Crochet Patterns from Hooked for Life

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Hi Crochet Friends! Today we are having a Meet and Greet with the Crochet Designer behind the brand Hooked for Life. Learn more about Mary Beth Temple, her designs and her crochet business in today’s Feature Friday!

I hope you’ve been enjoying our Friday Features; the new free patterns I get to show you and the wonderful Crochet Designers you get to meet.

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!

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Free Crochet Patterns from Hooked for Life

PIN now, to make later ↓

Crochet Designer Feature:
Hooked For Life

Meet Mary Beth

Question: Who are you? Tell me about yourself.

I am a crochet, knit and sewing designer, author and teacher. I have had a string of varied careers including working on costumes on Broadway and for films and tv shows in NYC, restoring and selling antique textiles, and currently do a lot of video production for myself and some of your favorite yarny companies!

I have been designing professionally since 2008, have written more than a dozen books and booklets and publish independently under my Hooked for Life brand, and teach anywhere that will let me – especially Tunisian techniques!

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

My mother taught me when I was in 6th grade – and I do not talk about how long ago that was but suffice it to say we can count in decades! My first crochet project was a blue granny square.

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

Just know that there are no crochet police. If you are happy with your process and your results you are doing great! Also crochet is really easy to rip out if you have to!

Question: What do you enjoy crocheting the most?

Anything Tunisian is my favorite. I like pushing the form to see where it will take me past panel afghans and pillows.

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

I was a dance mom for many, many years – my daughter was a competition Irish step dancer until she was sidelined by a hip injury at 21. And I love designing and making cosplays. I have a group of young adults I sew for, and we go to cons and competitions. All the joy of my Broadway days with far less stress and creativity!

Question: What prompted you to start designing?

I was doing a lot of magazine writing and one of my assignments was to interview a selection of crochet pros for an article. I interviewed Candi Jensen, Lily Chin and Vashti Braha – Vashti invited me to a CGOA event that was coincidentally near where I had family to visit, and the rest is history. I had a blast and sold every design I brought, and haven’t stopped since.

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

I think 2008 – I publish free patterns on the Hookedforlifepublishing.com blog, premium patterns are available on Ravelry, LoveCrafts, Yarn.com, and soon my own website. I also do a little magazine work still, mostly for Crochet! And Crochet World.

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

Anywhere and everywhere but the two biggest themes seem to be yarn that speaks to me and tells me what it wants to be, and architectural shapes from buildings, fences and pavements.

Question: What do you enjoy designing the most?

Garments, although I don’t do a lot any more because it seems to me that simple quick patterns are what is driving traffic and sales.

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

Don’t compare your start to someone else’s middle – everyone starts somewhere. And there are no one size fits all rules no matter what some people want to tell you. Each of us can have a business that is as unique as we are and there is no one true path to success.

Learn How to Set Up a Successful Blog

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

I have avoided being regular on social media but it’s time. I want to be more reliable online and with my newsletter.

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

I have never met her but I am a big fan of Lily Go. And so many of my colleagues it would be hard to pick one without insulting someone else!

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?

With no outside restrictions I am hand dyed fingering weight wool and wool blend all the time! Sadly that doesn’t work for everything 🙂 I do a lot of work in Zen Yarn Garden, I also like Anzula, Knit Circus, A Hundred Ravens – SO many to choose from!

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

Newsletter: https://hookedforlifepublishing.com
Instagram: @hooked4lifellc
Facebook: @hookedforlifepublishing
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hookedforlifewithmarybethtemple
TikTok: @EmmBeeTee

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Free Patterns from Hooked for Life
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Meet crochet designer Mary Beth Temple, the creative force behind the popular blog “Hooked for Life”. This week on Feature Friday, get to know her a little better and learn more about her amazing free crochet patterns! From shawls, to hats, to garments, Mary Beth’s patterns are perfect for every crochet enthusiast. Get the links to all these free patterns and more in the post!

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