Meet the Artist: Deanna Tam

NAME: DEANNA TAM

SOCIAL: @justneedling, ETSY

If you're looking for something to brighten your day, take a look at the work of Deanna Tam. Her Instagram feed and Etsy pages are full of the cutest Amigurumi creations.

Amigurmi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting animals, people, and other objects, and then stuffing them with material to make their own stuffed animals!

Continue on to read more about Deanna, and to download her exclusive Amgurumi Puppy Dog pattern! (It is the year of the dog)

1. When did you start knitting/crocheting? How did you learn?

I watched my mom knit Cowichan sweaters in my younger years. It wasn't until I was 10 years old when my interest in the craft peaked. My mom continued to create these beautiful sweaters, tuques and scarves. I asked mom to teach me how to knit. I never did learn how to knit an entire sweater, just the easier parts. My most favorite memory of the time was when I got to be with my dad. He was always helping my mom with winding the wool. We got the wool in 6 thread spools and we had to separate the colours and strands for the different projects. I would hold the wool and move it all around and all over the house while my dad spun it together. He would make me laugh by making funny faces and encouraging me to be silly.

2. What inspired you to create your own business?

Inspiration came to me one night while I was perusing the internet. Looking for a way to help my husband with the home finances. I thought, what a great way to relax doing what I like to do and support my family. Of course, I couldn't have done anything without consulting with my husband first. I shared with him my idea and he simply said, "My dear, dreams are meant to be pursued. If you don't follow your heart, you may regret that you never did."

3. What has been the greatest challenge for you so far? What tips do you have for those looking to take their fiber arts career to the next level?

The biggest challenge that I have experienced is the train from my imagination station doesn't always arrive on time. It gets stuck and sometimes doesn't arrive at all. You just have to keep trying. If you love to do what you do, the most important thing is, don't quit. Keep pressing on. Who knows, maybe someday your creations will be published for all to see. I am hoping mine will be. Best of all, you have the chance to be someone that brings inspiration to another.