Designer we love

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I live in east London with my partner and our two small children. I started off my crochet career designing practical and modern clothes for babies and children. I’ve since branched out into homeware and then garments and accessories for adults. In my ‘day job’, I work full-time in child safeguarding.

When did you learn to crochet?

In 2016 I attended a short course with the wonderful Katie Jones. I had never done any kind of yarn craft before, but I enjoyed crochet from the beginning. Katie is an amazing teacher, and I continue to be inspired by her work.

How did you first get into crochet design?

I wanted to make baby jumpers, but I couldn’t find many patterns I liked, so I just experimented. Baby clothes are a great way of learning as their small size means that they are quite quick to make, so if you need to frog a mistake you don’t lose days and days of work. The first pattern I published in a magazine was one of the first jumpers I designed. It was simple but had lots of baby-friendly design features that I was really proud of – a wide neckline, shorter sleeves, a little pocket on the front.

How would you describe your style?

I’m inspired by nostalgia, the memory of a time past rather than an authentic representation. It could be eighties knitwear, nautical chic, medieval revival, my own memories or a collective way we have of remembering the past.

Which are your most popular designs?

My most popular design – and one I’m still really proud of – is the Reykjavik Jumper. It was inspired by the Icelandic knits I remember from my childhood. If I had known anything about grading, and how complicated it would be, I would never have attempted it! I reprised the design as the Iced Gems Jumper a few years ago.

What’s your favourite part of the creative process?

I love the initial design process and the crocheting of the piece itself, of course. My advice to any aspiring crochet designer is to follow what makes sense to you, take notes and turn your mistakes into learning opportunities.

What are you looking forward to this year?

In my spare time I always enjoy some scrap quilting and appliqué. For my crochet work I plan to create more designs that make use of my yarn stash! And I’m looking forward to teaching some more workshops. A bigger dream is to write a book, either about making children’s clothes or using scrap yarn.

Find Jess’s patterns on lovecrafts.com as Rock Salt Plum