Hi, I am Helen Free.

I started crocheting as a child; my Dad taught me. I love the versatility of crochet and that it is no longer granny squares and doilies, although these still have their place. It is about colour and creativity; pushing the accepted boundaries, and it doesn't matter whether you wear it, play with it, or hang it on the wall.

Once I started making up my own patterns, I began teaching and producing kits for them. The business quickly out grew the house so I opened a shop on the high street. The shop is not just for shopping: it has become a community hub, with people popping in for coffee and a chat, as well as for the latest yarns and craft products.

My designs have appeared in Inside Crochet, DMC, YarnMaker, Let's Knit" and Reloved.

You can find me at: 

www.facebook.com/RainbowValleyCrafts/