Maker Spotlight: Custom Crochet by Megan
Meet Megan, the primary school teacher with a creative side hustle
This week it gives me great pleasure to introduce one of my favourite makers on Instagram. I came across Custom Crochet by Megan (@customcrochetbymegan) last year when I started an Instagram account for this newsletter, and the lovely Megan has become a true maker friend of mine. She’s kind, she’s creative, and she’s extremely talented with a hook and yarn. From bright beginnings and mental health fundraising to beautiful blankets and Disney themed pumpkins, keep reading to learn all about Megan’s crochet journey!
Megan first began learning to crochet in May 2020, finding solace in crafting throughout the first lockdown. ‘My mental health took a real turn for the worst,’ Megan told me. ‘Crochet helped to keep my mind busy.’ Many people turned to new hobbies to help get through those difficult times during the pandemic, and after noticing her mum crocheting granny squares one evening, Megan decided to give it a go for herself. Her mum taught her how to do a slip knot, chain, and treble crochet stitch, which led to Megan completing her first ever project - a granny square blanket that was gifted to her goddaughter.
Not long after, Megan started an Instagram account to share her creative journey with other makers online. ‘Being a full time primary school teacher, crochet has been a godsend to help me switch off outside of work and continue to be creative.’ Megan also wanted to spread positivity and raise awareness for mental health, which led to her first fundraising project. ‘My first big project was to make rainbows to spread some joy during the pandemic. I raised £250 from the sale of these and sent the money to Mind’. Mind is a mental health charity in the UK that does really valuable work to provide support to those who need it. Click here to learn more. Megan’s first project was a huge success, and it’s lovely to see crochet being used to help great causes.
As Megan’s small business began to take off, she had plenty of support behind her. ‘My biggest supporter has always been my mum, she really inspired me to start this hobby and I’m so glad she did!’ Megan’s dog, Bella, is also a huge fan of her crochet and loves lying around during a craft session. I wanted to know what Megan’s favourite projects to make are, as there are so many fantastic photos on her Instagram page. She said that custom orders are her favourite. ‘What I absolutely love about crochet is that it’s so personal and adaptable with the colours and patterns. Instagram allows me to meet people who request different makes all the time.
The project that Megan is perhaps best known for is her Disney inspired pumpkins. When I first discovered Megan’s Instagram, I remember spending a long time scrolling through all the pumpkins as they’re fantastic! All different colours and themes, and a great way to play on the classic pumpkins that are a staple crochet project. ‘I’m so lucky that I’ve been able to make so many,’ Megan told me. ‘I design the character pumpkins myself and I’m incredibly proud of my Beauty and the Beast and Woody and Buzz!’ These pumpkins are great, and they really show off Megan’s creative talent that she has found through crochet.
Megan’s bestselling pumpkins have even been used as wedding decorations. ‘I have made a few sets of wedding pumpkins, and it’s amazing knowing that I have been a part of people’s special days.’ These pumpkins really are one of a kind, and it’s inspiring to see how something so simple can be turned into a unique keepsake that stands out from the crowd.
I asked Megan about the new skills and projects she has undertaken in 2022 so far, and she has really been keeping busy. ‘My blankets have been a new and exciting thing for me to learn how to do. I love that blankets work up from nothing and really show your skill level and talent.’ Megan’s blankets are certainly eye-catching; she has attempted a wide range of different designs, all of which look stunning. I love the baby blanket featuring kiwi motifs - it’s such an original idea. Megan enjoys using details like this to make each new project personal, and has taught herself many skills along the way. ‘I have had to learn how to sew squares together, experimenting with different joins and patterns.’ Once you have these skills down, anything is possible, and Megan is a testament to challenging yourself to create wonderful things out of crochet. She especially enjoys making baby blankets: ‘It’s lovely to think that these have the potential to be beautiful heirlooms and gifts.’
The project Megan is most proud of is the Tropical Shores Blanket CAL which was released by Coastal Crochet and King Cole last year. Megan got her crochet kit from Babes in the Wool, and it was lovely to watch her progress as she undertook this huge and technical blanket. ‘My reel for this blanket had over 11k views which stunned me so much. It now lives down by the sea in my happy place!’
Megan’s small business really captures the spirit of crochet, brimming with bright colours and creativity. She told me that her favourite part of being a member of the online crochet community is that creativity is everywhere. ‘I love seeing new projects and new pattern releases.’ Megan also said that the support from this online community is second to none: ‘Everyone who I’ve met through Instagram I am now honoured to call friends!’
I asked Megan to share some accounts that In the Wool subscribers may like to take a look at: @crocheigh, @crazy_hippo_crochet, @cosycrochetbytasha, @lyralunedesigns, @diyfluffies, @hookedonpatterns, @daisyfarmcrafts and @crochetbykim
Megan is a big supporter of other small businesses, and loves to use hand dyed yarns from independents. Her local yarn shop is called Lay Family Yarns in Ironbridge, and they made some personalised yarn for one of Megan’s recent projects. ‘I love the variation in hand dyed yarn, that’s why I’m so drawn to it.’ She also enjoys working with chenille yarn, and has branched out to add adorable plushies to her online collection. ‘Many people have been big fans of my chenille pumpkins and plushies.’ It’s easy to see why!
With so many projects on the go, I asked Megan about her plans for the autumn/ winter season. ‘I’ve already started on pumpkins for Halloween but I’m also looking forward to some Christmas patterns.’ Holidays like this are perfect for novelty crochet projects, and I can’t wait to see Megan’s creative take on pumpkins this year.
Finally, I asked Megan to share what project is on her hook right now. ‘I’m making my first ever item to wear, which is a bit scary! I’m following a pattern from @crocheigh called the Waveigh Jumper. I’m super excited to make something that I can wear and show off!’ Megan is also currently working on a project that combines her love of crochet with crystals. ‘I’ve had the idea to make some angels which will hold the stones in their arms to either represent baby loss or miscarriage, and use these to raise money for respective charities.’ This is a wonderful idea and I can’t wait to see the outcome of this project.
Thank you so much for sharing your crochet journey with us, Megan! It was lovely to learn about your experiences and the fantastic projects that you make. Don’t forget to check out Megan’s Instagram page to stay up to date!