Meet the Designer: Simply Melanie Jane
- canoemtndesigns
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Another designer new to me. Melanie has a wonderful variety of patterns. Everything from washcloths to beanies to blankets. I had a great time looking through her Ravelry store, Etsy store and her blog! So much information and many free patterns on her blog. If I had to choose just one of her patterns as my favorite, I think it would be the granny square bag.... it has pockets!
As usual, the photos link to the pattern. Please follow Melanie where you can and give her patterns some love by adding them to your favorites :)
All of her links are at the bottom of the feature.
What is your name, business name & where do you live?
My name is Melanie. My business name is Simply Melanie Jane. You can also find me at TimmelCrochet. I’m originally from Central New York State, but now reside in Northern Ohio.
When/How did you learn to crochet?
My mom was an avid crocheter. I loved the magic she would make with yarn and hook. When I was around 11 years old, she began teaching me. I’ll confess, I had a hard time with it at first. Frustration almost made me quit, but she stuck with it and with me until I finally got it. I’ve been crocheting most of my life since.
What made you decide to start designing patterns?
I used to work at a dog daycare. A coworker had a chihuahua. She sent me a video of another chihuahua wearing a knitted hat. She asked if I could make something like that from crochet. That very night, I sat down and whipped one up. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had just designed my first crochet pattern. After years and years of being amazed by seeing other people design wonderful things, and thinking I could never do that, I was so excited to realize I could design amazing things too. And just like that, I was off, designing pattern after pattern. My mom had passed away by this time, and she didn’t get to see my accomplishment. In my heart though, I knew she would be so proud.
How would you say that your crochet designing has changed from when you started?
In the beginning, my designs were simple, using simple stitches. The more I researched, the more I saw there was more to crochet than the basic stitches. A whole world I had yet to explore! I started experimenting with different stitches. Now, I like to incorporate in my designs how the simple stitches can turn into something more. They can turn into the loveliest textures.
What’s your go-to yarn and crochet hook? Any particular reason why you prefer them?
I grew up on Red Heart Yarn. It was pretty much the only yarn available back then. It will always have a special place in my memory, but I rarely use it anymore. One of my go-to yarns is cotton. My favorite is Lion Brand’s 24/7 cotton. I love that it doesn’t split, the lovely sheen, and the color choices. Many of my designs are made with cotton. As far as crochet hooks are concerned, I still have the set of Susan Bates hooks my mother used, and I learned to crochet with. The sizes I use most are G and H.
What are some of your favorite crochet techniques/stitches/ patterns?
Herringbone half double crochet is my ultimate favorite, especially in cotton yarn. I love how it slants every so slightly. I also really like Pineapple Cluster Stitch, which is a version of Puff Stitch. As far as patterns, I enjoy making home décor, especially wall hangings, pillows, and blankets.
Are you a one-project-at-a-time person, or do you have a lot of WIPs on the go?
I think I rarely have more than 2-3 projects at a time. I’m really a finish what you start kind of person, so I don’t like putting things down for too long.
What’s the process like when you design a crochet pattern? What are some words you would use to describe your patterns?
Most of the time, I decide what I’m going to design first, then choose the best yarn, then look in my crochet stitch dictionary and choose stitches. I start crocheting and write the pattern as I go. I would describe my patterns as simple, stylish, and full of texture.
Tell us about your favorite make or biggest crochet triumph?
I’m an OG unicorn lover. I loved them way back before they were cool. My third pattern design was a unicorn bust. Most of the patterns I crocheted growing up were amigurumi (although they weren’t really referred to as that back then). I was always amazed by them. After I finished my unicorn, I said Wow! You really are a crochet pattern designer now! That was my favorite make of all time!
My biggest crochet triumph though was the first time I designed a garment.
Paying it forward, who are some of your favorite crochet designers/ bloggers?
A few of my favorite designers are Susanna from Fosbas Designs. I love her reversible and convertible designs. Erin from Juniper & Oakes and her overlay mosaic designs. And Journey Chanel Designs has the most fabulous garment patterns.
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on the blog with free patterns:
Premium patterns on Ravelry and Etsy:
Facebook and Instagram: @simplymelaniejane
Thank you Melanie for the interview. Your design process sounds so much like my own!
Please remember to follow Melanie on all her socials and stores :)
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