We are delighted to be featuring Natalia McHayle's Meira Ruffle Crop Top as the crochet pattern for our Spring 2022 Giving Project. Natalia's instinct for shape, color, and texture is evident in her eye-catching, fashion-forward designs. She is also an avid reader and a poet.

Natalia was kind enough to spend some time chatting with us about her journey as a crochet designer.

How did you first learn to crochet?

My very first experience with crochet was with my mom. I was in college at the time, and I needed an outlet to relieve the anxiety and stress I was feeling. Growing up I remembered having a granny square blanket, which my mom had made, so I asked if she could teach me. It was over 20 years since she had picked up a crochet hook, but she found one in her sewing kit (it’s my favorite hook to this day) and set out to teach me. With the way my mom held her hook, it was a little difficult to grasp the concept. Not wanting to give up, I sought out YouTube videos and realized there were different ways to hold a crochet hook. I found what was most comfortable for me and never looked back since.

What made you decide to switch careers and become a crochet designer?

I’ve always had a 9 to 5 alongside crochet since officially starting design in 2016. However, when I moved to Virginia, I had no choice but to solely rely on my design career. The job market was slower in the South, and that allowed me to focus on crochet a lot more with all the free time. Then the pandemic began, and with places shutting down I didn’t get back to having both jobs until last year. It’s been real fun to juggle both!

What is your favorite thing about designing?

The endless possibilities of being creative is my most favorite. It allows me to push my own boundaries and explore outside of my comfort zone. When I become uninspired, I look for inspiration in things/places that may not have interested me before such as a new art medium, shopping, taking a walk by the water, etc.

Does your crochet design process have anything in common with your process of writing a poem?

I would say they are a bit similar. Most of the poems I write, which I hardly share, are often a deep and raw reflection of how I am feeling in a particular moment. With my designs, they are usually named around something that I’ve already experienced or want to experience. For instance, the name Meira means “light” or “shining” and by naming this piece I wanted it to embody positivity and the beauty in new beginnings. I was recovering from a rough patch in life the year it was released, and I wanted to focus on the brighter side of things despite what was going on in the world.

What have you read lately that inspired you?

I’m in the middle of reading “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. It consists of short stories based on the author’s life. However, it was the introduction that interested me the most. Sandra’s ambition to do what she loves on her terms is truly inspiring.

What’s currently on your crochet hook?

On my needles right now is a spring sweater tee. I’m currently crocheting a summer-inspired cardigan with a fruit theme. I’m using self striping yarn in two colors and it’s probably my most fun project I’ve ever done. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Would you be willing to share one of your poems?

Sure, why not! I wrote this poem about two years ago and it's one I read often when the going gets tough. Hope you and your readers enjoy it!

Free Bird

Fly free bird
Until your wings are tired
Until you feel as if you can’t go any longer
Until the wind lashes your face
And the tears are forced out of your eyes
They’re the only thing you taste
And when you feel like falling out of the sky
Fly free bird…
Just fly.

Be sure to follow Natalia McHayle on Instagram @taliacrochetcreations!

Check out our planning guide for Meira Ruffle Crop Top! Your yarn purchase for Meira Ruffle Crop Top by June 30, 2022 will help support Homefront in their mission to break the cycle of poverty!