Happy New Year! I am so excited to start a brand new Meet the Maker-Designer Spotlight this year and feature other awesome makers!
This month we will be getting to know more about Rebecca, crochet designer behind Sweet Bee Crochet. I met Rebecca back in April of last year, over a love of bees. Actually, it was about my love of crochet testing one of her patterns, and I also love bees! We don’t live too far away from each other, but due to what is going on in the world recently, we plan to meet up in the future!
Okay, enough about me, let’s meet the maker Rebecca!
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
Hello! My name is Rebecca (Sweet Bee Crochet) and I live in Ontario, Canada. In 2019, I started my Instagram and blog to connect with other crocheters, designers and to share my own projects/designs. I love crocheting (obviously), camping, hiking, and quiet evenings at home. My favourite things to crochet are home decor items and neck warmers. I love the bobble stitch, granny squares and my most frequently used hooks are 4mm and 5mm.
How long have you been crocheting?
I have been crocheting since 2012. I originally started off with knitting but found a stronger connection (and patience) with crochet. I started small focusing on making rows of the basic stitches to practice tension. From there I went to small projects like granny squares and baby hats.
Life is so hectic and busy that it can be really hard to carve out some quiet crochet time.
What types of patterns do you design?
My focus for designing is projects that take either one hour or one skein to make. Life is so hectic and busy that it can be really hard to carve out some quiet crochet time. My hope is that my patterns can provide others with quick and simple projects that they can create for themselves or for others. Often because the patterns are one skein or take only one hour, they also make great projects to toss in a small bag to take “on the go”. A nice break in the day during a lunch break, in a waiting room, or travelling with, like my Magnificent Mini Pouch pattern.
You can find the Magnificent Mini Pouch Pattern HERE.
Is there anything in particular that inspires your designs?
I always feel inspired by the changing seasons or holidays. Christmas is always a time that brings out so many ideas. A few of my Christmas patterns were inspired by my own festive memories. There are different stitches as well that also inspire my patterns. I love finding ways to incorporate them in new ways and styles.
I love making things for other people, especially at Christmas and for birthdays.
What is the main reason that you crochet?
I started crocheting because my grandmother was an avid knitter. I remember being so interested in all colors and texture of the yarn she worked with. That definitely carried over into my own crochet journey. I love making things for other people, especially at Christmas and for birthdays. All of that naturally flowed into designing.
How did you decide on your maker name?
I love bees, I think they’re so cute and hard working. Many of my friends also referred to me as “B” (Becca). From there, Sweet Bee Crochet it was!
Do you have a favorite pattern you designed and why?
I have a special spot for my Vintage Noel Ornament. It was inspired by the ornaments I remember being hung on the tree at my grandparents’ house. Also, my Magnificent Mini Pouch because it was the first pattern I designed. I was so nervous but glad I took a jump to share it.
You can find the Vintage Noel Ornament Pattern HERE.
What do you love most about being a crochet designer/maker?
I’ve made so many amazing connections with other crocheters and designers. It’s such a supportive community to be part of with so much inspiration. I love sitting down with a coffee and scrolling through Instagram to see what everyone is working on. I also really love sharing and designing patterns for others to make for their family and friends. It’s a really lovely feeling.
What do you love least about being a crochet designer/maker?
I wouldn’t say there isn’t anything I don’t like about being a designer. It was a natural progression for me and something I felt very eager and excited about. Some of the tech stuff that comes with having a blog and learning how to write and present patterns was a learning curve which was sometimes frustrating but it was all part of the process. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to create meaningful content for blogs and patterns.
Focus on your tension, gauge and basic stitches because no matter how complicated or advanced a pattern might be, they’re all rooted in the basics.
Is there any helpful advice you could give someone just learning to crochet?
Keep trying and take your time. Focus on your tension, gauge and basic stitches because no matter how complicated or advanced a pattern might be, they’re all rooted in the basics. Learn about yarn weights, using appropriate sized hooks, and experiment with different types of yarn. It’s very easy to feel frustrated and intimidated while learning but don’t be shy to ask questions. There are a lot of Facebook groups that have crocheters of every skill level with different types of experiences. Someone will be able to offer a helpful tip or point you in the direction of a beneficial video or tutorial. Be patient with yourself, start off small and find hooks and yarn that you enjoy using.
When you are not crocheting, what are you most likely doing?
Reading, watching movies, playing video games and spending time outdoors with my family.
What is your favorite type/weight of yarn to work with and why?
I find worsted weight yarn to be pretty popular so I mostly use that when designing patterns. I enjoy the overall thickness of that weight and find it wonderful for a big variety of items. For my own personal projects, I really love working with hand dyed sock weight yarn. It’s unique, has such a beautiful drape for scarves and I like supporting indie yarn dyers and shops.
Do you have a favorite place to crochet?
I recently purchased a vintage roll top desk and have set up my crochet area there. I’ve surrounded it with plants, crochet books, my little WIP basket and all my accessories. I absolutely love sitting down to work on patterns there.
If you could create with any other medium (other than yarn), what would it be?
I enjoy embroidery and cross stitch although that has taken a back seat to crochet. I have all the supplies stashed away, I’ll have to bring them out again. I sometimes crochet with embroidery thread too.
Do you have any upcoming designs or new plans in the future as a maker?
This month I opened up the SweetBeeCrochetshop on Etsy which is very exciting. My newly listed Bulky Bobble Neck Warmer pattern is thick and works up quick with lots of texture. I will be listing paid patterns there as well as in my Ravelry store. I have a bunch of new designs that I’d like to properly write up and share this year. I also plan to add some more tutorials to my blog. Lots of fun and exciting things to keep me busy!
To find more patterns and crochet inspiration from Rebecca, you can visit Rebecca’s website or Click below to find her on the following platforms:
I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about Rebecca from Sweet Bee Crochet in this month’s edition of Meet the Maker – Designer Spotlight!
I hope you come back next month to meet another awesome maker! Are you interested in more free patterns? Check out some of my free patterns below or click HERE to view them all!
