Crochet Patterns from Cute as a Button Crochet

Hi Crocheters! Today we are having a Meet and Greet with the Crochet Designer behind the blog Cute as a Button Crochet & Craft.

Read on below to learn about Esther Thompson and her designs before scrolling to the end of this post for a selection of free crochet patterns available from Cute as a Button Crochet (CAAB).

This post includes just a small sampling of all the wonderful patterns, tutorials and projects she has available for you online. Be sure to check out her social media channels for even more goodies!

Find Esther online:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | BLOG | ETSY

Crochet Designer Feature:
Cute as a Button Crochet

Meet Esther

Question: Who are you? Tell me about yourself.

My name is Esther Thompson and I run Cute As A Button Crochet & Craft. I started out crocheting for craft fairs and markets and absolutely loved it, but I began to develop carpal tunnel. I decided to try designing and blogging so that I could still crochet but wouldn’t have to pump out multiple products in short amounts of time. I ended up loving it and have now been doing it for 6 years!

I live in Northern California with my husband and our 3 sons. Our middle son has special needs, so this career path has been a blessing because I can work around his needs and schedule.

Question: How did you learn how to crochet? How long have you been crocheting?

I learned in college (over 20 years ago), but only learned the basic stitches from a friend. I made a very lop-sided blanket (hadn’t learned the importance of counting stitches yet! I tried to learn more from books but found it very confusing. I gave up and put it away for 15 years until YouTube tutorials became a thing and I decided to try again! I haven’t put it down since!

Question: Do you have any tips for new crocheters? Any guidance to make them successful at a new hobby?

Just keep plugging away, one thing at a time. If you find something frustrating, put it down and try again later. Eventually, you’ll get it! And gauge and counting stitches really are important (take it from me, I learned the hard way).

Question: What do you enjoy crocheting the most?

I enjoy smaller projects with pretty quick gratification. So, mostly hats and scarves or household items.

Question: What else are you passionate about (other than crochet)?

I have a heart for other families who are dealing with disabilities. Besides crochet, I love to garden and be outside.

Question: What prompted you to start designing?

I decided to try designing after developing carpal tunnel and needing to slow down on my output. I didn’t think I would enjoy it, but since I found myself having some of my own ideas I thought I would give it a shot. I surprised myself with how much I ended up loving it! It hits on all my creative spots: photography, graphic design, etc. I also really enjoy working to make a pattern clear and simple for the crocheter (I was an English major in college).

Question: How long have you been designing and where do you publish your patterns?

I have been designing for 6 years now and publish at www.CAABCrochet.com

Question: What drives you to create? Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I mostly find inspiration in so many places. Sometimes it is a person need (I really want a scarf to match a certain outfit, or I need a kitchen scrubby that works how I want it, etc.). Sometimes I find inspiration in current fashion or household trends. I love to wander through clothing stores or home décor stores and if I see something I really love, like the fringe on a basket or the shape of a shirt, I will dream up a way to incorporate it into a design. And of course, the beautiful yarn itself can often be the source of inspiration!

Question: What do you enjoy designing the most?

Hats and scarves.

Question: What tips would you give to someone interested in designing and blogging?

Just give it a go! It is extremely low cost to start out, so there is not a lot of risk involved in just giving it a shot. You can take it at your own pace and just learn one thing at a time. It can take a while to actually make some income, but if you find you enjoy it and are patient and consistent it will be worth it.

Learn How to Set Up a Successful Blog

Question: What goals have you set for yourself for the future?

My current goal is to make more YouTube tutorial of my patterns. I know videos are so helpful!

Question: Who are your favorite makers? How have they inspired you?

The first maker that I really started following was Yarn and Chai (originally Little Monkeys Crochet). I was really drawn to Rebecca’s clean and modern designs. I also listened to all of Marie at Underground Crafter‘s podcasts. She is no longer podcasting but I’m sure the podcasts are still available. I learned so much from them.

Question: Do you have a favorite yarn you like to use when you are crocheting? What colors and fibers do you gravitate toward when choosing your yarn?

It is so hard to pick a favorite, I love so many! I tend to lean toward acrylics for hats and scarves because of the softness. I love cottons for household items. Some of my favorites are Lion Brand Heartland, Red Heart Soft, Premier Everyday, I Love This Cotton.

Question: Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us?

Feel free to visit me at your favorite online spot! To sign up for my emails, go to my blog and fill out the form at the top of the page. I also have a private group you can join if you don’t like all the noise of social media!

Blog: www.CAABCrochet.com
Private Group: https://caabcrochet.mn.co/share/No6aAzmrPjsmsldN?utm_source=manual
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CAABCrochet
Instagram: www.instagram.com/CAABCrochet
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/CAABCrochet

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