Tell us a bit about yourself…
Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, my family emigrated to the US when I was younger. I currently reside near Philadelphia.
Could you tell us what you do?
I’m a graphic designer professionally, which I still currently do as my ‘day job’. I went to school for design, graduated from uArts with a BFA in graphic design and it’s the only thing I love as much as crochet. I learned to crochet by watching countless YouTube tutorials. Over the last couple of years, I’ve been creating quick video tutorials of crochet tips and tricks of my own. Aside from that, my focus has been combining my love of crochet and graphic design to create easy and quick-to-work-up patterns with coordinating printable packaging.
How did you get into crochet design?
I was working as in-house designer in an office with poor natural light. I really wanted a plant for my desk but knew a real one would never survive. I decided I wanted to make one, so I went to Pinterest to search for handmade plant ideas. That’s when I stumbled into the world of amigurumi succulents. I immediately knew it was something I had to try to make. I could already knit so I thought, how hard could this be? Let me tell you, it was MUCH harder than I imagined!
Did you have a ‘breakthrough’ pattern?
I think initially it was my amigurumi cacti that got me noticed in the crocheting world, in particular my Frida and Rosie cacti. Lately my popular designs have been all my pocket hugs and pals with matching printables. However, in the last couple of years my following has grown for my quick tips and tricks videos that I post every Tuesday on Instagram.
What inspires your work?
Whether it’s patterns, videos or just design in general, I love things to be concise and precise. I would say my style and approach are on the minimal side – clean and straight to the point.
What’s your favourite part of the process?
Definitely not marketing! I love the rush of getting that initial idea and the excitement of figuring out how it could possibly work. It feels like you’re solving a puzzle.
Any advice for an aspiring crochet designer?
Always keep trying new things; you never know where something can take you.
What item in your workspace could you not live without?
I think my lightbox. Unfortunately, I don’t have a designated studio just yet… so until the day I can have a fancy recording setup I will always turn to my lightbox. It allows me to have consistent lighting in all my photos and videos, and also gives me the ability to shoot and record at any time of day and night.
What’s next for you?
I’m really looking forward to attending my first Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, New York, later this fall. But most of all I’m excited by how my first book has been received – Crochet Secrets from the Knotty Boss is my proudest career achievement so far.
You
can buy Anna’s patterns and printables at theknottyboss.com or from theknottyboss.etsy.com. Her
new book, Crochet Secrets from the Knotty Boss (David & Charles), is
available now.