Introducing Kathryn Nordyke- the Facebook nerd who started it all.

A year ago, I decided to start selling some of my crochet items. At the time, I only made baby booties and a few hats. My Mom had started making these gorgeous blankets, and we decided we had nothing to lose if we stuck with custom work only. It wasn't until November hit that I decided to start to go after getting our name out there more aggressively. It all started with one small giveaway and a 20% discount the last 2 weeks of November. We were shocked and amazed when orders started pouring in. I am still continuously blessed that they haven't stopped since. I absolutely love running this business and most of all seeing your creativity blossom into something unique and beautiful. Without further ado, here's a little bit about me:

When did you start crocheting? I was 8 months pregnant with my son, Timothy and completely miserable! It was winter time and he ended up being 10 days late AND over 10 pounds when he was born. I had seen my Mom crochet blankets and scarfs and I finally begged her to teach me too. I crocheted scarfs for my husbands entire family along with a few other people. It was the perfect way to keep my mind off of just "waiting" for baby to come.

What inspired you to keep it up? I get easily bored and don't like doing the same thing over and over again. I'm also a bit of a perfectionist and wanted to learn more technique and skill besides just doing a single crochet stitch. I bought a few crochet books and watched tons of youtube videos on how to crochet and soon I was making baby clothes and booties. I even made an entire sweater for my Mom (don't ask me to do that again).

What is your favorite thing to crochet? Booties are still my very favorite thing to crochet along with flowers. I still haven't gotten bored with them! =)

What is your favorite yarn to work with? I really love Caron Simply Soft for all my newborn booties and hats. I think it has a beautiful shine to it and retains it softness well. For adults and older children, I have loved Vanna's choice. She makes some awesome colors!! BUT the cream of the crop will always be organic cotton- you absolutely will never find anything softer than this yarn. It is amazing to work with!

When did you start making your own patterns? After I crocheted the sweater for my Mom, I was completely disgusted with the inconsistency of patterns. I found that not everyone uses the same language, and that there were a lot of "gaps" in the over all pattern. After trial and error and learning a lot of different stitches, I began developing my own patterns for booties and eventually moved to flowers as well.

When is your favorite time to crochet? It used to be night time! But ever since I became pregnant with my third, I am finding it harder and harder to stay up and crochet. I love to crochet and watch a movie. In fact, I can look at almost any crochet project that I have done and tell you the exact movie that I watched while doing it. I listen so much better when I have my hands busy- I'm odd, I know.

Where do you get your inspiration from? A good deal of my inspiration comes from what everyone sends me! You ladies are full of some incredible ideas. I've tried to not turn down a single one. Outside of that, I get ideas from clothing stores and by seeing what other little girls and boys are wearing.

Tell us a little about yourself: I am a stay at home Mom married for six years to the only guy I have ever dated or kissed (YES ONLY- and NO I was not sheltered lol). We have two hilarious children- Isabel (5) and Timothy (2) and a little one on the way (I'm about 15 weeks along). I was born in Kentucky but completely raised in Texas.

What are some of your other interests or hobbies: I love old things!! Antiques, records, books, paintings, furniture- I LOVE IT! I have quite an old soul and can be very old fashioned. I love reading a good book- especially a good novel. I also love playing the piano. I used to do cross-stitching but I have long since abandoned that because it took way too long. I enjoy singing and writing and long conversations. OH! And let's not forget coffee! Buon Giorno coffee has THEE best decaf coffee I have ever tasted in my life. I collect Starbucks coffee cups from around the world (the city and country kind). I really like coffee.

What is your favorite beverage? Did I mention I like coffee? lol.

And just for fun: If you were stuck with one food for a whole week, what would you eat and why? One food? I came up with this question, and I don't even know how to answer it?! I like food. I would probably want butter with bread and cheese. ok that's three food items. That's the best I can do.

Now that you've been introduced to all three of us, tell us a little bit about yourself? Are you as addicted to coffee as I am? Did you used to hate tuna like Amy? Do you have nearly eight grandchildren like Joanne? Share some of your hobbies and interests with us!

Meet our other Brilliant Designer: Joanne Lindenberger

Joanne is my Mom and she and I started this business together about a year ago. She is the creator of all of our blankets and most of our hats, and most recently diaper covers! .

When did you start crocheting?

When my first child was born, my grandmother taught me how to crochet granny squares...that's all I did. We had granny square placemats, table runners...anything I could think of.

Then when Kathryn was ready to have her first born, I was determined to crochet again. A lady in my church crocheted and I went to get a refresher from her of how to crochet again. I learned one stitch and made a blanket. I then decided to try making other things like hats and such. I've yet to learn a pattern.

What inspired you to keep it up?

Making blankets and hats for my grandchildren. Then making them as gifts for baby showers. I now love making new things for Baby Buttons Design, and the creativity of it all.

What is your favorite thing to crochet (blanket, hats, booties, etc)?

I love making hats...and I'd say the baby bottoms come in next...well, I love making the blankets too....okay, I love it all!!

What is your favorite yarn to work with?

Caron yarn as it's soft, has beautiful colors and has a nice presentation when done...not too bulky, not too light.

When did you start making your own patterns?

Right from the beginning...I haven't tried to learn a pattern and I love the freedom to create. Even with the same design, because it isn't by pattern, it feels very custom made.

When is your favorite time to crochet?

Evenings ... it's a rest and create time for me.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

People who ask for specific things, watching for new designs in shops and magazines and what children wear. Most of all just creating and praying for new ideas. God was the greatest creator and I feel in my small way, His creativity is shown to me and we can create together. I love blessing the one who will have the item while I am making it.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I love my Canadian heritage but I'm also thankful for what I have gained living in the U.S. I grew up in a family that dreamed dreams and took the risk to see them fullfilled...which has been a great motivation for me. I have been married for 37 years to a man who loves to dream with me. Such a blessing! We have 4 children that are successful, love being together as family and whom we are so proud of. We also have 6 grandchildren and two more on the way!! My cup overflows! I love being a wife, mom and grandma...they have all been a great part of my journey. My husband and I are also counselors with our business called Awakening Hearts Ministries...which is another passion. We love to see people walking in freedom. Something our family enjoys together is bargain hunting, whether at the grocery, yard sales(treasure hunts) or coupons...we share the news and try to one-up each other with our "deal of the day". It's so much fun and a big help to know where the latest deal is. Yup, I love my family.

What are some of your other interests or hobbies:

Our cabin in Red River is my foremost love. We have an original log cabin called Cabin by the Creek in the Sangre de Christo mountains. It's on a creek looking at the national forest. A dream come true! We get up there as often as we can...but rent it out inbetween.

Another is gardening. I love to see the beauty it brings and be able to share that with others...whether sitting and enjoying or giving away plants. My husband had a dream that the whole backyard is a garden!...

Last, I love to redecorate the house...mostly by rearranging things....nothing drastic. But change is nice and good for the soul....unless you trip over a chair that wasn't there before :)

One of my favorite quotes is from the movie, Chariots of Fire...."I run because I feel God's pleasure" That is my motivation to do many things that I love; because I feel God's pleasure.

Oh, and did I mention I have the greatest grandkids to be with?!?!

What is your favorite beverage?

Wine....I love to sip wine with my husband or friends....so, lovely!

And just for fun: If you were stuck with one food for a whole week, what would you eat and why?

Bread and butter! I love bread! Yes, I know man shall not live by bread alone...but I could give it a try!! My favorite is Artisan bread with rosemary.

Introducing Amy Champlin!

We thought we'd share a little bit more about ourselves and give you a face behind the design. First off, we have Amy Champlin. Amy joined our team about a week and half ago and has already been such a huge gift to our business. We recently did a giveaway with her spring line of items- and it was quite a hit!

So, with out further ado, here is my interview with Amy:

When did you start crocheting? About three years ago, I was at a womens retreat in Poolville. In the afternoon free time, Gayle-my Pastor's wife was knitting and Joanne Lindenberger (Baby Buttons Designer) was crocheting. There was an open invitation to learn. My friend, Ashley Artebury wanted to learn to crochet. I had absolutely no interest whatsover. She practically forced me to sit down. Joanne put a hook in my hand and a hideous grey colored yarn. She showed me the steps and "SUDDENLY" I was "hooked":) I couldn't put it down and haven't since.

What inspired you to keep it up? The Lord has spoken several words of rest to me. As a Mom of four, I felt it wasteful to sit down. Crocheting has given me an excuse to rest. I find it so peaceful and I still have that sense of accomplishment when i stand up to do something else.

What is your favorite thing to crochet? It used to be blankets...Massive Adult sized blankets. Currently i am really enjoying booties though.

What is your favorite yarn to work with? Depends on the project. Blankets-Homespun, Baby Items-Caron, Accents such as flowers- Aunt Lydias Crochet Thread (I'm obsessed with this teeny tiny thread)

When did you start making your own patterns? Since I began, I've been making things that just pop in my head. My first queen sized blanket came simply as an idea in my head.

When is your favorite time to crochet? UUUMMM...What time is it right now?.....Anytime! I've been known to crochet at stop lights ;)

Where do you get your inspiration from? From things I see out and about. The blingy boots came from a baby I saw crawling around in gold boots. Sometimes, I'll be laying down to sleep and all of a sudden I'll get a picture and just "know" how to make it work. Some are Heaven inspired.

Tell us a little about yourself. I'd like to go to Scotland someday. I have four kids: Hannah 8, Josh 7, Jael 6, and Rebecca 4. How do I find time to crochet? I Make time!! We live in a house on 1.5 acres and I love it! I have been married for ten years to my wonderful husband, Dan Champlin. We have three dogs: Abrim - Old English Mastiff, Kayln - Great Dane, and Slinky Baguette Nugget Champlin (Ickygoo- Last name compliments of Rebecca) - Bassett/Beagle Stray who wandered onto our property and never left who recently received a collar and tags. We also have four rabbits, two indoor and two outdoor: Rocket is a black rex and belongs to Josh, Snowball Cotton Candy Snowflake is a white rex and belongs to Jael, Pongo is a giant Angora and belongs to Hannah, and Velvet AKA Mr. Personality who is addicted to coke and popcorn is a Netherland dwarf and belongs to Rebecca. (I like Animals)

What are some of your other interests or hobbies? Animals!! I someday dream of having a rescue. I also enjoy Dog training. Painting is another hobby I don't get to do often. And I love GARDENING!! I have a giant garden I tend every year. I have everything from lettuce to carrots to squash to watermelons! New this year is my berry orchard with every berry imaginable.

What is your favorite beverage? Coke Zero!! Dan says he's my dealer and I need to go to some sort of support group. If I run out, I make him stop on his way home ....:)

And just for fun: If you were stuck with one food for a whole week, what would you eat and why? Is coke zero considered a food?? I would go into withdrawls....UUUMMM Probably Sourdough bread with Tuna salad on it, lightly toasted....Joanne introduced me to that recently. I hated tuna salad and didn't tell her when I went over. But once I tasted hers I was hooked!! I have it at least twice a week now.

Well, we hope you've enjoyed getting to know Amy a bit more! Next up will be Joanne Lindenberger.