Meet Shelley Husband - Author, educator and Granny Square queen!

We’re always ready for a good yarn! So when the talented Shelley Husband (aka @spincushions) popped by our shop to grab some Bendigo Woollen Mils Cotton 8 ply, we couldn't resist the chance to sit down with her and dive into her world of crochet and creativity. 

Below as we chat with Shelley about her crochet journey, love of the Granny Square and to soak up some serious crochet inspiration from an amazing Aussie crochet designer.  

And be sure to keep an eye on our blog to catch more interviews with crafty folks from around the world! 

Shelley in our shop in Bendigo with a copy of Granny Square Flair 

 
1.You're the crochet queen of Australia! How did you come to writing books about (and teaching!) crochet? 

Aw, thank you! It sure wasn’t the plan when I picked up the crochet hook! At the time, it was just the next craft to learn in a long line of crafty pursuits.  

I soon found though that I really understood how crochet worked. Within a year I was designing patterns and folks seemed to like what I was putting out there. So, I decided to make it a thing. 

After a few years, I decided to write a book and well, nothing has been the same since! I still pinch myself that this is my job now.  

I love teaching the things I have learned, with all my little tips and tricks to make granny squares sing.  

A closeup from Corners and Curves, in Cotton 4 ply Buttercream

2. You have over 100,000 followers on Instagram...what do you think it is about the granny square that makes people love it? 

Granny squares are appealing in many ways! They’re like mini projects you get the satisfaction of completing as you make each one. They're ever so portable, making them great for travel or the daily commute.  

Making even just a few squares a week soon adds up to a blanket or whatever you want to make.  

For me, the real joy of granny squares is making a different pattern each time, instead of the same thing over and over again.  That’s no fun for me. Give me a sampler made of lots of patterns any day! 

Find a range of Shelley's books in our shop now!

3. Do you have any creative process for coming up with new designs? 

Most often, I decide I want to design a new granny square and sit down and do it, without much more thought than that.  I see what comes off my hook and make notes as I go. A lot of the time, this leads to more than one idea and granny square – “What if I did this instead of that here?”. 

Less often, I have a certain stitch or technique I want to try, or a shape I want to try to create.  

And sometimes, when I know the intended audience for the granny square I am designing, I will either limit myself for beginners and use only the most common stitches and techniques, or let the creative thoughts flow for advanced folks. 

A variety of granny squares from Granny Square Academy 2

4. Do you have any tips for those looking to pick up crochet as a new hobby? 

Start small and be ok with imperfection. No one is an expert the first time they try anything, so being willing to make mistakes and learn is a great mindset to start with.  

Pick a simple project and use a large hook and thick yarn. Sure, this will mean quick progress, but also it will help to really see the stitches you create and understand how crochet works.  

Finding a person to learn with or from is also helpful. As good as learning online is, sometimes in person is the best way to pick up on the nuances.  

One of Shelley's workshops, right here in Bendigo!

5. We know many people think you have a dream job...which you have created through hard work and creativity of course! Do you have any advice for those looking to build a 'creative' or design practice in the fibre arts space? 

There’s so much to learn and be across. You have to be willing to learn about and do a lot of things that are not really the ‘fun bits’. Finances, marketing, websites and other platforms, photography, creating patterns - not just the time to learn, but also to maintain it all.   

I really recommend getting help from experts in any area if you are struggling, and outsourcing jobs you dislike (or are not good at) as soon as you can.  

6. Whose design work, in knit or crochet, do you admire locally or internationally? 

Oh there are some really clever crochet and knit designers out there! Internationally, I have knit a few PetiteKnit patterns and loved the classic style and ease of knitting them.  I have done classes with Julie Weisenberger of Cocoknits and Aleks Byrd who are both fab knit designers. Crochet wise, Tatsiana (Lilla Björn) is the master of overlay crochet and creates wonders. And my friend Dedri Uys of course (designer of Sophie’s Universe). Janie Crowfoot is another who blows my design mind.  

Locally, we have some fab knit designers I am lucky enough to have met. There’s Pru Raymond of Dear Pru and Susanna Kaartinen of Sanna & Co.   

In crochet, I am really loving the work of Arunima Goel (Knitter Knotter) with her Tunisian crochet patterns. Joy Clements (Crochet Road) has been busy with some super cute smaller crochet items like mushrooms! And Emily Penn (The Loopy Stitch) has an amazing new granny hexie blanket out soon.  

7. You're a big supporter of Local Yarn Stores...do you have any favourites you love to visit in Australia or beyond? 

I have been lucky enough to visit many LYS (Local Yarn Stores) around Australia, teaching workshops. Some favourites are SunSpun in Melbourne, Yarn Trader in Adelaide, Skein Sisters in Sydney and Grumpy Ginger in Wyong.  There are many more I am yet to see, and I hope to add to the list of favourites.  

8. We'd be remiss if we didn't ask...what's your favourite yarn by Bendigo Woollen Mills? 

No question! Cotton 8 ply in Parchment! Most of my granny squares were designed with it, and I have a lot of sample blankets made in it. You’ll see it in nearly all of my books.  

I do love one-colour work as the patterns and textures in the granny squares are the highlight.  

I am so lucky to be living close by now so I can pick some up anytime. 

The Nimue Blanket, in Cotton 8 ply Parchment

Feeling inspired? We’ve featured some of Shelley’s books & fave products below – or head to her website or instagram for more!