Pay It Forward Friday - Bella-Rae Crochet

I am so excited to bring back one of my favorite series from last year - "Pay It Forward Friday!"  My shop is about to celebrate it's second birthday next month, and I would not be where I am today without the kindness of other vendor and photographer friends.  This is my way of returning the love I've been shown.

When designing for my shop, I create my own patterns for almost all of my items.  I very rarely come across a pattern that inspires me enough to click the "add to cart" button.  Last year, I met Amy of Bella-Rae Crochet after seeing some of her designs on the Fulton Photography blog and immediately fell in love with her work.  She works extremely hard to create unique patterns that are both user friendly and intricate.  Her instructions are clearly written and all designs are tested on a baby before the pattern is offered for sale.  This  ensures perfect fit.

Let's get to know Amy a bit more in her own words:

My name is Amy, and I'm the girl behind Bella-Rae Crochet. I live in New Brunswick, located on the East Coast of Canada. I am a stay at home mom, and I love my family dearly. I have thee children, my sons are 13 and 11, and I have an 8 yr old little princess. They all have my fair skin and freckles! Recently I have been teaching my daughter how to knit. It's kind of funny considering I'm a crochet designer, but she chose to learn knitting first. We have two sweet Himalayan kittens, Willow is 1, and Griffin is 6 months. 

I have been crocheting for about 12 years, and it's just become such an important part of my life and who I am. My Etsy/Ravelry/FB shops opened in February 2012. It's been a blast of a first year!  My favourite shop items are definitely my mohair designs. I love using mohair and size 10 thread. There is something so delicate about working with fine fibers. My workspace is all over my house! My craft has taken over much of my home haha! My main working area is in my living room. I have a corner set up with my books, yarn totes, and all other necessities. I have a special seat that is permanently reserved as my work seat! I love having my iPod filled with my favourite songs with me while I work. I am a huge fan of music, and as far as I'm concerned, it makes everything better :) As for my inspirations? Mothers and their newborns. My goal is to create something a glowing new mom can treasure forever in her precious baby's photos. Having the opportunity to design a handmade item to be captured in that lifelong memory is what it's all about for me. I can't imagine having a more heartwarming career ♥

Amy has graciously offered a giveaway item for one lucky reader.  If you are a crafter - enter to win five patterns from her shop.  Have no idea what to do with a crochet hook?  You will be eligible for a mohair beanie of Amy's choice.  Perfect for your next newborn photo session!

a Rafflecopter giveaway