Say hello to Rachel (@Justrachel)- our new Ribblr of the Week and the designer behind RachelsCrochetCafe
Tell us a little about yourself
Hi! My name is Rachel and Iām 26 years old. I live in Canada and have been crocheting for 3 years! I absolutely love to design crochet patterns during my free time, and I always wish I had more time to devote to crochet. At the moment Iām working towards my dream of a career in clinical genetics (using genetic information to help patients in a variety of ways), working part time, and building my crochet empire right here on Ribblr (and Instagram - find me @rachelscrochetcafe).
When did you start crafting and how?
Like a lot of other crocheters, I began crocheting during the pandemic. I had actually tried to learn crochet 3 or 4 times before 2020, but it never stuck with me because I found it too difficult. All these years later, I realized that I was stitching way too tightly, and it was almost impossible to work into my stitches when I started a new row. So, if youāre a beginner, keep an eye on your tension!
This changed everything for me, and since I started crocheting in 2020 I havenāt looked back! Iāve also found that crochet is an excellent hobby for me because I struggle with fibromyalgia (a pain processing disorder) and crochet isnāt physically intensive, can be done in low lighting if Iām having a migraine, and is very soothing. Although itās not why I started crocheting, Iāve found it fits in really well with my lifestyle and disability in addition to being a lot of fun.
And how did you start designing?
My first pattern (and almost all subsequent patterns) were designed because when I looked through existing crochet patterns, none of them seemed ārightā to me. Iāve always been quite specific about what I want, in crochet and life in general, and I would rather solve a problem than give up on it 9 times out of 10. My first design was for a sāmore plush, where I wanted a chubby plush with almost no sewing involved and just the perfect amount of squish. There are tons of amazing sāmore patterns out there, but none were right for me, so I created my first design! Since then, many of my designs have also been a result of existing patterns missing at least one thing Iām looking for.
Do you have a favorite craft type and if so - why?
Iām going to be predictable here and sayā¦ crochet. Iāve gone through phases where I tried knitting, then embroidery and cross stitch, and even a small affair with makeup artistry, but within a few months I didnāt find myself wanting to pursue them further. Crochet is the first craft Iāve found where I always want to be working on it - whether itās following a pattern, designing something new, or prepping the same thing over and over for an upcoming market, itās what I keep coming back to.
After 3 years, Iām still not losing interest, and I think thatās because thereās always something new to work on. I love supporting other crocheters by trying out their patterns, especially when itās something completely original! And if I canāt find what Iām looking for, I can always design something new, which keeps it fresh for me.
What has been the most memorable project you worked on?
I would have to say that the first Yeti I made using the pattern by @awickedstitchofthewest has been my most memorable project to date. I began making the Yeti when I only had about 6 months of crochet experience and suffice it to say it wasā¦ ambitious. The pattern was absolutely NOT at fault here, itās actually very clear and well written, but it was simply above my skill level and I chose to ignore that (lol). Itās memorable for me because it was a huge challenge, required way more sewing than I had anticipated, and took soooo many hours. But at the end, I had my favourite plushie Iāve ever made and was able to sell him at one of my recent markets! It was totally worth every stitch, and now my skill level is at a place where my next Yeti will come together much more easily.
What are you currently working on? Be honest - how many WIP do you have right now?
Right now I have quite a few patterns that Iām putting together, including a sea slug bundle and a baby woolly mammoth! In terms of physical projects, Iām working on a highland cow, a hot pink pumpkin, a few mini pumpkins, and 3 chickens. So thatās 8 WIPs in total, and honestly, thatās not very many compared to my usual! When Iām prepping for markets Iāll work on projects in an assembly line fashion so itās not unusual to have 20+ half finished projects.
Which of your makes/designs are you most proud of?
Although theyāre not my most popular patterns, I love my manatee and violent duck designs. The manatee is so snuggly and his face came out exactly as I imagined! And my violent duck was a simple but hilarious idea that Iāve found a lot of my customers relate to - cute but deadly!!
What is your usual process of designing?
Once I have an idea of what I want, Iāll head to google to look for doodle style drawings. So if Iām working on a cow, Iāll look for cute cow doodles to inspire the overall shape of the plushie. Doodles are always cute, usually chubby, and lend themselves well to a no-sew design due to their simplicity. Once I have an idea of what the overall shape should be, I get to crocheting! I like to get right into making, but sometimes if Iām too excited I wonāt write down what I did in enough detail. It usually takes 2 or 3 tries before I have the perfect pattern nailed down.
What inspires you to create/design?
Honestly, I just love cute and squishy plushies. No matter what Iām designing, the goal is always maximum squish and cuddliness. Iāve loved plushies since I was really young, and now having the power to make my own is so much fun!
Any favorite song, book or movie you would like to recommend?
My favourite movie BY FAR is Knives Out. If you havenāt seen it, you simply must. Itās a quirky murder mystery thatās clever and so much fun to watch! I love mystery movies that give you enough information to solve the case yourself before the big reveal, and this movie definitely does that. And, as if that wasnāt enough, you get to experience the most hilarious southern drawl of the one and only James Bond (Daniel Craig, anyone?) in his role as the perceptive detective Benoit Blanc. The sequel, Glass Onion, was also amazing and has a whole different mystery to dive into with your new favourite detective.
What is your favorite feature on Ribblr?
I love how easy it is to test patterns on Ribblr! When I held my first tester call I didnāt do it properly (I just made a post on the testing forum but didnāt link my actual pattern) but my amazing testers were quick to point out how I could hold tester calls correctly in the future. Ribblr makes it easy for crocheters to apply for testing, and for me to monitor their progress as they work through the pattern. And of course, none of this would be possible without the talented and supportive community of Ribblrs that volunteer to test! Overall, Iāve found that hosting tester calls is easiest and fastest when I use Ribblr.
Share a funny story that happened to you recently!
I use my phoneās photo storage almost entirely for crochet - I have tons of pictures of market setups, every project, tutorial photos for patterns, and so much more. Recently I finally got the dreaded āout of storageā message that I think every crocheter is destined to receiveā¦ so I caved and am now paying a small monthly fee for iCloud photo storage. Please tell me Iām not the only one haha!
Who are some designers you would like to give a shoutout to?
This is such a tough question, because I love the work of so many different Ribblrs! However, I have to give a shoutout to those patterns and designers I just keep coming back to. In no particular order, here are some of my all time faves:
Mushy Crushy by @CrochetCrochey : This one is a free pattern that also happens to be a bestseller at every market I attend. If you havenāt made a popping mushroom yet, head over to their profile and give it a try!
Almost No-Sew Baby Seal by @FalseBubbles : This seal is extremely chubby, adorable, and so soft!
No-sew baby chic by @sarushkinez: There are tons of chicken patterns out there right now, but I find this one has the ideal shape!
Any pattern by @crochetingallday, as theyāre all SO cute
Patterns by @cowelycrochet for all your cow crochet needs
Thanks so much for being here this week Rachel, itās a pleasure reading about you!
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