Oct
New Kristin Omdahl Interview in Happily Hooked Crochet Magazine, October 2019
Interview by Kathryn Vercillo
What inspired you to create two similar but different books – one in knit and one in crochet?
I love both knitting and crochet. And originally I designed the collection to be one book but discovered my customers preferred the crafts to be separate so I split them into two different books.
As someone who is skilled at both crafts, what might inspire you to choose a crochet project over a knit one?
Knitting and crochet are similar AND different. There are tons of reasons to pick one over the other – one example would be if I wanted to replicate a texture I’ve seen in nature and I think it will translate better in knitting or crochet. Or I think it will be more stylish or flattering in one or the other. Or I think it will be easier to chart or teach in one craft or the other. Or the yarn in mind will translate the idea better in knitting or crochet. There are dozens of things to consider.
What do you think is the biggest misconception that crocheters have about knitting or vice versa?
Just like with anything else people don’t yet understand, there is fear of the unknown. Also, once you are proficient in one skill (knit or crochet), you will be slower when you begin a new skill (knit or crochet). When you can be faster and proficient in one craft, it can be disappointing and frustrating to be slow and mistake ridden at the beginning of a new craft. What I would want people to consider is that it is OK to be slow in the beginning of anything! As long as you keep trying and don’t give up, you will achieve your goals. No question.
What was your number one goal for the projects in this crochet collection?
My goal is always to create projects that people love to make AND wear. And when I can teach that a project is easier than it looks PLUS show them how to style and wear something in more than one way, that is very exciting to me.
Which of the crochet projects is your personal favorite and why?
Depending on the day or my mood or my style of the day, it could be any of them! I am proud to say I love this whole collection. After designing over 700 patterns and 17 books in my career, I have gotten much better thinking of the big picture. I am thinking of styling and HOW to wear something long before I pick up my yarn.
Most of the crochet garments are worked in #1 or #2 weight yarn. Can you explain that preference?
Finer yarns are more figure flattering on more body types. I think light layers are flattering on most people. This collection has a large size range, too.
What were the biggest joys and challenges of working on this particular set of books?
I independently published these books, and my last two books prior (Motif Magic and 80 Handmade Gifts). Taking what I have learned from the publishing world with my first 14 books, to wear all the hats and do all the jobs, has both been the biggest challenge and greatest accomplishment for me. I am so proud of these books!
How are these books similar to and different from the many titles you’ve published in the past?
Over the years I have become more focused on the wearing and styling of the patterns after you finish making them. I make a lot of styling videos and demonstrate different ways to wear knit and crochet projects in my daily video podcast. It thrills me to know how many people I have encouraged to wear their finished crochet and knit projects for the first time! Many people love the process of creating but end up donating their finished items. I have changed that for many people and that makes me happy.
In what ways did you collaborate with others on these books? What was the collaboration process like and what were the best and hardest parts of that?
I have a wonderful editing team that helps me with technical editing and copy editing. I like having a team instead of one person and find it so interesting when they agree on a problem/solution and when they don’t agree. It helps me so much during the current project and gives me things to think about for future work.
If you could only give people one tip for how to adapt crochet designs to better fit and flatter their own figure, what would that tip be?
First, I would say study the styles of clothes you prefer to actually wear in your closet and make sure that the patterns are similar in style. Or try on that style of clothing in a store to make sure you are comfortable in that style. Then, measure the clothes in your closet before determining what size or type of garment you are intending to make. And, make sure you understand the construction of the project. For example, if it is top down sweater, it might be easy to add length to sleeves or body.
If you were to pair one knit item with one crochet item from these collections to wear together … what would the pairing be?What is the number one benefit that knitting and crochet have brought to your life?
Knitting and crochet gave me an opportunity to build a business and income for my son and me when I became a single mom just before he turned 2 years old. I have met so many wonderful people, and have had the ability to help people in so may ways. And knitting and crochet are both wonderfully creative outlets for me.
What else would you like us to know?
Shop Kristin Omdahl Yarns HERE
Shop Kristin Omdahl Crochet Patterns HERE
Shop Kristin Omdahl Knitting Patterns HERE
I would love to see your creations. Just as much fun as making these myself is the satisfaction I get from seeing my designs come to life and other crochet fans wearing them too. There are now 2 ways you can share what you have done!
- Share yours by joining Create. Share. Inspire on Facebook where you can interact with me as well as many other members who have a love of knitting and crochet just like you! It is a wonderful and safe place to share your photos of finished projects in my knitting or crochet patterns or yarns, and to see what others are making, too.
- I have recently added a wonderful new interactive section to the website which I invite you to take part in, it has been a smashing success and such fun so far. It is the new “Share Your Project” section. You, my creators, can upload images and descriptions of your creations to share with the ever growing community! To upload simply click here.
Additionally, I host a livestreaming podcast weekday on my YouTube Channel called Create Share Inspire Podcast. You can join the audience and even ask me questions LIVE! I often do a show and tell, or quick demo and I always interact with the live audience. It is a lot of fun!
You can browse through over 800 previously recorded episodes HERE: Create Share Inspire Podcast Playlist . Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get reminders when the next episode airs LIVE.
I look forward to seeing what you create!
Kristin donates a portion of every sale to her charity Project Kristin Cares, which supports survivors of domestic violence. Learn more at KristinOmdahl.com/PKC
xoxo,
Kristin
