2017 NatCroMo Blog Tour, March 10: Susan Carlson

A-Glamping We Will Go: 5th Annual National Crochet Month Blog Tour

Welcome to Crochetville’s fifth annual National Crochet Month (NatCroMo) blog tour, taking place each day of March 2017. Join us for a month of virtual glamping (aka glamorous camping), as we visit crochet designers, crochet-friendly local yarn stores, and yarn companies, as well as offer some fun giveaways.

Today’s Posts: Kathryn Clark | Sara Kay Hartmann | Susan Carlson

Want to Chat about the Tour?

Part of the fun of glamping is the daily round-up around the campfire, chatting and stitching with friends. We hope you’ll join us in our NatCroMo Facebook group, where we’ll be sharing daily camping recipes, campfire songs about crochet, and so much more! We’d also love to hear about your favorite things you’ve discovered on the tour and see photos of your current crochet projects. You’re invited to join us daily for virtual cocktails/appetizers and dinner. (We’ll be sharing links to some fabulous recipes!)

[button-blue url=”https://www.facebook.com/groups/nationalcrochetmonth/” target=”_blank” position=”center”]Facebook: Click Here[/button-blue]

Susan Carlson, Felted Button

Crochetville is very proud to have designer Susan Carlson with us today, March 10th, as one of the featured designers on our 2017 Designer Blog Tour in honor of National Crochet Month (NatCroMo).

About Susan:

I began crocheting as a squirmy 9 year old–taught by granny. My first project was a scratchy, VERY long scarf for my dad. Seems I didn’t know how to stop–something my teachers in school told me often. But I did stop crocheting for many years while I got distracted with running, teaching High School science, marrying my sweetie and having 3 kiddos.

But then inspired by some lovely crochet blogs, I picked up my hook and began hooking again. I was smitten–as it quieted my “noisy” brain and allowed me to make beautiful yarny things.

This whole designing adventure began when I opened my Felted Button Etsy shop to sell off some of the growing collection of crocheted items I had made. (Friends and family only want so many, right?) And I realized that my Technical Writing class at BYU was not such a waste of time as I started writing down the projects I made up. Since the birth of Felted Button, over 100 designs have been created with many more swirling around in my brain. But the people are what makes this the best opportunity in the world. This crocheting gig is fun!

Do you crochet in public? If so, when and where?

“Have yarn, will travel.” I crochet everywhere I get a minute to sit–unless driving, of course.

Do you have a special place at home where you crochet? Tell us about it.

I’ve got my favorite orange chair surrounded by baskets of yarn and my trolley with books, sketches, pattern notes, partial design ideas, hooks, and general yarny chaos. (Don’t ask about the full studio room where I write patterns and store my yarn. Really. Don’t ask.)

Share the story of your favorite thing you’ve ever crocheted or designed.

While wandering the yarn aisle, I came upon some long-color run yarn in 8 completely disparate colorways. The challenge to myself was to see if I could turn it into something beautiful. And I think it was successful with the creation of my Monet’s Garden Throw. What a blast it was to play with color–my favorite thing to do when designing! Bonus: Loads of texture!

Tell us about your most popular pattern.

One of my most popular patterns is my Abacus Blanket. These nifty little “mock bullion” stitches in rainbow hues definitely remind me of those colorful wooden math helpers you find in children’s school rooms. I’m a fan of the look of a bullion stitch, I just find there is no rhythm and joy in working them. But this nifty little “mock bullion” stitch is super easy. Can you play with color? Yep.

Tell us about your favorite camping location.

I’m not the best camper–I like my daily shower and the conveniences of home. But, Glamping! Well, that’s a whole different story. My favorite camping location is a beautiful fly fishing spot high in the mountains of Utah where the trout are plentiful and the scenery spectacular. (Don’t ask where it is. If I told you, I’d have to kill you.)

What is your favorite camping tip?

Take your yarn!! There’s always time for crocheting, right?

Visit Susan’s Site: NatCroMo Specials

In honor of NatCroMo, I’m offering a free crochet pattern to make your own Crisscross Catona Cushion Cover–now that’s an alliteration! Simple, graphic and clean in design, this removable pillow cover can be made with colorful Catona for any room. I hope you enjoy it!

Susan’s Designs:

If you’re not familiar with my work already, I’d like to share three of my designs with you.

1. Abacus Blanket, $5.50

These nifty little “mock bullion” stitches in rainbow hues definitely remind me of those colorful wooden math helpers you find in children’s school rooms. I’m a fan of the look of a bullion stitch, I just find there is no rhythm and joy in working them. But this nifty little “mock bullion” stitch is super easy!

2. Parrotlet’s Flight Blanket, $5.50

With colors inspired by my son’s Pacific Parrotlet, this blanket will fly off your hook with color, texture and whimsy. It’s got a rhythmic stitch pattern that is fun to work with a fabulous result.

3. Skittles Blanket, Free

With a sweet rainbow of happy color and simple stitch repeats, this blanket is perfect for a quick project as a gift or for yourself. Let’s get skittling!