Happy May and welcome to this month’s Designer Showcase, a series dedicated to spotlighting the incredible talent behind featured Cascade Yarns designs.
Avid seamstress and crochet designer Kristen Stoltzfus Clay shares her personal story and the creative spark behind her designs as a multifaceted maker.
Kristen Stoltzfus Clay has designed crochet patterns for 15+ years, bringing a unique perspective shaped by her work as a seamstress, quilter, baker, and multifaceted maker.
What first drew you to the craft and later designing?
My mother, grandmother, and great grandma all crocheted, so it was natural for me to take an interest. My grandma taught me my first stitch when I was 6, but I didn’t take it up seriously until I was in my teens, after reading through some old back issues of crochet pattern magazines my mom had. I did a ton of crocheting, often adapting or creating my own patterns, but didn’t realize what I was doing until when at age 19 I subscribed to Crochet World, which at that time had a monthly design contest.
I emailed the editor with some questions and quickly started sending her some ideas. The rest was history! I’ve been continually designing for various magazines and yarn companies, as well as publishing my own patterns, ever since. I absolutely love it since it allows me to both express my creativity and flexibly work from home at my own pace.
Autumn Mosaic Shawl
Yarn: Cascade 220® Sport
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How would you describe your design aesthetic or signature style?
I prefer to make vintage or nature-inspired designs that feature simple elegance and femininity, blended with
modern trends and wearability.
Where do you find creative inspiration these days?
Inspiration is everywhere! I’ll often spot some home decor item, or even architectural elements, and try to figure out how to do it in crochet. Often though I sit down and play with yarn until I come up with a stitch pattern I like, just out of my head, and then think of the best way to use it.
Rose Petal Lace Shawl
Yarn: Heritage Silk
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Can you walk us through your design process – from first spark to finished sample?
It really varies. Sometimes I have an idea for a finished project and then need to recreate it. Sometimes I work from prompts or inspiration photos that are sent to me – I find that quite stimulating to my imagination even if it’s not something that I would naturally have thought of, or outside my comfort zone. Crochet is very adaptable – for example, depending on the need, the same swatch could be worked up into an Afghan, baby blanket, stole or prayer shawl, poncho, table runner, etc.
Generally, I start with a concept, tweak it if necessary, after talking with the editor or yarn company that accepts it, and then choose a yarn that fits it.
Del Rio Shrug
Yarn: Noble Cotton
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Which part of the design journey brings you the most joy?
I’m terrible at sketching, but I do enjoy working an idea up into an actual finished piece, once a concept gets the green light. It’s very satisfying to see something take shape that was just an idea in my head – and now other people are able to recreate it!
What’s the most challenging step and how do you tackle it?
Probably the most challenging is writing up multiple sizes for garments. That’s one reason my garment designs are often pretty basic, so that sizing is made easier.
I have had a lot of practice, though, and find it’s easier now that I’m experienced and know the ropes.
Daisy Petals Baby Afghan
Yarn: Sarasota Worsted
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What do you look for in a yarn when starting a new design?
Color always draws me in! Of course I’ve done lots of stitching in other people’s color choices, but if it’s a color I like, it always brings inspiration. Then I’ll also look for suitability. Some yarns, no matter how pretty, just are not practical for a particular design – too much drape or not enough. Or they’re not sturdy, or washable.
Often a yarn will give me ideas based on what it seems suitable for.
Do you have a Cascade Yarns favorite? What makes it special for you?
I love a lot from Cascade Yarns – not sure I could pick a top favorite! But a few of my very favorites are Ultra Pima, Heritage® Silk, Sarasota, and 220 Superwash®. I love the feeling of the cotton blends. Ultra Pima is the perfect sheen and drape for garments, and Sarasota is my favorite home decor yarn ever. 220 Superwash® is just a versatile soft washable wool that can be used for so many things. It holds its shape well, and the color palette is just incredible. You can be sure to find the perfect shade you need!
Prince Edward Island Scarf
Yarn: Cascade 220® Sport
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Where does the inspiration for your Cascade Yarns projects come from?
All over! Often, I just play with the yarn until I come up with a stitch pattern I like, for a generic need like “prayer shawl”. The Gina Shawl that I made for Cascade was inspired by a scrap of lace in a Victorian era textile book that my friend Gina showed me. My Go Yo-yo Scarf pattern was of course inspired by vintage fabric yo-yos from the 1930s. Often I’m inspired by quilts or other textiles. Sometimes it’s a fun crochet stitch that I think needs to be an accent on a garment, and then that gives me ideas.
What tips do you have for makers working through your patterns?
I have so many, and they are a lot of different skill levels. I’d say to choose one that fits your skill level and then give it your own twist by using a color you love, or maybe adapting an Afghan into a table runner, etc. Make it fit your own needs.
You get to be the boss of your project – a pattern is often really just a launching pad!
Irish Blessings Shawl
Yarn: 220 Superwash® Merino
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What advice would you share with a new maker?
Just be patient and keep practicing! Use a smooth DK or worsted yarn in a color you really like. Once you are comfortable with a few basic stitches, try patterns that just stretch your skills a bit. It all really adds up in the end!
What’s lighting you up creatively these days, or what are you excited to work on next?
This spring I’m dipping my toes into the world of printed crochet patterns in physical leaflet form. That’s a big learning curve for me as before I’ve done just digital patterns or magazine/website work.
So, I’m equal parts nervous and excited over that new venture!
Sherbet Stripes Poncho
Yarn: Pacific Prints
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What excites you most about the future of fiber arts?
There are so many benefits to making things with your hands. I love to see people purposefully putting down their phones and picking up creative things. It’s actually quite magical to make something useful and beautiful out of just a ball of string. 😊
Fairy Frost Wrap
Yarn: Cantata Hand Paints
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Take a closer look at Kristen Stoltzfus Clay’s creative world using the links below.
More Designer Showcase features coming soon!
Until then, we invite you to explore the creative journeys of designers who bring our yarns to life through their craft and passion.
Explore More Designer Showcases