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You are going to love this new series coming! I know how much all crocheters love finding new crochet patterns. It’s one of my favorite hobbies! Since starting to blog at Salty Pearl Crochet, I’ve been meeting so many different crochet designers. I really enjoy getting to know them, and putting a face to the awesome crochet patterns, so I am starting a series of Designer Features, that will showcase some of my new crochet blogger and designer friends and share some of their best patterns with you! Even better? I’m making sure to feature some designers who have free crochet patterns available!
I have some really neat ladies to feature in the next few weeks, and I know you’ll love discovering their crochet patterns. I’m so excited about this! What could be more fun than chatting and connecting over free crochet patterns?
For our first designer feature, I’m chatting with Mary, from CraftyTuts.com.
I met Mary online through a Facebook group for crochet business owners. We’re both military spouses, so we hit it off pretty quickly! Isn’t it great how crochet can bring us together like that? We live about as far away as two people can possibly be and still be in US soil (Florida to Alaska, currently!), but we share that common thread.
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Mary from CraftyTuts.com Crochet Designer Feature Interview
Katie: So, Mary, why did you learn how to crochet? Who taught you? I just love hearing those stories.
Mary: Growing up I was a bookworm and I rarely left my room. So, my mother decided that I needed something “productive” to do instead of reading books all day. She went to grab one of those old crafts books that has various crafts in it, and had like 2 crochet patterns in it. She bought some tweed yarn and a hook, and started one of the patterns there that was for a market bag, and then showed me how to grab the hook and work the chain stitch and double crochet, as well as to work in rounds, so I continued working on the bag.
Eventually I crocheted to the desired size, and it was time to make or add straps, so I showed her the project, and she was clueless about what to do next, and so was I. Now that I think about it, it would have been so easy to make some straps, but as a newbie I didn’t even try to think about it. So, I just left the project in a corner somewhere.
I don’t remember how, but my grandfather had a friend that knew how to crochet, and he asked her if she could teach me, and she agreed. I might have asked for someone to help me finish the bag, but honestly, I don’t remember. This lady lived about 4 to 5 blocks away from hour house, and after a phone call to make sure she was home and she could receive us, my grandpa took me there. He introduced us, and I was ready with a small ball of yarn and my hook, which I proudly showed to her to ask what I could make with one ball of yarn. She went over some of her books and said she would find something easy that I could finish in one day, and came back with a big diagram for a doily.
So, she showed me how to read them, and showed me that each symbol represented a stitch. She started the first round and maybe second round of the doily, but soon gave me the project so I could continue working on it, as I read stitch by stitch from the charted diagram. Indeed, I finished the same day, and when my grandpa came back to pick me up, I gifted him the doily for his office.
After that, I visited her about every weekend, she enjoyed the company, and I enjoyed to be around crocheting, and after the doily she showed me how to design my own skirt, which I loved and used for many years. The following item she showed me how to make and design myself was a tank top, and after those 3 items I was ready to work by myself.
Katie: What is your all-time favorite crochet project you’ve made?
Mary: Which one is your favorite child?? That’s a hard one to answer, I love all my projects!
But since I have to chose one, I have to say is the Chunky Chunky Cardi. It was a challenge to design with jumbo yarn, and I loved that I accomplished my goals, I also loved the finished item, which is like wearing a big bear hug!
Chunky Chunky Cardi on Ravelry
Katie: What’s your favorite stitch to crochet? And how about your favorite yarn?
Mary: My favorite stitch is the good old double crochet, because you can make so many things with that basic stitch.
My favorite yarn is one I dyed myself, it was a selfish project, because I always think about what people would like, but this one I dyed as I wanted it to be. The yarn is called Atlantis, and is from my Pixie Dust Yarns line on Etsy. I made with teal and mint colors which are my very favorite, and the yarn is 80% merino wool, which is so darn soft and cozy. (I’m currently living in Alaska, so warm and cozy yarn is a must!)
Katie: What would you say is your favorite item to crochet?
Mary: I don’t have a favorite item to make, I am too much of a free spirit. One day I’m dying to make some hats, while the next week I can’t wait to start a shawl.
Katie: What music/show do you have on while crocheting?
Mary: I am a business dork, so I often listen to podcasts or watch tutorials related to business.
If I am with my husband then he would choose something on Netflix we would watch while I knit or crochet. We watch many movies and shows, but one that we watch often is Scrubs, and That’s 70’s show.
Katie: Where is your favorite spot to crochet? Any special crochet buddies?
Mary: I love to crochet in my room while watching something on Netflix with my husband, and I also love to crochet in my craft room, where I keep my computer, so I can watch or listen all those business podcast/tutorials I mentioned.
Kiddos are always coming and going, and often play with my yarn which I have to de-tangle later on. They also model some of the patterns I design, as I make it for them, so they participate on mommy’s projects a lot.
Katie: Are you a snacker while you crochet? What do you have to keep beside you while you crochet?
Mary: I love coffee and snacks, specially sweets. Is very common to find some coffee and cookies next to me while I am working on my projects.
Besides that, I also like to have my tools around, gauge ruler, scissors, yarn needle, etc.
Katie: Thanks so much for joining us today, Mary! I really enjoyed getting to know you a bit better, and I’m so excited to showcase some of your crochet patterns!
Crochet Patterns to Find at CraftyTuts.com
Paid Patterns by Mary D of CraftyTuts on Ravelry
I absolutely couldn’t resist these gorgeous crochet patterns! I’m a big fan of the super cute, clean photography style Mary has. You can purchase these all on Ravelry.
I just love the open lace pattern here! I think this is beautiful as shown, but would remind me even more of the ocean in some deep blue ocean tones.
Doesn’t this just make you want to pick up your crochet hook right away? It does for me! This pretty lace vest would be the perfect final layer for so many of my favorite wardrobe staples- you can use it to dress up leggings, top a dress with it, or even pair it with jeans and your favorite tee.
I love this poncho! The corset tied ribbon really gives the piece some glam. I would love to wear this, and it looks like such a fun piece to crochet.
This beautiful shawl would make such a lovely accent to any ensemble. And as a former band geek, I was sold at the musical title! The stripes are so cute, and I can tell it’s so soft and drapey!
Free Crochet Patterns on CraftyTuts
How stunning are these blues? I would totally rock that cowl over a cute sundress with ankle boots! Plus, who doesn’t love one skein projects? I’m obsessed with the Lion Brand Mandala Yarn used in the pattern!
Aren’t these boot cuffs just adorable!? I love working with fringe, and these are just such a fun accent. I could see them working equally well on tall boots or ankle booties.
The Loop stitch used in this cute scarf is so trendy lately! I’ve been meaning to try it, and I think this cute accessory would be the perfect project to experiment with!
I am just so addicted to crochet headbands! (One of my goals for this summer is to start a headband CAL!) This sweet rosette headband would look absolutely adorable, and I know my daughter would love it (as would I)!
This gorgeous lacy infinity scarf couldn’t be better! I’d love a nice scarf like this in my wardrobe, and since it’s a free pattern, I’ll be sure to make one soon! Just have to find the right yarn… I’m sure there’s some in my stash somewhere…
I love the look of lacy triangle shawls like this! They’re so versatile, and they are just the right amount of extra warmth for a cool sea breeze, or a chilly restaurant in summer. Love it!
