Alexis Middleton of Persia Lou: Designer Showcase!

As the world turns... so it’s time for July 2016's Designer Showcase! I like to wrap up each month by having one of my fellow 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 get to share some of the fun and modern designs from the amazing Alexis Middleton -  blogger and designer behind Persia Lou!

Alexis's site is easy to read, and full of fun! Here's a bit more about her in her own words:

Hey there! I'm Alexis, the girl behind Persia Lou, a blog where I share crochet patterns, tips, and tricks as well as lots of other fun craft and DIY projects. I love color, texture, pattern, and playing with yarn, paper, fabric, and paint is my very favorite thing to do. My projects usually have a modern design, but I still love using old-school, traditional techniques.

Although I love all kinds of crafting, crochet is my first love and what led me to start my blog. I first learned to crochet when I was nine years old spending the summer at my grandma's house. My great grandma, Persia, was living with them at that time, and she and my grandma, nickname Lou, taught my sister and me how to crochet little doll-sized afghans. Mine was purple, and I thought it was one of the best things I had ever made.

Years later, I hadn't crocheted since childhood and I was pregnant with my first child. I wanted a new hobby, and I picked up a crochet book at the craft store. Even though it had been so long since I had crocheted, my hands seemed to remember, and I haven't stopped since. I found so many great resources online as I was re-learning crochet, and I decided I wanted to share the things I was creating with the world too, so I created my blog and named it after the two women who taught me to crochet as a child.

Today, my days are filled with creating and taking care of my three children, who definitely keep me on my toes! I love musical theater (currently addicted to Hamilton), reading (I've read every single Agatha Christie), dark chocolate (Ghiradelli's Sea Salt Soiree is my go-to), nerdy board games (Splendor, Caverna, and Avalon are a few faves), and traveling with my family (Disneyland has my heart).

Website - http://persialou.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/persialou
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/persialou/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/persialou/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/persialou
Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com/designers/alexis-middleton
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexisMiddletonPersiaLou

I had the pleasure of meeting Alexis in person in April, and she is just as fun and friendly in person! Here are 5 of my favorite crochet pattern freebies from Persia Lou - most 0f which include step by step photo tutorials!

5 Free Crochet Patterns on Persia Lou!

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

1. Mini Crochet Pineapple Accessories - This is the tiniest, cutest crochet pineapple ever! You could use this pattern so many ways - but I think the earrings are my favorite!

2. Crochet Floral Hair Combs - Embroidery thread flowers for your hair - so pretty and feminine!

3. Color Block Crochet Baskets - I love the look of these - and I find you can always use more baskets!

4. Crochet Beach Ball Pillow - So fun and summery, love it!

5. Chunky Feather and Fan Crochet Afghan - This stitch pattern is a classic for it's delicate look - which just so happens to translate perfectly into super bulky yarn!

Thank you so much to Alexis for being featured in the July Moogly Designer Showcase for 2016! Be sure to check out Persia Lou for more great crochet and crafts!

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