We're Shannon & Jason
We're multidisciplinary textile artists, authors, and educators based in Seattle who believe that creativity isn't about perfection, it's about permission. Permission to experiment, to screw up, to use that weird fabric you've been hoarding, and to make something that's uniquely, unapologetically yours.
How We Got Here
Back in 2009, we published our first crochet design. Within a year, we'd put out 300 patterns (yes, really). We didn't have a master plan or a business degree. We had a lot of ideas, a lot of yarn, fabric scraps, and the audacity to think people might want to make what we were making.
Fast forward to today: we've authored more than 15 books (including Scrappy Wonky Quilt Block Extravaganza, Stitching Sashiko, and Complete Crochet Course), taught countless workshops to makers around the globe, and built a community of folx who embrace the creative chaos right alongside us.
Who We Are (The Individual Humans)
Shannon is the designer, project manager, and idea generator who can break down the most complex project into manageable tasks. She's a crocheter, knitter, and textile artist who's deeply passionate about sustainability and accessibility in fiber arts. While she loves cooking, Shannon would rather spend her time making literally anything else.
Jason is the professional photographer, Adobe Creative Cloud wizard, and book layout designer behind the scenes. He's also the one who actually enjoys cooking (thank goodness), which means Shannon doesn't have to. His eye for composition and color makes our visual content sing, and his technical skills keep our creative chaos from becoming actual chaos.
Together, we create designs, write books, produce video and photo content, and teach workshops, all from our home studio in Seattle. We work in intense creative bursts, often switching between mediums depending on what's calling to us (or what deadline is looming).
What We're About
We specialize in scrappy improv quilting, crochet, knitting, and Japanese heritage techniques like sashiko, boro, and kogin-zashi. But honestly? Our real specialty is helping people give themselves permission to create without all the rules, gatekeeping, and "you're doing it wrong" nonsense that plagues the craft world.
Our philosophy is simple:
Creativity is for everyone. Imperfection isn't just accepted—it's the goal. We actively work against gatekeeping because we believe everyone is capable of creation and creative thought. Whether you're picking up a needle for the first time or you've been stitching for decades, there's room for you here.
How We Work With You
We teach through virtual workshops that reach makers worldwide, streaming classes, books, and our Patreon community where we share behind-the-scenes peeks and unfiltered opinions. Our approach is playful yet practical—we'll teach you techniques rooted in tradition while encouraging you to break the rules and make them your own.
Whether you're looking to learn sashiko stitching, dive into scrappy improv quilting, or master crochet from the ground up, we're here to guide you with clear instruction, terrible jokes, and the occasional pop culture reference.
What's Next
We're always working on something new. Our next book on mending is coming in Spring 2026, and we're constantly developing new workshops, patterns, and ways to help makers embrace their creativity.
Want to join us?
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram @embracethecreativechaos, or dive deeper into our world on Patreon.
Contact us
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