Interview with Simply Sweet Crochet Author Cony Larsen

simply sweet crochet

At the beginning of the month I did a review/ giveaway of Simply Sweet Crochet: Boutique Designs for Little Girlsir?t=moho 20&l=as2&o=1&a=157421375X by Cony Larsen. At the end of this post I’m announcing the three giveaway winners of that great crochet book but first I’m happy to share with you an exclusive interview with the author.

Crochet Author Interview

cony larsen

Q: This is your fourth crochet book in addition to your series of 5 crochet edgings books. Wow! I’d love to know how you stay so prolific and productive. And can you give us a brief description of how this book differs from the previous ones.
I think staying productive is all about staying tuned in to what inspires you, and I have plenty of people and things that do that. For example, my grandchildren are a great source of inspiration to me. I’m also inspired by my garden, and of course, my love of textiles and fibers from Guatemala, which is where I’m from. I truly find inspiration all around me, and I’m grateful for that.

With Simply Sweet I want beginners to move to the next level of crochet with simple new techniques, such as crocheting around a ponytail, creating different fabric textures with simple changes on well known stitches, and of course, the layout is new, and beautiful!

simply sweet crochet

Q: I know that you crochet to help others after being inspired by the newborns in need in Honduras a few years ago. Can you describe a bit about the experience of crafting for others.
I always find satisfaction in doing things that will make my family’s (or someone else’s) stay on this earth a happy experience. It’s the purpose of our being. Crocheting has blessed my life since I was six years old, and I love sharing this skill to help others.
Q: I want people to know about your awesome “Love One, Give One” deal. Can you share more about that?

Working our hemstitched blankets is very easy. This allows people to finish a project quickly. We encourage our customers to make one for a loved one and also give one to someone in need. Many of our customers do it through the Linus project, and of course, over the last five years our company has donated thousands of flannel blankets to the Neo Natal program of the LDS church, our local Primary Children’s Hospital and to a Catholic charity, El Hermano Pedro Hospital in Antigua, Guatemala, as well as other non-profit organizations.

Q: You learned to crochet at a young age. Who taught you? Have you always crocheted since or was it something you picked up again later at some point?

My first grade teacher taught me. She was a sweet classic teacher and she didn’t use any patterns; she taught us the stitches and then undid all our work if it was wrong! Whatever item we were doing had to be to her standard of beauty. I learned to appreciate so much her demands on perfect tension and even stitches. When I was about 8-10 years old, I used this skill to sell crocheted items to my neighbors! I love quilting, scrapbooking, stamping, knitting, cooking, etc., but I always come back to my first love, crochet.

Q: Do you crochet mostly to create new patterns or do you have your own downtime crochet projects as well? What’s your favorite thing to crochet?

I mostly create new patterns but I also love to crochet quick items for my grandchildren and children. I have to say that I’m not a big fan of afghans or big projects. I like to crochet quick projects that I can finish in a couple of nights; that’s why all my books feature projects that can be worked up quickly.

Q: If you could pick only one of the patterns in Simply Sweet Crochet to showcase, which would you choose?

Wow, well, I would have to say it’s the Big Cozy Cowl Hat. (It’s on the left in the photo below). I loved how easy it was, how quick I got it done and the results are stunning!

cony larsen crochet

Q: I love that pattern as well! What’s your favorite thing about crochet patterns for little girls?

I have 9 granddaughters so it’s easy for me to be inspired to create things for them. I love the variety of fibers and colors; I’m attracted to color and texture in a huge way! And of course, I love watching their excitement every time they get one of Ammee’s hats!

Q: I believe that crocheting heals each of us in different ways. If you agree, I’d love to know any ways in which you find the craft healing.

Over the last couple of years I have seen my mother-in-law, who loves to crochet, struggle with serious health issues, I have seen the calming influence of crochet when she picks up her hook and yarn and works on one more hemstitched blanket or baby afghan. I believe that crochet heals not only the giver, but also the receiver of the gift. Receiving a hand-crafted care gift at a point in one’s life when things are not going well fills you with gratitude for the giver and reminds you that God still loves you and has not abandoned you. He lets us know, through others’ actions, that he is mindful of us. Visiting an orphanage in Guatemala or a woman’s shelter is a good reminder that we still need to do God’s work on this earth.

simply sweet crochet

Q: What else would you like us all to know about your work?
 Mostly that I feel blessed every day of my life; creating my books is one way of passing down to my posterity part of who I am, and, hopefully, the lives of others will be blessed along the way.

Crochet Book Giveaway Winners

I was lucky to receive three giveaway copies of this book. Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway! The winners are:

  • Rebecca Bryant Hunt
  • Sara of Content in the Meantime
  • Stephanie B. (icrochetinoh)

Congrats! Get in touch with me and I’ll send your book to you!

Crochet Book Celebration Month

crochet book review

This post is part of my June Crochet Book Celebration Month. Don’t forget this includes a 40% discount off of my book, Crochet Saved My Life until the end of June.

Kathryn

San Francisco based and crochet-obsessed writer, dreamer and creative spirit!

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