Inside – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Rosalie Reeves, who contributed the Textured Crop Top crochet pattern featured in our September 2024 issue.
Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?
I always wanted a neat and tidy wardrobe and the casual wardrobe brief really inspired me to make a piece I would make a lot of use of.
What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?
As a wardrobe basic this fits into many different dress styles, casual, smart, etc.
If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?
I think a nice tweed Tam would go well.
What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?
I’m curious to see what colours creators use, they always come up with ideas that look amazing and not colour choices I would have necessarily picked, so it’s always nice surprise.
What is your crochet origin story? How did you learn to crochet?
My Maltese grandmother and her friends in Malta, used to gather in the street to crochet and natter, they naturally saw I was intrigued and showed me how to do various stitches.
What caught your interest?
Wanting to join in with these lovely friendly people, they seemed to be having so much fun together!
Is there anything you’d like to learn how to make?
I have been focused on Tunsisan crochet for the last year or so, so I’m perfecting my skill in that arena
What is your dream crochet project?
I am currently working on my dream project, trying to figure out the design, motif and sizing etc for a fair isle inspired by traditional fisherman’s Kep. I am an archaeologist and naturally interested in all things historical so I love translating what would be deemed as traditional knitting into other media such as Tunsian crochet, it’s been a fascinating journey!
What was your first crochet project? Where is it now?
Gosh, I’ve been crocheting for more than 40 years, so it’s hard to remember now, but i think probably something like a granny square blanket but i’ve no idea where it is now
Have you taught anyone else how to crochet?
Yes, my granddaughters are interested and so they have been equipped with yarn and hooks, so when we get time, I try to teach them the basics. Also, I’m editing some Tunsian crochet tutorials to teach potential pattern customers.
What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?
I do a lot of stranded Tunisian colourwork so keeping the yarn in separate containers as you works helps with tangles
What is the most important thing you would want someone who’s just starting out to know?
Don’t give up, make a cuppa, frog it and carry on, it/you will get better!!
What benefits has crochet brought into your life?
I think crochet has been a godsend for my mind, I have mental health issues including ADHD, so crochet allows me to focus on something else and helps soothe me.
What is your favorite crochet technique or stitch pattern?
I love all things Tunisian, I love how you can make a piece that resembles knitting but means that I don’t have to learn yet another skill (like knitting).
Do you crochet more for yourself or for others?
I run my own crochet hat pattern shop on Etsy so at the movement I make a lot of samples trying to perfect the pattern before it’s turned over to testers. I rarely make anything for myself, I just don’t have the time.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever made?
A cactus shaped cushion.
What project are you most proud of?
I had a winter pattern set printed in a British crochet magazine, it was really thrilling to see my work in print and how it had been presented!! I was quite chuffed!
How often do you crochet?
Every single day, even on holiday on the beach!
What is your crochet superpower?
Speed, I can crochet quite fast, I like that when I want to make something and get quick gratification!
Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?
I get the usual ‘what are you knitting or why are you using such a massive hook (it’s a Tunisian hook), I find people are genuinely interested in what I’m doing.
Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever crocheted? The best place?
Weirdest? Doctors waiting room. Best place, in bed!
What is your favorite yarn (brand or fiber weight)?
I use a lot of 4 ply but DK is my most used. I love Drops Fabel and have used some gorgeous Malabrigo yarn which if I had the money I would use a lot more. I love the hand dyed yarns you can buy from Etsy sellers but again they’re a little beyond me at this time.
How do you hold your crochet hook?
For regular hooks I hold it like a pen, for Tunisian overhand.
Do you have a favorite hook size or brand?
reg = 4mm, Tunisian 5mm
Where do you hope to go with your crochet?
I would love my own brand and sell kits that include patterns, tools and some yummy yarn. It is my dream to support a local sheep/wool farmer/producer.
What are a couple of fun facts about you?
I am a British Prehistoric Archaeologist, and I would love to live in the countryside and rear my own rare sheep breed and make my own yarn!
Do you do any other crafts? How do they compare to crochet?
I paint, sew, illustrate and make lino prints. I like to be very busy, but I always come back to crochet. I find I’m not one of those people who can sit still so crocheting gives the impression I’m not doing anything while watching tv with my husband for instance.
How can people find you online?
I am currently setting up and website and blog which will launch in mid-September this year: rosehipandhawthorn.com
https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rosalie-reeves
https://www.instagram.com/rosehip_and_hawthorn/
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.