"Behind the Design" | Designer Spotlight Series | La tienda de paloma | 3 Boys & A Ball of Yarn

"Behind the Design", Designer Spotlight Series

Designer: La tienda de paloma, crochet artist

When I had the idea to create "Behind the Design," designer spotlight series, I knew I wanted to use it to introduce you to some of my favorite artists. What I didn't realize was just how starstruck (and subsequently inspired) I would be. 

I mean...these are designers I would consider the equivalent of a "celebrity crush." I have followed their rise in the crochet community...waited with baited breath for their new pattern releases...and sat in awe of their talent as I studied their techniques and designs. 

Planning this new series of interviews and getting to know the amazing human beings "behind the design" has become one of my absolute favorite things.

So, grab yourself a warm cup of coffee, tea or (depending on what time of day it is) a relaxing glass of wine. Sit down, kick off your shoes and get comfy. 

First up, I'd like to introduce you to the lovely Paloma Perez from La tienda de paloma. 

(Isn't Paloma beautiful!)

I can always spot Paloma's designs even before I see her logo or name. Her signature style is always a texture-rich, classic design. Let me tell you, when I was trying to pick a few of her patterns to share with you, I had such a hard time narrowing it down. There isn't one that I don't love, but here are three of my favorites. 

Baby Swirl Pants and Baby Swirl Hat

Dancing Waves Boots

Harper Top

Aren't Paloma's designs beautiful and unique! You can check out more of her designs in her Etsy and Ravelry shops. Now, let's chat with Paloma for a bit, shall we? 

Question 1. What is your signature style - what sets your patterns apart or makes you unique? When I design, I like to come up with different textures, trying to stay away from the classic basic stitches, unless is extremely necessary. I also like to create outfits that work, something that you can really wear, everyday. The colors of the yarn and other materials I use to represent my patterns is also very important to me, that will create the "WOW" factor in my customers.

Question 2. What are your favorite Yarn & hooks to use? Where can we find them? Favorite yarn, Knit Picks Swish, it is soft, has a good memory, and comes in a variety of colors. Favorite hooks, Susan Bates, I honestly haven't had the chance to try other brands except for Clover, but there is something with the gripped handle that I can't still not get used to.

Question 3. Do you have a favorite crochet tip or go-to trick? The Foundation Single Crochet initial chain. I know some people try to avoid it because it may be tricky at first, but with some practice it is very useful.

Question 4. What is your best biz tip for others? Any advice for someone considering designing? If you are entering the world of crochet designing, my only advise is "design with your heart". Avoid copying, be original. Also, maintain an excellent relationship with your fans, your customers. A happy customer will talk wonderful about your job.

Question 5. What is something we don't know about you that might surprise us? What is most silly or fun about you? Something you don't know about me? I don't think this will surprise anybody that loves crochet as much as I do, but I count stitches while I am asleep I go to bed thinking about the project I am working on and suddenly found myself in the middle of the "row". That has happened not only with crochet but with the things that are passionate to me.

Question 6. Who are your crochet hero/heroines...or what inspires you most? I can't answer this question without mentioning the person first introduce me to this magical word of crochet and pattern writing and gave me the encouragement I needed to take the next steps. Elizabeth Alan, owner at "The lovely crow", with her talent and passion for what she does gave me the motivation I was looking for.

Question 7. What is your favorite non crochet craft/hobby - what do you do when you are not crocheting? I love cooking, I love mixing ingredients to create new recipes, you know, a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Sometimes they work wonderfully, sometimes they just ended up in the garbage. with a red flag that says: DO NOT TRY THIS AGAIN! LOL

8. Tell us about your family or something personal about you? I am happily married to a wonderful man, and together we have two kids, Enzo (5) and Franco (1.5). The rest of our family, mom, dad, sister, brothers nieces, nephews, they all live in Peru, where I come from. We migrated to Canada in 2007 leaving behind family, and friends.

9. Would you show us a picture or work space and tell us about it. Many people may think I own a craft room, and that's not true. I do own a little corner in my bedroom, where I like to keep all my stuff (yarn, hooks, current projects, etc) organized, and specially clean, away from my kids.

Question 10 - Would you show us a picture of your stash? Of course this is not ALL my yarn, but is my most precious treasure, this is mostly Superwash Merino, Handspun Merino, and some other fibers I love to try from time to time.

Question 11. Dare we ask for a sneak peak of an upcoming design?

Something I started working a few months ago, that I am planning on pick up again.

Wow! Wasn't it fun getting to know Paloma! We are ever so grateful for her time and willingness to share. You can find La tienda de Paloma at the following...

• ETSY
• RAVELRY
• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM
• PINTEREST

So tell us, what did you find most interesting about Paloma? Which design is your favorite? What else do you wish you could ask her? Leave us your comments and feedback. We would love to hear what you think, including who you would like to read about next in the, "Behind the Design" Designer Spotlight series.

Until next time,

Love and best stitches,

Melanie