Imagine a world where for $25 per month you can take classes on just about any creative pursuit, taught by the leading designers their respective fields. Printmaking. Sewing. Crochet. Pattern Drafting. Take as many classes as you want at any time of the day.

This world just became a reality last week with the launch of CreativeBug.

I’m one of the instructors, and I’m thrilled to be a part the project. Here’s how it works: You want to learn how to knit. Once you’re a member, log on to CreativeBug and take my Fingerless Gloves class. (I’m wearing them in the photo below.) The class is split up into mini-videos that cover each step: cast-on, knit, purl, etc. Click on cast on, and I’ll show you how. Or if you already know how to cast on and just need a refresher on the knit stitch, click on knit instead. Replay the videos as many times as you need until you’ve mastered the skills. Learn at your own pace.

Let’s say as you’re learning the knit stitch, you decide you actually hate knitting. Stop my class right there, and move on to anything else that captures your attention … how about collage-making? Once you’ve paid your $25 fee, you have unlimited access to all of the classes on the site.

CreativeBug contacted me in early spring and asked  if I wanted to take part, and I jumped at the chance. They flew me out to San Francisco in April, and I filmed my three classes: how-to-knit Fingerless Gloves,  Tootsies felted slippers, and my Blooms felted bracelet. I blogged about the experience — which was nerve-wracking but totally energizing — when I got home. Next, they came to Vermont and filmed me with my kids (and cat) so they could put together an “instructor profile.”

The profiles are mini-film biographies that show the designers in their homes talking about their backgrounds and inspirations. View all of the instructors here, and while you’re at it, take a look at my profile. The bios are so well done,  each  is a little piece of art in it’s own right. You don’t have to be a member to view.  It’s worth a visit to the site just to get the backstory of people like fabric designer Heather Ross, clothing designer Cal Patch and Stitch ‘n Bitch author Debbie Stoller. Kudos to CreativeBug for creating a vehicle to capture and share the knowledge of so many gifted artisans. Take advantage and tell everyone you know!

Meet my new BFF: the cameraman.

I spent the last few days on a super-secret shoot for a super-secret website that is launching sometime in May. My job is to teach people how to knit and felt. I chose two of my favorite projects, plus a new one I designed just for the site. I truly enjoyed the process, but man, was it intense.

Imagine doing any task, say, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then imagine breaking the process down into the most mundane steps: first, open the cupboard door, then find the jar of peanut butter, if right handed, use your right hand to twist off the jar top… you get the picture. Now imagine explaining those same steps 20 times with no script and this guy and his big camera in your nose the whole time. Then visualize a sound guy, another “long shot” camera guy and a “coach” all hinging on each word you say. While doing it, don’t forget to SMILE! At one point the producer said this to me, and I’m not making this up: “OK, let’s do that whole take again, but let’s try to have a face on that makes it look like you aren’t in so much…pain.”

That was on the first day, but by day three, I was a pro. I had gotten to know everyone. I picked up a feel for the pacing. I understood what material they needed me to deliver, and it turned out to be fun. When it was time to go, I was exhausted but sad to leave. I loved the producer and the crew, and I was so grateful that they helped me work through my jitters and goofy, strained faces. I think in the end they got what they needed. And I got what I needed, too. I learned that though I was nervous as hell, and sometimes stammering to get my words out,  I just kept on moving forward. The more I moved forward, the calmer I got, until I was flowing. I think that’s a great lesson for life.

I’ll keep you posted when the site goes live. I can’t wait to see how the footage turned out.

You followed me as I daringly submerged this design in the washing machine. I wasn’t at all sure how my 35 hours of knitting would turn out. Well, I was thrilled with the result, and I guess my editors were, too, because here is my design, right on the cover!

That's My Design! Right There! On The Cover!

Not how I would have styled it, but O well.

I like it a lot better as a cushion. I wouldn't really want to tote my wallet and keys around in this thing.