Pattern Test

During March Meet the Maker, I received a request from one of my most favorite fellow crocheters to test two of her patterns.

Her name is Vivika Vania and she is the amazing creator behind The Wandering Deer. You can check out her Etsy store here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWanderingDeer?ref=l2-shopheader-name

If you plan to sell you crochet patterns, I think getting someone to test out your pattern before you put it up for sale is a good idea. Sometimes, the things that make sense to you, won't make sense to someone else. Or you could just miss something entirely. A second set of eyes is always good!

I love pattern testing too! I must admit, I'm a bit obsessed with seeing how crocheters write out their patterns, there are a few distinct ways of writing and I certainly have my own preferences.

The Wandering Deer's patterns are right up my alley however, and I certainly recommend them to anyone who is beginning or just loves to crochet!

The first pattern I tested was a little Onigiri. I went to school for a little while in Kyoto when I thought I wanted to work as a translator, so this little guy was super nice for me to test-it made me feel all nostalgic!

Then naturally, I just had to go out for sushi when I was finished so we could have a little photoshoot together. 🍙  🍣  😍

Here is the link to this pattern if you would like to buy it and test it for yourself!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/522186961/onigiri-amigurumi-pattern-onigiri?ref=shop_home_active_20

The next amigurumi she asked me to try was a pineapple! Now I was feeling pretty smug with myself because I finally came up with a miniature critter pattern for a pineapple in the beginning of the new year, but her pineapple buddies are soooo darn cute!


I was using a gold color to make my mini pineapples, but I love that she uses a bright yellow for hers. It makes them so much more cheerier and ties in well with a spring feeling.

So when I finished testing it, I wanted to make a little baby to go along with him! I used my pattern, but he had to be yellow too-naturally of course!🍍

Here is the pattern for The Wandering Deer's pattern:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/508559272/pineapple-amigurumi-pattern-pineapple?ref=shop_home_active_1

March Meet the Maker Wrap Up

The remaining weeks of March and beginning weeks of April were filled with big deadlines and events! I can't talk about some of the projects I'm working on in the children's book world, but I will update the events section.

Needless to say, my poor blog was neglected for a bit. However, I hope to get it up to speed this week because an outdated blog is a sad blog, and I would like for mine to be happy!

So today, I am going wrap up March Meet the Maker, starting from the last day and working my way down to the day I left off at, including some final thoughts here:

This was my first year participating in March Meet the Maker and it was a great experience. Not only do you learn about yourself and your creative business, but you become more connected with others makers within this great big creative world.

I also made it to 1,000 followers on Instagram, which I know is small-fry, but it was a big deal for me to have gained some pretty amazing supporters for Ria Art World. I'm not so sure this would have happened if it were not for March Meet the Maker. I hope to do some sort of a give-away soon as a thank you!

It was so much fun and inspirational to see how other makers would go about sharing each topic. I found myself making a few notes during each topic with little tips on how I should go about doing things for my own business.

It was a little sad when it ended, but I'm so excited for next year's Maker Meet!

So without further ado...the rest of March Meet the Maker!



Day 31: Customers

I was at Wondercon during this prompt, so I was interacting with customers all day, which is always a good experience. It's nice being able to meet customers face to face. So I made a boomerang of my friends who owns a few of my plushies now.

She is actually a comic book artist and was my table mate at this event. Check her out at @heyjoiecomics

Her little *squee* dance was too good to pass up capturing! You can view it here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSUWSDtg_j_/?taken-by=riaartworld



Day 30: Top Tip

"Don't compare yourselves!" Said Sweet Peg. "Each of you are special in your own way." 

Comparison can ruin your joy & this is something I wish I would have understood long ago & still need to do more of! 🤔  so my top tip is to not let comparison hold you back! Keep going & enjoy your own pace in life 😊  🎉

Day 29: Can't Live Without

Sooo I can't live without coffee ☕️  my hands 🙌  and of course being creative every single day! 🎨

What can't you live without?

Day 28: Organize

Honestly, my studio looks like a bomb went off most of the time! 💣 🙈  my drawing stuff is way easier to keep under control, but my crochet world has become infinitely more manageable with the addition of peg boards!! 🐙  my octopi keychains love to dangle up high too. 💓

Day 27: Goals

This could very easily be a long list for me, but in short, I just want to keep going! I always say that in most creative businesses, you're a turtle! Small steps that take time, but with tenacity, you will succeed. 🐢 🏆

Day 26: Why I Do This

That's an easy answer! When I'm creating, it's when I feel then most complete! I've been creative ever since I can remember & it's not going to change!❤️

Day 25: Packaging

I made a stop motion video to demonstrate how I package my crochet creations when I receive Etsy orders. 

I feel like packaging can be especially important for customers who order online because they have to pay for shipping and they are taking a chance on my store. So I want their shipment to come to them in an extra special way!

My tiny critters get candy packaging because they are just so sweet & my little plushies get handmade drawstring pouches ❤️

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSEjsX9gz76/?taken-by=riaartworld

Day 24: Milestone

Just this past year, two of the children's books I illustrated were published! 

To me this is a big accomplishment-I learned a lot & I am excited for what is coming next! Arty Heart & Mr. Orange agree 😊  ❤️  🍊

Day 23: Recent Make

So here is a cute plump little owl that was a custom order from my friend ❤️  Such a great request!💓  I want to make all sorts of cute colored owls now!

Day 22: Close Up

"We're ready for our close-up now!" Shouted the little octopi!!🐙 ❤️ 💜

 Even though I do this quite often since critters are so small, they still love having their picture taken. 😊  📸

Day 21: Inspiration

While there are many things & people who inspire me, it's all about the little things for me usually. 

Minimal is not in my vocabulary, I like to be surrounded by my small treasures while I work❤️

Day 20: Sketchbook

"Hey! You need to get to work this month!" Said the little piggy 🐷 ❤️  I use at least 2; one for drawing & one for crochet, but none of it would get done if it were not for my giant agenda sketchbook telling me what to do & when!

Day 19: Helper

Here is my little helper, Burmew the cat, with her mouse-one of the first things I ever successfully crocheted!

Day 18: Hyperlapse

This is another video (obviously) so you can view it here! It's super cute, so you won't want to miss it!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRys038g8SQ/?taken-by=riaartworld

It is a drawing of a Shiba Inu sending you some Saturday ❤️  I love how they look like plump foxes. This will definitely need to be the next crochet plushie addition! 🐶

Day 17: Feedback

This has been my most heart warming review so far❤️  I'm so very grateful to all of my supporters, without you, the critters would have no homes! 🏡  😊  💓

You can see all of my ratings in my Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/RiaArtWorld?ref=shop_sugg#reviews