http://www.crochetnow.co.uk | 27When I imagine a garment, I sketch the
design or write a short description to
start. I have dozens of ideas floating in
my head, so it can be hard to keep track
of everything. Once I settle on a design I
think about the feel of the garment and
who will want to wear it. I have to take into
consideration whether the garment can
be machine washed, or if it’s a luxurious
statement piece. The fibre and structure of
the yarn can completely change the look
of a design, so if I have ideas that I can’t
find the right type of yarn for, I’ll save it and
move on to a different
project. In winter, plant-
based yarn can be
difficult to find in New
Zealand. Luckily, we
have so much gorgeous
wool, Merino and alpaca
yarn that is great for
colder weather. I only
work on one design at
a time as, once I start,
I never want to stop.
Most of my designs have video tutorials so
I have to take notes simultaneously.
So much time and love goes into creating
crochet garments so I try to think of all the
different ways someone could style them.
The landscape of crochet has changed a
lot in the last five to 10 years – crochet is
now very modern and wearable. I felt there
was a gap between contemporary, chunky
sweaters during winter and boho festival
crochet for summer. My goal is to design
modern crochet patterns that appeal to
younger people but are also great staples
for everyone. I love finding the pattern,
picking the yarn and the colour, every step
of the process is fun. Crochet garments
make you value the items you have in
your wardrobe.I’ve tried almost every craft – pottery,
calligraphy, watercolours, cake decorating,
sewing, cross stitch and so much more.
Currently, I’m in a watercolour and gouache
paint phase and love creating illustrations
for my niece and nephew. Embroidery is
also a huge passion of mine and I enjoy
creating custom floral
embroidery hoops for
friends and family.If you want to start
your own blog my
advice would be just
do it. It’s hard to put
yourself out there, but
blogging is something
you get better at with
experience. It takes
most people a while to figure out their
design style. You’ll eventually get a better
sense of what you want your aesthetic
to be. Don’t be worried if you don’t have
everything figured out, blogging is a
wonderful way to meet fibre friends and
receive feedback. If you’re thinking about
designing, I can’t emphasise how important
it is to take notes as you crochet. It’s super
challenging to remember all the nitty gritty
details after you’ve finished your project.My favourite pattern design is the Stephanie
Ruffle Sleeve Top. It was the first designI published so will always hold a special
place in my heart. Nostalgia aside, I love
how the design is so flattering for many
body types. The best part about this design
is that it turned out exactly how I imagined
it. That doesn’t happen often as I can be a
bit indecisive and change my mind as I go.
However, I find that when I have a clear
vision I can just zoom through a design.I’m now getting ready for winter and
have many new crochet designs that I’m
excited about. Lots of sweaters, scarves,
beanies and maybe even a Christmas
sweater dress for my blog. I try to mix it
up and alternate quick and easy projects
with longer and more challenging makes
so there’s something for everyone. I also
have a sweater pattern coming out in
issue 50 of Crochet Now so be sure to
pick that one up!Turn over to make Grace’s
Forest Breeze Tee!I want to
make items
that are
modern and
great for
everyday life
Designer sketchbook
Grace combines 1950s
inspiration with
contemporary style