Intro – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Adinda Henig, who contributed the Little Navy Dress crochet pattern featured in our September 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
I was inspired to make a staple outfit that is simple and anyone from any crochet skill can make, and that can actually be worn in most days.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
To make sure the measurements would work on all sizes without having actual models.
What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?
The shoulders, back string, and elastic waist.
If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?
Sleeveless cardigan.
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?
Playing with colours and length of the piece.
What is your crochet origin story? How did you learn to crochet?
I was in a book store and saw a crochet pattern book, got interested and bought it directly. Then I learned how to crochet by following the illustrations on how to make basic sts provided in the book, and proceeded making one of the garment patterns from the book.
What was the easiest or hardest part of the learning process?
I was actually not familiar at all with crochet and didn’t know anyone who could crochet. Back then I also didn’t use the internet much, so the hardest part was making sure that what I did was actually correct.
What caught your interest?
That it was possible to create garment completely by hand.
What is your dream crochet project?
It would just be to keep making designs that everyone can make.
What was your first crochet project? Where is it now?
I think it was a cardigan, kept in my childhood home.
Have you taught anyone else how to crochet?
Yes, friends and family.
What is the most important thing you would want someone who’s just starting out to know?
Crochet is an art, just do what works best for you. There is no single technique, it can be done in different ways.
What are the smallest and largest items you’ve ever crocheted?
Smallest is keychain amigurumi, and largest is baby blanket.
How often do you crochet?
Most of the times it’s few hours daily.
Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?
Mostly at home.
If you could have a craft party, what five people (living, dead, real, or fictional) would you invite?
I would invite my online crochet friends.
Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever crocheted? The best place?
The best place would be on my couch at home.
What is your favorite yarn (brand or fiber weight)?
I love working with cotton in fingering weight or sport weight at max.
How do you hold your crochet hook?
Pencil grip.
Do you have a favorite hook size or brand?
Clover Amour 3.5mm.
Do you do any other crafts? How do they compare to crochet?
I also knit, but prefer crochet. With crochet I can leave my WIP with just one st marker to close the live st, and then use the hook for any other projects. With knitting it’s much more complicated to put WIP on hold due to its many live stitches, and you might need to use either your cable or replace it with scrap yarn to keep them on.
How can people find you online?
On Ravelry (Adinda Hening), on my Instagram account @javabelcraft or my Facebook page Javabel’s Craft Corner.
Are you a crochet designer who wants to contribute to Crochet Foundry Magazine? We work with independent crochet designers to produce the gorgeous designs featured in our magazine. To find out more, visit our Submit a Design page and be sure to sign up for our Designer Calls be notified of design opportunities.
