Cherrelle, Fiber and Natural Curls Enthusiast

I was so delighted when I found Cherrelle Shelton’s blog, It’s Really Relle. She has so many beautiful and diverse fabulous women featured on her blog, and I can’t help but feel a kinship with her. Also, damn, is her selfie game on point.

Please enjoy her interview and get to know her a little better, learn more about her blog, and get some great advice on when not to knit.

What keeps you obsessed?

With knitting, there is always a new technique to learn, a new fiber to touch, or a new color combination to try. I love the fact that I can take a ball of yarn and make it into something useful like a doll for my daughter, a sweater for my son, or a scarf for my husband. Not only is there always something new to learn, but there’s always something new to try out.

What’s your favorite project that you are working on right now?

I am currently test knitting a sweater for the first time. I have a combination of excitement and nervousness while working through this pattern, but I’m thrilled to be a part of this new project. It will be amazing when it’s complete.

What project or design are you most proud of? Why?

Without a doubt, I’m most proud of my Purl Soho Botanical Yoke Pullover Sweater. It was one of the most difficult patterns I’ve ever worked with and it turned out lovely. Every time I wear it I receive so many compliments. Not to mention it’s pretty much the coziest sweater I own.

What’s the best knitting or crochet advice you received?

Stay true to yourself and follow your own dreams, and be confident in the decisions that you make in life. These words of wisdom came from one of my FiberFriends and this really stuck with me because there are times when I’ll get discouraged with knitting/crochet and dealing with social media. But, as long as I stay true to myself and remember why I began this journey I will be fine.

Also, do not work on a project while you are sleepy…lol. You will wake up to many rows of regret.

Does pop culture ever influence your knitting?

Pop culture does not influence my knitting, but it definitely plays a bit of a role in the crochet tops, scarves, and hats that I design.

What inspired you to start your blog?

My blog began as a place to answer questions and post inspiration with relation to natural hair. But, over time I began to share more of my other interests; especially knitting and crochet. I always felt like I was alone in this maker world, until I joined Instagram and found an awesome community of makers who are women of color. I wanted to share this community with others, thus my FiberFriend Feature was born.

Follow Cherrelle on Instagram here.