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Crochet is easy once you’ve mastered the basic steps We discover how Nicki Trench’s love affair of crafting with yarn has spanned a lifetime
N
icki Trench has something in common with today’s younger generation experiencing the resurgence of the current crafting revolution; crochet was the in-thing when she was younger too. The beginning of her path into a creative career started much like many others in that she was taught to crochet by her mother. The reason to learn came from a desire to send a handmade shawl to her sister, who was living in Paris at the time. “I didn’t really know what the stitches were, but they must have been good because, as a result, I was commissioned by family friends to make about four designs in different colours.” Not bad for a 14 year old and it was a sign for things to come. Since then, Nicki has accumulated a wealth of experience and a creative empire too. With a background in journalism, she has worked for several high profile magazines and also launched Laughing Hens and Rooster Yarns. Add to this a long list of published books that include Crochet Living, Geek Chic Crochet and her most recent, Crochet Basics. In addition to this, she’s a regular contributor to many craft titles (pick up the latest copy of our sister title Homemaker and you’ll find Nicki is their resident yarn craft guru). And let’s not forget her work as a tutor offering a plethora of craft workshops, from knitting and crochet to sewing and sugarcraft. Phew! With so much going on, we were lucky enough to pin Nicki down to talk about how crochet fits in with her crafty life. Make it Today! 28
Quick Fire NO. 1 LIFE RULE: LIVE IN THE MOMENT BIGGEST INSPIRATION: THERE ARE TOO MANY AND THEY CHANGE ALL THE TIME FAVOURITE LOCATION: LONDON DREAM JOB: TRAVEL JOURNALIST
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I interview
Just looking at what a busy lifestyle you have, what do you do when you find the time to unwind? I find that I spend all of my spare time going to craft-related events and festivals around the country. Although I also dance Argentinian Tango. It enables me to switch off from work and concentrate on the music and what my feet and body are doing, instead of my hands and brain! If I’m away teaching, then I always try and source somewhere to dance in the evenings no matter where I am.
With your career involving both knitting and crochet, what makes you an advocate for a hook over a pair of needles? I tend to prefer crochet to knitting, mainly because it’s easy to undo if you make mistakes and I like the finished look of it. I’m partial to the use of lovely yarns and gorgeous colours and I find crochet lends itself to that. I also see it as more of an all-yearround craft as it’s great for producing small items with more shapes and crochet is also more portable than knitting. All you need is one hook and a ball of wool, so it’s great for a holiday craft.
For the beginner’s reading MiT, what are your top tips to get them hooked on crochet? Crochet is easy once you’ve mastered the basic steps. If you haven’t tried it before then I recommend that you get some lessons to go through the easier stitches. After a few hours practising holding the hook and yarn, the rest is easy. Don’t be put off if you’re not a knitter either, as it’s a completely different skill.
With such an array of designs to your name, where do you find your inspiration? I’m inspired by many things. I particularly like designing home projects and I’m always on the look
out for new techniques and styles to combine in my work. My workroom is full of yarn samples and I make sure these are placed nearby so they are easy to hand, along with all the equipment I need. So if I have a design impulse I can get to work on it straight away.
Can you name one thing you’ve always wanted to crochet but have never found the time? I’ve always wanted to make a blanket with diamonds, and I’m about to design one for my Crochet Club. People subscribe for a monthly fee and receive a new pattern each month. My clubs are a great way for like-minded people to join together through their passion for crafting.
You’re also known in the creative world as a consultant for small craft businesses. What can you recommend for those crafters who want to turn their pastime into their full-time job? If you’re planning to crochet for designers or you want to sell some of your handmade crafts, then make sure that you use good quality yarns. It’s tempting to save pennies by using cheaper alternatives, but they just don’t feel as good to touch. If you’re selling patterns, make sure that you get them checked and checked again by someone reliable. When you’re designing and writing your own patterns, and are doing it repeatedly, it’s easy to miss a very small instruction that can make all the difference to the outcome.
You’ve had an incredibly successful career in the creative industry, what’s next on your agenda? It’s difficult to say, as I’m enjoying what I do at the moment. I’ve got a few travel plans where I’m teaching crafts abroad and I really like that as it combines my two loves. I may even be able to fit in a tango dance while I’m there too!
RELAX AND READ 29
Nicki Trench’s latest book Crochet Basics (£14.99, CICO Books) is a great beginner’s companion and includes 20 workshops which culminate with a project to practise the learnt technique. rylandpeters.com