Inside – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Edith Smith, who contributed the Echo Scarf crochet pattern featured in our July 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month
I have a great love of crocheted pineapples and an inordinate fondness for symmetry so this scarf seemed like the perfect way to indulge these passions. The mirror-image scarf is also appealing to me because it lets me play with colors in a simple way. I can imagine this scarf in a myriad of color combinations.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
This was actually a relatively straightforward item to design. The biggest challenge was working with the lengthy foundation chain.
What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?
I just love the symmetry throughout the length of the scarf… and all the pineapples.
If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?
I would most likely create a shawl or wrap with the pineapples running along the bottom border. If I were to make a rectangular wrap, then I could have pineapples along both the top and bottom edges.
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?
I most look forward to seeing the different color combinations that people may choose.
What is your crochet origin story? How did you learn to crochet?
I learned to crochet in 2001, in my late forties, from a booklet with instructions for people who are left handed. I had wanted to learn as a child, but my mother who was right handed and couldn’t figure out how to teach me. I was finally inspired to try again in 2001 when my older stepdaughter’s teacher had the children trying to learn this craft.
What was the easiest or hardest part about the learning process?
My initial progress was rather slow as I looked at diagrams and tried to figure out how to hold my hook and where to insert it. My progress improved greatly when I discovered the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). I learned a great deal through CGOA classes at Chain Link conferences over the years.
What caught your interest?
Everything. I enjoy the process of crocheting and the peace and feeling of accomplishment it brings me. Over time, I also came to love the creativity at first modifying patterns written by others and then later starting to design myself.
Is there anything you’d like to learn how to make?
I want to learn to do hairpin lace. I took a class in this many years ago, but I didn’t practice it afterwards and I have forgotten too much. Now I can’t find a good left-handed resource to learn this technique from.
What was your first crochet project? Where is it now?
My first project was a blanket for my cats. It was all single crochet and it was wider at one end than the other because I hadn’t mastered maintaining even tension yet, but the kitties loved it. It survived for a great many years. Unfortunately, one of my young cats decided to chew holes in it a few years ago. It wasn’t worth repairing so I threw it out. I have crocheted several other items for the cats since that original blanket.
What is the most important thing you would want someone who’s just starting out to know?
There is not one correct way to hold your hook. Use a grip that is comfortable for you.
What is your favorite crochet technique or stitch pattern?
I have a tremendous fondness for crochet pineapples
Do you crochet more for yourself or for others?
It might be about even now. When I was still working I made many baby blankets as gifts for pregnant coworkers and I have always done crochet for charity as well as for gifts to family and friends, but in recent years I have started making garments for myself so that I could make them really fit my nonstandard size.
Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?
I have crocheted in theaters and in airports, on planes and in cars (as long as I am not driving.) People I meet have been very supportive and interested in what I am making even if they sometimes refer to it as knitting.
What is your favorite yarn (brand or fiber weight)?
I don’t have a single favorite brand, but I mostly work with fingering weight yarns. I like a yarn that feels good to the touch and that offers good stitch definition.
How do you hold your crochet hook?
I use a pencil hold except when I do Tunisian crochet which seems to work better with a knife hold.
Do you have a favorite hook size or brand?
I like the feel of Tulip Etimo hooks. The hook size I use most frequently is 3.5 mm.
How can our readers find you on social media?
I don’t have all that much of a presence on social media, but readers may find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/edith.smith.9699/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/crochetsmith1/.
I am also on Ravelry at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/edith-m-smith.
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.