I’ve wanted to make our Stitchopedias more officially crochet. I promise myself that with each issue, I’ll do several crochet ones. But, I always end up not getting to them.
We have an expert for our Knit ones, and I’ve wanted it to be the same with Crochet.
I’ve known Julie Desjardins for quite a while now – back when she was in our October 2016 issue with her Ricochet Bag. So, I’m THRILLED that she’s joined the Knotions team with her crochet Stitchopedias! And, honestly, I’m enjoying the new excitement that she brings!
Her first set of Stitchopedias include:
But, since many of you are newer to Knotions, I thought we should let you get to know her a bit better. So, Julie sat down with me as a way to let you all know her and what she’ll add to Knotions. I love her energy and passion – and I hope you do too…
How long have you been crocheting?
I learned to crochet in 2009, 2010? Initially, I’d wanted to knit but at the time, circulars weren’t a big thing and I found straight needles cumbersome. A friend suggested I learn to crochet and I’ve never looked back.
What are you known for?
If I’m known for anything it will be my deep love for crochet socks. I absolutely love them and am always surprised that not everyone knows they’re a thing.
I’m also known for being pretty vocal about crochet being wildly underestimated.
What do you hope that people get from the Stitchopedias?
I hope to give people a sense of curiosity and wonder that crochet is modern, versatile and stunning.
If you could wave a magic wand and it just happened, what would you hope that all crocheters learn/do?
This one’s easy. With a wave of my magic wand, every single crocheter and knitter would make their gauge swatch AND SMILE while doing it.
JR: Well, Julie, you’ll fit in here very well!
Is there a particular weight or fiber that you prefer? And why?
I’m very fond of fingering weight sock yarn. You can make just about anything with it (socks of course, but also shawls, wearables and more).
How frequently do you crochet?
Pretty much every day of the year.
How often do you wear/use your creations?
I wear them mostly at fiber events. I don’t make multiples of things, and I’m afraid of getting them dirty or losing them. Also, since I design a lot of sock patterns, I’m sure people prefer to look at samples that haven’t been worn 😛
Does the type of your crochet change based on the weather/time of the year? (As in, you do X whenever it’s really hot out.)
I probably won’t crochet a blanket in a heatwave unless I *absolutely* have to, but it’s more about what needs to get done or what’s inspiring me than what the weather is like.
JR: So, you’re deadline-driven. I can relate to that.
I also always have more WIPs than sense or time.
JR: This one has me conflicted. It’s both wonderful and a built-in excuse to know I have a partner-in-crime.
Do you have any other pursuits/obsessions?
I dabble in embroidery and punch needle for fun. I’m an elder Swiftie. And I love to read.
JR: I’ve intentionally *not* bought a loom because that would just be an excuse to buy even more yarn. But embroidery? I could get behind that.
Final thoughts from Jody
Julie – Thanks for sharing a bit more about you! Even though we’ve known each other for years, you even taught me a few things about you!
And I love hearing that I have a swatch-sister too 😉
Julie passionately shares her love for Crochet at Accrochet.com.
About the Writer: Jody Richards
Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.
And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).
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