Intro – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Joanne Fowler, who contributed the Floral Queen 3-way Twin Set crochet pattern featured in our March 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
I was inspired by the descriptions in the Crochet Foundry call for submissions relating to a dreamy ethereal look for a warm summer’s day. I also drew inspiration from popular flower strewn garments on the catwalk, e.g. Chanel and Armani FW23/24 shows, and the billowing shapes of chiffon and organza at the Alberta Ferretti Resort 2024 show.
What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?
The versatility, definitely! I think we spend so long and put so much effort into creating our handmade garments that we want them to work hard back when they’re complete. This two-piece can be worn in so many different ways that you’re going to feel that you made several different outfits, not just one.
If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?
I’m torn between two; either a little drawstring bag pouch or maybe a flirty pencil skirt with a flippy, flared hem. Actually, I love V-stitches a great deal, and was delighted at how they worked up in the kidsilk, so don’t be too surprised if you see a whole collection develop around this theme!
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?
Mostly I want to see how they arrange their flowers but also whether they find extra ways to wear it. I had so much fun draping it on my mannequin.
What is your crochet origin story and what was your first crochet project?
I started crocheting in June 2007. I was already keen on dressmaking and had been knitting for about six months but thought crochet had a more summery feel. I was making my own clothes as much as possible because I knew that shop bought clothes and clothes made from standard patterns don’t fit me comfortably. I’d studied pattern cutting and knew the shapes I needed to create and so it was just much easier for me to design my clothes from scratch than to make complicated adjustments to an existing pattern. After buying a couple of vintage crochet books and a few chunky cotton pullovers to unpick. I decided to start by making a lace shrug with a frilly edging and cuffs. It’s not perfect (the sleeves aren’t quite the same!) but I love the shrug and was thrilled at how easy I found it to crochet something fancy compared to knitting something similar; it felt like cheating! I still have it now but it’s a little fragile after so much wear and washing, so it’s more of a souvenir than a garment I wear.
How do you hold your crochet hook?
I’m a pencil holder. I pencil hold for crochet, knitting and Tunisian crochet and tension my yarn in the same way for all three too.
How can our readers find you on social media?
I’m madewithloveandfibres most places. I use Instagram and Twitch (I’m just LoveandFibres there) most often but I also share content on Facebook, Threads, Pinterest, Tiktok and YouTube.
Don’t forget to pick up the March 2024 issue of Crochet Foundry to get the Floral Queen 3-way Twin Set pattern.
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.