Katie Jones

Our CAL designer’s living life in full colour!

Iconic designer Katie Jones shares her journey from art student to design master, and the inspiration behind her latest make for us, the two-in-one crochet-along to make a colourful jumper or blanket.

How has your style evolved over the years?

I came into crochet a different way from most people I know. I trained at art school in knitwear for seven years, and went to a really creative university, Central Saint Martins, where it was all about finding your voice and owning your aesthetic. So I really got to practise creating a personal style in quite an academic way. Because of this, by the time I left uni and decided to set up a brand I felt like I already knew my image. For me the most important factors are always colour, pattern and craftsmanship.

What inspired the styling of this CAL?

I wanted to create a pattern inspired by the last collection I made, a ready-made womenswear brand. The main influences were the sixties, The Beatles: Yellow Submarine animation and artist Niki de Saint Phalle. I’ve channelled colour, patterns and the energy of Carnaby Street in its heyday!

Talk us through the design process for this CAL: I loved designing the CAL but it was quite tricky. Usually when doing a piece you wouldn’t have to think about everything in such segmented terms.

I wanted each instalment to be interesting, but that makes for a very busy piece… Luckily, busy and bold is my style so I think it worked out perfectly!

Have you designed a CAL like this before?

A two-in-one CAL was new to me, but the concept of it wasn’t as I always tend to design in collections. I like to see how I can make my patterns the most dynamic and versatile they can be, so I naturally try and get multiple designs out of an idea.

Where do you like to crochet?

I travel by train a lot for work since I moved to the coast and work a Fashion Lecturer three days a week, so I don’t have much routine. I take my crochet in my bag at all times and try and get as much done on the move as I can on the move. My favourite place is to work on the sofa with some bad TV on. I wouldn’t be a very good hobbyist crocheter as I love instant gratification and would much rather spend three full days making than a little at a time.

CAL aside, what’s on the horizon for you in 2020? A lot of house DIY! I’m also getting excited about working on new crochet homeware pieces for that. I’ve also designed some pieces for the brand Birdsong that work with an amazing womens’ group that I’m really excited to see go on sale!

See overleaf for Katie’s CAL, find her on Instagram @katiejonesknit or online at www.katiejonesknit.co.uk