Interview with Crochet Designer Tara Murray — and Giveaway!!

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Tara Murray, a crochet designer whose designs range from crocheted flip flops, to owl hats (my personal favorite), to an oh-so-adorable baby birdie rattle. And not only are her designs impressive on their own, but when you add in the fact that she is at home caring for four little ones, it truly is awe inspiring. I am so excited to get this opportunity to introduce you to Tara, and she has an awesome giveaway for us too!

How old were you when you started crocheting?

My mom first taught me when I was 16 but I didn't really get into crocheting until I was 20 (when I had my first baby).

How did you learn / who taught you?

My mom got me interested but when I wanted to understand what I was trying to do, I bought a book. "Visually Teach Yourself Crochet" was one of my best purchases. It really helped me understand what I was doing and from there crochet was a whole lot more fun!

What is your favorite thing to crochet?

I really like to crochet hats. I don't really like making socks, mittens or booties because you have to make two, haha. I love quick and easy projects ... something simple I can embellish and make unique.

What made you decide that you wanted to pursue crochet design as a career?

I originally wanted to do something in the medical/dental field. I worked as a dental assistant for a couple years before I had my first child and knew that all I wanted was to stay home and raise my babies (I have four now). I loved to crochet in my free time and did it all the time. I designed my first pattern (the Galilee Hat) in 2008, decided to see if it would sell and it did! Crochet designing kind fell into my lap and I decided to go with it. I prefer to do my own thing and designing allows me to do that while also helping to support my family.

What is your biggest designer challenge?

Now a days, it's just finding the time to do it. I have so many ideas and would love to sit and crochet all day. Remembering my priorities and keeping them in line is a daily challenge.

What is your favorite pattern that you have designed so far?

I think the Lael Viking hat is one of my favorites, but the ones that I love the most on my kids is the Jordan hat and the Maggie Newsboy.

What are some of your other talents (i.e., knitting, sewing, an instrument, cooking)?

I don't think there is anything else I particularly excel at ... I've dabbled in knitting, want to learn to sew better, I used to play piano when I was young and I'm an average cook. I love to blog but I'm not very good at it either haha ... I really shouldn't have a blog. I'm terrible at spelling and grammar, something you've probably noticed if you follow my blog. One thing I've been putting more effort into lately is photography, I would love to be a photographer (family, babies, wedding) one day.

Where can you be found when you aren't crocheting, blogging, designing, etc.?

Teaching my kids (we homeschool), spending time with my mom, at the gym ... hopefully one day you'll find me out and about traveling the world (dreaming).

What is your favorite family activity?

We are movie junkies. We all love to sit down with some junk food and watch a movie.

What is your ultimate dream for yourself (i.e., a book, a shop, teaching, etc.)?

As far as my business goes, a book has been a dream of mine for a couple years now! When my life slows down I would really like to start putting one of those together. There is just so many decisions involved in that and I'm not good at decisions ( : .

And I didn’t forget the giveaway! Tara was generous enough to offer one lucky winner to receive any THREE of her patterns!! To enter, like both Petals to Picots and Mamachee * Crochet makes me happy! on Facebook and then leave me a comment below telling me you did or that you are already a follower, as well as which three patterns you would love to have. For an additional entry, follow both sites on Google and leave an additional comment letting me know you did. That’s it! So easy! But hurray, the giveaway closes on Tuesday 1/17 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be announced by noon on 1/18, so make sure to check back to see if you won.

Upcoming posts:

• Upcycled Grocery Tote Pattern
• I ♥ Fridays Link Party – 1/13!!
• Monday "Pin"spirations
• Book Review: Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia 
• Learn to Crochet: Lesson 1 - Hook and Yarn Basics 

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