Name: Allena Williams
Business name: StarKnits
Website(s): StarKnits Shop, on Facebook

What kind of items do you make?
I like to think of it as knitting, crocheting and spinning support. I make various project bags, fabric baskets, stitch markers and custom crochet hooks

How long have you been in indie artist?
I opened an etsy shop in ’06 but I finally got really serious about it in 2010-2011

What got you interested in your art of choice?
It started one Christmas season when I wanted to give my students a useful gift and not go broke. I went into my bead collection and made some fun, fancy and dangle stitch markers that I affectionately called Bling. (because every crafter should Bling up their work in progress) I gave my students these blings and they LOVED them. I was asked to consign a few to the local yarn store. Then in an attempt to keep my yarn off the floor I came up with the yarnlet bag. Those too, I was asked to consign at the store. Shortly after I started making a portable project bags because I like to have a project with me at all times. By then I was hooked and decided to list a few bags and bling on etsy.

What do you most enjoy about what you do? 
I love color and fabric. When I walk into a fabric store I go a little crazy. I’ve always loved making things with my hands.

What most inspires you?
Things around me, bright colors, shapes, kids toys etc.

What makes your creations unique?
I would say pockets, most of my bags have pockets. and most of them don’t have exposed seams either. I take my time with each and every bag.

Do you have a favorite item or colorway?
I can’t really pick any. I do really love the Dr Who fabric I have.

What is something you strive to offer the fiber arts community? 
I think everyone needs a little color and fun in their life. So my bags are fun and colorful, some of them make me laugh and others catch your eye, there’s no need to carry your knitting/crocheting/spinning around in plastic bags.

Does being an indie fiber artist affect other aspects of your life?
Yes my house is over run with yarn, fabric, wool, spinning wheels and anything to do with all of those.

What is your fiber arts superpower?
I can’t reveal that to you then you’d know my secret identity!

How is the fiber arts world different for you today than it was five years ago?
I think the biggest change is Ravelry. Before that I would spend hours finding patterns or yarn now I can do a simple search and spend hours chatting in forums. LOL  Also I’ve learned to spin and weave in the past 5 years.