It’s time for November’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 excited to share some things from the inspiring and colorful Susan Carlson - the genius behind Felted Button!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
Susan is best known for her colorful and clever blanket designs - some of which you'll see here in a bit! But first, a bit about the mind behind the designs:
I’m silly honored to be asked by Tamara to share on Moogly! Now that’s cool!
Taught to crochet as a distracted and squirmy 9 year old by my granny, but I'll admit I “chained” on the playground. From there I made only one thing that I can really recall...a hideously long, squeaky black scarf for my dad as it seemed I didn’t know when to stop. I immediately got distracted--for over 30 years--with things like running hurdles, teaching high school sciences, getting married and having 3 “only” children (ages 24, 15 and 7). But then, being inspired by a number of crochet blogs, I found the hook my granny had given me and bought A LOT of yarn. Again, not knowing quite when to stop, I made the most ginormous blanket! But I was "hooked" and have been crocheting ever since!
COLOR makes my wee heart sing! I love colorful yarn and my rainbow set of Clover Amour hooks! I love soft and colorful cotton, colorful feltable wool, and colorful buttons—hence Felted Button! Why designing and writing patterns? To have someone with their own hands translate and make a tangible creation from what started out as only an idea in my head, well, it’s magical!! Plus, I never have to make the same thing twice—it’s that distraction/focus issue again.
For me, I tend to be more focused on the art of the design than the current style or trend. That’s probably why I am drawn to blankets and rugs as they are essentially a huge canvas on which to "paint" or "draw" with colorful yarn!
Texture and color are vital elements in my designs, but never at the expense of crocheting that is not pleasurable, as I believe the fun is in the action of hook and yarn in hand, not merely the finished product. So I strive to make my patterns friendly for various skill levels with any unusual stitches and techniques shown in detail. It has to be fun to make, right?!
I am adoring this hooky adventure I am on and hope to continue designing, crocheting, and sharing some happy colorful patterns with the world. I love meeting other like-minded crocheting fools geniuses like me and am looking forward to challenging myself with new designs and colorful creations! Now if I could only get focused on just one design at a …squirrel!
Susan's patterns blow me away every time, so I can't wait to share some of my favorites with you today!
5 Free Crochet Patterns from Felted Button
Click on the name of the patterns you like to go to their pattern pages!
- V-Stitch Placemat and Napkin Ring: Susan's newest freebies - a great stash buster and gift idea too!
- Spring into Summer Blanket: Susan puts her twist on the corner to corner stitch - with great results!
- I <3 Boot Cuffs: A fun and fast gift idea that's super popular - and these are just so cute! Great texture, as always!
- Burton Cowl: I love this partially because it's such a departure from her other work - but still perfect! Ah, the detailing!
- Happy Harlequin Blanket: A join as you go colorwork masterpiece - with a showstopping edging!
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about Susan – I did! Susan's color sense is such an inspiration to me, and many others - such a talented designer! And of course you have to be sure to check out her pattern store on Craftsy! Her paid designs are worth every penny! Starfruit, Love Notes, Irish Sea... I can't seem to pick just one favorite! Thanks so much to Susan Carlson for being in the Designer Showcase this month! Don’t forget to stop by Felted Button and say hi!
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susan says
Thanks so much for inviting me to share, Tamara! It's truly an honor to be showcased on Moogly! I sincerely admire you and your work! Happy Hooking!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much for doing it Susan!