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If you’ve poked around on AllFreeCrochet but have missed out on Heather Tucker’s patterns, then you definitely haven’t been looking hard enough. We have been working with her for a while and took great interest in her no chain beginning patterns. Our own readers seemed to love them as well!
We decided to talk to her and ask for some background on her blogging, crocheting, and pattern-making because we are always looking for people doing creative things in the world of crochet. Check out our exclusive interview with her below for all of the great insight she has to offer! When you’re done, take a look at her blog, Mama’s Stitchery Projects, to see just what it is we’ve been so excited about.
Q. Some of your no chain beginning patterns really caught our eye! How did you figure out how to do this? Do you plan on sharing more of these in the future?
No Beginning Chain Basket Throw
A. As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. Over the years I had accumulated a lot of yarn, a portion of which was highly textured, like Lion Brand Homespun. These are beautiful yarns with great colors and perfect for afghans. I had only knitted with those yarns, but knitted afghans (unless very carefully crafted) are not reversible, an attribute I prize in afghans. I looked extensively on the internet for patterns that would work well for these yarns, but finding nothing, just started creating my own. I start with classic crochet stitch patterns in which all the stitches are made in chain spaces. I modify them to add my No Beginning Chain starting row of chain spaces and row beginnings and endings that are made in chain spaces. I will definitely have more No Beginning Chain patterns coming in the future.
Q. It can be hard to feel like you’re not always doing the same things. How do you find inspiration for your crochet patterns and other crafts?
A. I play with designs using charting symbols. I get inspiration from geometric designs, vintage textiles and creating items for friends and family to suit their taste and style.
No Beginning Chain Ripple Blanket
Q. What are some of your favorite types of crochet patterns?
A. My absolute favorite type of afghan is a ripple style. I like patterns that are interesting enough that they look striking even in a solid color. In patterns with simpler stitches, I like to use color creatively to make them beautiful and interesting.
Q. Would you rather post more patterns that you love working up yourself or that you know your readers will love?
A. I always have my readers in mind. I keep several projects laying around that I am knitting or crocheting, but the truth of the matter is that my favorite thing is designing knitting and crochet patterns.
Q. You have a number of different blogs between crafting and cooking. Is it hard to keep up with all of them? Which blog do you enjoy the most?
A. Mama’s Stitchery Projects has by far my largest audience, so it is my primary focus. The other blogs were born for the same reason it was. Friends and family would ask for patterns/recipes/instructions. It is just easier to present that type of material in a blog format.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you? Do you spend most of your free time crafting and cooking or do you find other ways to relax?
A. I have a six-year-old son, so I don’t really have free time. The few moments I have here and there, I spend crocheting/knitting on several projects I have going at once. I do crafting with my son and cook for my family.
Q. How have your blogs benefited you? What has your greatest accomplishment been since you started blogging about your crafting and cooking?
Shell and Stripe Ripple Blanket
A. I have been crocheting and knitting for forty years, and designing for most of that time. Until very recently I never wrote down my patterns. I have given away most of my original designs, so could only try to recreate the patterns from a few photos, for the few I even have photos of. Converting my sketchy notes and the thoughts in my head to written patterns was a learning process. I am grateful to my readers who were patient with me as I learned the best ways to present the information. With their questions and feedback, I have refined the process, and continue to improve it. I want my patterns to be error free, easily understood and easy to modify. My readers have made me the designer that I am today and I want to thank them for that.
Q. Is there anything else that you want readers to know?
A. My readers are so complimentary and that keeps me going. Some of the highest compliments they have given me are using the same pattern many times, using other patterns of mine after liking another, and modifying patterns to suit their own tastes and needs. When possible, I give instructions for making my patterns in several sizes, and for advanced stitchers, the information they need to make them any size they want. I get lots of requests for instructions to modify patterns for different sizes and yarn weights. I always try my best to help with those questions.
My readers can use the items they create using my patterns in any way they please, but it touches me how many readers are making items for charity. It is so special to me that I am a small part of that. Also many readers use my patterns to create special items for very special people to them. I love getting the comments with these stories.
What’s your favorite Heather Tucker design?
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Great patterns, Heather! I love the lace chemo caps. Currently making the diamond lace. Planning to make Tiffany Lace baby hat and blanket. Thanks for sharing your patterns!
Thanks, Heather! I’m definitely a fan of yours-I’m currently making your Ribbed Ripple Reversible Afghan. I have lots of yarn to use for your chainless projects, so I’m looking forward to making your other patterns. I love your work 🙂