Intro – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Michelle Hillmeyer, who contributed the Melanie Cowl crochet pattern featured in our September 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
I knew I wanted to play with color and create a subtle color gradient, so I thought making something in the round would be a fun way to show it. I love Tunisian crochet and this stitch combination, so it seemed very natural to bring these two desires together in one project. The name was inspired by my mother, Melanie, who taught me how to crochet when I was very young, and would have appreciated a snuggly cowl like this to keep her warm.
What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?
My favorite aspect in designing and making this piece was the color gradient. I love how changing one strand of yarn in each section creates a slight shift. In this piece I chose to make it very subtle and gradual, but with three more differentiated shades or a bolder color, the gradient changed in so many ways to suit the wearer.
If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?
I think a beanie would pair wonderfully with this cowl, especially if the gradient continued into more shades, or reversed.
What is your crochet origin story? How did you learn to crochet?
My mother, Melanie, taught me how to crochet when I was 7 or 8 years old. I saw her making an afghan one day and asked her what she was doing, so she decided to teach me. It was a bit challenging at first because she was right-handed and I’m left-handed, so she sat me across from her and told me to mirror her actions. I didn’t crochet much afterwards as a child, but picked up the hobby again a bit in high school and then again after college. I continued crocheting off and on through adulthood, taking a break as I had children, until I truly had time to explore my passion for it about 12 years ago when I retired.
What caught your interest?
At first, it was just the idea of making something practical with my own hands. Now, my interest is in the truly creative aspect of it – in combining colors and stitches and geometry into designs that eventually become something physical.
Have you taught anyone else how to crochet?
I’ve taught a number of people how to crochet, both informally and through classes I’ve taught at my local yarn shop. I love teaching both traditional and Tunisian crochet – it is so great to see the absolute joy in a new crocheter’s face when they complete their first row or block or project!
What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?
My favorite tip is to use stitch markers often and in many colors! I have SO many I can’t even count them, but the ones I use the most are the bulb-shaped pins. I use them to count stitches and rows, especially if I have an extremely long foundation chain or a number of rows to repeat, or I’ll mark specific stitches as reminders. I never count higher than 20 before I put a marker in. I’ll color code them as well, for instance blue might mark row counts while red might mark repeat counts. They are also a great tool for teaching beginners – for example, if they tend to miss the last stitch of the row, I’ll tell them to put a stitch marker in the top of their turning chains on each side so they have a visual reminder for that last stitch and don’t inadvertently decrease.
What benefits has crochet brought into your life?
In my everyday life, crochet provides me a way to focus my creative energy and helps keep my mind active ever since I retired from a stressful IT job years ago. However, I found it to be a very a grounding and mind-saving activity a few years ago when I went through some tough family losses. Crochet was how I channeled my grief, and the pieces I made for myself during those times are very special to me.
How do you hold your crochet hook?
Left-handed knife holder…tried the pencil hold but just can’t work it.
However, when I taught myself to knit, I decided to do it right-handed since I would have to use both hands anyway. Then, I wouldn’t have to reverse all the knitting patterns.
Do you have a favorite hook size or brand?
I prefer heavier ergonomic hooks; I like Furls Odyssey and Streamline hooks over wooden hooks. I like working with sport and dk weight yarns, so my favorite hook sizes are around 3mm to 5mm.
How can our readers find you on social media?
They can find me on Instagram under @michill91
Are you a crochet designer who wants to contribute to Crochet Foundry Magazine? We work with independent crochet designers to produce the gorgeous designs featured in our magazine. To find out more, visit our Submit a Design page and be sure to sign up for our Designer Calls be notified of design opportunities.