Intro – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Ciara Doyles, who contributed the Coillte crochet pattern featured in our November 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
My design was inspired by the idea of a resting forrest, of walking through trees at a time of year when the leaves have dropped, and not yet regrown, a tine of quiet beauty where the structure can be seen.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
This was a very easy design to create overall. I hit a small obstacle when I reached the sleeves section of the pattern. Having swatched and confirmed a specific way of managing all the increases and decreases I suddenly realised that wouldn’t work for some of the sizes, as they had an odd number of repeats under the arm. I left the project on the naughty chair for a few days, and as always happens, suddenly a new way to make decreases popped into my head a few days later as I was stepping out of the shower.
What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?
I love the cosy neckline. It came out just the way I envisioned, low enough to show a collar of a shirt for a more formal look, high enough to stay warm when heading out for a hike.
If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?
I already accidentally created a sibling piece when I looked at the gauge swatch and noticed it was 90% of the way to being a matching bag. And I do love encouraging people to swatch by giving them a purpose to the swatch.
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?
I love seeing any customisations – it makes the pattern come alive, seeing other people’s inspiration on top of mine, so the pattern gets extra life. I’d love to see people play about with the length, perhaps trying a crop top version, or sweater dress version. I’m also a big fan of rainbows and stripes, and think this pattern might look great in a multicoloured version.
Is there anything you’d like to learn how to make?
I have not yet tried Tunisian crochet. It’s been on my list for the longest time. But so many other projects are right there, I somehow never seem to find the time to try my first Tunsian crochet item.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever made?
I have just finished crocheting a small batch of dish cloths for myself. I’d seen so many people do that, and always thought it was a strange thing to make. When you could be making something like a sweater or cardigan, why crochet a rag to dry a cup on?
Then my washing machine broke down, and the first thing I ran out of was dish cloths. I was looking to buy some on line, and couldn’t see just the right ones. When it struck me, I have far too much cotton in my stash, and I’m always looking for projects to use it up. So I made a very simple C2C rectangle. And that was just so relaxing and fun, I made several more.
So, once I thought it was weird that anyone would crochet a dish cloth, but now I’m a total convert. I love it!
How often do you crochet?
Every day. Constantly. Crochet keeps me sane and calms me down.
Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?
I crochet anywhere and everywhere. Waiting rooms for medical appointments, the local coffee shop, on the bus. If I can whip out my crochet, I do.
What is your favorite yarn (brand or fiber weight)?
Wool! One of the big reasons I started crocheting was because I started using a wheelchair, and once I wasn’t walking around anymore, I was always so very cold! This is a common experience amount wheelchair users. And the advice is, wear wool, it heats the body better than anything else. I’ve been wool obsessed ever since.
Do you have a favorite hook size or brand?
I’m a Tulip Etimo fan all the way, and I most love my 3.5 and 4mm hooks, they are the ones I use most.
Do you do any other crafts? How do they compare to crochet?
I knit and sew.
I find sewing fastest, but least relaxing. I can get quite tense sitting over the machine. I love the finished curtains and things I’ve sewn for myself, but I don’t really enjoy the process of making them so much.
I love knitting, and have been able to knit since I was a child. Knitting can be a much slower craft than crochet, and takes a bit more staying power. I love how knitting can make a very fine, beautiful fabric. But I’m also slightly more likely to abandon a WIP as it is taking forever.
Crochet for me is the perfect middle ground. It might take a little longer than sewing, but it’s still wonderfully quick, and very relaxing and therapeutic to do.
How can our readers find you on social media?
I can be found on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thefairythorn
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.