Blogstar Spotlight Emma Varnam

Thursday 26th November 2020

Tags: Blogstars, Crochet

It’s always a happy day at Stylecraft HQ when one of Emma Varnam’s books lands on our desk.  We just love her designs and the elegant styling of all the photos, but most of all they are just plain fun.  Her last book, Crocheted Succulents has given us loads of ideas for Christmas gifts this year and her blog is always a rich source of inspiration.

Here’s your chance to find out more about her.

Tell us a bit about you?

I live in sunny Manchester in the North of England, with my husband, son and rather famous cat, Stanley. I happily juggle working for local government which is a job I adore and also work hard at being a crochet designer, author and blogger.

What inspires you?

For my toy designs it tends to be conversations that spark an idea. I might be talking to a friend about their child, the book they are enjoying or an animal they are passionate about.

I am frequently inspired by looking through magazines or books when it comes to home interiors. Often the compulsion to make is born out to necessity…you know when you are doing something in the home and you think…’Oh if only I had!’…my immediate reaction will be…’I tell you what, I’ll see if I can make it’.

When did you start blogging?

I’m coming up for my 10 year anniversary in October. My husband set it up for me without me knowing. He said…’There you go, you keep saying you want to write a blog, well it exists now, so you had better write something.’ It is a wonderful gift which has been a fabulous portal for new adventures, friends and opportunities. I will be always grateful for it.

What kind of things does your blog cover?

I mostly cover the back-story of my designs and current crafty activity. Occasionally I might share craft books that I am enjoying – but anything that I share on there is a genuine passion and something I have bought or use myself.

As well as your blog, which other social media can people find you on?

Instagram is perhaps the next most popular medium for me. For many people Instagram is like the quick, instant mini blog. I also have a Facebook Page and Twitter. I now use Pinterest. I really like a search engine of images.

What have you got coming up?

I have just completed the designs for my next book and I am thrilled with them. I have used a lot of lovely Stylecraft yarns. I have some new designs which I am just writing up for my own pattern range and soon they will be appearing on the Etsy shop and I will be finishing off some designs for Inside Crochet Magazine this weekend.

Which Stylecraft yarn is your favourite?

That is a difficult question – well I have a deep, fond spot for Batik. I love the slight faded tone. You can’t go wrong with Special DK, but I have also enjoyed using some of the Nepp colourways from Life DK for my current book. My next ‘me’ project will be knitting a new cardigan design in the new Heathers range. There are so many beautiful colours to choose from.

Marmite, love it or loathe it?

Utterly Loathe it

DPNs or Magic Loop

Neither – Mini circular needles – I am super-fast on those.

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