LULU LOVES
Emma Escott is the UK-based designer behind Lululoves. She told us: “Following the birth of my third child, I taught myself to crochet (with the help of YouTube) after seeing some beautiful crochet toys and thinking I wanted to be able to make them for my own children. The more I learnt the more I fell in love with the possibilities. It serves so many purposes in my life. If I’m feeling anxious I take comfort in the repetition of granny squares, if I need to focus I’ll follow a pattern or learn a new stitch and if I’m feeling creative I’ll design something.
“I take inspiration from what’s going on around me. Sometimes it’s a need for a specific item that will inspire me, sometimes the season. Often it’s from books I read or films I watch. I’m a daydreamer so I often find that I’m trying to invoke or recreate a certain feeling when I’m making something.
“My favourite thing about crochet is that it is so flexible; once you’ve learnt the basic stitches you can crochet almost anything. I also love how accessible it is… you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started, just a crochet hook and a ball of yarn and you’re set.
“My favourite make is my diamonds and bobbles jumper. It was one of the first garments I made – it’s a brilliant project if you are new to garments (it’s basically two large rectangles). It’s so satisfying to be able to wear something you’ve made.
“This year my biggest crochet triumph has been writing my first crochet book (to be released next year by Tuva Publishing). I was honoured to be approached but at the same time completely terrified. I’m still working on it but I’ve really enjoyed the process.”
Find Emma’s blog at www.lululoves.co.uk, the Lululoves podcast on YouTube, and follow her on Instagram @Lululoves_uk