I have admired Britt's work for a while now. When I decided to introduce crochet into the Maker's Box I knew I wanted Britt to be part of this! Her designs are beautiful, she is a fierce advocate for BIPOC Makers, and she's just so down to earth and funny that you can't help but love everything about her!
I was honored when she said yes to the collaboration for this past Summer Maker's Box and her Hanky Panky Shawlette was the perfect match to the gorgeous colorway our friend Stephanie of Verse Yarns dyed up!
As we were chatting about this project and bringing all the pieces together I asked Britt to share a little bit more about her and her journey!
When and how did you learn to crochet?
I learned to crochet in 2014 after becoming pregnant with my first daughter! I previously had no prior experience being crafty and no one in my family is. I wanted to challenge myself to MAKE something for my first child. I grabbed some chunky yarn from Joanns and a book from the library to teach myself. I really couldn’t do it. I rage quit! A few weeks later I tried it again and my hands just knew what to do. I’ve been crocheting every day since!
What is your favorite type of project? (hat, shawl, blanket, sweater, etc)
I really enjoy making shawls because you start small and end with something gorgeous in the end. I’m fascinated by the different types of constructions with shawls and how stitch patterns can change with the shape of the shawl.
Do you have some go-to or favorite stitches/techniques?
My favorite stitch is the half-double crochet and all of its variants! I love the rhythm of it and the closed fabric it creates.
What prompted you to begin to design?
Before I started designing I was a pattern tester. I learned so much about crochet by challenging myself to find the flaws in other people’s patterns. Originally, I told myself I would never design but soon after that, I would see an image of a shawl and know exactly how it was constructed. It was at that point I decided to try my hand at designing my own patterns. I started with simple shapes and branched into more creative constructions.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I’m always inspired by the yarn I’m using. I love making hand-dyed yarn looking the best it can in crochet. It typically involves loads of swatching to get things *right, but it’s worth it.
Would you share more about The Makers Color Collective?
The Makers of Color Collective was an answer to my wanting to see myself in the fiber industry. When I first started crocheting, I found it very difficult to find crafters with hands like mine in tutorial videos or designers that looked like me modeling their items. It made me feel alone and othered, like I didn’t belong. It wasn’t until I came across Toni Lipsey’s videos and tutorials that I felt like this was an industry and community I could be a part of.
When was it founded?
I created the Makers of Color Collective so that other makers didn’t have to feel alone. I believe that it is important that we can all see ourselves in our favorite hobbies. The Collective contains a maker directory where you can find makers, designers, tech editors, weavers, spinners, dyers, etc. who identify as black, brown, indigenous, or melanated people of color. It is a passion project that I curate and manage. It is funded through donations [ko-fi.com/knotbadbritt] and supported by the community. It exists to serve as a tool for the community for those looking to diversify who they buy from or buy from folks who look like them.
Where is the best place for makers to search/discover designers/patterns in The Collective?
The Collective is for everyone. It lives on my website and can be accessed at [https://www.knotbadbritt.com/makers-of-color-collective].
Are you solely into crochet or do you dabble in other fiber arts?
Recently, I’ve taken up knitting! I like to have another handcraft that works different muscles to stay limber. I admire spinners but I promised my family I wouldn’t bring home any more hobbies! LOL
Can you share a little of what is happening at KnotBadBritt for the 2nd half of 2024?
The latter half of 2024 is going to be HUGE. I am releasing my first sweater design and I’m over the moon about it! A crochet sweater had been the most asked-for pattern from my community and I’m proud to finally bring it to them. This pattern is over a year in the making with 4 different iterations!
I also have 2 secret collabs coming up with big dye houses and of course, my yearly mini skein pattern.
What is your favorite crochet hook? Do you have any “can’t live without” tools?
My favorite go-to hook is a Tulip Etimo hook! They are ergonomic and have a gold-colored metal that helps me see any yarn color clearly. My other must-have tools are my yarn bowls & knit blockers. I’m a firm believer that a project isn’t done until it is blocked. Knit blockers make it so easy.
Now let's get a little personal....
Who's your favorite band?
This is an impossible question! Let’s go with Janet Jackson. But any 90’s Hip Hop/R&B is on the table.
Favorite movie?
Jurassic Park
What’s the last book you read and would you recommend it?
Three Body Problem by Liu Chixin - I really enjoyed it. I read it after watching the series on Netflix.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I have family and friends spread all around the country and I’d love to be there in a flash.
Please be sure to give Britt a follow on IG or Discord and sign-up for her newsletter! She has so many gorgeous new designs launching soon. Wanting to learn more about the Factory Girl Maker's Box, you can find all the details here.
Cheers & Stitches,
Crystal
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