Terra Mitchell of Mitchell’s Creations

Terra Mitchell is an inspiring indie yarn dyer who makes truly stunning yarn colorways. Her Etsy shop features beautiful colorways and adorable stitch markers. Read on to find out when knitting brings her comfort, and to check out her first adorable crochet doll project.

 What inspired you to start knitting or crocheting?

I am a self taught knitter and crocheter. I started crocheting when I was young – probably around 10 years old. I saw a blanket that my aunt crocheted for my baby brother at the time and I had to learn how to do “that.” At the time I had no idea what crochet was. Knitting came later in life. I picked up knitting in 1999. My daughter’s grandmother was knitting blankets and I wanted to make one. I watched the motions she was doing but I wanted to learn more. I went to WalMart and picked up a how-to book, a pair of straight needles, and a few skeins of Red Heart yarn. It’s been nonstop ever since.

Has knitting or crocheting got you through a difficult time in your life? If so, how did it help?

My daughter has had asthma really bad since she was an infant (she’s 18 now) and most of her flare ups led to pneumonia and days in the hospital. Although I know the process, it never gets easier or less scary. Knitting during these times always brings me a sense of comfort. Over the years I’ve noticed that knitting has become my go-to for stress relief. When stressful situations come up I can always pick up a project and it puts me in a relaxed zone. It takes my mind off of whatever is going on – it’s something in the rhythm of the needles.

What keeps you obsessed?

The joy of making and the community. I have met some amazing people through knitting and crocheting. And the fact that there are so many amazing designs, there is always something I want to cast on!

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

My favorite project that I’m working on right now is one that has been on the needles for almost a year. I’ve finally had the time to pick it back up. It’s the OhLaLa by Joji Locatelli. It’s a project that I wanted to showcase my hand-dyed DK weight yarn. The knit is enjoyable and I am more than happy with that way the yarn is knitting up. The body of the sweater has been completed. I’m on the sleeves but this is my first time picking up sleeves and I want it to be right. So I’m hoping to have this completed soon.  [Editor’s note: Can’t wait to see this project done! It looks beautiful!] 

 What project are you most proud of? Why?

View this post on Instagram

 

It’s #funfactfriday! Every Friday I’ll share something about me that you might not know. Today’s fact (although you may know if you read the Saturday Spotlight by @ggmadeit and if you haven’t go check out GG and read it) is that I do crochet. In the past I’ve crocheted animals, blankets, scarves and shawls but my love for crochet was rekindled with this doll. I see many more in my future. – My yarn can be used for so much more. This cutie was made with Coco Butter and Peiones Please on worsted weight. She is available for adoption in my shop. These two colorways will be available soon. – Shop: www.mitchellsc.etsy.com – Pattern: Two Skein Ballerina by @my_kinda_thing . . #makersgonnamake #makerstrong #makersmovement #blackcreatives #blackdyersofinstagram #amigarumicrochet #crochetersofig #crochetersofinstagram #crochet #handdyedyarn #icrochet #superwashmerino #crochetdoll #crochetbrowndolls #dollcollectors #blackdollmakers #handmadedoll #mykindathing #mitchellscreations #indiedyedyarn #dollmakersofinstagram #creativepreneur #babyphotoprops #creativeentrepreneur #blackgirlmagic #nurserydecor #blackgirlscrochetandknit #louisianayarndyer #indiedyersofinstagram

A post shared by Mitchell’s Creations (@mitchellscfiberarts) on Jan 18, 2019 at 5:09am PST

I have to say the I am most proud of my latest crochet project; my Two-Skein Ballerina by Aniqua of My Kinda Thing. This is the first crochet doll I have ever made. I never thought that I could make something like this. I was amazed at how she turned out.

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

I’m not sure where I saw or heard this first but everyone says it. “Check your gauge….swatch!” This is important advice that can save one a lot of time, aggravation and frustration. Although I know this I don’t always follow it. 

Has pop culture had an influence on your knitting or crochet?

I know it influences my yarn dyeing every now and then. I’ve dyed yarn inspired by Black Panther, Dr. Who, as well as zombies. Sometimes if I see something – I feel has to be a colorway.

Follow Terra on Ravelry here. 

Follow Terra on Instagram here. 

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