We introduce you to Elizabeth Desamour aka @DesamourDesigns who will be designing one of your Box 21 patterns!
What are you up to today?
I’m working on a few collaborations since I’ve decided that 2021 is my year to collaborate and get to know my fellow designers and makers.
What inspired your design for this box?
I wanted something minimal and useful. After the year we’ve had, going back to the basics is where I find myself. I continue to draw inspiration from my Haïtian heritage, but now I’m also moving towards minimalism in my work as well.
What is your favourite type of project to crochet?
I love making wearables. I think a beautiful summer top or sweater is something that store-bought cannot rival. It creates such a sense of accomplishment every time I wear something I made with my own hands.
I’m proudest of my In the Forest of the Night Cardi and my High Low Sweater. They’re both unique and pieces I wear often.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced with your crochet?
Finding my own style. I struggled for a while with finding the courage to make the things I wanted to make and not what I believed others will want me to create.
What’s the best piece of crochet advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t create because it’s trendy right now. Trends come and go but your personal style will always be your true self.
Do you have any tips for little ways we can all help the planet as we crochet?
Lately, I have been exploring a minimalist lifestyle to reduce my carbon footprint and there are many ways I try to reduce yarn waste and stay eco-friendly. The first thing I do is save all my scrap yarns to stuff amigurumi so don’t have to use too much polyfill – it also makes the bottom a bit heavier which helps them stand straighter.
For leftover balls of yarns, especially if they are cotton or other plant-based fibre yarns, I use them to make dishcloths, kitchen towels, or washcloths. Another way I stay eco-friendly is by ensuring most of my yarns match. Buying the yarn in similar shades or with complementary (or contrasting) colours so that I may use them together, no matter the project, so my scrap project will look planned.
Do you have any big crochet plans coming up?
Yes, a couple of dyers and designers and I are launching our own magazine, Radicle Threads Magazine, with our first issue coming out in Fall of 2021! I’m also working on collaborations with a few fantastic designers and dyers this year so stay tuned on my page to find out.
We hope you loved our interview with Crochet Society Box 21 designer, Ria Petals. Discover more Crochet Society designer interviews here.
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