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 July issue designers. Today we’re talking to Smitha Crasta, who contributed the Sunkissed Summer Dress in our July 2023 issue.
1. What’s your name and brand (if you have one)?
I’m Smitha Crasta, being born in the picturesque coastal town of Kundapur in India, an Ayurvedacharya by profession, I learnt to crochet in 2017 for my niece, thereby paving the way to the launching of the_crazyaunt in 2020.
2. What is your design for this month, and can you tell us a little bit about what inspired it?
I’ve designed the Sunkissed Summer Dress which is a fun, breezy dress with easy stitches and airy pattern for a day at the beach or a pool. It is inspired by the bright rays of the Sun which reflect on the dancing waters of the ocean.
3. What were some challenges about designing this piece?
Grading the increases for the yoke took the longest as it was entirely different for each size. The final result was totally worth it.
Editor’s Note: “Grading” is the process of taking a crochet pattern and adjusting the stitch counts and instructions for each size in the pattern, to ensure that size fits well and works correctly.
4. What are a couple of fun facts about you?
I bought my first skein of yarn at a craft shop because it looked pretty, long before I learnt to crochet or knew it was called yarn.
I take a sneak peek of the last page of the novel and read it only if it ends on a happy note.
5. How can our readers find you?
Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/
6. Anything else you’d like to add?
I am a crochet, Tunisian crochet, and knitwear designer who strives to design things that spark joy and are truly timeless. I love to create with simple stitches to make the process meditative and relaxing.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us, Smitha. We look forward to working with you again in the future!
Are you a crochet designer (or would you like to be)? Crochet Foundry works 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 Email list to be notified of design opportunities.