Designer Spotlight: Jackie

It's Designer Spotlight time again! This week's spotlight focuses on Jackie of Blankies by Jackie. Jackie is a designer who makes all sorts of things, but has a special knack for making her own lovey patterns. So if you're a fan of crocheted loveys, be sure to take a look at her work! Learn a bit more about her and how she got started in the interview below. 

How long have you been crocheting?
I've crocheting for 14+ years.
 
How did you learn to crochet?
I learned when I was 16, for home ec. My homeschool teacher taught me the basics. I taught myself how to read patterns.

What’s something you wish you had known when you’d first started crocheting?
How to do a gauge swatch.
 
What is your favorite thing about crocheting?
 I love seeing the finished product and the look on the recipient’s face!

Is there a certain type of pattern you love to design the most? Why?
I love designing loveys and stuffed toys. Loveys are quick, easy and a perfect gift. Stuffed toys can be whatever you like. My girls love getting toys from me.
 
When you’re creating new designs, is there something that inspires you? What’s your muse?
My family inspires me. My older sister asked me to make a horse lovey. That challenged me to write my first pattern.

What do you think is the most challenging aspect of designing?
Finding testers who will push you to be the best designer you can be. Ones who are trustworthy.
 
I’m sure it’s impossible to pick just one, but is there one project that you’re particularly proud of?
The project I'm most proud of that I designed is my horse lovey. Shaping the head how I wanted it was tricky. I was so proud when it was finished.

What advice would you pass along to other crocheters?
Don't second-guess yourself. You never know what you are capable of until you try.

Thanks for sharing with us, Jackie! If you'd like to see more of Jackie's work, you can find her on Facebook and on Etsy. I hope this inspires you to follow Jackie's great advice by trying something new today; you might just surprise yourself. Happy hooking!