The 2014 Designer Blog Tour in honor of National Crochet Month continues today with a visit to crochet designer Bonnie Barker of Bonnie Bay Crochet.
Bonnie started crocheting when she was 7 years old and has been fascinated with yarn ever since. Almost by accident she began looking to becoming published after receiving a call from a woman out of the blue from another state. This lady had seen Bonnie’s afghan on display at the county fair and called to ask her for a copy of the pattern. Since this lady was so interested, Bonnie figured maybe others would be too. So using a small point and shoot digital camera, she took a few photos and sent them to the only publisher she was aware of: Leisure Arts. Bonnie had been buying their publications since she was a teen. Thankfully they liked her designs and sent a contract for 5 afghan patterns!
Since then Bonnie has designed another leaflet (Noggins & Necks) with Leisure Arts, as well as patterns for Coats & Clark (Red Heart Yarn), Caron International, Crochet World Magazine, Crochet! Magazine, and is expecting her first book later on this year. She is also a Craft Yarn Council of America certified instructor and a professional member of CGOA (The Crochet Guild of America).
I’ve had the good fortune to spend time with Bonnie at several CGOA conferences over the years. I’ve also made her Dubonnet Poncho designer, which you’ll see featured a little further down in this post. It’s a wonderful pattern, and a very unique take on the poncho concept.
Keep up with Bonnie online:
Website: http://www.bonniebay.com
Blog: http://www.bonniebay.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.m.barker.7
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/people/BonnieBay
Special Plans for National Crochet Month:
To celebrate National Crochet Month, Bonnie is offering a new pattern called “Spring Gig Bag”. Made of 100% cotton, this pattern works up quickly and easily in your favorite spring colors. For a special touch, she has added two handmade fused glass buttons by Diane Irvine (Diirvine.com). Should you need any help with these stitches, just drop in to BonnieBayCrochet.com where you can find free instructional crochet videos for both right and left-handers.
On CGOA:
Bonnie is a professional member of CGOA (Crochet Guild of America), and she has this to share about her CGOA experience:
By far my favorite thing about being a CGOA member is the annual conferences! Through these times I have made wonderful friends who share my passion about crochet; have learned a lot about yarn fibers and crochet design; and have been able to meet publishers in the industry. This is definitely a highlight of the year for me!
Bonnie’s Designs
We’d like to highlight two of Bonnie’s designs, just to give you a sneak peek at her work.
Dubonnet Poncho: Colorful poncho using Unforgettable, self-striping yarn from Red Heart. Free download.
Noggins & Necks: $9.00 (Regularly $9.95) set of 5 matching Aran hat & scarf sets
[button link=”http://www.bonniebay.com/blog/2014/3/24/a-new-spring-pattern-to-help-celebrate-national-crochet-mont.html” size=”large”]Visit Bonnie’s Blog Tour Post[/button]
Blog Tour Schedule
Schedule of all stops
Halos of Hope Hat Drive/Fundraiser
Halos of Hope: Hat Collection/Donation Info
Please click the link above for information on making “On Safari” animal-themed hats for children undergoing cancer treatment.