Blogs We Love: Sally Thirkettle

Date: 15th July 2015 | Category: News


Sally Thirkettle ❤ www.sallystrawberrycrochetandknitting.blogspot.co.uk

Tell us about yourself…
I studied Biology at the University of Leicester and then did a PhD researching breast cancer. I moved to Manchester to live with my boyfriend two years ago but currently work as a trainee clinical biochemist in South Wales, commuting back to Manchester at weekends. I get to see the lovely Brecon Beacons, but also enjoy the buzzing city.

What inspired you to start blogging?
I spent a brief period unemployed a couple of years ago and was doing loads and loads (and loads!) of crochet. I also really wanted to start designing and had made a few small items without patterns so knew I could at least give it a go. I thought that starting a blog would be a great way to document this, and also to provide a place to publish any patterns.

What keeps you motivated?
I love the actual process of putting a post together, planning and editing photos and trying to write something that I feel may be of interest to my readers. I am also motivated by my readers and love to read and respond to their comments. I especially love it when I find out that something I have posted has helped someone in some way. One of my readers from America got in touch after I had posted a tutorial about treble crochet and I managed to teach her to crochet a granny square over the ether.

How did you learn to crochet?
I learned during my PhD. It was all-consuming so I really needed a bit of a creative outlet and a way to relax. My Nanny taught me to knit as a child but it was only at this time that I picked up the needles again and learned to do more than just garter stitch scarves.

At a similar time my Mum was teaching herself to crochet from a DVD. Once she had got the hang of it she taught me to chain and make a double crochet and I was hooked! I think that being from a science background helped me to understand and follow crochet patterns quite quickly.

What is your biggest source of inspiration?
My friends, family and boyfriend. I feed off the creative energy of others, and am inspired to pick up my hook, knitting needles or whip up a quick pattern when surrounded by other creative people.

Who are your favourite bloggers or designers?
I can pretty much credit Nicki Trench for teaching me to crochet. All of my early projects were from her Cute & Easy Crochet book. I don’t think I’ve seen a design by Nicki that I haven’t loved! I love Karie Westermann’s designs and really enjoy reading her blog posts. I am also a big fan of Debbie Bliss’s designs, and having visited her homeware shop last year, some of her items will definitely be on my Christmas list this year.

What do you have coming up in 2015?

I’m planning on opening an Etsy shop soon, so please keep an eye open.


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