Here at Crochet Foundry, we LOVE 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 this month's issue's designers. Today we're talking to crochet designer Smitha Crasta, who contributed the Fluffy Tunisian Pullover crochet pattern in our September 2023 issue.
What's your name and brand (if you have one)?
I’m Smitha Crasta, being born in the picturesque coastal town of Kundapur in India, an Ayurvedacharya by profession, I learnt to crochet in 2017 for my niece, thereby paving the way to the launching of the_crazyaunt in 2020.
What is your design for this month, and can you tell us a little bit about what inspired it?
I wanted to design something fun, stylish yet comfortable at the same time. A cute turtle neck, fuzzy hem and ribbed wrist ticked the style element box. The poncho like construction with no seaming of side panels and under the sleeves made sure it to be the comfiest garment.
Fluffy Tunisian pullover is an oversized sweater with a turtleneck, a drape that resonates the gush of autumnal breeze and Tunisian full stitches and a faux fur hem to translate the cozy weather into crochet. Fluffy Tunisian Pullover is an ode to crisp autumn mornings and gusty wind filled evenings.
What were some challenges about designing this piece?
I had a really hard time trying to figure out a way to work the Tunisian full stitch decreases. After several attempts it finally clicked. The pattern comes with a video support for the same!
What are a couple of fun facts about you?
When I design a pattern, I’m always scared that the computer will crash, google drive will disappear or that the spreadsheet will make an error. After several patterns and years of experience, I still find myself writing the pattern down on a sheet of paper just in case technology decides to crash.
How can our readers find you?
Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/
Anything else you'd like to add?
I worked the sample when I was in my ninth month of pregnancy. I was going to ship the sample on the day baby decided to come and delayed my plans. It was posted one week after Caleb arrived. It will be a cherished design with a beautiful memory linked to it.
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.