Conversations with Sarah Zimmerman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Zimmerman.

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved arts & crafts. I would enter in coloring contests as a kid and always gravitated toward the latest craft craze (friendship bracelets, lanyards, etc). My first job as a teenager was teaching art at a local summer camp. I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in visual arts and started working professionally as a graphic designer. My eye for design and color helped me into the next phase of my life, where I started my own business as a craft blogger.

When I became a stay-at-home mom, I started to doing a lot of crafts with my kids, and shortly after my second son was born, I taught myself how to crochet. Wanting to make fun hats for my kids, I watched online videos and followed book tutorials. I learned to crochet quickly and unleashed a hidden talent I never knew I had! I decided to take this hobby and passion for crochet to the next level and started writing my own patterns.

What started as a blog has turned into a thriving business, with growth each year. I work full time from my home yarn studio, creating fresh, cute, and contemporary crochet designs with a creative flair that appeals to all ages. I post my patterns and tutorials weekly on RepeatCrafterMe.com and currently have ongoing partnerships with Spinrite Yarns and Michaels Craft Store. In addition, I’m proud to have written [and published] two crochet books. My most recent book titled “Crochet Cute Critters” still holds the spot as a #1 best seller on Amazon!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been extremely fortunate to have a ton of support along the way. Not just from friends and family but also from an incredible online community of Mompreneurs, Crafters, Crocheters and fellow Bloggers. Managing a website, as well as designing and creating takes a lot of trial and error; it is a continuous learning process. It took me a few years to really find my niche. Then learning the technical side of a website and managing my growth through social media channels has required a great deal of focus. Open conversations with others who are running similar businesses has really helped to overcome those bumps in the road. I can’t overstate the support and friendships I’ve built over the last ten years.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Once I began crocheting, I realized right away I had a knack for pattern designing. My cute and colorful animal hats, blanket designs, and amigurumi (stuffed animals), caught the attention of enthusiasts, media outlets, etc. I knew I had something good going when a few of my patterns started going viral on Pinterest and Facebook. I focus on simple stitches and providing tutorials that can easily be replicated. Everyone knows that when they come to my website or buy my books, they will find an abundance of cute projects that are seasonal, holiday-themed, fun for kids and babies, and easy to follow!

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We have seen a huge uptick in crafts and more specifically, yarn crafts (Crocheting, Knitting, Weaving) over the last year and a half, all starting with the pandemic stay-at-home orders. With the rise in popularity, I have been blessed with being able to collaborate with some well-known craft supply companies. With more people taking up yarn hobbies, I see myself continuing to create and branch out my business. Over the next five years, I plan to team up with other designers and brands. I hope that in-person teaching and filming opportunities will become more accessible to creators and designers over the next few years.

Pricing:

• Crochet Cute Critters Book – $7.69 on Amazon
• Corner-to-Corner Lap Throws for the Family – $10.89 on Amazon

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.RepeatCrafterMe.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/repeatcrafterme/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepeatCrafterMe/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/repeatcrafterme
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RepeatCrafterMe