Strick_kind – A Crochet Maker Interview

Welcome to the first post of my new crochet interview series, showcasing makers and designers. We’ll explore talented individuals’ creative journeys, inspirations, and unique processes. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just beginning, running a business or crocheting for fun, I hope these interviews inspire and motivate you!

Strick_kind is a maker, sharing lovely crochet and knits on Instagram @Strick_kind. First off, I’d like to say thank you so much to Strick_kind for agreeing to this interview, and for your speedy responses!

You mentioned to me that you found crochet as a strength during a difficult time…would you mind sharing a bit of your story about why you first started crocheting?

Strick_kind: I started crocheting 11 years ago. My grandmother, who was a passionate crocheter, died and left a lot of yarn and hooks. At this time, I had no job and was looking for a new one. So I had a lot of time. Also, I was really frustrated and needed a task. I learned crocheting with YouTube tutorials, the first things I crocheted was a smartphone cover, and hairbands.

Sage: Losing a loved one is so tough, let alone with other life stressors at the same time, like unemployment. I’m sure she would’ve loved that you learned and continued her hobby.

Are you a one-project-at-a-time person, or do you have a lot of WIPs on the go?

(WIP – Work in Progress)

Strick_kind: No, I have a lot of WIPs I love to do challenging projects like lace. But I also do a lot of simple projects like socks or hairbands, which I can work on on the bus or train.

Sage: Ah, that’s a good idea to have a variety of projects for different situations…no need to stop crocheting! 😄

What’s your favourite piece that you’ve made?

Strick_kind: My favorite thing is often the newest one. The last one was a big red cardigan with different yarn leftovers. But I have a sweater, which I crocheted years ago, and I wear it once a week.

Sage: Haha, new is always exciting! That’s great you can get so much use out of something made years ago too.

What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on?

Strick_kind: The most challenging thing was the sweater mentioned previously, because I designed it by myself And amigurumi of course, as you have to be really accurate, and the patterns are often difficult to read, especially when they’re not in your first language.

Sage: Well done for using patterns not in your native language, that’s impressive! It’s great to be reminded that someone else reading my patterns may have an extra layer of difficulty added on, and to do my best to make sure it’s easy whether they’re running through a translator or not.

How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during creative blocks?

Strick_kind: I love to learn new patterns and techniques. And I love to make little presents for people I love. Amigurumis are the best I’m working on projects everywhere, on my way to work (I use the bus and train), at home in front of the tv, and meetings and so on.

Sage: Making gifts for others is a surefire way to get myself back into crochet as well! Nothing like an outside pressure (whether self-imposed, or date-based for a birthday or something) to get it done 😅

Is there a designer you love, or a specific pattern you can’t get enough of?

Strick_kind: I really love Maya Luna Corazon (Crochet Tribe) as crochet designer. She’s an amazing woman and so motivating. She teaches self-love, and to enjoy our life

Sage: Thank you for sharing, I hadn’t heard of her account before, but her content looks like it could be quite motivational for business crocheters as well.

What’s your go-to yarn and crochet hook? Any particular reason why you prefer them?

Strick_kind: I mostly work with a 3.5-4mm hook or the real big ones like 8-10mm. The smaller ones are good to handle and the patterns look really beautiful. The bigger ones are for projects I want to finish quickly like scarves, beanies, and sweaters.

I’ve noticed your page features a lot of knitting — which craft do you prefer?

Strick_kind: Hmm, I have no preference. I love crocheting for summer tops, Amigurumi, and accessories. It’s the perfect technique for projects for travelling.

Sage: That must be so nice to easily switch between crafts as the mood takes you! I love how travel-friendly crochet is as well.

What advice would you give to aspiring crocheters who are just starting?

Strick_kind: Do things you love! A beautiful top, a fan-based amigurumi, or a sweet handbag. Something you would buy. And be proud. You made it by yourself! You put time into this work. Handmade things are love, and a handmade thing for yourself is self-love. Love yourself!

Sage: Such encouraging advice, and a good reminder…I think I’m overdue in making something for myself!

Thank you so much for your time and for sharing a little of your journey with us, Strick_kind, you’ve inspired me to find a little project I can pop in the car for when I’m a passenger, and to make sure it’s something for myself! 😊

If you’d like to follow along with what Strick_kind is making head on over to her Instagram! And thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to have a read 🥰 Sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to make sure you don’t miss any future posts (as well as to get a free pattern and access to my pattern colouring pages!), and feel free to send me a message if you have any ideas or maker/designer recommendations for future interviews!

Happy crafting ❤️