Crochet Patterns from Knitting with Chopsticks

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Welcome, crochet enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Hortense, the talented crochet designer behind the popular blog Knitting with Chopsticks. In this Meet and Greet, you’ll get to know Hortense, discover her unique design style, and explore her inspiring crochet journey. As you read on, you’ll find a selection of free crochet patterns available from Knitting with Chopsticks, showcasing her creativity and skill. This post includes just a glimpse of the wonderful patterns, tutorials, and projects Hortense offers online. Be sure to check out her social media channels for even more crochet inspiration and goodies!

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Meet Hortense: The Creative Mind Behind Knitting with Chopsticks

Crochet Designer Feature:
Knitting with Chopsticks

Meet Hortense

Question: Who are you? Tell me about yourself.

I’m Hortense, a passionate knitter, crocheter and hoarder of yarn.

My mom taught me the basics of knitting when I was young. Believe it or not, we were at the beach and I was bored (who knew that was possible at 10 years old?). I took those basic skills and added to them over the years thanks to blogs like this one and the wonderful community of online knitters and crocheters. Knitting with Chopsticks was created as a way to give back to that community and share my easy knitting and crochet patterns with beginners everywhere who want to take the next step.

My goal is to break down knitting and crochet patterns so they’re simple enough for you to create exactly what you want, the way you want it. I’m an engineer by trade, and a crafter by passion, which means all of my patterns have an extreme attention to detail, thorough explanations and step by step pictures.

When I’m not working on a yarn project, you might find me diving at the beach, or rewatching Grey’s Anatomy for the 100th time and snacking on chocolate (I am from Belgium, after all).

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

Beginning 2018 I got tricked to learn crochet by a cute cuddly knit elephant plushie. I knit the entire project, just to realise the last part, the ears were crocheted. It was my first time trying such an advanced pattern and I was about to give up on it entirely so close to the finish line. After a few knit tries, I ordered a set of hooks on amazon and decided to give it a try.

I fell in love and haven’t stopped ever since.

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

Don’t let anything scare you! Wether in knitting or crochet, it always looks much harder than it actually is. Go one step at a time, ask for help if you need it, be patient and you’ll get it!

Question: What do you enjoy crocheting the most?

Blankets and garments are my favorites to crochet. For some reason, I can still not explain to myself I tend towards knitting for winter items while I grab my hooks when thinking about summer dresses and light cardigans.

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

I love knitting as much as I crochet. Don’t ever ask me to pick just one! Outside of yarn crafts, I love baking, cycling around the countryside and travelling.

My family is a big part of my life. My little 2 year old boy and his daddy are my everything.

Question: What prompted you to start designing?

I’ve started designing by tweaking and adapting patterns I found to match what I wanted to make. Use their structure but a different stitch or use parts of different patterns to have the neck I wanted with the sleeves of the other design. Slowly I didn’t need the patterns as guides anymore and just made up my own designs.

One day I was scrolling through Pinterest and read an article about a crochet designer explaining all about designing and blogging. Mr Artichoke walked by and started reading over my shoulder. His reaction: What, she makes a living doing exactly what you’re already doing? But you can do the same and just share it online?

He planted the seed of the idea that started growing in my head and I launched my blog a couple of months later. Just for fun, to see if anyone would be interested in my designs. I never dreamed it would become my full time job a couple of years later.

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

I started Knitting with Chopsticks nearly 4 years ago now (can’t believe it’s already been so long!). You can find most of my designs free on my blog (https: www.knittingwithchopsticks.com) or purchase the ad-free printable PDF on Etsy and Ravelry:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnittingwChopsticks

Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/knitting-with-chopsticks

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

I always struggle with this question. Honestly, I have no idea. Ideas just keep popping up in my head. Often it’s a detail on an item (clothes, home decor or other) that sparks the beginning of an idea. My brain just tends to have it’s own mind and come up with many more ideas than my hands can make.

Question: What do you enjoy designing the most?

Probably sweaters. One can never have too many sweaters (I’m always cold). They feel like a blank canvas to me. There are so many different ways to construct them that I could never get bored designing sweaters.

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

Don’t be shy. Give it a try, be yourself and don’t hesitate to ask others. Blogging is such a diverse job, it can feel overwhelming mastering all the pieces but many bloggers are happy to chat strategy and share their experiences. You’d be surprised how much easier it all is when you’ve befriended a couple of others and share your experiences.

Learn How to Set Up a Successful Blog

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

I’m not big on goals. I tend to be an overachiever and have to do better than any goals I set so I tend to avoid them and just do my best. I’ve had 2 very tough years in my personal life. My yarn & blogging are my safe haven so I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I work when I can, try to keep growing but most importantly keep enjoying what I do.

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

Some of the big designers out there I really admire are Two of Wands, Sewrella and Knitatude. These ladies are masters at creating a sense of community and inspire others.

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?

Every new yarn I try becomes my favorite, until I try another one.

I’m currently working on a new design with King and Eye merisilk yarn ) which is just haven. So soft and luxurious, every stitch is a treat.

I like to work with more of the classic types of yarn rather than the novelty yarns (no faux fur, ribbon or metalic yarns for me).

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

I know a lot of us are struggling with reading patterns when we first start out. If that’s your case too, this free roadmap is going to help you avoid the pitfalls that I spent so much time in (two steps forward, one step back all the way!) and give you the [6-step] process for following a crochet pattern successfully.

This roadmap literally shows you the exact steps you should take (and in what order!) + common mistakes to avoid to go from a tangled mess of yarn to a pretty project that actually looks like the pattern pictures.

👉 Signup for my newsletter and grab your FREE roadmap here: https://programs.knittingwithchopsticks.com/crochetroadmap

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knittingwithchopsticks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knittingwithchopsticks/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/knittingwithchopsticks/

Become a Featured Designer at Oombawka Design Crochet!
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Free Crochet Patterns from Knitting with Chopsticks

I hope you enjoyed meeting Hortense from Knitting with Chopsticks and exploring her delightful crochet designs. Her passion for crochet and innovative approach shine through in every pattern, making her blog a valuable resource for crochet lovers. Don’t forget to visit her website for more tutorials and projects, and follow her on social media to stay updated on her latest creations.

Happy crocheting, and may Hortense’s beautiful designs inspire your next project!

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Watch the feature on YouTube here.

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Socials:

🧶 Meet Hortense from Knitting with Chopsticks! Discover her unique designs and explore a selection of free crochet patterns. 🌟 #CrochetDesigner #KnittingWithChopsticks #DIY

Get to know Hortense, the talent behind Knitting with Chopsticks! 🧶✨ Discover her unique designs and enjoy free patterns. #CrochetAddict #KnittingWithChopsticks #DIY

Become a Guest Designer for Oombawka Design Crochet!
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Happy crocheting!

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