Crochet Expert Stacey Trock

Today on the YarnThing Podcast with Marly Bird: Crochet Expert Stacey Trock!

Listen in below to hear Marly and Stacey talk about how Stacey got started, Etsy, her website and so much more!  This was a great show so don’t miss it!

Stacey learned to crochet when she was 10 and immediately started designing and making thing to enter in the local fair.  She kept crocheting throughout college.  Stacey finished graduate school and she and her partner (and future husband) Tim realized that it was very unlikely that they could both be in the same place with their academic degrees.  So while Tim was away for a summer, Stacey decided that she would use her lifelong hobby as her new career.  She made a lion and a koala and the rest is history.  Today, she designs crochet stuffed toys and amigurumi (little stuffed things).  Stacey’s website where she shares her designs is called FreshStitches (links below) and she also still maintains her Etsy shop.

Stacey has done a lot in the insustry including written three books and done two Craftsy classes.  Her first book was Cuddly Crochet: Adorable Toys, Hats and More and focuses awesomely cute animal toys and coordinating accessories for babies.  Her second book was Crocheted Softies which has 18 stuffed animal designs that were made with earth friendly yarns (Julie here, I especially like the owls, they are so cute!).  Her latest book is called Modern Baby Crochet and is full of great modern patterns for baby things that range from blankets to toys to accessories.  Stacey’s Craftsy classes take you through the reading of patterns and making amigurumi animals and monsters (Woodland Animals and Design Your Own Monster).  Stacey has also published in many magazines.

In addition to her classes, Stacey sells kits for her patterns on her website.  The great thing about kits is that you don’t have to buy a whole skein of yarn if you don’t need a lot for the patterns.  There are two types of kits, the Basic Kit and the Starter Kit.  The Basic kit has everything for the pattern except stuffing and is for people who already crochet and have the hooks and notions.  The Starter Kit is special because it comes with absolutely everything you need: a crochet hook, darning needles, and stitch markers in addition to the yarn and pattern.  The only thing you provide is stuffing!  For people who don’t want a kit, Stacey is starting a dog pattern club on the 1st of April.

Important links from today’s show:

• FreshStitches.com, Stacey’s website
• FreshStitches blog
• Stacey’s classes on Craftsy: Amigurumi Woodland Animals and Amigurumi Design Your Own Monster
• Stacey’s Etsy shop
• And the new Craftsy class Marly talked about today, Fair Isle Crochet: Demystifying Colorwork with Karen Whooley

You can also find Stacy on: Ravelry, Facebook, and Twitter.

And we won’t forget the Giveaway!  Leave a comment below with Stacey’s keyword for your chance to win entry into Stacey’s Craftsy class!

Let’s give some love to our sponsors! 
XRX Books, Knitter’s Magazine, STITCHES Expos
Craftsy.com/yarnthing
Indian  Lake Artisans
Fiesta Yarns
Drew Emborsky
Bijou Basin Ranch
Buffalo Wool Co.
Green Mountain Spinnery
KnitCrate

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Stacey Trock start designing crochet toys?

So here’s the thing… Stacey started designing crochet toys when she was just 10 years old and making things to enter in the local fair! She decided to make it her career while her partner was away for a summer, and she made a lion and a koala… and the rest is history!

What kind of amigurumi does Stacey design?

Honestly… Stacey designs all sorts of adorable crochet stuffed toys and amigurumi! She’s created cute animal toys, hats, baby items, and even monsters. Plus, she has Craftsy classes that teach you how to make amigurumi woodland animals and design your own monsters!

What are the different types of kits Stacey offers?

Yes! Stacey offers two types of kits on her website… The Basic Kit has everything for the pattern except stuffing, perfect if you already have hooks and notions. The Starter Kit is extra special because it comes with everything you need, including a crochet hook, darning needles, stitch markers, and yarn… you just need to provide the stuffing!

Where can I find Stacey’s designs and connect with her?

You can find Stacey’s amazing designs on her website, FreshStitches.com, and she also keeps her Etsy shop active! Plus, you can connect with her on Ravelry, Facebook, and Twitter to see what she’s up to!

What are some of Stacey’s published works?

Oh, she’s been busy! Stacey has written three books: Cuddly Crochet, Crocheted Softies, and Modern Baby Crochet. She’s also taught two Craftsy classes and published in lots of different magazines!