Stacey Trock is a designer, blogger, wife and mum based in Minneapolis in the US – hey, we might as well call her superwoman and be done with it! Her website FreshStitches is a creative hub filled to the brim with inspiring patterns, easy kits and useful accessories, as well as invaluable titbits of information. We couldn’t wait to find out more from the lady herself…

When did you first learn to crochet?
I was taught to crochet by my mother when I was pretty small… probably around 5-6 years old. I was an enthusiastic crocheter - making all kinds of strange creations, which I hope there is no photo evidence of - but had no idea that it would become my career!

What was it about the craft that appealed?
I love that crochet is portable and so flexible. With just a few stitches, you can make loads of things. I used to crochet in class during school; I swear, I was still paying attention. Even today, I can pick up my hook and sneak in a few rows while I’m on a bus or sitting on the sofa – try doing that with your sewing machine…

How did you come to be a designer?
I finished school and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Sitting in an office for 8+ hours a day didn’t appeal to me. I suppose I’m the sort who was destined to run my own business. I thought about what skills I had, and crochet - along with previous experience in graphic design and websites - came to mind. It was 2008, and digital pattern sales were just coming into their own. So I started a website! I guess you could say the rest is history.

You now sell kits and patterns under FreshStitches - how do you design them with your folllowing in mind?
I’m incredibly passionate about making patterns accessible to beginners. My mother has crocheted for most of her life, but struggles to read a pattern. And I don’t blame her: there are a lot of poorly-written patterns and many of us see the complicated language as a badge of honour. It’s a thought that’s always in the back of my mind – crocheting shouldn’t be scary! I don’t publish a design if I can’t write the instructions clearly. This leads everything I do.

I also have some intermediate designs, but they’re fully illustrated with step-by-step photos and I always include a difficulty rating system – so that folks know what they’re getting into! Along the way, I noticed that not everyone had the same access to quality yarn and notions either. That’s why I put together the kits… so that people could have access to the materials that will make their crocheting a success. I sell other accessories too, commonly used in projects.


What do you love about your job, and what are the challenges?
I basically love everything about it. Sometimes I crochet, but I also do graphic design, marketing, web work and photography. Wearing all of these hats keeps me on my toes, so I’m always learning and growing. There’s also a great sense of control. I spend every day doing *exactly* what I think is best for the company. I’m very motivated by the drive to bring my customers the best products and patterns.

My work schedule is also very flexible, which is a big help! My baby girl has just turned one, and I am able to work from home, take her to playdates and spend time with her, which I love. I’m not going to fib… it takes a tremendous amount of juggling (and I do sometimes worry I’ve taken on too much), but I love it.

The biggest challenge is getting an email from someone who doesn’t realise the company is just me. As FreshStitches has grown bigger, I think it’s easy to get the impression that I’m a big company with employees and a shipping department. So, I’ll occasionally get very irate emails when something goes wrong – because of course, things happen – and that can hurt. I try to not take those rare notes personally, but it’s my business, so I do.

You have a big online following – is this something you enjoy?
I love social media! I don’t think my job would have existed 20 years ago, and it’s just so amazing that while giving my daughter a snack, I can film a 10 second video of me knitting, put it on Instagram and interact with the world!

It’s a double-edged sword, though. Social media and the internet are constantly accessible, so I make a particular effort to switch off in the evenings. It’s easy to be online all of the time, but I think it’s important to step away. It lets me start a new day feeling completely refreshed, and keeps me grounded in my craft.

You’re also an instructor for Craftsy. What does this involve?
Craftsy is an amazing platform: to film a class, you fly to their studios, record your course and then stay involved by answering student questions online. Again, isn’t technology amazing? It can be a little awkward at first getting hair and make-up done, and sitting in front of a camera – but I just pretend I’m talking to one of my students. The whole time, I pretend that I’m trying to explain what I’m doing to that one person, to help them learn the best way possible. Thinking of teaching in that way makes it so much easier!

Do you think crafting – and crochet – has made a comeback?
Definitely! I think I was the first generation to grow up on a computer. We played games on computers and as a teenager, it’s how I chatted with my friends. Now, we all carry around phones and for most of us, it’s how we interact with the world. It’s amazing, but also incredibly stimulating.

I think the resurgence in craft is the desire for people to get back in touch with the non-digital world. To feel wool in your hands, to sit in a room with others and chat, and to feel the joy that you get by making something entirely with your own hands. I think crafting - plus cooking, and chatting face to face with people and being outside - are key parts of the human experience.

What are your three favourite patterns that you’ve designed?
Ooh, asking me to pick amongst my children? That’s hard! One has to be Nelson the Owl, as he’s one of the first patterns I designed and has been incredibly popular - so much so that he’s my logo! He’s adorable and looks great in lots of colours.

I also have a real soft spot for my Stegosaurus. I intend to have a whole range of dinosaurs one day… and this guy is just the start. Third might be my Dragons pattern - it’s a ‘design your own’ pattern, so you can get super creative and make lots of combos.

What are your favourite yarns and colours?
Oh, I like so many! I love 100% wool such as Brown Sheep Nature Spun and Cascade 220 Superwash. Oo and there’s sock yarn - squee! Blue Sky Alpacas’ Worsted Cotton is also super delicious. I always love aqua and orange together.

Do you have any exciting plans for 2016?
Many! My main avenue for FreshStitches this year is branching out into lots of other crafts. My customers and readers love trying new things, and they’ve had an amazing time learning to crochet and knit - and they want to keep going. I’ll be putting together a range of kits that introduce crafters to sewing, cross-stitching and more. It’s going to be so much fun! Of course, I’m not stopping with crochet… I have loads of animals I still need to make.

Make sure you browse Stacey’s amazing patterns and more at freshstitches.com and say hello on Facebook or Twitter.