Time for another Designer Spotlight! This week we're shining the spotlight on Rose from Loopingly Made. I've been following Rose on Instagram and I always love seeing her posts. She has a knack for creating the most beautiful textures in her crochet pieces. Rose designs a range of different patterns, from wearables to amigurumi (and posts them for free on her blog!), so be sure to go check out her work; I'm sure you'll find something you love. But first be sure to check out her interview below, get a glimpse of her work, and learn more about her as a designer. 

Confession: I don't like crocheting blankets. I guess I'm just impatient, but I get boooooored with making afghans. It always turns into an exercise in willpower...that I almost always lose. I will, however, make an exception for an occasional baby blanket. Partly because I like making gifts for friends and family members who are expecting a new arrival, and partly (okay, mostly) because they're so much smaller than an adult-sized blanket.

​I bought a couple of yarn cakes a while back, intending to make them into a blanket, but wasn't really happy with any pattern ideas I came across and I was more than happy for an excuse to procrastinate any/all blanket making. After tiring of them glaring accusingly at me out of the top of my yarn stash, I decided that the time had come to actually use the yarn cakes. And I'm so glad I did, because the texture on this blanket is incredible. It definitely makes this blanket worth the time it takes. 

I almost don't know what to say about this project. On the one hand, I'm really proud of it and I feel compelled to share it with you all. On the other hand, it's somewhat personal and I'm not terribly confident yet in walking the tenuous line between authenticity and oversharing. Sharing any project always feels somewhat vulnerable. One of the most beautifully terrifying things about sharing my creations is knowing that I'm exposing some small piece of myself for others to poke and prod at; I can only hope that others will be kind or, perhaps more importantly, that I can be confident enough not to let any fingerprints blossom into bruises. And, in a way, that's exactly what this project is. 

My 3 year old has been getting excited for Valentine's Day and has been wanting to make some valentines for his friends. His drawing skills are fine for a toddler, but he's not quite at the "recognizable heart drawing" stage, so I put together this super simple heart stamp for him while his brother was napping. He loved it! It may not be fine art, but I love this DIY because it's quick, doesn't require any pinterest skills, costs nothing, and it's perfect for little hands. 

I don't know about you all, but I have really been missing the Designer Spotlight posts lately. Luckily, we've got another great one this week! Today's spotlight is all about Brooke of Snuggly Fox Designs. Brooke is a talented crochet designer with tons of adorable kid-approved patterns. She has some super cute wearables and I especially love all of the accessories for her amigurumi dolls. So take a look at some of her work, learn more about her as a fiber artist, and be sure to go check out the rest of her patterns! I'm sure you'll find something you love. 

Have you ever been working on a crochet project and found yourself wondering which stitch you should use? There are SO many stitches to choose from! Choosing can be a daunting prospect. But let's say that you're going to keep it simple and stick with the basics: either single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), or double crochet (dc). Which should you use? Does it even make a difference? What's different about them anyway? 

Those of you who have been following my blog from the beginning may remember that I'm a total nerd who's not opposed to getting a little bit scientific with my crochet. So to help you figure out which stitch is right for your next WIP, I designed a few simple tests to showcase the differences between these staple stitches.