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​Darn Good Yarn has some free patterns !  Click here or on any of the images below 

**This post contains affiliate links and each purchase made helps me earn a little commission (at no extra cost to you) and helps keep my content free - thank you in advance for supporting me :)
​My first tutorial for 2017 is a beautiful cowl designed by Celina from simplycollectiblecrochet.com. Celina is so generous with her designing, providing free patterns and allowing me to make a video tutorial 
You will follow along with the written pattern and also have a visual lesson ​- more details after the interview

Previously Celina and I have done other collaborations. The Coraline on wine country is a beautiful shawl and get compliments each time I wear it. Easy pattern and looks great in the Red Heart Unforgetable yarn 
Written pattern can be found here
 http://simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2015/01/coraline-wine-country-shawl-wrap-crochet-pattern/

The Coraline in Morroco cowl is easy and works up super fast in the Red Heart Reflective yarn. Perfect for the last minute gifts or a cowl you can keep in your bag
Written pattern can be found here 
http://simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2014/11/coraline-morocco-one-skein-cowl-crochet-pattern/

How old were you when you learnt to crochet and who taught you ? 
My grandmother taught me when I was a child. I must’ve been about 6 because I distinctly remember it was a summer vacation and everything was planned meticulously so we could return to the States in time for school to start. I was old enough to think what a boring summer it was going to be (haha!) I remember seeing what she was working on and being fascinated by it. She taught me to make a chain and sent me off with a hook and a small skein. I recall making chain after chain after chain after chain until the end of the summer. I learned how to use that hook, but was never really interested enough to complete a project or even select one for that matter. Needless to say, I'm glad I learned that simple exercise.

How long have you been designing ?
I’ve been designing, in general, since I was a young girl. My mother studied to work as a tailor and did work as a seamstress for some time. She taught me to create patterns, how to measure, and hand sew when I was 5 years old. I used to sew pillowcases, baskets, clothes, and bags for my dolls from her scraps. Then I
started experimenting with making paper dolls and creating their clothing and went off into building doll houses and furniture out of cardboard. I’ve always been pretty experimental with my creations. haha! I remember making a wedding gown for my Barbie out of toilet paper and tape. It was fantastic! (I think. haha!)

How many designs do you have ?
That’s kind of a tricky question because I have over 400 designs, but they haven’t all manifested into publication. I think many can understand that. I’m not even going to say the are all good. Some are just awful! I believe that no matter what, it’s import to try out your ideas and test your theories when it comes to designs. You can learn so much about yourself and your medium when you just get in there and “get dirty.”

What inspirers your designs ?
Honestly, many times it’s just an brain tickle you get when you pick up a skein, but inspiration for design can come from anywhere. A lot of my inspiration comes from looking at things in nature- microbiology even. One of my designs- Penelope's Flirty Shawl- was inspired by the intricacy I saw in a small bush when we were going for a walk. It was the only bush in the area that did not have a single leaf on it and the structure was just extraordinary to me as the sun shone from behind.

Why did you start designing patterns ?
Actually, I didn’t go back to work after my son was born. When he was a toddler, I started getting really bored and “itchy.” We’d just come back from the park and we were playing in the living room, watching Create, and Knit & Crochet Now! came on. I remember thinking, “That. I just need to make something.” Within a week, I was making a hat for my husband. I’d found my “puzzle,” you know? Some people may choose crossword or Sudoku, but I definitely prefer design.

What advice would you give to a new designer?
Stay true to yourself. If “they” don’t “get it,” it’s okay. Being YOU takes practice. Take your time to find your niche. Don’t be hard on yourself. That sounds like a lot of different things, but in my head it was only one. I guess it’s cyclical. (haha!)

Can you imagine your life without crochet/knitting/designing ?
If I couldn’t design in some form or fashion, I would choke. It isn’t just an outlet for me. It’s what I breathe.

Most recent patterns:
http://simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2016/12/easy-peasy-messy-bun-hat-crochet-pattern/

http://simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2016/12/seashore-messy-bun-hat/

http://www.craftcoalition.com/my-dolly-ruffle-ruana-18-doll-crochet-pattern/

http://www.craftcoalition.com/my-dolly-edgy-messy-bun-hat-crochet-pattern/

CraftCoalition.com is Celina's new site partnering with her friend and fellow designer Mistie Bush! We’re having a good time boosting each other in business and actually designing some cool pieces together. Though the site is fairly new, we are cranking out the fun and have some great ideas planned with several CALs in our future.

Simply Collectible Crochet - http://simplycollectiblecrochet.com
Craft Coalition - http://www.craftcoalition.com
Free Crochet Patterns directory - http://simplycollectiblecrochet.com/free-crochet-patterns/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/c/CelinaLaneSC 
Pinterest -http://www.pinterest.com/simplycollectib/ 
Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyCollectible 
Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com/designers/celina­lane 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SCCelinaLane 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/celina.simply.collectible/
Email - [email protected]

Written pattern for the Oversized cowl can be found HERE
This pattern uses Red Heart Yarn

Hello crochet friends 
​We have another easy video tutorial this week and it goes really well with the hat that we made last week 
FREE written patterns and video tutorials are available for both and if you are a beginner then you are going to find these patterns a great start and you will have something looking amazing when you finish

Each pattern is constructed in a similar way so once you have made one you will find the next one a breeze 
In my opinion the gloves are easier and work up faster so if you are a complete beginner you may want to make those first :)

Hope you enjoy this weeks tutorial 
Happy crochet 
​Clare xx