Interview | robyn chachula Robyn Chachula interview:
A champion in the crochet world, robyn chachula talks to us about her career in crochet fashion design, why structural engineering and crochet are not a far cry from each other, and why she can’t wait for the launch of her new book! by Vicky McPhie
own to earth, eager to learn and into all sorts of crafts, Robyn ‘struck gold’ when she first picked up a crochet hook! Inspired by the world around her, this designer, teacher of crochet and structural engineer carries her trusty notebook wherever she goes, ready to jot down ideas. With her own website, blog and her latest book Baby Blueprint launching this autumn, we couldn’t wait to catch up with Robyn…
D IC: How did you first get into crochet?
RC: I’ve been crocheting for eight years and came into crochet later in my craft life, but as soon as I picked up my first crochet hook, I knew I was hooked! I’ve always been a crafty person, whether it’s making jewellery or pottery or even furniture, I’m always trying new things. For whatever reason, I just never picked up crochet until my niece was born. There I was, spending my days with a cute little newborn, while my sister was recuperating, and I thought why not try a new craft. I thought crochet would be perfect and struck gold! I fell in love with it and haven’t put my hook down since.
IC: What inspires your crochet designs? RC: My inspiration for stitch patterns and colour combinations is drawn from the world around me. It could be a pattern I see on an umbrella when someone walks by, or it could be a bouquet of flowers. I never know where it will strike, so I keep a notepad with me at all times – that notepad is my lifeline! As for fashion style, I am inspired by pieces that my daughter or I would want to wear.
IC: You graduated from Penn State University in Architectural Engineering to pursue a career as a structural engineer. What made you opt for a career in crochet design instead?
RC: I am not sure I have ever decided to do one or the other fully. Currently, I am designing in crochet full-time but I always keep a pulse on engineering. For me, they are one and the same – the only difference is the materials. I approach designing a structure the same way I approach designing a sweater – it is only that my tools are different.
66 | INSIDE Crochet
A preview of one of the gorgeous children’s
garments from Robyn’s book.
i’ve always been a crafty
person, but as soon as i picked up my first crochet hook, i knew i was hooked!
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100