and self-expression. This nurturing space provides a supportive environment where crafters of all skill levels can connect, learn, and grow together.
Our blog offers an extensive array of content, each piece carefully curated by our contributors to offer valuable insights into the world of handcrafting. Expect to find in-depth tutorials, thought-provoking feature articles, and insightful product reviews designed to elevate your crafting journey. Whether you're an amateur just getting your hands dirty or a seasoned artisan looking for advanced techniques, there's something here for you.
Our Online Shops
Looking for patterns to inspire your next project? Don't forget to check out our Etsy and Ravelry shops, where we offer a selection of patterns ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Each pattern is a testament to the expertise and craftsmanship that define our community.
Meet Our Diverse Team Of Contributors
Comprising makers from various backgrounds and expertise levels, our contributors share a united passion for the craft.
From knitting gurus who can conjure intricate shapes and patterns to crochet aficionados who can make anything from blankets to elaborate sculptures, our contributors bring a rich tapestry of skills to the table. Then there are our sewing experts, who will guide you through the labyrinth of fabrics, threads, and stitches to help you create your own masterpiece.
Amanda Brown
Amanda Brown - Knitting Expert and Heirloom Crafter
Amanda Brown's passion for knitting patterns is an art form cultivated over years of learning from her grandmother and continued practice. Her designs, from intricate lace shawls to cozy baby blankets, reflect a unique style that blends traditional techniques with contemporary flair. Amanda's patterns are known for their delicate texture and color balance, inviting novice and experienced knitters to explore new challenges while creating beautiful, functional pieces.
Amanda brings her artistic touch to knitting and showcases her mastery of the craft. She has honed her skills in advanced techniques, such as pattern drafting, embellishments, and embroidery. Her deep knowledge of different fabrics, threads, and notions, as well as her expertise in using various knitting tools effectively, including knitting and various types of yarns, adds a layer of versatility to her knitting creations.
As a key contributor to Cotton & Cloud, Amanda specializes in sharing carefully crafted patterns that encapsulate her expertise and passion for knitting. These patterns, available through our Etsy and Ravelry shops, serve as an extension of Amanda's educational posts, allowing our crafting community to engage hands-on with her unique approach. Whether you're looking for a new weekend project or aspiring to knit an heirloom piece, Amanda's patterns offer a gateway to expand your knitting repertoire.
Expertise in topics: Knitting Expert
Sarah Reed
Sarah Reed - Crochet Virtuoso
Sarah Reed's passion for crochet can be traced back to her childhood when family gatherings often included vibrant yarn skeins and crochet hooks' rhythmic dance. As an adult, Sarah has transformed this early fascination into a full-fledged mastery, specializing in everything from intricate amigurumi figures to expansive, textured blankets. Her expertise lies in her ability to blend traditional crochet techniques with modern design sensibilities, resulting in visually stunning pieces rich in craftsmanship.
Sarah is not just a crochet virtuoso; she's also committed to her continuous skill development. She has mastered basic to advanced crochet stitches, maintaining consistent tension and creating well-formed stitches. Sarah can easily read and follow complex crochet patterns, and she's even ventured into designing her own. Her in-depth knowledge of different yarn types, hook sizes, and their interactions, as well as her proficiency in finishing techniques like weaving in ends neatly, blocking, and adding embellishments, showcase her comprehensive crochet skills.
As a prominent contributor to Cotton & Cloud, Sarah is dedicated to spreading her love for crochet through comprehensive tutorials and engaging how-to guides. Her patterns, featured in our Etsy and Ravelry shops, encapsulate the essence of her crochet philosophy: a blend of artistry, functionality, and endless creative possibilities. Whether you're a beginner picking up a hook for the first time or an experienced crocheter seeking to elevate your craft, Sarah's contributions offer invaluable insights and inspiration for your crochet journey.
Expertise in topics: Crochet Virtuoso
Jenny Williams
Jenny Williams: Sewing & Quilting Maestro
Jenny Williams discovered her affinity for sewing and quilting at a young age, quickly turning a hobby into a lifetime passion and expertise. With an unparalleled commitment to craftsmanship, Jenny has honed her skills in creating everything from bespoke garments to intricate quilts. Her creations are characterized by meticulous attention to detail, a keen eye for design, and a dedication to functional beauty, making her a standout artisan in the textile community.
Jenny's journey in sewing and quilting extends far beyond her initial fascination. She has mastered advanced techniques such as pattern drafting, draping, embellishments, quilting, and embroidery, demonstrating a deep understanding of various fabrics, threads, and notions and knowing precisely when and how to use them. Her tool mastery includes effectively using various sewing tools and machines, including sergers and embroidery machines.
As a highly regarded contributor to Cotton & Cloud, Jenny offers a wide range of insights, from beginner-friendly tutorials to advanced techniques in both sewing and quilting. Her patterns, available through our Etsy and Ravelry shops, are thoughtfully designed to be user-friendly and empowering, suitable for crafters at any level of experience. Whether new to sewing and quilting or looking to elevate your existing skills, Jenny's contributions provide a wealth of knowledge and creative inspiration to guide you on your crafting journey. In addition to her mastery of sewing and quilting, Jenny's commitment to networking and community-building is also noteworthy, as she actively engages in workshops, classes, and collaborations to continually enhance her skills and connect with fellow artisans in the textile industry.
Expertise in topics: Sewing & Quilting Maestro
