It’s time for September's Designer Showcase! Once a month I have one of my favorite designers share a bit about themselves, and then I follow it up by sharing my 5 favorite free patterns that they’ve designed! This month I’m super excited to have Dedri Uys, the colorful, talented, and delightful designer and blogger at Look At What I Made!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Dedri is known for her super colorful and crazy clever designs! Her projects always make me exclaim in delight and awe! Here's what she has to say!
Hi,
My name is Dedri and I am the designer and blogger behind Lookatwhatimade.net. I have one husband (amazing), one cat (crazy), three boys (gorgeous), one job (radiotherapist), and one passion (crochet).
I am a bit overwhelmed at being asked to be this month’s featured designer and would like to say a huge thank you to Tamara for the honour! I love Moogly and I want a blog just like it when I grow up!
I grew up on an ostrich farm in South Africa, in a teeny tiny town called Calitzdorp, renowned for its Port and for the wonderful Red Stone Hills surrounding it. I was fortunate enough to grow up close to both my grannies and grandpa’s, and two of my three great grandmothers. One was an honorary great grandmother, Aunty Dollie, and I have spoken about her often on my site. As I write this my mother, one of her sisters, and both my grannies are attending a crochet and knit convention in South Africa. I wish I could be there with them!
My husband and I have been living in London now for almost 10 years and although I love going to the Ruislip Lido with the boys and the English countryside (when we venture there) is amazing, I still miss the smells and sounds of my youth (particularly the sultry evenings). And when the light outside is just right and the temperature just so, I am transplanted back there for a brief moment and my granny is sitting in her blue chair knitting or crocheting at the kitchen table while we catch crabs with rotten tomatoes stuck onto sticks.
I have recently released my first book, Amamani Puzzle Balls, and am so excited about it I couldn’t even begin to tell you. I have a special love for these puzzle animals and puzzle balls, and they are definitely the reason my designing went from hobby to obsession.
Lately my focus has shifted a bit and I now focus more on tutorials and things blankety. The reason for this, I suppose, is the fact that I committed myself to doing photo tutorials for a year-long crochet along I am participating in. It has really made me focus my time and energy on explaining and teaching rather than just designing, and I find people’s response to this change exhilarating. If you want to make me happy, happy, happy, tell me that you have learnt something from me. I’ll be putty in your hands!
Were it not for this shift, I don’t think I ever would have designed Sophie’s Garden. Sophie’s Garden is a REALLY big square (anywhere from 19” to 24”) and she has quickly become my most popular pattern. I am constantly amazed at the uses people find for this pattern. I have now seen a poncho, pillows, blankets, chair covers, a bag, a covered piano stool AND a covered table.
I love knowing that something I designed is inspiring other people and making them happy.
To end off I will share a little secret with you: I have recently taught the Mr. to crochet (I can say that here, because none of his friends will read it). He is working on his first giant granny square blanket. And before you ask, he has his own little stash so that he doesn’t dive into mine!
Life is good!
Dedri has been so nice to get to know - and I know you'll love her patterns too, if you don't already! You can follow Look At What I Made on Facebook and Ravelry! And you can purchase her amazing book, Amamani Puzzle Balls on Amazon! Now here are 5 of her free patterns that I want to share with you today!
5 Free Crochet Patterns from Look At What I Made:
Click on the name of the patterns you like to go to their pattern pages!
- Sophie's Garden - This gorgeous square comes with an extensive full photo tutorial! A real work of crochet art!
- Olive the Crochet Octopus Puzzle Ball - Well you have to know this one is a Moogly favorite!
- Flower Crochet Amish Puzzle Ball - Yet another fantastic twist! So cute!
- Tiny Crochet Cars - These are crazy adorable! And ready for customization too!
- Cable and Bobble Stitch Blanket - Dedri's skill with color shines again!
I hope you've enjoyed learning more about Dedri - I know I did! I love how crochet can bring together people from all over the world! Thanks so much to Dedri Uys for being in the Designer Showcase this month!
Thanks for reading! Get Moogly on your favorite social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, G+, Pinterest and Tumblr, and sign up for the free Moogly Newsletter at the top of the page!
Clotilde/Craftybegonia
Congratulations, Dedri. Loved this feature. Wish you the best. Loved it that you taught the Mr. to crochet, what a fabulous thing to have in common with your hubby!
dedri
Thank you, Clotilde 🙂 I am excited about that too. He's a natural, but as far as motivation goes it's a bit hit and miss sometimes!
Mary
I love making the puzzle animals. It says these are not for children younger than three years old. Why?
Tamara Kelly
Well, I'm not an expert, but from what I know, getting toys legally approved for children under 3 years of age is very expensive and difficult, requiring official government safety testing and the like. Adding buttons or toy eyes would make them possibly unsafe, but I think with proper supervision and no tiny parts that can come off, they should be fine. The publisher and author just have to cover themselves legally. 🙂