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Alexandra Tavel’s Beachy Bucket Hat: The Perfect Summer Accessory from By Hook II
We’re delighted to share more from Alexandra Tavel on her gorgeous Beachy Bucket Hat from our new By Hook II crochet collection!
Hailing from a small town in the Midwest, Alexandra Tavel recognises the importance of making functional pieces that are both functional and approachable. After a decade of travelling around the world and now living in New York City, Alexandra has drawn inspiration from the unique styles that surround her every day.
In this blog post, we get to find out more about Alexandra such as how she got into crochet and her latest design, the Beachy Bucket Hat from our new By Hook II collection!
Could you tell us a bit about yourself: how did you get into crochet and designing??
“My mom is an artist and I grew up doing lots of crafts and artsy activities – painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, etc. I always wanted to pursue something creative, so I ended up studying fashion design in college. When I graduated, I moved to NYC and fell into the non-profit world where I worked for eight years before getting back to my creative roots. Around the time I turned 30 a friend and I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and that’s really where my new path was set in motion.
I had been craving a new career and went on that trip with the intention of figuring it out while I was there. There happened to be a tarot card reader staying at the same lodge as us, and she offered to give me a reading. The final card she turned over, which she said would represent my next six months, was the Two of Wands. This card represents having two options in front of you – one keeping you stable but stuck, one leading you down a path with more obstacles but ultimately greater fulfilment. It’s often associated with taking a creative risk, so I took that as a sign and opened an Etsy shop named after the card.
A few months later I was knitting a bunch of gifts for the holidays and decided to put a few extra pieces in that Etsy shop, and it really took off! It was only then when customers asked me if I had called the brand Two of Wands after two knitting needles that I realized the serendipitous name. At first, I was only selling finished pieces I had designed, but over the next couple of years I transitioned into only selling patterns.“
Tell us about your recent design in The Fibre Co. yarn—what inspired this design and what techniques, makes it special to you?
“For this design, I leaned into the color and trend. Bucket hats are all the rage right now (as is crochet), and post-pandemic I think people are craving a more joyful, colorful aesthetic. This hat is the kind of piece that puts a smile on your face when you wear it.“
What inspires and influences your designs?
“Living in NYC, I’m greatly influenced by street style and the fashion I see around me every day. I also spend half of my time upstate in the mountains, so functionality is big for me as well. I try to balance trends with classic silhouettes and styles so that my pieces can be worn season after season.“
What is your favourite type of crochet project?
“I love a crochet blanket or wrap project that feels meditative and relaxing. It’s fun to design and wear garments as well, but sometimes I just like a simply repetitive stitch.“
Could you share your design process with us.
“I always design from a “mood” or a feeling. Where and when would I be wearing or using this piece? That informs so much of the style, drape, color, and texture of the item. Once I have that concept in mind, I sketch it out, swatch, and do the math for the basic dimensions of the finished piece. I’m not someone who writes the whole pattern before I pick up the yarn – it happens together. I write the pattern as I’m creating the sample, because things often change as it’s being made and the fabric grows.“
How does the yarn you use influence your design?
“The fiber and weight of a yarn greatly influence the memory, drape, and texture of the finished piece so it’s a big part of the design process. Softer, thinner, silkier yarns produce a lighter weight, drapey item while more rigid or dense yarns produce a more structured fabric. The former would be better suited for a garment or wrap, while the latter would be more suited for a bag or hat, for example.”
What is your favourite crochet technique and why?
“Good ol’ half double crochet (UK half treble)! It’s such an easy but quick and satisfying stitch.“
What is your desert island crochet project—what could you make again and again and still enjoy?
“Probably a bag. I love designing bags because they are so useful, and if you’re on a desert island you definitely need something useful.“
What is your first crochet memory?
“I taught myself to crochet on a trip to Costa Rica so I will always remember it for that.“
About By Hook II
Featuring six playful pieces inspired by joyous dressing and the fun and spontaneity of the season. For sunshine-filled days, the chosen palette of Amble, Meadow and Luma yarns is designed to boost the mood and get creative juices flowing. Soft pastel tones clash with brights for a bold, contemporary look, while natural fibres and relaxed silhouettes make this a wonderfully wearable collection abounding with carefree style.
These patterns are perfect for crocheters looking to try something new, and knitters who haven’t dabbled in the craft before. Say yes to a crochet adventure this summer, and colour yourself happy with yarn.
Featuring designs by Alexandra Tavel, Amber Millard, Cassie Ward, Lee Sartori, Lucy Djevdet and Rebecca Dagmar.
Knitting the Beachy Bucket Hat?
If you are knitting the Beachy Bucket Hat, please do share it with us!
We would love to see it. If you are sharing on social media, please use the hashtags #MadeWithTheFibreCo and tag us @thefibrecompany so we don’t miss it. You can also follow us on social media by clicking the icons below.
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