Crochet and knitting - granny stuff? - not anymore! This #FF is the living proof that these crafts have gotten a makeover - they are back and better than ever. They are hip and have mean style. Still skeptical? then let me introduce you to Stefanie - the proof.

#FF:Tell us a little bit about yourself:

S: I'm Stefanie and I run A Common Thread. I'm a southern gal, originally from Savannah, Georgia and I moved to NYC ten years ago. Creating runs in my blood, as crafting was a family affair growing up, and even today my mom checks on my shop and blog every day to see what new projects I'm working on. As a kid, I started my first jewelry line, called Stefanie's Stuff. I was probably the only 8 year old with business cards and a bank account. My shop featured items like polka dot bow earrings and fun necklaces, so it's not so far away from my creations for A Common Thread today! Making things is just one of my interests; my other time is spent working as a user-interface designer and working on my Ph.D. in psycholinguistics.

#FF: When did you start creating your crafty goods?

S: I've spent my whole life creating or crafting in one capacity or another. My first experience was sewing (at an age when it was probably unsafe for my little fingers to be near a sewing machine) and my mom helped me make the cutest sleeping bag for a doll, out of my grandpa's old plaid golf pants. (I still use it as a cell phone case today.) I quickly took up crochet, knitting and making jewelry. I started A Common Thread in 2006, originally creating sewn items, like vintage-inspired aprons and 1940s style turbans, then moving into knitwear, followed by statement jewelry, which is its current form.

#FF: How would you describe your creative process?

S:I'm inspired by different elements and pieces, like a vintage art deco brass bow or a bright red yarn, and find a way to transform it into something I want to wear. I also like taking traditional methods, like knitting and crochet, and applying them in a new way, like making them as jewelry, for something new and unique.

#FF: Where does your inspiration come from?

S: It's all things that I want to wear, myself! I'll have a particular necklace or pair of earrings in my head that I want, but can't find anywhere...so I research materials to make it myself. I'm also very much inspired by vintage looks, and seek out vintage materials to rework them into modern one-of-a-kind pieces.

#FF: What do you to get out of your creative ruts?

S: I'm constantly working on new types of projects. I find that I'll go through phases where I'm feeling pretty uninspired in one area, but completely obsessed with something else. My creativity is constantly changing shape. For weeks I'll want to sew an entire new wardrobe, and create matching jewelry, but then something will shift and my new creative outlet is learning French. Eventually, I'll come back to sewing, and usually with a new perspective.

#FF: What do you do for fun?

S: Crafting and creating IS my fun! The rest of my day is spent designing software, conducting usability experiments or buried in psycholinguistics literature, so using my hands to create tangible objects, through knitting, sewing or making jewelry, is my escape. I'm also obsessed with fashion (and maintain a fashion blog), and am learning ballet and teaching myself French.

#FF: We saw a few of your pieces been featured on online magazines and blogs, how did you feel when you saw your babies up there on the online world?

S: Amazing! and shocked! It's always crazy to see something that I created on a lazy Sunday afternoon in my craft studio all of a sudden being displayed and viewed by everyone around the world. I think the most shocking time was when someone randomly sent me a link, saying "Is this you?" of a picture of me wearing my crochet bib necklace, used as as part of a light art installation at an event in Germany.

#FF: What are some of the challenges you have faced as an independent artist?

S: Finding enough time to grow! Running A Common Thread (with no employees) means that I am designer, creator, customer service, shipping manager, marketing manager, model, photographer, PR rep, tech expert and spokesperson all in one. You always want to keep growing and thinking creatively, but when you wear so many hats it's hard to just maintain, much less think about new directions (which is the fun part!).

#FF: If you could spend an evening with an established designer, who would it be?

S: I'm such a nerd because I know little to nothing about designers! However, I would love to meet Alexa Chung, just because she seems like she's always having a great time (and always looks fantastic).

#FF:What are some of your favorite sites to look for inspiration?

S: My inspiration comes from fashion and style, but more focused on what real people wear. Some of my daily reads are Calivintage, Vanessa Jackman, Miss Moss, Mr. Newton and All The Pretty Birds

Extra Stuff:

I post patterns, tutorials and inspirational items on my blog, and have announcements on my facebook page. I'm also on Twitter!

I am sure by now you are already clicking on Stefanie's shop and wanting to get your hands on her awesome goods. Well go ahead and indulge!

Thanks so much Steph, we l.o.v.e. your creations.

Gabriel.