love. life. yarn.

About

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Hi there and welcome! I’m Amanda Saladin, a published knitwear & crochet pattern designer, teacher and creator of 80+ patterns featured in magazines like Vogue Knitting, Crochet Today! and Knit Simple. With a Bachelor’s in Fashion Design and over a decade of hands-on design experience, I help passionate knitters and crocheters stop relying on video tutorials and confidently read, follow and customise real patterns—so you can create advanced, beautiful pieces your friends will admire.

Based near Nashville, TN, I’m also a mom of four energetic boys and former full-time high school teacher—so I know how to get great work done in limited pockets of time!

Why Trust Love.Life.Yarn by Amanda Saladin?

  • Published Author: Author of multiple published books and knitting/crochet designs.
  • Design Authority: Over 80 original knitting and crochet designs published in major industry magazines, including Crochet World, Crochet!, Vogue Knitting, Interweave Crochet, Crochet Today! and Knit Simple.
  • Vast Experience: Designer of over 350 free, original knit and crochet patterns available right here on Love.Life.Yarn.
  • Trusted Source: Love.Life.Yarn reaches an engaged community of over 74,000 email subscribers who receive patterns, tips, and tutorials twice a week.
  • Educational Background: Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design (MTSU, 2002), providing a professional foundation in garment structure and design theory.
  • Brand Collaborations: Created original patterns for major yarn brands such as Red Heart Yarns and Lion Brand Yarn.

How I Can Help You

Whether you’re just learning to crochet or already comfortable with your hooks and needles, my goal is to help you grow your skills, gain confidence, and design beautiful handmade pieces you’ll be proud of.

Here’s how I can help you on your creative journey:

  • 🧵 Free Workshops: Join my free, easy-to-follow workshops like Learn to Read Crochet Patterns, Learn to Read Knitting Patterns, or Better Baby Blankets to master essential skills and take your projects to the next level.
  • 💌 Weekly Inspiration: Get brand-new free patterns, tips, and exclusive tutorials in your inbox every week when you join the Love.Life.Yarn community.
  • 🧶 Free Patterns for Every Skill Level: Explore over 350 free knit and crochet patterns — from cozy wearables to quick gifts — all designed to be beautiful, modern, and beginner-friendly.

Whether your goal is to stop relying on video tutorials, read patterns with confidence, or design your own creations, you’ll find the tools, patterns, and guidance you need right here at Love.Life.Yarn.

I know what it’s like to feel stuck on the next step of your crafting journey — and I’m here to make it easier, one stitch at a time.

My Journey: From Fashion Student to Published Designer

I first learned to knit back in 2002 while studying Fashion Design in college, but my serious love for the craft didn’t truly spark until years later. It began when a friend wanted to learn, and we found ourselves knitting scarf after scarf.

I finally conquered crochet in 2006. Initially, I struggled to see the stitches, but once I got the hang of it, it felt even more natural than knitting. After years of casually making items, I decided to create a few things for the TN State Fair in 2011, and everything placed first or second.

That success sparked my design career. In December 2011, I received my first two acceptances from major magazines, and things haven’t stopped since! Despite being a full-time high school teacher and a mom to four boys, I’ve had over 80 designs published and created countless free patterns. I love both knitting and crocheting equally—and I am passionate about sharing both with you here on Love.Life.Yarn.