Inside – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Jess Bennett, who contributed the Professor’s Scarf crochet pattern featured in our August 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
I grew up in Oxford (UK) which has a very famous university which is full of professors. But town and gown, as they call it, are very separate and I never knew any professors growing up. I’ve based this design on the idea of a professor cycling around in a college scarf.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
I wanted to keep it really simple to make but still look interesting. I wanted to use double crochet stitches only throughout the design so that it would be a perfect beginner make.
What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?
I love how quickly bulky yarn works up. And this Asylum Fibres Bulky Merino was such a dream to work with. So squishy!
If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?
Chunky fingerless gloves. You could make them by working a rectangular piece in horizontal stripes with a section of vertical stripes, then seam up the side, leaving a gap for the thumb.
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?
You can go wild with the color scheme! I think this would look amazing in grey and white with some brights or neons. Or how about all pastels? And primary colours with black and white would provide a Mondrian inspired look.
What is the most important thing you would want someone who’s just starting out to know?
Give yourself a bit of time to work out your tension. The first few things I made were like fishing nets and then my tension got really tight. How you hold your yarn takes time and practice and don’t be hard on yourself about it.
How often do you crochet?
Pretty much every day. I’ve always got a new idea, or a looming deadline!
Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?
I crochet everywhere! I crochet on the train when I go into the office and it’s really busy so I crochet standing up. I think it has improved my balance.
How can our readers find you on social media?
I’m on Instagram @rock_salt_plum
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.