Designer we love

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m Katie and I live in Hastings. I moved here around five years ago from London, and am in the process of turning my house into a colourful crafty haven! I’m a crochet designer but I dabble in the odd knit design too. I studied a BA and MA in fashion knitwear at Central St Martins, and after graduating I worked as a crochet designer for different brands and then had my own fashion label. But I realised I missed the making community, so I became a pattern designer in 2018 and I have been doing that ever since.

What inspires your designs?

I often use art, folk crafts and vintage fashion as a springboard when designing. I LOVE being playful with colour and pattern so that’s a big part of my work – I want fashion to be fun and bring joy!

What’s your festive decorating style?

More, more and then add some more! I’m a big Christmas person and I go pretty OTT inside and outside my house – I like it to feel like a grotto. I love decorating the tree, and we have lots of decorations handed down through the family, so if feels really special. I’m not about a classy Christmas – I’m all about a crafty Christmas filled with keepsakes, and I don’t think you can ever have too much tinsel! I love all the colours and lots of sparkle, and I think pink and red is a perfect Christmas combo – but my main Christmas style is FUN.

Tell us a bit about your Winter MAL with Hobbii…

The make-along is for a really fun winter sweater design in both a crochet and knit option! There’s a gorgeous kit with such yummy yarns, and it’s a brilliant project if you’re looking to learn new skills as it’s broken down into seven parts with videos that take you step by step through each part. And although the MAL has already started, you can still grab your kit and pattern from Hobbii and join the Facebook community group! The jumper design is inspired by vintage ski wear and Fair Isle knits – I wanted to create a modern twist on a classic in a fun and bright colour combo.

Do you have any other Christmas designs?

Last year I designed a range of free patterns for Christmas accessories. My favourite are the mini stockings and mittens that make fabulous tree decorations, or work as napkin ties and cutlery holders. My Alpine Sweater is one of my all-time faves and is perfect for a Christmas jumper!

You can find links to Katie’s Christmas designs at katiejonesknit.co.uk