How did you first get started with craft, and what drew you to teach it?
I fell in love with yarn and crochet at a very early age. My great aunt, Peggy had an entire room in her house devoted to it! That’s where I’d spend my time when we visited her in downtown Hollywood.
Seriously, Disneyland did not compare.
I approach teaching like I do my life; if it isn’t fun, I don’t do it!
What do you hope students take away from your classes beyond technical skills?
Students always comment to me that I really teach potential no matter the media, it’s what you do with it that counts.
One of my all-time favorite groups to teach is children. Crochet chains lead to happy hands and beyond. The moment the lightbulb flashes, “I got it “, the magic is not far away with single crochet. I’ve had very large football players give up their lunchtime to come to the art room to crochet.
What are some ways you like to unwind (pun intended!) after a long day?
After a long day I unwind by taking a class myself!
I am a lifelong learner, and that is why I am such a passionate teacher. I want to teach a class and take a class that is exciting .
Get to know the talented and passionate teachers at Jimmy Beans Wool through our engaging Q&A sessions! Today, we’re excited to introduce Linda Dean, a dedicated crochet instructor whose journey began at the age of 10 and has evolved into a lifelong passion
How did you first get started with craft, and what drew you to teach it?
I found my way to crochet when I was 10. At this time my family was living without electricity so finding things to keep you busy was always a benefit. My sister and I were given a box of books, and among them were a few "learn how to" books from Penny Press Publishing. Included in these was knitting and crocheting. My sister took the knitting and I picked up the crochet. I located some yarn and a hook from my grandmother and began to follow the directions from the book. It took some time, but I figured it out and jumped into making clothes for my Barbie. My mom eventually let me buy some new yarn and I began making afghans for the family. After crocheting for about 25 years, I was introduced to the Crochet Guild of America and the Master Program they offered. I decided to challenge myself with the Master of Advanced Stitches and Techniques program and successfully passed. After successfully completing this program I had friends and co-workers actually ask me to start teaching them. It always amazes me how that simple piece of paper then gave me the "credentials" necessary for people in my life to believe I actually understood the craft. I began teaching at a local coffee shop, and decided to complete the Craft Yarn Council Certified Instructors Program to ensure I knew how to teach. That was well over a decade ago, and I have been hooked since.
Can you share a bit about your teaching approach and what folks who take your class can expect?
I believe everyone should enjoy the journey. Everyone has a specific goal or vision of what crochet is to them and I want to help everyone achieve this goal. To accomplish this I take a unique teaching approach that welcomes all skill levels in the same class and I teach every student according to their skill level and goals individually in a group setting. This allows the students to gain inspiration from each other, while not feeling like they are in a race or competition with anyone else in the room. Everyone has their own unique project, and gains a new group of friends to help encourage them along in acquiring new skills. If you don't have a project in mind, suggestions can be offered. I also help build knowledge not just in the skills of crochet but in the tools and yarn to be successful.
What do you hope students take away from your classes beyond technical skills?
I hope that students gain a new level of confidence beyond the technical skill of crochet. That they can undertake a new project, a new skill, that they can make mistakes and decide if they really need to fix them. I hope that they make new friends and feel that they have found a new safe place to love yarn. I strive to build a community, and empower people through craft. Granted if I can end up with crochet world dominance, that is okay too.
Do you have a favorite project or technique that you love to teach? If so, what makes it special to you?
A technique that probably is near and dear to me to teach is Backed Broomstick Lace, as it was the first design I ever had published and helped launch my international teaching career. However a skill that I really love to teach and find a way to work it into my classes is information about yarn and hooks. I can talk for hours on these topics as I think they are things that are taken for granted in the craft yet make a huge difference in the end product.
What advice would you give to someone new to knitting/crocheting/needle felting and feeling intimidated by the learning process?
Advice for someone intimidated to try one of the fiber crafts is simple, you will do great. None of these crafts are new, they have been around for generations, and there is no one way to do them. Everyone brings their own unique vision and thought to the craft, and your vision has value. A phrase I am known to use in class is this: "You make one mistake; it's a design element, if you repeat; it's a pattern".
How do you like to unwind (pun-intended!) after a long day?
As far as how I unwind, well that one changes often. I have been known to take long walks, take middle eastern belly dance classes, indulge in reading, I might spend an evening listening to music, learning Scandinavian baking techniques, I might be binge watching movies with my young adult children, but the most important one is visiting with friends. And ironically I have done all these things with a hook in hand.
Grab your crochet hooks and settle in for a delightful chat with our talented in-house designer, Lena Skvagerson.
Today, she's ready to reveal the captivating inspirations behind the names of her top crochet designs!
From the soothing rhythms of seaside serenity to the timeless allure of Irish craftsmanship, each creation boasts its own unique backstory.
So, kick back, relax, and let's explore the stories woven into these cherished crochet treasures. Ready to dive in?
Join us for a cozy chat with our in-house designer, Lena Skvagerson, as we spill the beans on the stories behind the names of her latest knit projects!
From the colorful traditions of South American textiles to the calming vibes of coastal living, each project has its own unique inspiration.
Let's dive in, shall we?!
Are you ready to sprinkle some extra love and appreciation onto the incredible women in your life? From cozy creations to fiber-filled delights, we've handpicked a selection of products that will have every fiber-loving mom swooning with delight this Mother’s Day! Whether she's a master knitter, a crochet queen, or simply adores the feel of luxurious yarn, our Beans have rounded up the perfect presents to make any mother figure in your life swoon and stitch!
Darling della Q to keep her organized:
From left to right: Hat Box, Hook & Needle Notebook, and Train Case
Glamorous Hook & Needle Sets Galore:
From left to right: Lykke Birchwood Interchangeable Needle Set, Knitter's Pride Mellow Crochet Hook Set, and Lantern Moon Ebony Interchangeable Needle Set
Stitchin’ State yarns to remind her of loved ones close and afar:
Madelinetosh Vintage Stitchin' States: This Yarn Is OK (Oklahoma), Sweet Hank Alabama (Alabama), and The Everskein State (Washington)
Aesthetically pleasing yarn sets to turn into jaw-dropping projects:
From left to right: Koigu Pencil Box, SweetGeorgia Tough Love Sock Party of Five, and Urth Yarns Merino Gradient Set
Cool gadgets and accessories to keep her hip with the trends:
From left to right: Sun Jellies Betty Basket, Lemonwood Mini Minder, and ByAutumn Cordsmith
Sustainable skeins from Yarn Citizen that help Mother Earth too:
From left to right: Harmony DK in Daffodil, Harmony Fingering in Evergreen, and Harmony Worsted in Apricot
From left to right: Unity Fingering in Sage, Unity Worsted in Mulberry, and Trinity Cashmere in Walnut
Books for her to read it and WIP:
From left to right: Mini Amigurumi Animals, KnitOvation Stitch Dictionary, and 52 Weeks of Accessories
A year-long project for her to cuddle up in:
Madelinetosh Crochet Blanket Club in Romantic colorway (left) and Playful colorway (right)
Glamorous Hook & Needle Sets Galore:
Stitchin’ State yarns to remind her of loved ones close and afar:
Aesthetically pleasing yarn sets to turn into jaw-dropping projects:
Cool gadgets and accessories to keep her hip with the trends:
Sustainable skeins from Yarn Citizen that help Mother Earth too:
Books for her to read it and WIP:
A year-long project for her to cuddle up in:
Jimmy Beans Wool! With over 45 years of experience, Lena combines timeless elegance with modern trends in each piece. Join us as we explore Lena's approach to crafting meticulously designed pieces, from concept to final product, and discover the inspiration behind her designs that resonate with crafters worldwide!
Q: Can you share with us the creative roots that inspire your exclusive designs, and how do you infuse your personal style into each piece?
Lena: I
really like making things with my hands, and I've been doing it for a long
time, like 45 years! I pay attention to what people like and what's popular. I
get ideas from classic stuff and what's new and cool out in the fashion
industry, and combine with what I like to make and wear myself.
When
I make my designs, I try to make them look a bit fancy but not too hard to do. I enjoy the challenge of making things
appear more intricate than they are.
My designs are a mix of classic and modern styles.
I want them to be both timeless and up-to-date. It's like putting together old
and new things to make something unique and special. I hope people who like
well-crafted and thoughtful designs will enjoy what I create.
Q: Designing exclusive pieces requires a meticulous process! Can you walk us through the journey from concept to the final product?
Lena: It all begins
with a spark of inspiration, and from there, I embark on a step-by-step journey
to bring the concept to life.
Idea
Generation: It all
starts with an idea that captivates me. I draw inspiration from various
sources, blending my experiences, preferences, and observations to create a
unique vision.
Test Samples: Before committing to a full design, I create small test samples to visualize how the concept translates into yarn and stitches. This phase allows me to make initial adjustments and fine-tune the details.
Rough Draft: Once satisfied with the concept, I move
on to crafting a rough draft of the pattern in one size. This initial pattern
serves as a foundation for the subsequent stages.
Stitching
the Piece: With the
pattern in hand, I meticulously stitch the piece, sometimes I get help from a
stitcher, paying close attention to every detail. This hands-on approach helps
me identify any adjustments or enhancements needed during the creation process.
Adding
Sizes: After completing
the first piece, when it’s a garment I expand the pattern to include multiple
sizes, ensuring inclusivity and a perfect fit for a diverse range of
individuals. This involves careful consideration of size charts and meticulous
adjustments.
Technical
Editing: To guarantee
the highest quality, I engage a skilled tech editor to thoroughly review the
pattern. This step ensures accuracy, clarity, and a seamless knitting or
crocheting experience for those who choose to recreate the design.
Photography: Capturing the essence of the piece is vital. The company I work for invest time in photographing the finished product, highlighting its unique features and overall aesthetic.
Pattern
Layout: The final step
involves enlisting professional assistance to lay out the pattern in our
designated template. This ensures clarity, readability, and a user-friendly
experience for fellow enthusiasts who engage with the design.
In essence,
each exclusive piece is a labor of love, meticulously crafted from concept to
final product. This comprehensive process is a testament to my commitment to
delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed patterns that resonate with both
craftsmanship and creativity.
Q: How do you select the yarn, colors, and patterns that bring your vision to
life, and what challenges and triumphs do you encounter along the way?
Lena: Picking
the right yarn and colors for my designs is super important to make my creative
ideas come to life. It's like putting together a puzzle with many pieces,
considering what works well and looks good to the people who might use it.
Choosing
the yarn is a big part of my design. It could be a new yarn or one that people
already love. I think about how it feels, how soft it is, and if it's easy to
use. I also think about the price to make sure it's good quality but still
affordable.
I
really like neutral colors, and they're the starting point for many of my
designs. They're like a timeless and flexible canvas. To make things more
exciting, I add in bursts of colors based on what I think a lot of people will
like. I want the colors to be just right for both personal style and what many
people enjoy.
Designing
isn't always easy. One challenge is making sure the yarn I choose works well
with the design—looking good and being easy to use. It's like finding the
perfect balance between something fancy and something easy for everyone.
When
everything comes together, and my design turns out just like I imagined, it
feels great! Seeing people happy with what they make using my designs is the
best part. Even though there are challenges, overcoming them and having those
happy moments keeps me excited about creating new and easy-to-follow patterns.
Q: How do you balance creating timeless pieces while staying attuned to
evolving trends in the fiber arts world?
Lena: I
really like timeless designs that never go out of style. These classic pieces
are the
main focus of what I create. They're simple, elegant, and can be used
in many different ways.
At
the same time, I keep up with what's popular in the world of knitting and
crochet. This helps me add a modern touch to my designs. I want my creations to
feel current and exciting.
I
always think about the people who will use my patterns. I want everyone to find
something they like. Some people love classic styles, and others want the
latest trends. My goal is to have a collection that appeals to a wide range of
tastes.
