2017 NatCroMo Blog Tour, March 29: Kirsten Holloway

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: Amy Shelton | Kirsten Holloway | Sparkle Studio | Daily Giveaway

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!)

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Kirsten Holloway, Kirsten Holloway Desibns

Crochetville is very proud to have designer Kirsten Holloway with us today, March 29, as one of the featured designers on our 2017 Designer Blog Tour in honor of National Crochet Month (NatCroMo).

About Kirsten:

I first learned to crochet when I was 9, and enjoyed making little gifts for friends and family through my preteen and early-teen years. After that I stopped and didn’t pick up a hook again for almost 20 years. 2014 was when I started crocheting again in earnest. I thought it would be a fun way to be creative, and make some extra income. Since I’d never learned to read patterns as a child that was my first goal, and my husband was instrumental in helping me learn to do this (he’d learned in scouts years before). It was a rough couple of weeks, and I was pretty sure I’d never get the hang of all the abbreviations, but soon it came naturally.

The next two years I spent my time selling in local boutiques, at farmer’s markets, and fulfilling custom orders, but really wasn’t satisfied making the same items over and over again. In the fall of 2016 I switched to full-time pattern writing and have been having the time of my life creating designs for others to make. It warms my heart knowing that the items made from these patterns are going to friends, family members, and places that help the needy (all things very near and dear to my heart.

I’m looking forward to more growth in my business throughout the coming year, and providing many more beautiful patterns for others to cherish.

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

I haven’t yet, and that really needs to change! The best possible scenario I can think of is being able to have an impromptu crochet lesson, and be able to share my knowledge with someone else. Crafting is meant to be shared, and passed on.

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

My living room has the best light in the house, and is surrounded by huge windows with beautiful views of the forest that we live in. I enjoy crocheting, and watching nature. It adds to the peacefulness of the craft.

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

This is almost as bad as asking me if I have a favorite child! I honestly can’t think of a favorite because each pattern has a special place in my heart.

In the interest of having something here, I’ll share this little lacy bonnet. It’s my “Lavender Blue” Baby Bonnet done in #10 thread instead of fingering or sport weight yarn. The reason why it this is special is because it’s one of the hats made from this pattern that is going to be donated to my local NICU. Doing simple things like this for others brings a lot of joy to my heart.

How do you decide what to name your patterns?

Naming a pattern is the most difficult part of the design process, but one I often have a lot of fun with. I love using plays on words, puns, and meanings that might not be totally obvious to the casual observer. So the next time you see a pattern, look at the title, and the way the stitches are arranged, and see if you can figure out what I was thinking. 😉

Tell us about your most popular pattern.

The Primrose and Proper Super Scarf came about because I love lace, and wanted a piece that would have that element, as well as being warm enough to wear in the winter. Super scarves have been immensely popular this past winter, and after making this I can see why! The scarf seems to go on forever (ok, really, only 102″), and can be wrapped, and looped around in several different combinations!

For those who might not want such a long scarf, I’ve included stitch counts for shorter versions.

Tell us about your favorite camping location.

We don’t live too far from Glacier National Park, so whenever we want a weekend away from it all, our family heads to the mountains. The park is criss-crossed with trails, and plenty of snow-fed lakes and streams. The woods are home to quite a few different kinds of wildlife, including bears, deer, and mountain sheep. My favorite part is drifting off to sleep, and waking up again to the calls of the birds.

What is your favorite camping tip?

Bring a small rug or roll of outdoor carpet to place at the entrance to your tent. It really cuts the amount of dirt, leaves and gravel that gets tracked in!

What is your favorite camping snack/meal/recipe?

I’m not sure what the official name is, or even if they have an official name, but my absolute favorite campfire meal is foil packs filled with veggies such as carrots, broccoli, potatoes, and smothered in seasonings. Meat can also be added if you wish.

Add a a few tablespoons of water and some oil to the veggies, then wrap it up in the foil being careful to fold the edges over a couple of times so the water and oil don’t spill into the fire, and then bake it in the coals until it’s done.

Visit Kirsten’s Site: NatCroMo Specials

I hosted a crochet-a-long this month for my La Vie en Rose Earflap Hat, and although it’s officially ended, you are still welcome to follow the instructions on my site, and share your pictures on either my Facebook page, or Ravelry.

Kirsten’s Designs:

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

1. Ribbons and Grace Cowl, Free

For me this beautiful neck warmer embodies timeless romance, and charm. I’m a bit of an “old soul” and go weak in the knees for anything lacy, and feminine (don’t get me started on frills and ruffles!). This piece is modern enough to go with today’s latest fashions, but is reminiscent of a by-gone-era of socials at the lighthouse, and walks in the rose garden. It’s a perfect accessory for date night, or any special occasion. Currently, I’m thinking of making one in a light sage green.

2. Bear Hugs Baby Beanie, Free

Next to lace and frills, texture is my favorite thing to play with. This baby bear beanie is filled to the brim with all kinds luxurious stitches making it cozy and warm! If I had had the time to crochet when my children were babies, each of them would have had one of these. But since they are a bit beyond the baby and toddler stage now, I guess I’ll stick to making them for friends and family that are expecting. 😉

3. Garden Party Placemat, Free

Continuing on my lace kick, this placemat is a great accessory for parties, and get-togethers of all kinds. Easter dinner, graduations, weddings, baby showers, and receptions–the options are endless! The basic stitches mean this pattern works up quickly, and you’ll be ready to host your own garden party soon!