As you know, I have decided to invite like-minded individuals that are in a business that aligns with my crochet business to introduce themselves to my readers. This week I’d like to introduce a Crochet Tech Editor, my online friend, Cherie from Sweet Bird Crochet. Not only does Cherie crochet, but she is also a talented technical editor for pattern writers as well as an accomplished pattern writing instructor. And if all of that wasn’t enough for me to ask her to introduce herself, her first name is my middle name, so, I couldn’t NOT ask her! LOL!
So, without much-a-do, let me introduce Cherie Mellick.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Cherie Mellick. I’m the face behind the logo, the hands behind the hook, and the heart behind the purpose! I am a small business owner located in Metro Atlanta, Georgia! My husband and I are empty nesters who spoil our little dogger, Keiki (cakey), and our feathered toddler, Kalani! Kalani is an Indian Ringneck Parrot who is the center of my business brand. She is the ‘sweet bird’ behind Sweet Bird Crochet!
My husband and I have 6 adult children (4 are mine from a previous marriage and 2 are his from a previous marriage). We have a total of NINE grandbabies…and I’m not quite 50, YET! There is nothing more precious than hearing my grands yelling “NeeNee” as they run up to me for a big hug! We don’t get to see our grands very often since they are scattered all over the United States, but we do steal away as often as possible for visits. Of course, there are always the video chats I have with their little foreheads and noses or the fan because they don’t quite understand the concept of video chatting! 😊
When did you start to crochet and why?
My friend Tina tried hard to teach me to crochet. We sat at her dining table for several hours laughing hysterically at the fact that I could not get the concept of what she was showing me! A simple granny square and my brain just couldn’t comprehend what her hands were doing! I picked up yarn and hook about a year later, printed out a pattern, and BAM! I totally understood what the pattern was telling me to do and 15 years later, I’m still in love with the art!
I won’t say that crochet saved my life, but it certainly has helped me to cope with some hardships I had faced in my previous marriage. I am a survivor of domestic violence. Crochet gave me an outlet when I felt extremely powerless. It gave me confidence as I created. It gave me a healthy escape from some particularly difficult circumstances.
My husband has always been fascinated by my crochet creations. Every time I made an amigurumi, a blanket, or a bag, he would look it over with such amazement telling me I should start my own business. I told him that once we are debt-free, I’ll start my business.
At the end of 2020, we officially had paid off over $35,000 in debt! It took us 18 grueling months, but we did it! We were debt-free, and I quit my full-time job and started my business!
What do you sell/make?
At first, I started selling custom orders and Amigurumi Unicorns, but I found that I was not passionate about making the same things over and over! I have a little motto in my business, “If I don’t love it, I won’t do it!” I started this business to do what I love and if I didn’t love making unicorns over and over, then my business just became a job! I took several months off to give myself a break and to think about the direction I wanted to go in my business.
The birth of the Arizona Zipper Pouch
After a trip to Arizona to visit our babies, I designed my Arizona Zipper Pouch, and I knew what I wanted to do! I love using my creativity to design patterns! I had finally found my “niche”, that word that creates such anxiety and pressure! Since I’ve had an affinity for crochet blankets since the beginning of my crochet journey, it made sense to focus on designing patterns for blankets. However, I also love bags! I love bags, purses, clutches, and zipper pouches! Those two items are my focus when it comes to designing crochet patterns.
I knew that designing patterns would not bring in the money each month for my business to survive. So, I added several services to hopefully generate a sustainable income. I am a certified crochet instructor with the Craft Yarn Council and have taught online and in-person crochet classes. I do plan on having a Virtual Tapestry Crochet Workshop in the Fall of this year! (Did I tell you that I love tapestry crochet?) I also am a Tech Editor. I edit patterns for designers so they can publish patterns that are high quality and almost perfect patterns! I also am a virtual assistant. I help crochet, knit, and yarn businesses manage their businesses. As a VA, I help build websites, manage emails, take phone calls, manage newsletters, and so much more! Last, but not least, I help designers write their patterns. Whether it’s a new designer or a veteran, I can take pattern notes, diagrams, or charts and write a well-crafted pattern!
Where can we buy your creations?
You can find all my crochet patterns, the services I offer, and my blog at https://www.sweetbirdcrochet.com
Finally, what’s your top tip when it comes to crocheting?
If you don’t love it, don’t do it! If what you crochet doesn’t bring you joy, then don’t make it. Once your joy begins to diminish, what you’re doing becomes a job. None of us started our craft business to “work”. We all started it to add joy to our lives! Don’t lose sight of that! Oh, another great tip: Gauge swatch, gauge swatch, gauge swatch! And weave in your ends as you go! 😊
Cherie, I ‘d like to thank you for speaking with me today. We are looking forward to seeing more of your creations as your current works are just so beautiful!
Until next time!
Love Nana Dawn
