Meet The Maker: Crocheter Kristina Turner

How did you first get into crochet?

I got my first love for crochet from my grandmother. She was a crochet queen and I loved to watch her work as she made beautiful blankets and dolls.

I learned how to knit in middle school, but I was never able to finish a project and thought yarn crafts just weren't for me. Thankfully I didn't give up on yarn and gave crocheting a try in 2012 because I wanted something to do during a long road trip. I learned by watching YouTube videos and made a few granny squares to get the hang of it. My first project was an African flower blanket that I STILL haven't finished! I made almost 60 flower hexagons on my road trip and I've been hooked (pun intended) ever since.

What's your favourite thing to make?

My favourite things to make are crochet dolls, also known as amigurumi. I have a wandering eye when it comes to projects, so I love that I can make crochet dolls in one or two sittings. I also love giving my makes little personalities, names, and backstories.

How many projects do you have at the moment?

I always have several crochet projects that I alternate between. Currently on my hook are a couple of Curlie dolls, a baby blanket, and, of course, my never-ending African flower blanket (it's eyeing me right now to finish it)! I am also working on crochet patterns for a frog, a bunny, and a crochet necklace design. Projects tend to slip in when I get a bout of inspiration.

What other crafts are you into?

I love illustration and doodling – I think my love for drawing little characters seeps into my crochet designs. I also just rediscovered shrink plastic and am having a blast making little pins, earrings, and necklaces from my drawings! But honestly, I am kind of a craft addict and have tried so many different crafts like pottery, cross-stitching, sewing, embroidery, needle felting, and more! But crochet is my absolutely favourite.

What's your favourite thing you have made?

My favourite make is a crochet doll named Peanut. He is a furry red gent that sits above my craft desk in a miniature rattan chair and keeps me company while I work. He is one of my early dolls and I love that he is so weird and unique. After making him, the Tiny Curl style really clicked for me and I began to see myself as a crochet artist.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I get a ton of inspiration from cartoons. I am such a kid at heart and still LOVE watching animated movies and TV shows. One of my favourite cartoons is Adventure Time – the stories and character designs are so original and refreshing.

I also love Japanese kawaii culture. I can spend hours in Japanese stationery stores looking at stickers, pens, and trinkets. I took a trip to Tokyo in 2013 and it was so inspiring! From the street style to the food — AMAZING!

What is next for you?

I love designing crochet patterns, so I plan to release more of those this year! In addition to growing my Etsy shop, I am also starting to sell at local craft fairs and online pop-up shops.