This week, we profile Jen Neitzel, who can be seen at craft fairs all over town with Knot Ugly Designs, her beautiful crochet-wear label. Many of you also know her as the proprietress of the DIY Lounge, which offers classes in all kinds of making to PDX creative-types.

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Tell us about your business, Knot Ugly Designs.

Knot Ugly began as a way to keep myself busy with something that was mine when I decided to stay home with my son. The first sale I did, a store approached me and ask if they could carry my hats. I realized I was on to something. I began crocheting almost all of the time until my hands were wrecked. I wasn't sure what to do as my work was in a number of stores and I was starting to build a reputation as something of a yarn wrangler. Meanwhile a met a woman who loved to crochet, she really wanted to just sit at home and make things. Kim State came into my life at the perfect moment, so I felt I should give it a go with someone else doing the crochet, which freed me up to develop other aspects of the business. These days Knot Ugly Designs has a lot of sewn deconstructed sweater detailing, which was a way that I could still be involved directly with the creative aspects of the business without compromising my hands.

How did you get started crocheting?

I began crocheting as a child, but didn't make it past the chain stitch until I was in my 20's. As a kid, I spent most of my time crocheting, knitting, sewing and any other craft I could get my hands on. My mother isn't very crafty, so I really didn't have any rules or expectations placed on me around my creativity, which I feel is one of the reasons I still enjoy being creative as an adult. My creativity was always mine. I have been compelled to make things since I first discovered my hands and mind were hard-wired to create.

What is your approach to your work? What kinds of things inspire you?

I like to make wearable, comfortable, slightly sexy things that are worked in a couple of different mediums. It keeps things interesting for me. I might wink at the "grandma crochet" but there is so much to be expressed with new interpretations of typically traditional crafts. I use the words "retro-modern" to describe Knot Ugly Designs.

What inspires me . . . new life for old things, new ways to express oneself. I am in love with the "deconstruction, reconstruction" movement. Taking something that is unwearable and making someone fall in love with it once it has been reconstructed is totally satisfying! Having people pick up a hat and say, "How did you do this?" I like that too.

You're also well-known as the proprietress of DIY Lounge. What's happening at the Lounge these days?

Well, I am not at liberty to discuss all the changes that the Lounge will be going through in the next few months, but I can give you a little something to chew on in the meantime . . . . The sad news is, DIY Lounge's Alberta St. location will be closing at the end of February. This is because the lease is running out for Frock, which has been our home. Frock will move to a new location, but we won't be moving with them.

But with every ending comes a new beginning. DIY Lounge will be moving to a location that is close to everybody! What does that mean? I can't say more at this moment, but all will be revealed in time. If you are not already on the DIY Lounge mailing list, sign up today to get some sneak previews as well as wonderful crafty projects for FREEEEEEE!

How would you define the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"

Oh God, that old question? Well, I guess I have to answer it two ways. There is the way that I define them and the way they have traditionally been defined. Historically, crafts were typically utilitarian, more functional, such as a quilt or a rug. Art was much more of something you hang on a wall or put in a glass case. Somehow the function projects, the crafts, got the red-headed stepchild stigma. This is even true to some extent today. Nowadays, many quilts are referred to as "art," which in my opinion continues the negative stigma. It is my guess that because crafts were everyday items, they were given less value. This, by the way, makes no sense to me -- the fact that something can be both beautiful useful seems like a bonus.

I feel that arts and crafts both have great value. I wish there were more opportunities for artists and craftspeople to connect, as we have so much in common. The craft stigma does seem to be breaking down with younger generations, but I think there is still an invisible barrier. We live in a country with so much division, when the fact is we all breathe, have hearts, minds and our own creativity! We are much more alike than different.

What is your favorite creative spot in Portland?

I can't answer this with one answer because there are too many! Here are my top 5:

1. My home studio

2. DIY Lounge

3. SCRAP

4. The Knittn' Kitten

5. Mabel's Cafe & Knittery

Well, our first weekly prize drawing is done . . . which means it's time to start up another one. We're good like that here at DIY Alert!

So this week, we'll have a random drawing of DIY Alert! members, for a copy of Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle, by Tsia Carson.

If you'd like to get some background on this awesome book, you can listen to a podcast interview I did with the author here.

The drawing happens on Monday, February 5th. The winner will be notified by email. I hope you win.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Lancea LaPorte, who won 'Craftivity'! Hope you enjoy it!