Local Highlight + Giveaway: Twig & String {Crochet Patterns, Classes, and Accessories}

Today, we're thrilled to be featuring Stephanie from Twig & String, a talented designer and creator of crochet patterns. (And one of the sweetest people we know!)

Tell us about the gal behind Twig and String!
My friends call me Steph. I am a wife and mother of 2 kids, 2 small barking dogs, 2 bunnies, and a wild mouse that I think might live in our piano. I crochet as much as I can and wherever I can. One time I found an uncooked noodle in my project bag--evidence of crocheting in the kitchen...while cooking dinner!

What can we find at Twig & String?
Currently you can find digital crochet patterns and Tunisian crochet patterns for accessories such as scarves, wraps, and hats at my Etsy shop Twig & String. I am working on expanding my amigurumi patterns (crochet toys) section, too.

How has Twig & String changed over the years?
When I opened my shop on Etsy in 2011, I sold finished crocheted accessories (scarves and wraps mostly) that I designed myself. Although I absolutely loved making these things by hand and shipping them off across the U.S., I found that I was running out of time to design new items, which was my favorite part of the process. About 6 months after my shop opened, I decided to change directions and start selling my designs in the form of patterns. This was such an exciting change for me! I now have tons of unfinished projects just waiting for the right inspiration for me to finish them up, work out the pattern, and put them up in the shop for you.

What does your week look like as a shop owner?
I have to make goals for myself or I would spend each day doing nothing but crocheting. If I’m really into a project I will work on it in short spurts through the day. Finish a load of laundry: 5 minutes crochet; unload the dishwasher and help kids with homework: 5 minutes crochet; etc. If we have time for a show or movie at night you can count on me crocheting through the whole thing...which drives my husband nuts!

What is your inspiration for creativity?
Most of the time my inspiration comes from the weather and change of seasons. I'll fly through pages in my sketch book at the beginning of a new season and then spend the rest of the season trying to actually crochet what I've drawn. (Sometimes this is a very hard task since my 6 year old can draw better than I can). Right now I'm totally inspired by my kids, so I've been designing some amigurumi (crochet toys) pieces that I hope to release before Christmas.

What’s playing on your iPod?
The Weepies, Lenka, The Civil Wars

Something I couldn’t live without is...my family! And obviously my twig and string (hook and yarn!).

You may be thinking that you LOVE all of Twig & String's designs, but you don't know how to crochet! Don't worry! You can gather a few friends together and Stephanie will personally teach you! (In fact, we Citrus and Cream gals are signed up for a class this month!) Contact her at twigandstring@gmail.com. You can also ask her about custom pieces, which she'll crochet and send your way!

Steph has made it easy for us to stay connected with her. She has a great website (where she often posts free designs!) and is sharing all of her patterns and crocheted loves on Etsy, Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Ravelry!

Stephanie has generously given us TWO of her finished products for a giveaway, perfect for the cooler weather that's headed our way: a braided infinity scarf in charcoal (wear it long, or double it up for extra warmth!) and a beautiful autumn leaves cowl in rust. Enter both giveaways below.

Plus, she's offering 35% off all patterns through the end of October! Simply enter the code citrusandcream at checkout.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway