Happy Friday again! Can you believe we are already halfway through August? I have so much on my to-do list this month, and even though July felt like it was 62 years long, August is just zipping by. This year is so weird, isn’t it? Before I get to this month’s interview with my friend Emma, I just want to remind you that all of my patterns are on sale this month with the ridiculously named Christmas in July sale. This sale includes every pattern, even the new ones coming out this month, so check out the Christmas in July blog post for the details!
(ad disclosure: I’m a blogger. We have ads. If you click one, I might get some small compensation. Standard issue, but you can read all about it in my boring privacy policy if you really want to.)
Every month, I like to introduce you to another one of my friends. I love the crochet business owner community; nobody is a competitor which is super strange in the business world. We all encourage one another and help each others’ businesses grow through collaboration and encouragement. It always surprises me how we can all come together and celebrate each other’s successes. And it is so much fun making new friends from all over the world! This month, I want to introduce you to my friend Emma, who is on the complete opposite side of the globe from me in Australia! So I’ll go ahead and stop rambling now so you can meet her:
Welcome to the Straight Hooked blog, Emma! I am so excited to learn more about you and introduce you to my friends. Please tell us a bit about you:
Hi, I’m Emma. I am an Australian crochet designer. I live in the Sydney suburbs with my family (four sons and hubby!)
What is the name of your business, and where can we find you?
Emma Wilkinson Designs – you can find me at EmmaWilkinsonDesigns.com or on Facebook and Instagram
How long have you been in business?
I started designing back in 2015 – and was blogging about craft before that (I started blogging in 2011)
What made you decide to take the leap and start hooking for money?
I think it felt like a natural step for me. Craft blogging led to writing patterns. I also teach crochet semi regularly. Also, with four kids, being able to work from home is a positive for me.
How long have you been a crocheter?
I first learned from my Grandma- I could already knit- I think I was 11? But I didn’t really pick it up as a hobby until my third son was born.
What inspires you?
The Australian Landscape, but I also love bold geometric patterns!
What is your biggest struggle with your crochet business?
Self promotion doesn’t come naturally to me.
What is unique about your business?
Having two contradicting inspirations I think can be a bit weird to explain 🙂 I self publish, but I also write for magazines and yarn companies, so there’s an eclectic mix of patterns.
Tell me about a crochet nightmare:
Ooh I can’t think of anything right now. I did loose a couple of beautiful skeins to moths as they weren’t stored properly.
Why is crochet important to you?
I need to keep my hands busy – crochet feels like the most productive way to do it, but it’s also very relaxing.
What is your signature design?
I’m not sure I have one, but the Fruit Cup Fade blanket has been one of my most popular.
What is your favorite yarn to work with?
I really love sock yarn, I love how delicate the stitches are, but I probably don’t use it often enough.
What kind of hooks do you prefer?
I love my clover soft touch, and tulip etimo are also high on my list.
How are you changing the world with your crochet?
I like to think if someone crochets something from one of my patterns they will have skill built – learnt a new stitch or technique.
If you could do anything without the constraints of time and money, what would it be?
I’d love to go on a crochet retreat. no housework or cooking!
What is your favorite crocheting snack and beverage?
Probably coffee!
What are your hobbies? (Other than crocheting, of course!)
I do like to do some cross stitch, I love little kits which means I can finish something off quickly. I do a bit of knitting and weaving too. I feel like I’m at the start of an indoor plant obsession, which could be a new hobby!
Where do you love to crochet?
On the couch or in bed, I will take my crochet out to a cafe or park if it’s easy to move about.
What do you like to watch (aka have on in the background) while you are crocheting?
I love monster movies! Jurassic Park is a good movie to have on in the background.
Tell me about the exciting things you have coming up in your business:
I have two shawl patterns coming out in the next month – plus a couple of patterns in magazines that are due to be published soon.
What else do you want people to know about you and your business?
I love the idea of people selling or donating (and keeping!) crochet projects made from my designs – and I love to be tagged in photos!
Thank you so much for taking some time to introduce yourself to us! I love your work, and I can’t wait to see your new designs next month!
Here’s where you can find Emma:
Next week, I have another pattern coming out, and I know you are going to LOVE this one, so make sure you are subscribed to the Straight Awesome newsletter so you will be among the first to know when you can get your hands on this one! (Don’t worry, I won’t flood your inbox!)
Until next week,
Happy Hooking!
~Malena
