I’m sure many of my followers have already heard of Moogly. The Moogly blog posts weekly round ups, a new free pattern, an email newsletter and much, much more EVERY week. Tamara is totally on the ball when it comes to getting new and interesting material out to her followers. When it comes to consistency, Tamara is my idol. I don’t know how she manages to be so organized. Moogly also works together with My Merry Messy Life to bring a bi weekly “Hookin’ on Hump Day” to their mutual followers, where fans can vote on their favorite patterns to win.
Tamara is this weeks featured guest blogger. She is sharing here newest pattern, just released today.
This pattern was inspired by her 11 year old daughter who picked out the colors herself. I love the way it came out.
For those of you who aren’t already familiar with Tamra, or even for those of you who are, here is a little information so that you can get to know a little more about her and the Moogly blog.
1- how long have you been crocheting?
My sister-in-law taught me how to chain and single crochet in 2002 – during a precious 10 minute break while our kids were both sleeping! I was hooked and have been crocheting and teaching myself new stitches ever since!
2- how long have you been blogging?
I started blogging about crochet and knitting in late 2011. It started as a way to advertise my commission crochet work, but quickly took on a life of it’s own. Now I don’t take commissions, just blog and design patterns!
3- what are your favorite items to make?
I love variety, so I’m always looking for something different than I’ve done before. Sometimes I’ll do several baby things in a row, or several hats, but I like to mix it up.
4- what is your favorite thing about crocheting and or blogging?
I love so much about crochet! One of my favorite things is making beautiful and practical things that make other people smile. I love to give things to people who appreciate them!
My favorite thing about blogging is the community of crocheters and knitters – I love getting to know other people from all over the world!
5- what are your favorite yarns (brands or types) to work with?
I’m a yarn lover, and I think every yarn has it’s uses and it’s benefits! I’ve worked with beautiful ethereal mohairs and tough acrylics and loved them both. I think if I had to choose just one fiber though it would be cotton – it feels good on the hook, the colors are bright and varied, and it’s breathable!
6- what was your inspiration for your pattern?
This week’s pattern was a request from my daughter, Riley. After seeing the Leaping Stripes and Blocks Blankets I made for her new cousins, she promptly declared that she wanted a crochet messenger bag using the same stitch pattern. So we took a trip to the store, where she picked out the yarn and all the details.
7- Tell me a little something about your personal life… kids, family, pets, etc.
I’m married to Geoff (aka Mr Moogly), without whom the blog wouldn’t exist! He’s my personal web guru and programmer, as well as my videographer and video editor. He supports my new career online wholeheartedly – I’m very lucky!
I’m also mom to 3 kids – a girl and two boys, ages 11, 7, and 6. They keep me hopping, and their requests are often my pattern inspiration! Lucky for me, they’re also willing models – with a bit of pizza-related bribery. This fall the youngest goes off to full day school, and I’ll miss him, but I’m excited to have more time to make Moogly even better!
We live in the Mississippi River valley in Iowa, USA.
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Tamara a little bit better. Be sure to check out the Moogly blog for lots more free crochet patterns. Be sure to subscribe to her newsletter!
If you enjoy this free pattern for the Mesmerizing Messenger Bag please share it around!
Have fun and as always…
happy hookin’
