Crocheter Spotlight: Kara from Petals to Picots

I want to spotlight amazing people in the crochet world, so to start us off, here is an interview with one of my favorite crochet designers-  

Kara from Petals to Picots:

 

Kara has a free tutorial to make these cute borders using the Sharp Crochet Hook on her blog: http://www.petalstopicots.com. 

 

She explains "You don't need to have a lot of money, time, or even crochet experience to create a special blanket to give as a gift or to donate to a child in need.  These quick and easy crocheted edgings add a handmade touch to any fabric blanket.  In fact, they are so quick and easy that you can still whip up a few blankets for our Project Linus Cyber Blanket Drive."

A bit of information about the crochet designer: 

 

My name is Kara, and I am a wife and mommy.  I have three children, ages 2, 9, and 11, who keep me very busy J.  My passion is crocheting and designing my own patterns, which I sell through online boutiques such as Etsy, Craftsy, and Ravelry.  I also run a blog called Petals to Picots (http://www.petalstopicots.com).  The thought to start the blog came from merging my background as a writer and editor with my passion for crochet. On my blog I share free patterns, tutorials, projects ideas, book and product reviews, and so much more.  I love how it just keeps evolving and allows me to interact with so many awesome and talented people.

Who taught you to crochet?

My grandmother … my nonna … taught me to crochet when I was about 9 years old.  She was always crocheting and did such beautiful work.  She watched us while my parents were at work and probably just taught me to keep me busy, but I was instantly in love, and here I am 30 years later still crocheting.  I still have so many things that she made and I treasure them.  I wish she could see what her teaching me has evolved into.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your family?

We are probably like most other families … busy, busy, busy.  With homework, activities, and playdates and trying to squeeze is some quality family time, our days are pretty full.  My 2 year old is currently keeping us all on our toes.  He is into everything right now! Our favorite time is always cuddling up on the couch at the end of the day and either reading or watching TV.

How long have you been selling online?

I finally started selling my patterns online a little less than a year ago.  I thought about it for so long but always put it off … probably because I was afraid it would be a total failure.  But I finally pushed myself to take the chance, and I am so glad I did.  I have “met” so many wonderful people and have received so much encouragement and support.

What is your favorite pattern?

My favorite … that is a hard one! I love all of them.  Hmmm … I guess I could narrow it down to three: the owl hooded towel, the Livy Ruffle Scarf, and the Spiral Loop Scarf.  

I just love the textured stitch on the owl hooded towel and of course the fact that it’s an owl because I love owls.  

The Livy Ruffle Scarf and the Spiral Loop Scarf I love because they add such a nice touch to an outfit and I get so many compliments when I wear them.  

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn to crochet?

Just keep trying!  I know it can seem awkward to hold the hook and the yarn at first or seem like learning another language when reading a pattern, but soon enough it will become second nature to you.  Once you get comfortable with it, it is so much fun and also can be very relaxing and therapeutic.

 Do you like any other sorts of crafts?

I love all kinds of crafty and artsy things … pottery, painting, drawing, sewing, quilting, knitting … but I am usually so excited to start my next crochet project that I don’t end up having enough time to pursue my other interests.

Are you currently working on anything?

Right now I am working on getting my Child’s Spring Flowers Poncho pattern finalized.  It is currently out for testing, so once I get the thumbs up from the testers I will be ready to list it.  And after that … I have a few other design ideas rolling around in my head and scribbled in my notebook, but I’m not sure which one I want to do first … that is always the hard part for me.  So many ideas, so little time!

 

Thanks for the inspiration Kara! Be sure to check out her blog and facebook page for more great ideas and patterns.

For the next designer spotlight, I'm taking nominations! Leave a comment and let me know who your favorite crochet designers are!

Happy Crocheting!