Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Muskett.
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always loved reading about people who have learned their crafts at a young age from family members. But my story is a little different. One Christmas about 9 years ago, I saw a gorgeous crochet sweater on Pinterest and as an avid lover of various crafts I thought to myself, ‘I wonder if I could make that?’ And so, for my present that year I asked for a how-to book, a hook, and some yarn. I jumped right in at the deep end and chose to attempt a 3-colour toddler sweater straight from the book. Knowing next-to-nothing about tension and gauge swatching, it won’t surprise you to learn that it barely fit over a doll’s head! I was proud of my first finished make but thought that perhaps crochet was, after all, not for me. And so, my hooks lay untouched for a number of years while my family grew.
Fast forward to a period of my life where I felt pretty low. I was a lonely mum, in a new place, struggling to feel like myself after 3 children. I decided I needed to do something that was just for me, and so I turned back to crafting. I started a little less ambitiously this time, making some coasters, some hats, and some cowls. And I haven’t put my hooks down since!
I started designing crochet patterns in 2018, and have discovered a truly wonderful online community of makers that I am now proud to say are some of my best friends and closest supporters.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m not going to lie; imposter syndrome is a big struggle! As the majority of my business is online on social media, it can be difficult not to be put off by all the ‘highlight reels’ of people showcasing the best versions of their lives. What can a 39-yr old SAHM of 3 kids add to an industry that often feels predominantly filled with younger, thinner, more trendy, fashionable women? Comparing my productivity with someone at a completely different life stage, with no responsibilities and plenty of free time to publish multiple patterns a month, is hard not to do. But at the end of the day, you have to remember that everyone is unique. Everyone has something to bring to the table, and there is plenty of room for us all. There will always be someone out there looking for that perfect pattern that only you can provide.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am first and foremost a crochet designer, specializing in intermediate-level crochet patterns that use simple techniques to create eye-catching designs. I love using both neutral and vibrant colours to create items that wouldn’t look out of place for sale on the high street. Patterns that help makers of all ages and abilities to feel elegant and stylish, and proud to say with a beaming smile that they made it themselves! In addition to my design work, I am also a crochet technical editor. This means that I support other designers in their pattern-writing, going over all the numbers, grammar, and phrasing to make sure that their own patterns are as accurate and easy to read as possible. I work with both independent designers and big-name magazines and yarn companies in this capacity, and I love that these two, very different sides of my personality, being both creative and analytical, can go hand in hand in my business.
How do you define success?
It is very easy to measure success by external factors; your social media following, how many pattern sales you have, how many visitors to your website that month, or how many design proposals are picked up by big-name brands. And whilst I do have targets and goals for each of these, true success to me is about making connections with people. Building friendships with others that have the same passions as I do. Finishing a design that looks great on every size and shape, and feeling accomplished at finally working out the math for a complicated pattern.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://talesofknots.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesofknots/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talesofknots
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC02huJd6afpckfL5bK05jNw
