Inside – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Jess Bennett, who contributed the Varsity Vest and Sophomore Sweater crochet patterns featured in our August 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your TWO designs that are on the cover of the August 2024 edition of Crochet Foundry?
I can! The vest is inspired by a sweater that my grandmother made for me when I was about 10 or 11. I loved the colorful diamonds surrounded by the crisp white cables. I think that is where my love of cables might have started. For the sweater, I wanted to create something that looked like sportswear. I was really interested in the juxtaposition of a casual garment being handmade out of a hand dyed merino wool, a mixture of utility and luxury.
How can our readers find you on social media?
I’m on Instagram and my handle is rock_salt_plum, which is the name I publish my crochet designs under.
If you were to create a sibling piece to one of these, what would it be?
I’d make shorts in the same stripe pattern to go with the Sophomore Sweater. I’ve never made crochet shorts before but I think it would make such a cute set. For the Varsity Vest, I would make a lacy scarf or shawl using the pastel contrast colors.
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet one or both of these pieces?
You could have so much fun playing with color with both of these garments. I think the Varsity Vest would look great in navy or charcoal grey for the main color and jewel tones for the contrast colors. You could have a colourful, stash busting number if you made the Sophomore Sweater with a different colour for each stripe.
What is your crochet origin story? How did you learn to crochet?
I first picked up a crochet hook in 2016. I had always done a lot of sewing and I wanted to be able to make myself a sweater or a cardigan. I went to a workshop at the Fashion and Textile Museum, here in London, run by a fabulous crochet designer called Katie Jones. I made a terrible granny square and had a blast so I signed up to a 3 day course run by Katie and I haven’t looked back.
What catches your interest?
I love texture and I love trying new stitches. When I find a new stitch that catches my interest I like to try it in different weight yarns to see which works best. I’m always looking in stitch dictionaries for inspiration – my favourite is Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary by Dora Ohrenstein.
Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?
I crochet everywhere! I have a short train journey a few times per week to get to work and I always crochet on my commute. I’m always happy to engage with people who are interested in what I’m making and I never correct them when they ask me what I’m knitting!
Do you do any other crafts? How do they compare to crochet?
I’ve recently started improv quilting, often using fabric scraps and old clothes. I really enjoy hand sewing and I love the complete creative freedom I have when I’m making. I’m inspired by the fabric and I don’t have any deadlines. You can check out my work on Instagram at blackshawandbennett but don’t feel obliged as I’m just doing it for the sheer joy of creating.
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.