Singles or Plied?

With new yarn trends popping up each month, it's safe to say there's an overwhelming amount of choices when it comes to fiber arts - these days. There are SO many options.. but, everyone's current favorite, is -- by far hand-dyed yarns. I've been dyeing and spinning yarn for 6 years.. so, I know a little bit more than the average knitter/crocheter. Have you ever wondered the difference between a singles yarn and a plied yarn? I'm going to have both available in my update this week, so I thought now would be a great time to bust out a little bit of yarn-y knowledge for ya'll..

Laced-Up Bralette FREE Crochet Pattern

Have you ever heard that saying that says something about how in every struggle you can find a blessing?

Well, last week I frogged an entire garment that I'd been working on. It just didn't work out the way I had planned and with me being a total perfectionist, I knew I had to rip it out. If I didn't, I wouldn't of been happy with it and it would have been a waste of good yarn. I guess it was just "one of those weeks" for me. I mean, I'm used to getting bored of a big project or angry that my math isn't adding up right. Sometimes it happens with something that I'm designing (where it's taken me months to get something just right). Other times, I get stressed out over a single row in a pattern I'm working up. I guess that's just me though. Truth is, I started designing crochet patterns because I'm a tad bit OCD about certain things and how they are worded/written. I really struggled to follow along with patterns written by other people. I don't know why. It's just always something that was hard for me...

Netflix + Crochet

What's your favorite thing to do while crocheting? Occasionally I watch crochet podcasts on YouTube or listen to audiobooks on Audible (both of which are great options) ..but my all-time favorite thing is binge watching Netflix shows! If you haven't tried it, you're totally missing out. Go get it! I'm always looking for a new show to get hooked on. In fact, I've watched so many really great ones, that I keep a list of my favorites to share with my friends/family! Today, that is exactly what I'm going to do! Click below for a list of the most binge-worthy Netflix + Crochet shows..

The Cozy Cardigan

The Cozy Cardigan crochet pattern is my favorite design to date. I couldn't wait to get it finalized for you guys, but the stress of the holidays caused me to put it to the side. I've just now finally gotten to it and I'm so excited to see what you guys create with the pattern! It's fully adjustable, so you can make it any length you desire! The PDF pattern includes lots of photos and detailed notes for simple adjustability - which means that it's easy to size, even for beginners! Now, let's take a quick behind the scenes look at creating and piecing together the Cozy Cardi!

A peek at a new Fall design..

It's been a while since I've shared what I've been working on. Things have been kind of slow going over here because I've been working on yet another big piece. Yes, it's a Fall sweater! If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen a peek or two (..and if you don't follow me, you should! 😜) I've seen so many beautiful oversized cardigans lately, but they're all knit.. and they're made with chunky yarn. I don't love to crochet with chunky yarn, it never comes out the way I plan for. Plus, I feel like it would just be way too heavy to make an entire sweater out of. It's a bummer. I love the knit look, but definitely can't knit well enough to make a sweater (though, I hope to one day)! So, I decided to take that inspiration and design and write up the pattern for my very own original oversized crochet cardigan!

BTS: Designing a Crochet Sweater

I recently finished my second crochet sweater (third if you count that one that I didn't design myself) and I decided not to write up a pattern for this one. I did this, in particular.. because I wanted to have the freedom to kind of go with the flow for this design. So, since I don't have a pattern to share, I thought I'd share a little bit of the behind the scenes stuff involved with designing a garment pattern. Maybe to inspire you to create a sweater of your own!

Let's talk goals..

What's your biggest goal as an artist or designer? Mine is definitely designing cool pieces around today's fashion. I love to take an idea of a simple style or unique construction and translate that into a crochet piece that's different from anything you've seen. I love fashion and working with different fibers and textures. I'm a creative mind in all aspects. It's like I have this constant want to make or come up with these amazing new things. I can do all of that through crochet and designing. I think it's the most satisfying form of art there is.