Instead of the usual crochet cuties post, I will be posting about the designers who create these cuties. There are so many wonderfully talented and inspiring artists out there and I am always curious about them. I also love that most designers have a distinctive style about them
Today’s designer is Sylvie of Chez Plum. She is the designer behind Babouches (there is also a baby version), Roselette and Isabeau (yes a knitting pattern but it is so pretty) and so many more really pretty things.
How do you introduce yourself to total strangers?
I’m Sylvie, french and lucky mum to 2 great little girls. I am fascinated by wool and yarn, and have been ever since I was a little girl. After knitting for years and years, I discovered the fantastic crafting community online and started selling my own knitting and crochet patterns in 2005 under the name “ChezPlum. I am very lucky to be able now to take my fibery endeavours one step further, and organise workshops here in the french Alps to share my passion with other like-minded people.
What inspired you to first start crocheting?
The pretty projects which just couldn’t be replicated with knitting, such as those wildy colored crocheted blankets (think “Babette”..) . Nobody around me could crochet, so I taught myself with videos and books. I never looked back, crochet is now my favorite craft ! I love how you don’t have to plan ahead every single step as you would with knitting, and how crochet allows you to work in about every direction. Total freedom !
How did you get into designing crochet?
I’m not very good at following other people’s patterns, and often feel like it will be faster and easier if I design it myself exactly like what I have in mind. Of course it’s not true, and probably takes me much longer than following a well-written pattern. Also, I like to feel like the time spent on this “hobby” of mine should not be completely lost: by turning it into a pattern, I feel like it’s worth it.
Do you have a favorite yarn?
Noro yarns are probably my favorite ever yarns. I don’t have a very sensitive skin so that I can wear it in garments, and am totally in love with those color changes.
Where do you find inspiration for patterns?
Inspiration is just everywhere. In a fashion magazine, in a garment I love, in a vintage doily … I like the challenge to turn this vision into a doable crochet project.
Do you have a secret crochet tip for beginners?
Explore crocheting in the front loop only, for better drape and thinner crocheted fabric. I hardly ever crochet in both loops any more, except for pieces that really need support.
What is your favorite pattern that you have designed?
Hum, … somehow it’s always the last one that I designed… But also because they are my most popular, I’d say the Roselette top and my very-last cardigan, Jehanne, with the long hood as for Ermeline. It’s in the final stages of testing and I can’t wait till I release it officially ! 🙂
What word do you wish you had invented?
hmm..can’t think of any word right now. Maybe “oser”: dare to explore new things and directions !
Is there another craft that you would love to learn?
I already learned to spin and dye my own yarn, crochet (!), sew and wet-felt and needle-felt… I can see weaving on the list but am not so tempted so far. That may change, who knows ? In an ideal world where everything was possible though, I’d love to do ceramics again, and maybe metal work.
If you want to see more of Sylvie’s lovely patterns check out her website or Ravelry Page.
