I'm Rachel
THE COFFEE LOVING, GILMORE GIRLS WATCHING, GIRL MOM AND YARN SQUISHER EXTRAORDINAIRE BEHIND BLACKBIRD MOUNTAIN DESIGNS.
I’ve been crocheting since 2006 and knitting since 2015. I released my first crochet pattern design, the Shelly Cowl, in spring 2017, and designing became a new favorite of mine.
I’m so glad you found your way to my little corner of the internet! What will you find here? Crochet & knit patterns, yarn & tool reviews, and roundups of makers & patterns I enjoy.
What started out as a hobby has grown to a passionate business. Like most of you probably, my yarn obsession began with me wandering the yarn aisles of craft stores. I’d been crocheting for over a decade before I stepped foot inside a local yarn store filled with “fancy” yarns for the first time. My stash is now largely comprised of “fancy” hand dyed yarns and I abolutely adore being able to support other small business owners via these purchases.
Building Confidence
My goal is to make cozy easy by providing beginner-friendly patterns for both crocheters & knitters, to help you build confidence in your crafty skills, and for you to walk away having made something beautiful you can be proud of.
My patterns are uncomplicated and perfect for any skill level. Contrary to popular belief, your first project does NOT have to be a potholder (although I do have those patterns!). You can pick up a hook & yarn today, and crochet a gorgeous shawl as your first project.
Why do I do what I do?
I believe everyone has something to offer the world creatively, and my something is pattern design. I think beginners often think they have to get to a certain “level” of crocheting or knitting before they can use the “fancy” yarns, and I’m here to give you permission to use whatever yarns you want to use at whatever skill level you’re at. If you’re picking up a hook for the very first time today, you can use the hand dyed yarns! If you’ve been at this for 30 years, and you still love good old affordable acrylic yarn from the big box store, that’s amazing!
I design with yarns that run the whole spectrum of affordability, and I hope to empower you to use whatever yarn you want to use.