Next up on my Fellow Designer Spotlight series is Christine from Sweet Potato 3.

TBSB:  Hi, Christine!  Tell my readers a little about yourself.

Christine:  I am a Wife, Mom, and Designer. That about sums it up. I know that sounds simple, but boy does it keep me busy. I have been blessed to be married to a charming man for 17+ years. We have the most amazing 3 kids that keep up guessing whether we are doing good or not-LOL! I manage our household, and I am sure most of you know what all that entails… a whole lot of craziness! And then, in my free time, I design crochet patterns

TBSB:  At what age did you learn to crochet, and who taught you?

Christine: I cannot remember an exact age when I learned to crochet. I know I was in elementary school and started with simple patterns like doll blankets and bibs. What made crochet so special, was that I was taught by my Great Grandmother. It was a special time that we spent together. My first big project was a blanket kit and my Mom ordered 2 kits, one for me and one for my Great Grandma. We worked on those blankets every time we got together. Great Grandma has been gone for many years, but I still have that blanket and the memories.

TBSB:  Wow – I am speechless!  What a treasure to have had that time with your Great Grandma, and that you still have that blanket!!!  That’s an heirloom for sure!

TBSB:  When did you start designing?

Christine:  In 2012. I started design when my cousin, who is a professional photographer, asked me to make a soccer ball beanie. I couldn’t find a pattern that I liked so I just made it up. Once she posted the newborn photo’s of a baby in the soccer ball beanie I had so many requests for the pattern that I decided to write it up. Within a couple months Sweet Potato 3 Patterns was in full swing.

TBSB:  I hear that so often!  What are your favorite things to design?

Christine: That is the toughest question! I love designing everything. I started with hat designs and that was my niche. But, after a while it moved toward newborn photography props. In the last couple years I feel as though I have fallen in love with blankets. I really enjoy switching up what I make, it keeps things fresh and new.

TBSB:  Where do you find your inspiration?

Christine: Everywhere! Some days you just see something at the most random place: while grocery shopping, on a run or walk, cooking dinner or helping kids with homework. It’s true, some of those math problems can spark some creativity! The inspiration can be a pattern, a design, a style or even a color combination. It is usually just one and then I turn to online google and Pinterest searches to gather more inspiration to begin a new design.

Shelley here……  I just have to show you Christine’s Pygmy Seahorse Stuffy pattern – isn’t it the most adorable thing ever?!?!?!  It’s a perfect example of Christine’s creativity and attention to detail!  You can find it here in her Ravelry shop.

TBSB:  With regard to crochet hooks, are you on Team Bates or Team Boye?

Christine: Boye all the way baby!!!

TBSB:  Me too, me too!! What is your favorite yarn weight/brand to work with?

Christine: I love to play with different yarn all the time. I use more worsted weight yarn than any other, so when I decide to work with sport or fine yarn I love it! I love the different textures in each yarn weight and brand, it is an exciting adventure to find the perfect yarn for a new project. As for brand, I use Red Heart most of the time, just because it is easy to find. But, I have to admit, I am a huge fan of Lion Brand yarn.

TBSB:  Is there a stitch or technique you would like to learn?

Christine: I would LOVE to learn Tunisian Crochet. I always see stitches that I want to learn and 9 times out of 10 they are Tunisian. Maybe that needs to be my 2018 goal…

TBSB:  What is your favorite tool in your yarny toolbox?

Christine: Honestly, I don’t have any fun or unique tools. But, what has been a life changer is my Clover Hooks. I am seriously in love with them.

TBSB:  What is your most popular pattern?

Christine:  Two designs are in the running for top in sale for 2017 – Sleep Tight Teddy Bear Blanket Set, and the Deerly Beloved Blanket.

TBSB:  I can totally see why!!!!  My granddaughter loves the Sleep Tight Teddy Bear Blanket I made for her!

This is Christine’s  Sleep Tight Teddy Bear Blanket – it’s it so cute and snuggly???  It is available in her Ravelry shop, but you should really check it out on her blog – she’s got some great photos and video tutorials there!

And the Deerly Beloved Blanket…  look at the detail on the graph – and those braided elements on the borders… Ooo LA LA!  Check this one out on her blog as well!

TBSB:  Where can readers go to see your work?

Christine:  My Blog (click here to view her blog).  My patterns are for sale on Ravelry (click here to visit Christine’s Ravelry shop), Etsy (click here to view her Etsy shop), and Craftsy (you guessed it – click here to see her on Craftsy).  I also have a Facebook page (click here to visit Sweet Potato 3 on FB).

 

I just have to tell you that Christine is one of my favorite designers to work with!  Having tested patterns for her in the past, I know first hand the passion, detail, and creativity she invests into her designs.

Whenever you see a pattern with the Sweet Potato 3 name, you can be assured that you are not only purchasing a high quality design but also top notch customer service as well.  Be sure to visit her, and tell her I sent you!

Christine – much love to you girl!  I’m proud to work with you!

XOXO