I learned the basics of crochet back in high school but only made the mandatory granny afghan and cardi, then put my hooks down until I found Ravelry. My mother had asked me to chart a written pattern for her and I scoured the internet looking for software. In the end, I made the chart by creating my own symbol set in Paint Shop Pro, but during the search I stumbled across the database and this huge community of crafters.

For the first year or so, I just downloaded and studied patterns, then I tried my hand at writing one of my own. Now, I do it for a living.

I started with afghan blocks because they are small and well-defined; miniature works of art when they turn out just right. And, I still do a lot of them but I’m beginning to branch out into other areas, and am learning more about fibers.

In 2013, my Dragon Wing shawl won first place in the accessories category in the CGOA design competition. It also won the technical merit award offered by Vashti Braha, and was later published in Interweave Crochet under the name Keyes Shawl.

My patterns are unconventional and very detailed. I’m a member of CGOA, I use American crochet terminology, and I make every attempt to respond to questions both by PM and in my group, Dunnica Lane.