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Meet the Designer: Concrete Gems Crochet

Writer's picture: canoemtndesignscanoemtndesigns

A new designer even for me! I "met" Gemma just a few months ago. Not sure how we found each other online. She is a "newer"crochet designer & I'm all about supporting someone starting out. Looking through her patterns you can see she loves color and fun! I think the giant crocheted pumpkin is my favorite.....though the blankets are stunning as well!


As usual, the photos link to the pattern. Please follow Gemma where you can and give her patterns some love by adding them to your favorites :)

All of her links are at the bottom of the feature.



What is your name, business name & where do you live?

Hi, I'm Gemma, designer, crocheter, tech editor and general dogsbody of Concrete Gems Crochet. I live in Berkshire in the UK.


When/How did you learn to crochet?

I first learnt when I was a kid from my Granny, but then didn't crochet again until I had my eldest son, although I've always enjoyed arts and crafts. When he was a few months old, I went to a group where there were toys out for the babies and a craft table for the mums, and I re-learned there by making a waffle stitch dishcloth! After that, I haven't stopped!



What made you decide to start designing patterns?

I've always wanted to have my own craft business, but thought that the crochet world was too saturated and so for a while I had a Etsy shop selling concrete and Jesmonite homewares (which is where the name came from), but then I came across a crochet tech editing course. To be honest at that point I don't think I knew what a tech editor was, but I took an intro course, loved it and immediately enrolled in the full course. Once I was a certified tech editor working in the crochet design world, I realised that I wanted to be a part of that too. So, with encouragement from others, I started designing my own items.



How would you say that your crochet designing has changed from when you started?

I am definitely still a newbie in the design world, but I think my process changes and improves with each pattern. At first, I steered clear of anything that needed any grading, but now I'm definitely trying things that require a bit more maths. There is always more to learn though.


What’s your go-to yarn and crochet hook? Any particular reason why you prefer them?

I generally gravitate towards DK and a 4mm hook, but that's normally because I have more of that in my stash (I'm a massive fan of stashbuster projects). I'm making an effort to try different weights this year, but you definitely won't catch me using chenille yarn - I really can't get on with that stuff!



What are some of your favorite crochet techniques/stitches/ patterns?

I love overlay mosaic crochet and have some exciting ideas for a new design. But I also love anything with lots of texture, the crunch stitch is a firm favourite, as is the berry stitch and the bead stitch. Actually, I love any stitch really as soon as I get into it!



Are you a one-project-at-a-time person, or do you have a lot of WIPs on the go?

I used to be a single project person, before I started designing and would always finish one before I started another, but now, I think I have 4 on the go at the moment!


What’s the process like when you design a crochet pattern? What are some words you would use to describe your patterns?

I know a lot of designers like to sketch things in a notebook, but that's not really me. Generally I have an idea in my head, which I think through in quite a lot of detail before grabbing a hook and yarn and making some swatches. Once I'm happy with the idea, I start making, keeping notes on my phone as I go. However, if it's a mosaic pattern, I'll chart it first before I start crocheting. My patterns tend to be modern, fun and a bit eclectic. I'll still finding my style...



Tell us about your favorite make or biggest crochet triumph?

My favourite design has to be my reversible rainbow placemats, a mosaic design made for using up scrap yarn. I love how versatile it can be in terms of the yarn and colours people can choose to use. My biggest crochet triumph though has to be giving up my old finance job and working in crochet fulltime. I now split my time between working for a different designer, tech editing and working on my own designs.



Paying it forward, who are some of your favorite crochet designers/ bloggers?

Some of my favourite designers are: HanJan Crochet, Craft and a Cuppa, Hooked Stitched and Glued, Outstanding Crochet, Making Polly and so many more...


Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @concretegemscrochet

All of my patterns are on Etsy: https://concretegemscrochet.etsy.com

I also have all of my patterns, as well as stitch tutorials on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretegemscrochet


Thank you Gemma for the wonderful interview!


 


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