Crochet Designer Interview: Quinn of Ila Quinn Designs

Crochet Designer Interview: Quinn of Ila Quinn Designs

Crochet Foundry LOVES working with all the talented crochet designers that we have the privilege to showcase in our magazine. In this Designer Interview series, we'll get to know some of our July issue designers. Today we're talking to Ila Quinn Trakel, who contributed the Star Crossed Double Wrap in our July 2023 issue.

Ila Quinn Trakel

p.s. Check out this post about the behind-the-scenes design journey of the Star Crossed Double Wrap!

What's your name and brand (if you have one)?

I am Quinn of Ila Quinn Designs!

What is your design for this month, and can you tell us a little bit about what inspired it?

My design for July is the "Star Crossed Double Wrap". I was inspired to create a shawl that would stay in place for easy wearing! I am a huge proponent of wearing your crochet items, so I love thinking of ways to make things more useful! The shape of the wrap definitely holds it on your shoulders, while the tie in the fronts ensures it's secure! It can be worn so many ways. Open, tied, draped over one shoulder, or crossed in the front and secured with a belt!

Star Crossed Double Wrap

What were some challenges about designing this piece?

One thing that came up while I was working with it was the fabric stretch actually increased the length so much that I ended up starting the piece over. It was way more stretch than I had encountered in a fabric yet, and I'm pretty short so the result was a floor length fabric! The really cool thing is that you can get a dramatic and bold look with a lot fewer stitches though! And the yarn bounces back and holds its shape even with the stretch!

What are a couple of fun facts about you?

I am a lefty and my sister taught me how to crochet by sitting across the table from me when I was 5! She only taught me Chains, single crochet, and double crochet, but I figured out dozens of other stitches just by playing with the yarn! I didn't know the names at the time, but I taught myself a lot and that has served me well! I have been making my own clothes since I was 12, and that background gave me an interesting perspective on garment design. I think about fabrics in pieces and find seaming garments to be an enjoyable task! It's like I make the pattern pieces instead of cutting them out, and then I assemble the garment just like if I was sewing! I have recently found joy in creating seamless designs as well, but ones that work like seamed garments! I plan to explore that and expand my skill in the coming months!

 

Another version of the Star Crossed Double Wrap.

How can our readers find you?

My website: https://www.ilaquinndesigns.com/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilaquinndesigns/

Anything else you'd like to add?

 

When I started a social media account (IG) to share my love for fiber arts, I never expected to find the beautiful, open, and kind community that is the crochet world! I have met so many people whom I call friends even though I've not seen them face to face (yet), and I feel more support and appreciation in my art than I ever felt before! I am so grateful to get to share this space with so many beautiful souls.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us, Quinn. We look forward to working with you again in the future!

Are you a crochet designer (or would you like to be)? Crochet Foundry works 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 Email list to be notified of design opportunities and receive our monthly newsletter full of tips, tricks, and more.

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