Designer we love

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am a second year student at Nottingham Trent University, studying Fashion Knitwear. When I am at home I live with my family in a small village in Saddleworth, in Greater Manchester.

Could you tell us what you do?

I like to crochet colourful garments and accessories, alongside being a full-time knitwear student.

How did you get into designing?

Initially I tried to teach myself how to crochet at the age of ten. However, it was soon apparent I was crocheting like a knitter! Thankfully, I was retaught to crochet correctly by designer Jacinta Bowie, who I met at Woolyknit. I was then mentored by Jacinta and it was during this time that I was able to learn new skills, tips and tricks from a professional designer. I started publishing designs with Jacinta, under the Bowie & George brand, from the age of 15. Gradually, I started to design and release my own patterns independently when I turned 18.

What inspires your designs?

My designs are inspired by strong, bright combinations of colour, print and texture. Travelling to different cities, mixing urban streetstyle and graffiti, also greatly influences my sense of colour blocking and approach to designing. Throughout my art foundation and A Level years I have experimented with a combination of yarn textures and techniques, incorporating unusual materials to create sculptural pieces. My crochet designs are an extension of my experimental works, designed with accessibility in mind.

What is your favourite design?

My recent Embellished Floral Waistcoat for Inside Crochet (issue 151) is one of my favourites, as it was inspired by my much-loved embroidered Paul Smith waistcoat.

What are you most proud of?

I am so proud of my crochet designs being published and especially those that have graced the front cover. I am also grateful to my local art gallery, The Weaver’s Factory, who gave me the opportunity to hold a solo pop-up exhibition, to exhibit my artwork and textiles.

Are there any other designers or artists that inspire you?

I am influenced by great designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Issey Miyake. I am hugely interested in fashion and will spend many hours researching the new and vintage runway trends. I’m also influenced throughout my work by artists Patrick Heron and David Hockney.

Any advice for an aspiring designer?

I think finding a balance between developing both creativity and technical ability is important when starting to produce your own work as a designer. Continuously practising and experimenting with drawing, stitch techniques, construction and finishing methods are all useful ways to try new things and embrace every aspect of the design process. But always remember to have fun and enjoy the process!

What else do you enjoy doing?

I am a keen photographer and enjoy drawing. I can also often be seen knitting in the pub with my friends!

What are you looking forward to doing next?

I hope to push my crochet designs further and focus more on releasing my patterns to sell on other platforms. I am also looking forward to finding knitwear placements as part of my industry placement year in the next academic year.

Buy Lucy’s patterns at www.lucygeorgedesign.etsy.com