Crochet Chat: Carla from Crochet for Squish
A crochet community interview with Carla from Crochet for Squish.
I love catching up with wonderful people from around the world to talk about all things crochet, and I haven’t done that in ages. So, here we are with the first Crochet Chat in 2024!
I’m absolutely delighted to be speaking about all things crochet with Carla from Crochet for Squish. Carla is not just a crocheter who sells her creations, but she is also someone who regularly tests my crochet patterns for me (and does a wonderful job, I might add!). Both living in the UK, we’ve also had the pleasure of meeting in real life! It’s amazing how something like crochet can bring people together.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the interview…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
“My name is Carla and I am a wife, a mum of two beautiful daughters and three kitties. We are from the North West but currently live in Oxfordshire after relocating back to the UK from the Netherlands.
“I am currently a Stakeholder Management Coordinator at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and my role is to build and strengthen strategic relationships between STFC and Universities across the UK. I also support a lot of VIP visits to our campuses, so every day is a new and exciting day!
“I am, however, a trained Osteoarchologist (studies human skeletons) and I spend my free time researching Paget’s Disease of Bone in Medieval skeletons in museums across the country. I also run ‘Funny Bones’ workshops to teach children all about the human skeleton as I feel it is so important to inspire and excite the younger generations!”
That is such a diverse background, Carla! I’d really love to see one of those ‘Funny Bones’ workshops - I bet the kids love them!
Moving on to our shared passion…
Can you tell us about your crochet journey so far?
“I discovered crochet while pregnant with Squish (my eldest daughter). My mum was knitting all these beautiful blankets, cardigans, bonnets, mittens and booties, and even a unicorn! I was stunned by the cuteness but also the versatility you can achieve from a ball of yarn. Right then I knew I wanted to make a little something for my daughter, so I begged my mum to teach me.
“Well, it did not go to plan. I honestly could not grasp the technique and my mum, bless her, was like ‘this may not be for you’ and suggested I try crochet instead. This was far more successful and she sent me off with a ball of yarn, a hook and a book on crochet. I continued practicing and started experimenting with different stitch techniques. I was soon making bunting, blankets and comforters for my daughter and I was so proud. When I look back at those first makes I question my colour choices but it also shows how far I have come in this craft.
“After my daughter's birth, I started making blankets for other people and openly shared my journey on Instagram in 2018. For me, crochet was a great creative outlet that kept my hands busy and helped me relax in the evenings and this is still the case for today.”
Oh, I love that! I’m sure all of us have a bit of experience with trying a craft or art (or sport!) that just did not work out for us… mine was golf (a story for another day!)… but what a brilliant turn of events, and such a great idea for your mum to turn you to crochet instead of knitting.
Now, I know you mentioned you had some questionable colour choices with those first couple of makes, but…
Do you have a favourite crochet project so far?
“This is a hard question… Looking back I really enjoyed making a mood blanket using simple solid granny squares in 12 different colours (moods) joined with a cream border.
“Also, on the subject of granny squares, I received a custom request for a pixel blanket of a particular princess - I loved making all the squares, sewing them all together - it was a journey. But the final product was worth every moment!”
I remember when you were making that princess blanket. Genuinely, you must have the patience of a saint - it looks absolutely brilliant, but wow - that would take a lot of work!
Since you mentioned the blanket was commissioned, I’d absolutely love to hear more about your crochet business, Crochet for Squish. I’m sure our fellow crocheters and readers would too.
How did your crochet business start?
“I created an Instagram account called Crochet for Squish in 2018 to share my crochet makes. The name literally represents my crochet journey from making items for my daughter, Squish (Squish is what we called her throughout the pregnancy).
“When I joined Instagram I was opened to a whole new community of talented and supportive makers. As time progressed, I developed as a maker and felt confident to reach out and assist other designers by testing their pattern designs.
“I felt extra brave one day and tried a baby romper - oh I fell in love and this snowballed to requests from friends and family to make rompers for their little ones. This is when I realised that I could financially sustain my crochet hobby and opened up an Etsy Shop. I now make a variety of cute clothes and blankets for little ones.”
I love that starting your crochet business basically happened by accident. That’s wonderful! Since we’re on the topic…
Do you have any tips for crocheters who would like to sell their makes?
“You need to find your niche and build your client base on that. I used to make and sell a variety of crochet items and although I got some sales, it was never regular. When I focused my business on baby clothes, that's when I really started building a customer base and I now have frequent repeat buyers which is fantastic.”
That is such a good tip! Your baby clothes are absolutely adorable too. It’s no wonder why you get a lot of repeat business.
Since you’ve been crocheting for a while now…
Do you have any tips for people new to crochet?
“Start simple, granny squares are fantastic and you can make anything with them.
“If you do move onto making clothes, I HIGHLY recommended doing that gauge swatch - I learned the hard way.”
I think we’ve all been there when it comes to the gauge swatch, big whoops! Speaking of project types…
Do you have a favourite type of crochet project to make?
“I love working on a blanket - especially this time of year as it keeps me warm as I am making!”
That is very cool (no pun intended!). But seriously, to this day, I have still never made a blanket. 2024 may just be the year, who knows!
One thing I really wanted to chat with you about is crochet pattern testing! You’re obviously one of my amazing pattern testers, but I know you test for quite a few designers and have a lot of experience in this area.
Can you tell us a bit about pattern testing? How did you get into it and what does it involve?
“I first started pattern testing to improve my own skill set and to encourage myself to try making new things. My first pattern test was for @littleraincoatcreations who had designed the Rainbows for Refuge wall hanging. Today, I do it more to support the crochet community to make sure the pattern works for everyone. I have patterned tests for a few designers over the years but I regularly test for you, @monpetitviolon and @foxy.crochet.
“Pattern testing is crucial for designers as when they publish and share a pattern with the community, designers are keen to make sure it is a perfect product for you. As a tester, I proofread the pattern. I then follow and make the pattern, step by step and check stitch counts/maths along the way.
“Once an item is finished I check that the sizes described match those provided by the designer. If needed, I have offered editing suggestions to improve the clarification of the pattern. Once the pattern test is complete, I share photos of the final product with the designer and would also support the designer and promote their new pattern on my social media.”
I appreciate your help with patterns more than you know, Carla! And I totally agree with you about how pattern testing is a way to give back to the community. It’s great not only for the designers but when you go to crochet a pattern, when it’s been tested, you just know it’s more likely going to be straight-forward to make (e.g. if the testers can make it, surely we can too!). On a completely separate note…
Do you have any crochet goals for yourself?
“This year I have set myself three goals. Publish three of my own pattern designs, be more active on social media and reduce my yarn stash (its overflowing!).”
They are all brilliant goals and I cannot wait to see your patterns released! Make sure you give me a shout for pattern testing.
I’m also pretty sure every crocheter has ‘reduce yarn stash’ as a goal! Haha. It’s just as to whether we follow through with it or not. Let me know how you get on ;)
As for being more active on social media, that is definitely on my goal list too. But I have to admit, I always think you’re so organised and post consistently when it comes to your social media pages! Speaking of which…
Do you have any top tips on how to be consistent with posting on your crochet social media profiles?
“I use software tools such as Canva and Buffer, both are free to use, to help plan my content. I have Canva social media templates, beautifully designed by @bloom_copywriting_and_design that I use to share my content/makes in a consistent format. At the weekend, I use Buffer. Here I can schedule up to 10 posts on social media. This allows me to plan my content for the week and have a post scheduled to be shared online every day for the week! I sometimes schedule every second day to cover a 2 week period if I am particularly busy at home. This reduces the pressure for me to create a post everyday. I do try to share more ‘work in progress’ items on my stories but I have to admit I have not moved into the realms of reels yet!”
Some really great tips there, Carla - thank you so much for sharing. I’m also a huge Canva fan! Now, for one of the most important questions…
How can crocheters find you and your products/creations (and soon to be patterns!)?
Instagram is where I am most active for social media and messaging :)
Last but not least, let’s dive into our quick fire question round!
Let’s go!
Printed or digital patterns? “Digital”
Favourite yarn? ”Paintbox”
Favourite crochet hook size? “4mm - I have used the same hook since I first started. I would be lost without it!”
What fiber do you prefer to crochet with? “I use acrylic but love working with cotton.”
Favourite crochet accessory? “My on the go craft bag!”
Favourite crochet Instagram account? “Yours of course!” (That is too sweet, Carla! Haha!)
Favourite crochet website? “Does LoveCrafts count?” (I’d say yes!)
Pattern books or individual patterns? “Individual patterns”
Aluminum or ergonomic crochet hooks? “Aluminum”
TV shows currently watching while crocheting? “RuPaul’s Drag Race or a good Forensic Documentary!”
That brings us to the end of the interview and the end of our crochet chat, Carla!
Thank you so much for saying yes to being interviewed and it’s so great to get to know you and your crochet journey more! Huge thank you for those super useful tips too.
As for you, my readers, I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest Crochet Chat community interview. Please do go give Crochet for Squish a follow on Instagram and get connected. Maybe even drop Carla a line letting her know you read this interview!
If you have enjoyed this post, please do leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
You’ll also be happy to hear, this isn’t a one off! There will be more Crochet Chats published on my blog this year (Yes, I’m bringing them back! Woohoo!). If you’re interested in being a guest on my blog, simply reach out to me by email and share a crochet social media profile or blog link that showcases your work.
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla xx
