by Heather Mann
Crochet Foundry LOVES working with all the talented crochet designers that we have the privilege to showcase in our magazine. In this Designer Interview series, we’ll get to know some of our June issue designers. Today we’re talking to Erin Toews, who contributed the Rain-Boho Pillow in our June 2023 issue.
1. What’s your name and brand (if you have one)
Hi Hello! My name is Erin Toews. I’m the crocheter/designer behind Juniper & Oakes.
2. What is your design for this month, and can you tell us a little bit about what inspired it?
For this issue I designed the Rain-Boho Pillow. I used the rainbow/garden theme and mixed it with very traditional crochet motifs. I love designing home decor items that I can gift or use around my own home, and I know this would make a GREAT gift. I thought it would be fun if the front of the pillow looked different than the back, and I think I succeeded! Each side has a very different feel, don’t you think?
3. What were some challenges about designing this piece?
In all my years of crocheting (20+) I have never crocheted a granny circle and morphed it into a square. It look me some time to get the hang of it. I know there are always more than one way to do things, and it was hard for me to decide which direction to take and which stitches to utilize. I kept changing my mind and drove myself crazy. I ended up going with simple, yet effective stitches.
4. What are a couple of fun facts about you?
I have 3 little kids (ages 6 and under). I do most of my crocheting during cartoons, play dates, nap times & bedtimes.
I am also a RN. I’ve been a nurse all over the world: in my home state of South Dakota, as a travel nurse in several states in the US, and as a missionary nurse in Zimbabwe.
Favorite colors: purple & blue
Favorite animal: giraffe
Favorite ice cream: anything chocolatey
Favorite crochet hook: Furls Odyssey
5. How can our readers find you?
I have a website/blog where I post crochet tutorials, free patterns, and crochetalongs.
You can also find me on YouTube that has all sorts of yarn-related content.
Shop my crochet patterns: Ravelry | Etsy
If you’re craving a crochet community – even if it’s online, then join the Juniper & Oakes Crochet Community Group on Facebook.
Follow me on all the social media. I’m @juniperandoakes in all the places.
6. Anything else you’d like to add?
Please join my email newsletter so you can stay up to date on all the goings on with Juniper & Oakes. You’ll receive a free coloring sheet and be the first to know about CALs, new patterns, and more!