This month I am introducing you to Angelia Smith Robinson, knitwear designer (did you know that in the garment business both knit and crochet fall under knitwear?) formerly known s Quaternity and Quaternary Knits.
These monthly features of other creative businesses are a way for all of us to get to know these wonderful businesses; It has been a long-time interest of mine to explore how other creative people make their way as professionals.
Introducing Angelia Smith Robinson, Crochet and Knit Designer
I know Angelia through Tara Swiger’s Starship and she has helped me on the TNNA fashion show. Angelia home schools her kids in addition to being a really skilled and interesting designer. Welcome Angelia!
Q: Tell us who is your Very Important Person (VIP)?
A: My VIP is Shirley Paden. I’ve long been an admirer of her designs and her logical approach to knitting. About five years ago, I had the opportunity to be involved in one of her Design Alongs (DAL). Over the course of several months, Shirley guided participants through the design process from swatches, sketches, and mathematical calculations, to knitting a finely detailed garment. My DAL project was a hooded lace cardigan I call “Madame Butterfly.”
I really admired that piece when I saw it at TNNA! It was a real undertaking, and I loved how well it fit you and how stylish it was.
Q: We all can use someone on our side–but how did your VIP make a difference to you.
A: Shirley has continued to mentor me beyond the DAL despite the fact that most of my work is now in crochet. She is very generous with her time and knowledge while challenging her students to “knit” outside the box. In fact, I think of her as a Knitting Jedi Master! Her intense focus on silhouette, structure, and fit still inform my design process.
What? Crochet!
Q: I know you are doing more crochet now than knitting, so tell us what that is for you.
A: I design the crochet you WANT to make and wear. My pieces combine playful and elegant styling with engaging stitches. My goal is twofold – to help people use crochet to add beautiful, timeless pieces to their wardrobes and to have the experience itself be both interesting and enriching.
This is such a stunning piece. I was awestruck the first time I saw it.
Where Does Your Work Take Angelia Smith Robinson?
Q: Is there a place that informs your work? I picture you working in some serene place–is that the case?
A: Creating with yarn isn’t just my work. It is also part of my spiritual practice. For me, the act of forming one stitch after another is extremely meditative. It requires me to be present in each moment, in each stitch. Further, every project I finish is a reminder of the peace and tranquility I achieved during the object’s creation. Over the years I have learned that I’m not alone in this view of needle arts. So I’m grateful that my design work allows me to share this connection with other crocheters and knitters.
Another awesome piece! You make me wish I crocheted.
What’s Going On for Angelia Smith Robinson?
Q: So what else should we know? Do you have any projects you can tell us about?
A: Right now I’m writing a book about felted crochet. Felting, the process of fulling wool with heat and friction, is one of my favorite finishing techniques. It has long been a popular tool for knitters, and I want to help crocheters explore the potential of this unique twist on the craft. Look for the book entitled, What the Felt: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Felted Crochet, to be released in 2017.
Oh I’m so glad you are doing that! I’ve seen some of your ideas and it is definitely an interesting technique for exploration and your approach is exciting!
Important Links for Angelia Smith Robinson
Please take a moment to visit AngeliaSmithRobinson.com.
You can get on her list for her Felted Crochet book, and read about the technique.
On Ravelry, find her here.
On Instagram she is here.
Follow her on Pinterest, like her page on Facebook, or follow her tweets on Twitter.
Want to know how to reclaim yarn from a commercially made sweater?
She has some really great smaller projects, so be sure to check out her patterns!
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