Meet Anna from Mochimochi Land!

Another author coming this winter is Anna from Mochimochi Land!!! I did a little interview with her for you to enjoy!

UCU- Tell us a bit about your book?

MML- I'm so excited about my first book! Knitting Mochimochi contains 20 all-new patterns for knitted toys that can be appreciated by both adults and kids - the designs are all kinds of creatures, from Squirrels on Wheels to Feet Eaters (slippers with big buck teeth) to a Grouchy Couch. The book includes photo tutorials on all the special techniques that I use, and it also has an illustrated glossary of basic knitting techniques. And there's also a section on how to design your own knitted toy.

UCU- How did you get into knitting adorable monsters and other creatures?

MML- I was knitting as a hobby for a few years before attempting to design my own knitted toys. In late 2006, the company that I worked for was opening a new gallery, and I thought it would be fun to knit some creatures for my coworkers in the shape of our new gallery logo.

Once I knitted a shape and put a pair of eyes on it, I was instantly hooked, and I just kept coming up with all different kinds of creatures to knit. I keep wondering when I'll get tired of it, but I haven't yet!

(I'm happy to say that gallery hanahou is still going strong, and one of my logo dudes is on the office wall.)

UCU- How often do you get to create new work vs. the time you spend on orders, emails, photos, etc.?

MML- Designing is definitely my favorite thing, so I try to make as much time for it as I can. Since last summer, one way I've been ensuring this is through my "Tiny" series - every week, I design a new miniature knitted toy and post a photo of it on my blog. It's been a really fun and rewarding challenge, and I've made patterns for some the Tinys too, which are available on my website.

Link to Tiny series: http://mochimochiland.com/category/tiny-things/

UCU- What are you looking forward to most when you come out to Seattle?

MML- I'm psyched about my first trip to Seattle. I'm looking forward to visiting Schmancy, along with some knitting stores that I know in the area, and I'm hoping to try some local food favorites. I also can't wait to meet all the west coast crafters at Urban Craft Uprising!