Susan Kelsey-Brewton’s Tisa, Kumi, Kumi na Moja Cowl: Crochet Designer Interview

Intro – Today we’re talking to crochet designer Susan Kelsey-Brewton, who contributed the Tisa, Kumi, Kumi na Moja Cowl crochet pattern featured in our November 2024 issue.

Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired your design for this month?

As a teacher in an African-centered school for several years, I learned how to count in Kiswahili, and I wanted to incorporate cultural aspects into my design. I was playing around with different stitch sizes and created a miniature design that I thought would make a great cowl design. Living in Michigan, the winters can be very cold, and I love the idea of having something fitting comfortably around my neck. Since the design starts with series of 9, 10, and 11 stitches (tisa meaning 9, kumi meaning 10, and  Kumi na moja meaing 11), the design incorporates these Kiswahili number words into its name (after all, crochet incorporates a lot of math).


What were some challenges about designing this piece?

It might be helpful to place markers at the beginning of sections for a row. For example, place a marker where hdc stitches begin, then another where the dc stitches begin, and carry them up each row so that you transition to each new stitch in the correct space. Also, pay close attention to when to work in back loops and in both loops. You’ll definitely see the difference in the fabric.


What’s your favorite aspect of this piece?

I love the ribbed texture that the various stitches make in this piece, especially when using yarn that has good stitch definition.


If you were to create a sibling piece to this one, what would it be?

A sibling piece would be a hat or a shawl.


What sort of customizations are you hoping creators will make when they crochet this piece?

Creators can alter the size of the cowl by adding more rows or taking out rows, as long as it ends with an even number row. Also, they may alter the and length of the cowl by adding more stitches, like 10 sc, 11 hdc, and 12 dc. They might even make treble crochet stitches (for instance, 13 tc in the last example) to make it longer.


What is your crochet origin story? How did you learn to crochet?

My mother taught me to crochet when I was very young (5 or 6 years old), and I’ve been hooked ever since. I remember the amazing things that she used to make, and I was determined to learn. I began reading patterns at 6 and remember making my first pair of baby booties at 7. In middle school I designed, made, and sold pouches to my older sister’s boyfriend, and have had many ideas swirling around in my head since then. Working at Joann’s and local yarn shops taught me about fiber, which served to fuel my passion for crochet. But I give the highest praise to my mother for inspiring me and getting me “hooked”!


Is there anything you’d like to learn how to make?

As my go-to projects are hats and scarves, I would like to design a cardigan and learning all there is to the caridigan/sweater designing process.


What is your dream crochet project?

My dream project is to make a beautiful dress for myself.


Have you taught anyone else how to crochet?

Although not yet a licensed crochet instructor, I currently teach adults and children/students when I am asked to (I love sharing what I know with others), and have taught in local schools (I am a certified teacher, and my students always want to learn), libraries, and yarn shops for several years.


Do you crochet only at home? If not, what experiences have you had crocheting in public?

When the weather permits, I crochet in public as much as possible. I like going to the park, or even sitting in my yard to crochet. I also participate in World Wide Knit and Crochet Public Day (WWKIP) with local crochet groups in June.


Do you sell your crochet?

Yes! I have own and operate Nozibele Needle Works LLC, selling my handmade accessories that are mostly designed by myself.


How can our readers find you on social media?

I am @Susan Kelsey-Brewton on Facebook, @nozibelekb on Instagram. I also have a Ravelry account under the name, “nozibele”, and a designer Store on Ravelry under the name, Nozibele Needle Works.


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.

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