Hi! What are you up to today?
I’m currently working on a blanket for my mum. I have made blankets for my children and sister before and thought it was about time I gave my mum a special one. This one is in her favourite colours and has rows of pretty spring flowers mixed in with lots of lovely textured stripes.
What is your favourite type of project to crochet?
I love crocheting all sorts of different things, it’s really hard to pick a favourite. Can I pick
4?! I love to crochet hats and scarves for myself and family, I love making bunting for
special occasions, and I also have a real passion for blankets.
Where’s your favourite place to crochet?
I crochet anywhere and everywhere I get chance! I work as a teacher and also help out at my
local art gallery and museum in the school holidays, so with that and running around after
two children, I have to fit in my crochet addiction anywhere I can. Quite often you’ll find me
in a car park crocheting away whilst I wait outside one of the children’s clubs, but probably
my favourite place to crochet is my lounge, once the children have gone to bed, and I get to
have a nice cup of tea on the sofa and crochet whilst I ‘watch’ the TV.
Which of your crochet projects are you proudest of?
I think the project I’m proudest of is the first design I ever published, my mini Christmas
stockings advent garland. Before this I’d always done freestyle projects where I made up my
own designs but this project was the first time I actually sat down and translated what was in
my head and on my hook, on to paper. It was so exciting to see how well it was received and
gave me so much confidence to carry on designing patterns which other people could then
enjoy making as much as I did.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced with your
crochet?
Clothing! It still scares me today even after all my years of crocheting. I always feel really
nervous about investing so much of my time (and precious yarn!) in making an item of clothing
for myself, worrying if in the end it will fit me and look good on. I see so many beautiful cardigan
and jumper patterns though so it’s definitely something I want to do more of.
What’s the best piece of crochet advice you’ve ever received?
Do projects that make you happy, work at your own pace and don’t worry about other people’s
makes looking better than yours. We are all on our own individual journey and if you are having fun
and making something that you love and feel proud of, that’s the most important thing.
Do you have any big crochet plans coming up?
I’ve got two big blanket patterns in the pipeline so just need to find the time to get them finished
and all written up. I would also really love to write a book of beginner crochet projects that are easy
and fun to make but look fantastic. It’s so nice when you are first starting out to have projects you
can do but that also look great once finished so you can show them off to friends and family.
Where can people find out more about you?
You can see my latest crochet projects and find links to my pattern designs on my Instagram and
Facebook account (@melly.elly.crochet). I love seeing all your makes so please do tag me and say
‘Hi’!