It was almost a year ago when I had the pleasure of meeting Samantha. She had reached out to me to inquire about my editing services for her Car Hanging Plant Pattern. I was immediately impressed by her design collection and was hoping to work with her again. Samantha has such a warm and friendly personality, and it was clear to me that she truly cared about her work. During the editing process, she took the time to perfect every edit I suggested. I love watching her grow as a designer and YouTuber!
Okay, without feather ado, here’s my conversation with Samantha!
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When did you learn to crochet and what was your ‘why’ for learning crochet?
I learned to crochet in 2021 after discovering crochet amigurumi at an art show. I was immediately amazed at how a simple ball of yarn could be turned into something so beautiful. I then made it my mission to learn this beautiful craft. My initial motivation was to have a fun hobby to fill my free time on my days off work.
What was your first crochet design? Could you share the inspiration behind the design?
My first crochet design was the Car Hanging Plant collection. At the time, I was only selling finished items and participating in craft fairs. I had multiple customers requesting car hanging plants. After trying to find a crochet pattern for car hanging plants, I couldn’t seem to find any that suited me, so I decided to design my own. After selling them for a few months and having them do so well at my markets, I decided to write up the pattern and try my hand at pattern design. I am now so glad I took that leap!
Could you describe your design process?
All of my designs first start with an idea! I seek inspiration by searching for pictures on Pinterest or Google. Sometimes I also find inspiration for designs in my own home or at garden centers. I then put my designs to pencil and paper. I am by no means gifted at drawing; however, I typically like to sketch a simple idea of what I would like my design to resemble. I usually take a day or two to think about my design and plan out different scenarios in my head on how I can crochet different aspects of my design. I find that taking a few days to plan everything out really cuts down on time frogging my designs. I then begin the fun part, crocheting my design! There may still be some trial and error here or things that need to be changed, but I typically create my completed design at this stage. After reviewing all my notes, everything is then typed up into a pattern!
Tell us about a time when you got “stuck” in the creative process. How did it challenge you, and what did you learn from it?
One of the most difficult patterns I designed was the Mini Monstera Plant pattern. I had to go back to the drawing board so many times that I almost gave up on the design altogether. But I was determined to find a way to make it work. Designing this pattern taught me that hard work does pay off! The satisfaction I felt after finally finding that magic formula for the design was like no other. It instilled in me the confidence I needed to take my patterns to the next level and try more complex designs.
What inspired you to begin designing crochet patterns?
I was inspired to create crochet patterns for two reasons. One was all the amazing crochet artists I had looked up to for so long. Seeing them succeed and learning from their patterns truly inspired me to try designing as well. The second reason is that I love the whole creative process of designing from start to finish. I love being able to put my name on something and seeing the joy people get from creating my patterns.
Do you have a small business? If so, tell us about your business.
Yes, I do! My business is Squibble’s Crochet Corner. I primarily design and sell crochet amigurumi plant patterns, which are focused on bringing a little piece of nature into your home. I am also now starting to dabble in blogging and have started a YouTube channel!
What is your favorite hook size and crochet stitch? Tell us why.
My go to hook is always a size F or 3.75mm. I typically use worsted weight yarn and I find this size hook works the best with my tension. My favorite stitch is probably the single crochet. I know it’s probably boring, but there is really so much you can do in amigurumi with a single crochet!
Of all your published designs, which one is your favorite and why?
This is a tough question, but my favorite is probably my most recent, which is the Valentine’s Pink Anthurium. I really felt like I challenged myself with this pattern and tried to incorporate new elements into the pattern. The end result is also by far my favorite! I think it is the most realistic of all my crochet plants!
What are your favorite resources in your crochet toolbox?
My favorite resources include my A to Z of Crochet stitch guide, YouTube, and Canva.
What’s the most challenging part of being a crochet designer?
I think the most challenging part for me is navigating negative comments directed at my business or my patterns. I know it is impossible to 100% please everyone and there will always be negative people out there, but sometimes it really hits home for me. I take pride in my business and my patterns so it can sometimes be hurtful when people make negative comments. I always try to focus on the positive and use any constructive criticism to better improve my business or my patterns.
Have you ever experienced disappointment in the crochet industry? If so, how did you overcome it?
I don’t think I have had a big moment where I felt disappointed. Overall the crochet community has been amazing! I think most of my disappointment can sometimes be in myself and comparing myself to others. That imposter syndrome is very real! I started listening to creators like Ashley from A Crafty Concept who really inspired me to shift my perspective on myself and my business. I took a step back and really tried to discover my voice and purpose in the crochet world.
Share how you organize your week or how you balance life and yarny things.
My life can be chaotic at times. I currently work full time as a nurse, which means most of my “free” time is dedicated to my crochet business. I, of course, still try to take breaks, but I love my crochet business so much that it often does not feel like work. I plan each month ahead of time using Trello and always keep a running to-do list. All of my content on social media and my patterns are all preplanned for the year. Of course, things always come up, but I find maintaining organization and preplaning things helps me be more motivated to get things done.
How are you hoping to grow over the next few years?
I am hoping to continue to grow my business by continuing to develop more crochet patterns and my social media platforms. I hope to continue to grow and learn as a designer, continuing to challenge myself and try new things. I hope to expand to more partnerships with companies that fit my brand as well.
What advice or encouragement would you give to aspiring or new designers?
Take the time to really learn the basics of pattern design and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Designing your first pattern can be scary, but trust me when I say, the help and guidance of a tech editor and pattern testers is absolutely vital. My patterns wouldn’t be what they are without their help!
Do you know how to knit, cross-stitch, weave, or spin? If not, do you desire to learn a new fiber art?
My mom actually first taught me how to knit when I was a kid, but I gave it up after some time. I was never able to pick it back up again. My husband did get me the Addi Knitting machine for Christmas so I am excited to try that out! I would also love to learn embroidery!
Do you have a bucket list? If so, what are the top 5 things you’d like to check off in your lifetime?
I really should, but I have never formally made one! At this point in my life, I am hoping to start my family and grow my business to the point where I can stay home with my future children. Maybe sprinkle a little bit of travel in there too.
What’s your all-time favorite movie? Book? T.V. Series? Podcast?
I always struggle with the movie question because there are so many amazing movies, but I just saw Dune: Part Two and I will say it definitely lives up to the hype! My favorite book is Gone Girl is by Gillian Flynn. TV series is probably Seinfeld, but I love most sitcoms. My favorite podcast right now is The Crochet Baes. It’s the perfect podcast to listen to while crocheting!
If you could travel anywhere in the world (all expenses paid), where would it be?
Switzerland! I have wanted to go for so long, but it is so expensive! It looks absolutely breathtaking!
If you could have a craft party, what three people (living or dead, real or fictional) would you invite?
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- Lauren Espy from A Menagerie of Stitches. She is a huge inspiration to me! My very first crochet project was actually a jellyfish from her book!
- My mom because who doesn’t want to have a craft party with their mom. Am I right? My mom has always been very crafty and artistic. She inspires me everyday!
- The Crochet Baes. I seriously love their podcast! It always brightens my day and I know for a fact they would be the life of the craft party.
What’s your favorite quote, verse, or saying?
John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last…”
To find out more about Samantha and follow her on social media, please click the links below!
CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE HERE
VISIT HER INSTAGRAM PROFILE HERE
CHECK OUT HER FACEBOOK PAGE HERE
WATCH HER YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
CHECK OUT HER PINTEREST HERE
VISIT HER ETSY SHOP HERE
FOLLOW HER ON RAVELRY HERE