Interview: Meghan Ballmer of MeghanMakesDo
How did you learn to crochet and sew?
I learned to crochet when I was twelve. I wanted to make a baby blanket for my aunt, so my mom and I purchased a learn to crochet book and figured it out together. I learned to sew when I was 15 after my mom made me start working for her at a small alterations shop. I learned how to fix clothes and then eventually started creating my own designs.
What new crochet or sewing techniques have you been wanting to try out?
I just learned how to do Tunisian crochet a few months ago. I'd love to learn more stitches and techniques now that I know the basics. For sewing, I would love to learn more about creating my own garment patterns, but that may take a few more years and some community college classes to figure out.
What advice would you give to someone interested in learning crochet or sewing?
I would say to start with the basics. If you want to learn crochet, start with single crochet and then keep learning new stitches as you go. Learning from YouTube videos, or from others in person, is super helpful as well. For sewing, start with simple projects like pillow covers or aprons. Once you learn the basics, you can experiment with different techniques and fabrics.
Where does your inspiration come from? What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from all around me. Sometimes I'll see a unique texture in nature and try to recreate it with crochet. Other times I'll see a fun home decor piece and want to use those same colors in a sewing or crochet project. Basically when I see something around me that makes me really excited, I try to see how I can incorporate that into my work.
How do you record your new ideas and inspiration? Do you use a notebook, photos, something else or a combination of tools/methods?
I have about three notebooks and a sketchbook where I keep a running list of ideas. I like to sketch things out and take notes on what fabrics or yarns I want to use and when I want to release the final pattern. I also have a board on Pinterest where I'll pin inspiring photos that I find for color combinations or the latest fashion trends.
What do you do to keep your designs original and fresh?
In order to stay original in my designs, I steer away from drawing inspiration from others in my community. When I'm coming up with a design or finding inspiration, I tend to look through stitch books or fashion magazines rather than looking at other crochet or knit designs. I find that I'm constantly being inspired by the things I interact with everyday, whether that's colors I see in nature, textures I find around town, or creating something new from an older design of my own.
Do you ever experience creative blocks? If yes, how do you overcome them?
I definitely have had my fair share of creative blocks. It usually means that I need to take a break from what I'm doing. I try to do something different, like knitting or painting, to see if I can get my creative flow back. If that doesn't work, I just take a step back for a bit. I might spend more time with my family, go on a walk, or read a book. I've learned that you can't really force creativity. It has to come naturally. We all go through dry spells and that's okay; it won't be gone forever - I promise.
What do you most love about being a creative?
The thing I love most about being a creative is the joy it brings. I find it so fulfilling to create something new that was never there before. It's kind of an amazing thing that we are able to do as humans. I also love that I've been able to find other people with the same passions that I have. It makes it easier to keep going and pursuing the creative arts.
What inspired you to create patterns and products that help others organize their crafts and home in a fashionable way?
After doing craft shows for a few years and then going through a cross country move, I was looking for a way to keep being creative without having to produce so many finished goods. I decided to start creating my own patterns in order to move away from only finished products while still being able to create things I loved that others could use too. I now do some finished products like my project bags, but on a much smaller scale. Pattern writing and designing is what I really love to do now. It allows me to use my creativity in a challenging way and to help others learn too.
What change(s) would you like to see happen in the creative community?
One thing that has been weighing heavily on me lately is climate change and what we can do as creatives to help during this crisis. It's part of my inspiration for pairing down on finished goods. I had to really think about what I am creating and putting out in the world and how that is affecting us as a whole. I would love to see the creative community working together to go green and have less waste. I think creating with more intention could help too.
We learned that you are a coffee enthusiast and must ask: how do you like your coffee?
I love iced caramel macchiatos with extra caramel drizzle.
The Bella Bow Clutch
The Cactus Hat
You help other creatives learn about pattern creation and new techniques on your blog; which blog post should they check out first if they are looking to learn more?
I actually just finished up a whole series on pattern writing and designing. The first one is all about inspiration, imitation, copyright, and how to stay original. It's a great place to start if you are looking to go into pattern designing.
As a crochet designer, how do you find your testers?
I have an application on my website for testers. I find a lot of testers through those applications. I add them to my email list and let them know when there is a new pattern to test. Then they can apply to test whatever designs they are interested in. Before the application, I found a few just by putting a call out for testers on an Instagram post.
You are a member of "Stitch Together." Can you tell us more about your involvement and what it’s all about?
Stitch Together was created by myself and seven other crochet/knit designers. We were looking for a way to build a community of creatives where we could host monthly crochet-a-longs in a positive and inclusive group. As one of the admins I help to promote each CAL and moderate the group, as well as take care of some of the behind the scenes stuff. It's a great group to join if you like CALs and want to learn from a community of makers. We usually have a few giveaways for each CAL too, which makes it really fun.
What are some of your biz goals for 2019?
One of my biggest goals, which I still need to work on, is to start making video tutorials. I love being able to use my teaching background in my work, and videos can be so helpful - especially for visual learners. My goal is to start with basic crochet stitches and techniques and eventually work my way up to having full tutorials available to accompany some of my patterns.
What was your first sewing design? What did it feel like to make your first pattern?
My first sewing design was actually Halloween costumes and tote bags for my children. I had just started blogging and decided to write up how I went about creating their Halloween costumes by hand. It was my first time trying to make a printable PDF template pattern, and it felt exciting but also a bit scary. I didn't really know how to do what I wanted to do, but I just went for it and got it figured out. I also had the help of a neighbor who showed me some tips when it came to creating printable patterns using Adobe Illustrator.
What are the best fabrics to use as a beginner sewer?
I would say the best fabrics for beginners would be quilting cottons. They come in a large variety of prints and are easy to cut and sew. They are great for beginner projects like aprons, quilts, and pillow covers. They are also very affordable, so if you make a mistake you won't be out a ton of money.
Where do you like to hang out within your creative community online?
My favorite online community is Instagram. I love keeping up with my maker friends there. It's a great place to meet new makers and interact with my audience. I also regularly do Instagram Live so I can connect more with my community, and I usually have a topic planned out to share insight on when it comes to running a creative business.
OUR FAVE PATTERN BY MEGHAN: THE DELMAR TOTE
CONNECT WITH MEGHAN
Website: https://meghanmakesdo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanmakesdo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanmakesdo
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/people/meghanmakesdo