Blackbird Mountain Designs was previously known as YarnyBird. Blog posts may contain references to YarnyBird.
*ALL photos are copyright and property of Ashleigh Kiser @ Sewrella.*
First up in the My Favorite Maker series is Ashleigh from Sewrella. I chose Ashleigh to be first because hers is the blog that got me started in crafty blogging.
If you don’t already follow Sewrella, I’ll have links to find her everywhere you want at the end of the post. And you should go follow her!
Why is Sewrella a favorite?
- Ashleigh designs beginner-friendly patterns that are available on her blog for free. I KNOW how much work and time goes into writing a pattern, and writing a blog post, and I spend the money on patterns when I can. But I also know how helpful it is to have access to free patterns, especially when money is tight.
- Ashleigh and her husband, CJ, both work from home running their own businesses, and in 2018 they started a joint venture dying yarn at Handmade Home Fibers. It’s so fun to watch them work together!
- Her son, Parker, has the biggest smile and the brightest eyes, and there really is nothing cuter. (I mean, except for my own kids, but that’s a given, right?!)
- Any time I’ve reached out to Ashleigh with a question, she’s always been gracious enough to share her knowledge.
- If you are a visual learner, check out her YouTube channel! She teaches, and she does it in a way that’s understandable and relatable.
- She loves Disney and Gilmore Girls, and I do, too, so that makes us instant BFF’s, right?
Now onto some of my favorite Sewrella patterns!
1. Crochet Magic Stripe Sweater – This just looks like what I want to live in all year long. Ashleigh used a random stripe generator when designing the striping sequence, and I think that’s so unique! It’s really easy to fall into a rut of making your stripes uniform sizes and I think the differences in the stripes are part of what makes this sweater so cozy.
2. Crochet Audrey Tunic – This pattern has so many things to love. It’s available in a knit or crochet version, so something for everyone! It’s so flirty and girly and delicate. It’s made with a velvet yarn, so it’s SO soft.
3. Crochet Slouchy Stripe Cardigan – Whether you make this striped or solid, it’s a wardrobe staple that is SO easy to make. Another fun thing about this pattern is that it uses Lion Brand ZZ Twist yarn, which is specifically geared toward crocheters, so the stitch definition is AMAZING!
4. Crochet Little Lamb Lovey – This one inspired me to make my youngest a lovey. I didn’t use the lamb portion of the pattern – I just freehanded an owl, because that’s what my little one loves. I DID use the star blanket from this pattern and I love it! She uses a couple of unique yarns in this pattern to make it interesting and extra snuggly.
And who doesn’t love Christmas in…May?
5. This is actually a 2-for-1 pattern. Mrs. Claus and Santa are a cuddly Christmas decor addition. I have actually made both of these. Now, I won’t lie, like most amigurumi, there are a lot of pieces, a lot of joining, and a lot of detail work. In the end they’re worth it! These are very budget friendly, as they use Loops & Threads Yarn by Michael’s. You can sub in basically any budget worsted weight yarn and make these Claus cuddles.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, but I hope you can see why Ashleigh at Sewrella is favorite maker. Go give her a follow and tell her YarnyBird sent you!
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