Welcome to Inside the Crochet Designer’s Mind with Cylinda of Crochet Memories

Hi, my name is Cylinda and I’m the founder, owner, and designer of Crochet Memories which was founded in January of 1997. That’s a long time for an internet presence!

I first learned to crochet in 1977/78 while visiting my parents over Christmas vacation. I had a neighbor who sparked an interest in learning this wonderful art, so my mom taught me the basics. But I’m left-handed, mom’s right-handed and I ended up learning to crochet right-handed. Still do!

I love vintage style patterns and love the look of lace – its refinement, its delicacy and charm. So it’s only natural my design focus leans toward vintage style lace.

My personal and business goal is to bring customers the enjoyment of working patterns they receive. Following a pattern shouldn’t be exasperating or annoying, but sheer pleasure. And I hope they not only enjoy the process of stitching them, but enjoy the finished piece for years to come. I’d say if I’ve done my homework correctly, they’ll enjoy hours of stitching and decades of enjoying the finished piece. In today’s world where fad coffee trends cost around $4 or more and is gone in a few minutes, having something that provides hours to make and decades to enjoy, is pretty spectacular!

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Ron, since 1971. We have two grown children together and three grandchildren. We live in Southern California and share our home with an adopted fur baby, Charley.

Want to stay up to date on what’s going over at Crochet Memories? Be sure to follow Cylinda on her social media platforms.

Interview

Same DiNamics Crochet: Tell us a little bit about your crochet experience such as when did you start to crochet and how long you’ve been crocheting?
Cylinda: I learned to crochet in 1977 while we were stationed in Hawaii. After watching a neighbor create beautiful doilies I expressed interest and learned the basics from my mom while visiting home over Christmas. I’m left-handed but couldn’t grasp the concept so tried to pick up this wonderful art using my right-hand and the knife hold. Now I don’t think I could ever crochet left-handed. I was hooked – pun intended. In the early 1980’s I started designing.

SDC: Who has influenced you either as a crocheter or designer?
Cylinda: The designers behind the vintage magazines and Magic Crochet have influenced me greatly. I love thread home decor projects the most and have spent the last 3 decades designing accordingly.

SDC: What inspires your crochet designs?
Cylinda: Many things. Sometimes it’s a name of a pattern and I envision something and can’t wait to put hook to thread. Other times it can be something I see in a magazine that’s worked in wood or needlepoint and it inspires the idea of designing something in thread (and yarn too). And often it’s a need; something I want or friend, or customer.

SDC: As a designer, it’s pretty hard to chose what your favorite design is, but, is there one or two that you really enjoyed creating? Tell us little about it and leave links to where they can be found.
Cylinda: I have several designs that are my absolute favorites. When it comes to angels, my last thread tree top angel, the Lacy Pineapple Angel is a favorite. I love pineapples and designed this particular angel to have a double row of pineapples with the upper pineapples slightly overlapping and the bottom, while staggering them. She holds a miniature harp all trimmed with metallic gold thread. Here’s a link: http://www.crochetmemories.com/shop/lacy-pineapple-angel/

Another one of my favorite designs is the Easter Basket Doily. It has vibrant Easter baskets surrounding a centered flower and each are embellished with flowers and joined by three-dimensional butterflies. Here’s the link: http://www.crochetmemories.com/shop/easter-basket-doily/

Lastly I’ve enjoyed designing a free pineapple doily that’s embellished with flowers and texture. You can find this free pattern here: http://www.crochetmemories.com/blog/designers-potpourri-spring-pineapple-floral-lace-doily/

SDC: What are your favorite fiber types you like to work with?
Cylinda: I love to try a little of everything! I’m not sure I can say I’ve ever found my absolute favorite…..right now I’m working on a new Mystery Create-A-Long design using some gorgeous cotton….and I’m really enjoying it!

SDC: Are there any sage advice you can give to a new crocheter, and a new crochet designer?
Cylinda: Stick with it. Nothing in life comes easy, but usually the things you have to push to learn are worth your time!

SDC: This is something most crocheters are curious about, what’s the size of your yarn and hook stash
Cylinda: I have a pretty decent sized yarn stash…..Maybe around 100 skeins? I’ve never counted….though that might change soon, haha. As far as my hooks go, I actually only have 2 of each. I’d like to get more because my couch thinks it’s fun to eat them, and my children think it’s a hoot to carry them away!