Say hello to Kelsey @MamaKStitchCraft - our new Ribblr of the Week and designer behind Mama K’s Stitchcraft & Yarnery! 
Tell us a little about yourself:
Hey everyone! My name is Kelsey (she/her), but most of you know me here on Ribblr as Mama K. I’m a stay at home mom of 2 boys and recently got engaged to my childhood sweetheart. Before I became a mom, I was a paraprofessional for over a decade where I worked with children with special needs. The goal was to eventually do art therapy, but life had other plans and that’s okay, I still advocate for mental health as much as I can. I love music, being outside, playing video games and trading card games, and spending time with my family.
When did you start crafting and how?
I started crafting at a very young age. I’ve always enjoyed creating things, especially for others. I also found art (in all sorts of mediums) to be very therapeutic and it’s always been my preferred outlet for self expression. I started crocheting specifically at the end of 2023 when I was pregnant for my son. I picked up a Woobles kit on a whim and I’ve been hooked ever since.
And how did you start designing?
I started designing patterns in November of 2024, 8 months after joining Ribblr. I was making hooded cowls as gifts for family and decided to write patterns for them. As my confidence in designing patterns grew, I began participating in community collaborations with other talented creators. Now, I try to create a pattern at least once a month.
Do you have a favorite craft type?
Honestly, crochet has become my favorite craft type because you really can create anything. I’ve gotten to the point where I see a problem and I think, “How can I fix this.. with crochet?” But jokes aside, crocheting has become crucial to maintaining my sanity with a toddler and a teenager. It helps me relax, it keeps my focus, and it gives me something to do in my free time. Plus, my kids benefit from all the crocheting I do… we have so many plushies
What does Pride mean to you as a maker?
As a bisexual woman, my experience with the LGBTQ community has been… interesting. Without getting into too much detail, I have received love and criticism from both the LGBTQ community and the rest of the world. I have been accepted and supported by some, but I’ve also been told that my experiences are not valid and that I am not “queer” enough for the LGBTQ community. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. For me as a designer, Pride is about being seen, being heard, and being who I am without apologizing to anyone for it. Pride is the time to stand up and stand out, be bold and bright and different.
Do you have any Pride themed projects you have made or working on now?
Since one of my favorite makes was an octopus, I really wanted to make one with rainbow suction cups, so I do have a Pride octopus in my WIPs. This is my first Pride as a designer and I have a couple of ideas, so I am hoping to design a free pattern or two for Pride this year
What was the most memorable project you worked on?
One of the most memorable projects I have worked on is the galaxy jellyfish I had the opportunity to test for NovaRaineCrochet. Between the color changes, working in a spiral, and making tons of tentacles and stars, it was a bit of an undertaking but I really love the way it turned out. It’s currently hanging on display in my living room and I’ve been considering adding some star beads to it.
What are you currently working on? Be honest - how many WIP do you have right now?
I am currently working on a star blanket, a pullover, and a pair of pants. I’m also working on a couple of pattern tests while participating in a handful of crochet-a-longs. I typically have at least 4 WIPs at any given time because I have a bad habit of taking a break from one project by starting another. I also have my own dragon pattern in testing that is supposed to be released on June 15th, so keep an eye out for that!
Which of your makes/designs are you most proud of?
I just finished the cutest French Bulldog commission for a friend that I am really proud of. There was a lot of detailing in the face and a bit of color changing to get it look like her puppy, but she absolutely loves it.
What is your usual process of designing?:
I usually just get an idea, pick up a crochet hook and some yarn, and get to work. I write out a pattern with pen/pencil and paper as I work on it this way I can take notes, draw diagrams or pictures, and do math. Then I type out the pattern in Ribbuild and move into the testing phase.
What inspires you to create/design?:
My kids and the crochet community inspire me the most to create new things. I don’t think I would have started my crochet journey if it wasn’t for having my son. I’m also unsure if I would have stuck with crochet if I didn’t find the Ribblr community. I dropped crochet multiple times because I was uninspired, so I want to thank everyone for the motivation and support <3
What is your favorite feature on Ribblr?
My favorite feature of Ribblr has to be the ability to change yarn colors in the materials section of patterns. I find it to be extremely helpful when I am working on a pattern with lots of colors changes and I’m using different colors than the designer. Saves me such a headache
What socials can folks find you on?
You can find me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mamaks_stitchcraft/
Which 3 - 5 designers/patterns on Ribblr are your favorite?
Some of my favorite pattern designers on Ribblr are @LexaLovelyCrafts @rhimdrake @NovaRaineCrochet and @Centara They are also some of the coolest people I’ve had the opportunity to get to know.
Thanks for being here this week Kelsey, it was a pleasure to read about you!
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