The Indie Design Gift-A-Long (GAL) is upon us again.  Not only does the GAL give designers the opportunity to work alongside other crocheters/knitters but it has also become a fantastic way to get to know some of these awesome people.  I was excited to find crochet designer, Julie as a participant in this year’s 2015 GAL.  Her vibrant personality flows through to her designs as they are not only fun and youthful but also beautiful and modern.

Julie, please share a little of your background.

My name is Julie, and I design crochet patterns under the alias ACCROchet (a play on words, in French, combining addicted & crochet). I am nearly 40 years old, a mom & stepmom to 2 very different teenagers, and engaged to The Man of my dreams. We live in a suburb on the North Shore of Montreal.

I work in Communications & Advertising full-time, but my evenings & weekends are devoted to crochet, crochet design, teaching crochet, inspiring others to crochet, etc. My patterns are published in both English and French. Initially, ACCROchet was born to offer options to French-only crocheters, but as it grew, I decided to translate them to English as well.

How long have you been designing and what led you to design?

I officially got started after being invited to a fiber festival in my province (festivaltwist.org). I was going there mostly to sell finished crochet items, but had 3 patterns written and brought them on a whim.

So many people bought them, and asked for more, that a knitting friend and I vowed to design 1 new pattern every month until the next event. And we did.

Turns out this is a good thing, because I don’t like making the same thing twice, which is a prerequisite of selling finished items!

Why crochet? What is it that interests you? What do you enjoy most about the craft?

Initially it was a way to keep busy on maternity leave, in the evenings. I have anxiety & crochet lets me channel the energy more positively.

I think I fell in love with crochet because it is/was an underdog. I guess it makes me feel good to see people change their minds about the craft when they see what we do with it now!

What other crafts do you enjoy? or is there another craft you would like to learn?

I love Tunisian crochet, and count it as a separate craft. I’m starting to think about maybe perhaps trying to knit.

What influences your style?

I try really hard to create items that beginners* will be able to crochet without too much of a headache, but that crocheters with more experience won’t be bored by. I think my designs are distinctively modern, crisp and classic all at once.

*I’m not convinced I believe in beginner/expert. I mostly believe in mindless crochet/involved crochet. But the range remains the same.

What was the last thing you crocheted/knit for yourself?

This hat, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/131730357828620382/ by Mama in a Stitch. It’s super simple. I love it.

What are your favorite stitches?

I have an unhealthy attraction to the half-double crochet stitch. It tends to show up often in my designs.
I also really like working in the back loop only.

What is/are your favorite crochet tool(s) or notion(s)?

My Furls Fiberarts Candy Shop hooks. I bought them in spurts, splurging until I had the entire rainbow. I love them.

When you aren’t crocheting, what are you doing?

When what?

(HA! HA!, I can totally relate!) Where can we find you?

Facebook: facebook.com/accrochet
Ravelry: ravelry.com/designers/accrochet
Website: accrochet.com

Thank you!
I’ve really enjoyed meeting Julie aka ACCROchet. I’m making a Melo Hat as part of my Stash Bust Challenge, and part of the GAL of course!  Check back for the finished photo.