Say hello to Deborah (@cobotoast)- our new Ribblr of the Week and the designer behind Cobotoast 
Tell us a little about yourself
Hello! My name is Deborah and I named my shop Cobotoast after my cats Cobo and Toastie :) I love anything handmade and my craft of choice changes back and forth from crocheting to knitting throughout the year. I was really into making crochet pillows for a while and right now I’m fully invested in winter knitwear.
When did you start crafting and how?
My mom first taught me how to read crochet diagrams when I was 7 years old, and I started making so many doilies from a Japanese doily book she had. Then she taught me how to knit and I took to the internet to learn more stitches as the years went by. Weirdly, I prefer to learn from blogs with photos than watching videos.
And how did you start designing?
After many years of knitting and crocheting, I started freehanding most of my projects because I felt like I wasn’t able to find the exact patterns I was looking for. It took me some time to learn how to write down those patterns, but I’d say Ribblr’s pattern writing tools have helped me a lot!
Do you have a favorite craft type and if so - why?
I will have to say fiber arts because I can’t choose between knitting and crocheting, and I also love punch needling! I do love clay art as well but I feel like I’m more well versed in yarn craft. I prefer the look of knitted things while I love how crochet works up so quick!
What has been the most memorable project you worked on?
There was one time when a friend asked me to make him a cowl, which would be his first piece of winterwear ever (because he just liked to freeze every winter). I looked into lots of different stitches and designed a one of a kind cowl for him and he loved it! That’s probably one of my earliest memories of designing my own pattern.
What are you currently working on? Be honest - how many WIP do you have right now?
I just finished knitting the Aegyo sweater and had some skeins of yarn leftover, so I’ve started knitting a cute little shawl with the rest. Honestly, I never knew people worked on so many projects at once until I found other crafters online. I only work on one thing at a time.
Which of your makes/designs are you most proud of?
My Herringbone Sweater Vest! It’s my first garment design, and it’s a pretty advanced pattern as well so I’m very proud of it. And I recently freehanded my first balaclava and I’m obsessed!
What is your usual process of designing?
I usually have ideas pop into my mind pretty suddenly. And once I have an idea, I try to figure out the technical things like what shape/construction. And once I have a prototype, I ask around to see if what I made is cute/pretty/desirable. Once it passes that stage, the pattern writing begins.
What inspires you to create/design?
I like to think of myself as a creative person, so I’ve always needed a creative outlet. I would write songs, draw, and try different crafts to let out that energy. But I do think that the act of creating itself inspires me. Making something out of nothing is such an inspiring thing that we as crafters are always doing. And knowing that we inspire each other to keep doing what we’re doing is a pretty cool thing.
Any favorite song, book or movie you would like to recommend?
I know tv show wasn’t listed for this question but I want to recommend From and School Spirits.
What is your favorite feature on Ribblr?
I love browsing through the community posts! And the tester call feature is just the best.
Where can others find you?
Cobotoast on Instagram and YouTube! I upload crochet/knitting vlogs for inspo and occasional tutorials :) https://youtube.com/@cobotoast?si=Uz2fDLhiB1ODBv38
Would you like to shout anyone out on Ribblr?
I would love to shoutout:
Thanks so much for being here this week Deborah, it’s a pleasure reading about you!
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