Darleen Hopkins Interview Gift A-long 2019

I initially learned to crochet when I was a child.  My sister taught me what she learned from lessons she took at the local library. I never did much then but retaught myself in 2005 using a booklet/hook kit.  It came back pretty quick.  In 2008 I taught myself to knit using online videos.  My dad had mentioned he tried to learn to knit in the 50s because he wanted a pair of knit argyle socks but wasn’t successful.  So I learned and made him a pair for his 80th birthday.  He just turned 90 and still wears them.  I haven’t knitted since as I have been too busy with crochet.

Cute as a Button Baby Blanket © Darleen Hopkins

Once I started crocheting I immediately began to experiment with patterns.  I’d want to see what would happen if I tried a different stitch or technique.  Then I started crocheting silly hats for a group that collected them for children going through chemo treatments.  They were hats that I made up making whatever came to mind.  I received a lot of complements on those hats and realized others may want to make them as well.  So I wrote out the patterns.  Then a friend of mine was getting married and I designed a throw blanket as a wedding gift.  On a whim I submitted the design to a crochet magazine and it was accepted for publication.  There was no stopping me at that point and I’ve been designing and writing patterns ever since.

I crochet when I can and love the creative outlet design offers me. 

Zinnia Votive by Darleen Hopkins

I wasn’t able to do much designing in 2019 but I did manage to publish a pattern that had been “in the queue” for some time. The Cute as a Button Baby Blanket (see above).  Aren’t all babies cute as a button?  And I’m working on a design for dog lovers.  It’ll be a blanket but that is all I can reveal at this time.  I hope to publish it in early 2020.  (link:  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cute-as-a-button-baby-blanket)

I love blues and anything that goes with blues-greens, purples and berry colors.

In general I’m really inspired by the first time participates-the ones who worked hard publishing patterns so they would have the minimum number of patterns available in order to participate.  It’s a great motivator as the event can be a lot of fun for all involved.  Another great thing about the Indie Gift Along is learning about other designers.  I’ve discovered some amazing, talented people every year.  One designer that really stood out to me this year is Irina Mulyavko.  Her amigurumi work is about the cutest I’ve ever seen. (link:https://www.ravelry.com/designers/irina-mulyavko)