Rhondda Mol of Oombawka Design: Designer Showcase!

It’s time for May’s Designer Showcase! I like to wrap up each month by having 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 very clever Rhondda Mol - the blogger and designer behind Oombawka Design!

Ever wondered what's behind that name? I know I have! Here's what she has to say:

Hello Moogly Readers!

My name is Rhondda and I am the Crochet Designer and Blogger behind Oombawka Design.  I live in Southern Ontario, Canada with my husband and 2 young children, Darla and Andrew.

Until my children were born, I was employed outside the home in various roles - including Customer Service Management and Group Benefits - Insurance.

Growing up, I was introduced to crochet by my Great Aunt Catharine. She showed me how to knit (cast-on, knit & purl) and crochet (chain and single crochet) all in the space of 2-days. No one else in my immediate family crocheted, nor did they do any other type of artsy-crafty activity. My family was primarily focused on academics. I did not pick up a hook again until I was in my 20’s.

After I completed University, I was looking for something to do - I was so used to studying and working on assignments - I honestly did not know what to do with myself! My husband’s Grandma Rose showed me some basic crochet stitches and from there I studied textbooks to teach myself how to crochet.

I’ve always embraced learning and Crochet became my new ‘obsession’.

Initially I crocheted blankets...lots and lots (and lots!) of blankets...next I moved onto scarves and then mittens….and then I decided to try amigurumi...and I created my first original pattern - later named Bearison the Bear. My sister fell in love with Bearison and asked me if I could make her a replica Persian and/or Himalayan Cat (she was looking for a crocheted cat with long fur and a flat face)...and I created Mini-MEows.

My daughter Darla, who was 3 at the time called them ‘oombawkas’. I bet you know where I am going with this now, don’t you? When I decided to start my own website a year later, I chose to name my business, Oombawka Design.  So...now you know the ‘secret’ behind the name!

I began blogging daily on July 1, 2013 and I have maintained this schedule ever since. I have currently designed more than 100 free crochet patterns and 95% of my website content is crochet based.  On my website you will find free crochet patterns, photo tutorials, crochet reviews and giveaways. I also maintain a Facebook Business Page for Oombawka Design, where I share 9 free crochet pattern links every day from fantastic Indie Designers.

Weekly activities you will find on my website include: Tuesday PIN-spiration Link Party, Link & Share Wednesday, Let’s Learn A New Crochet Stitch Tutorial (Thursday) and Free Crochet Pattern Friday. You will also find Book Reviews, Free Patterns and Guest Contributor Posts.

Thank you for letting me visit with you today 🙂 Rhondda

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OombawkaDesign
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crochet.with.us/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/oombawkadesign/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/b/108551175415477562763/108551175415477562763/posts
Google + Group: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/108551175415477562763/communities/114313555987270748474
Instagram: http://instagram.com/oombawkadesign
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OombawkaDesign
Guest Post Contributor Post http://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/2015/03/now-accepting-guest-post-contributors.html

Rhondda's designs are always fantastic looking, and it's so fun to see each new design as they debut! And her sense of humor is apparent too - love that! Here are 5 of my favorite freebies on Oombawka Design:

5 Free Crochet Patterns on Oombawka Design!

Click on the names of the patterns you like to go to their pattern pages!

1. Painted Sunrise Summer Wrap: "This lovely wrap can also be worn as a unique cowl - it is very lightweight!"
2. Waistcoat Stitch Potholder: Fantastic use of this dense, attractive stitch!
3. Snap! I Lost My Hat!: A sad day resulted in a lovely pattern!
4. Mommy Hold My Hand! Mitten: So clever! I wish I'd had this pattern when my bigs were littles!
5. Fiona's Baby Booties: So cute it's ridiculous!

Thank you so much to Rhondda for being featured in the Moogly Designer Showcase this month! Be sure to check out Oombawka Designs and her lovely body of work on Ravelry!

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