Toni Lipsey is the creative genius behind TL Yarn Crafts and we are delighted to reveal she is also now a designer for the first Bella Coco Crochet Box!
When did you learn to crochet?
I learned to crochet when I was 13 from my mother. I was home during summer break with nothing to do. My mom put a granny square in my hand and said “Keep going until you run out of yarn”. Three balls of yarn later, I had a hideous camouflage granny square blanket. As hideous as it was, I felt so accomplished. I worked on a few more projects that summer and got really into crochet shortly after I got married in my early 20’s.
And how did that turn into designing your own patterns?
I started TL Yarn Crafts by selling pieces made from other people’s patterns at craft shows. I wanted to change up my product offerings and was looking for the perfect slouchy beanie. I couldn’t find one that I loved so I designed one. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, but I just kept making things for my craft market table. Eventually, a yarn company asked me to make something with their yarn and I consider that my first foray into crochet design.
What is your favourite thing to make?
I absolutely love making cardigans. I’m a big cardigan fan, personally (I won’t embarrass myself with saying how many) and I really like the idea of making things to compliment my current wardrobe. I’ve designed many cardigans to date, some light and springy, and some oversized and cozy.
Which colours do you love working with?
My favourite colour palette is a mix of warm neutrals and pinks. I gravitate to taupe, linen, and “greige” (somewhere between grey and beige). I also love all of the mauves and blush colours that are available in yarns now.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I get a lot of my inspiration from the stores that I like to shop in. I like to work with a more youthful aesthetic and find myself getting lost in Pinterest spirals to gather inspiration.
Which other designers do you admire?
This could be such a long list! I’ll narrow it down to three that come to mind. I’m a huge fan of Shay of @KnitandCroShay as well as Jess of @MakeAndDoCrew and Alexandra of @TwoOfWands. All of those ladies, and many more, as just so inspiring.
How many WIPs do you have?
For fear of embarrassing myself, I’ll only mention the projects I’m actively working on. So I have three WIPs – a velvet baby blanket for a friend, a sleeveless summer top design, and a lightweight shawl design.
Where is your favourite place to crochet?
As much as I love people, I really like to crochet at home. I have the perfect spot on my couch, my two kitties, and all the movies I can stand. Plus I don’t have to put on real pants. A win-win for everyone!
Who do you like to make crochet gifts for?
I really love making baby items for friends who are pregnant. Not only are baby gifts fast but the mothers are always so grateful.
What piece of advice would you give to a new crocheter?
Don’t be afraid to switch up your hook and yarn. A lot of difficulties in learning to crochet might be because you don’t have the right tools. If you’re having trouble, try getting a slightly nicer hook and/or better yarn 🙂
What are your crochet plans for 2019?
Make all the things and try to keep my yarn stash at a manageable level.
Where can people find out more about you?
Find all of my patterns and pins on TLYarnCrafts.com and follow my designs on my blog, TLYCBlog.com.