Intro – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Jess Bennett, who contributed the Electric Shock Sweater and Right Angles Shawl crochet patterns featured in our January 2025 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
The influence for both of my designs in this month’s Crochet Foundry is bold geometric design and interesting construction. I wanted to play with bold straight lines and I took inspiration from clothes worn in the 1980 because I think they have such a distinctive look. For the sweater I wanted to use motifs and an unusual construction for the top of the garment. And for the shawl I wanted to make stripes and blocks of color but not using the rows as the color change.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
For the sweater it was thinking about how the design could translate to different sizes. I always think this is a challenge with garments made out of motifs as the size of the garment can only be increased or decreased according to the size of the motif.
With the shawl, it was making sure that the different threads didn’t get tangled. Intarsia is my favorite method of color change but you have to stay on top of your yarn to prevent twisting as this leads to massive problems later on in your work.
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?
I think you could go wild with the color choices for both of these pieces. If you do choose to use Cascade Heritage DK, which I would recommend, you will have so much choice. I think these pieces would work in black, white and grays, a range of pastel colors with black, Mondrian inspired primary colors. I’m also looking forward to seeing how you all place the motifs and what patterns you create.
If you could have a craft party, what five people (living, dead, real, or fictional) would you invite?
Anni Albers, Mary Lee Bendolph, May Morris, Jaqueline Bourgeois, Althea McNish. All extraordinary women makers and designers with distinctive styles. I would serve tea and scones (savory and sweet) and listen to their amazing ideas and stories.
Do you have any unfinished projects in the naughty corner?
Yes, loads. Sometimes I start something because I’ve had an idea but then it doesn’t quite work out. Or I have to stop working on one of my own projects because I’ve got commissions to work on. I’ve been working on this wall hanging for ages but the stitch pattern is so slow (linked double crochet) that I can only manage a few rows before it goes back in the drawer.
Do you decorate with your yarn creations?
I love making Christmas tree decorations. I try to make one or two each year. I really enjoy the process of getting them out each year as I’ve often forgotten what I’ve made! I also like to try out fun techniques that I wouldn’t often use. Two years ago I made a pink amigurumi mushroom.
What benefits do you get from crochet?
I think working crochet stitches can be really calming, especially if it is a simple rhythmic stitch (those complicated projects that end up in the naughty corner, maybe not so much). I find working a few rows can bring my focus back to my hands and my breathing and help me to feel grounded.
How can our readers find you online and on social media?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rock_salt_plum/?hl=en-gb
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