Meet the designers for Let’s Crochet! Issue 2

In Let’s Crochet! Issue 2, we present designs from seventeen outstanding designers from around the world. Meet Ana-Maria Babanica, Yessabett Bueno, Olga Buraya-Kefelian, Ana Diakova, Emma Ducher, Anna Erlandsson, Kirsten Joel, Sarianna Lehtonen, Julia Madill, Andrea Mares, Kare Peacock, Nikki Reynolds, Lisa Richardson, Monika Soltysik, Audrey Trecasse, Krysten Wilson and Jen Yard.

Ana-Maria Babanica

Ana-Maria Babanica is a Romanian designer and author of two crochet books focused on the reversible interlocking crochet technique. She likes to combine bold colours with meticulous instruction, making complex techniques approachable. Ana-Maria loves the challenge of turning strong, geometric motifs into something soft and wearable.

For this issue, Ana-Maria designed the Brick by Brick raglan tee, with a stitch pattern that echoes a brick wall.  

@crochethighway

Yessabett Bueno  

Yessabett Bueno is a Chilean crochet designer and teacher. Nature is one of her main sources of inspiration: especially the balance and symmetry found in organic forms. Yessabett often works with colour­work techniques, and her design style is graphic and textural.  

For this issue, Yessabett designed the Urban Rhythm sweater worked in mosaic crochet. 

@yess.ihook

Olga Buraya-Kefelian

Olga Buraya-Kefelian originally comes from Belarus but lives in Virginia, USA. She is a trained linguist but now works as a knit and crochet designer. Olga loves textural, dimensional but also intellectual designs.  

For this issue, Olga designed Vitok, a crocheted necklace worked in a rayon raffia.

@olgajazzyknits

Ana Diakova

Ana Diakova comes from Bulgaria, and in addition to her crochet work, she is a European grant project consultant. This duality allows her to approach crochet with a creative heart and a structured mind. Ana’s garments often feature relaxed silhouettes, “knit-look” finishes and a focus on drape.

For this issue, Ana designed the light and effortless Hana top.  

@by.ana.d 

Emma Ducher

Emma Ducher lives in Lyon, France, and designs mostly knitting patterns, but with a deep love for crochet. She is drawn to bold motifs and graphic repeats that feel both traditional and modern. Emma’s inspiration often starts with colour — a particular harmony or contrast that sparks an emotion.

For this issue, Emma designed the Kelenner shawl worked in filet crochet.

@encre_violette

Anna Erlandsson  

Anna Erlandsson is a crochet designer and a data analyst by trade. She lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Anna wants to open people’s eyes to the versatility of crochet, creating everyday wardrobe staples with a simple, modern look.

For this issue, Anna designed the timeless and architectural Fibonacci skirt. 

@hooked_by_anna

Kirsten Joel

Kirsten Joel works in customer support for a software company and knits and crochets in her spare time. Her style is all about elevated essentials, inspired by the US coastal climates she has called home: from the marshes of Charleston to the shores of Southern California, where she now lives.

For this issue, Kirsten designed the Salt Meadow tee, where a simple lace creates a laid-back summer vibe.  

@kirstenjoel_designs

Sarianna Lehtonen  

Sarianna Lehtonen is a textile artisan and designer based in Pirkanmaa, Finland. She works with handcrafts in many forms and strives for playful patterns paired with unexpected colour combinations.  Sarianna is particularly inspired by the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

For this issue, Sarianna designed the Pehmis bag with large wave motifs on both sides.

@sarianna_lehtonen_crafts

Julia Madill

Julia Madill is a Canadian designer and tech-editor based in Toronto. Alongside her knit and crochet work, she also works as a photography prop and wardrobe stylist. Julia is a big fan of mid-century modern patterns, which often inspire her designs.  

For this issue, Julia designed the Good Point top with an easy stitch pattern and simple shaping.

@juliamadill

Andrea Mares

Andrea Mares is a crochet designer who aims to create pieces that are bold, colourful and textured — but most of all, wearable. She likes to think that if you spend many hours working on something, it’ll be an item you can use for years. Andrea comes from Mexico but lives in Illinois, USA.

For this issue, Andrea designed the Candela cardigan worked using the Alpine stitch. 

@cosmaudi

Kare Peacock

Kare Peacock lives in Northern California, USA. She works as an art therapist and designs crochet patterns in her spare time. Kare’s main source of inspiration is nature, especially the natural environment where she lives.

For this issue, Kare designed the Super Bloom cardigan, featuring small flower motifs throughout

@peacockare

Nikki Reynolds  

Much of Nikki Reynolds’ inspiration comes from memory, nostalgia and a curiosity about nature. Nikki lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA, and works at a yarn store. She aims to create thoughtful and wearable pieces that celebrate the beauty of crochet as a craft. 

For this issue, Nikki designed the Clematis pullover that was inspired by floral vines.

@stitch.storie

Lisa Richardson

Lisa Richardson lives in Slaithwaite, UK, and works as a knit and crochet designer, consultant and tutor. Lisa describes her design style as “eclectic”, as she likes it all — all the colours, techniques and (natural) fibres!  

For this issue, Lisa designed the Sandstone cardigan with an effortless shape and a beautiful drape

@lisa_richardson_design

Monika Soltysik

Monika Soltysik comes from Poland and lives in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She divides her time between three primary interests: knit and crochet design, graphic design and photography. Monika loves using colourful combinations and bright tones with basic stitches for mindful projects.  

For this issue, Monika designed Suus: a fun, yet practical, statement bag.

@buubokstudio

Audrey Trecasse

Audrey Trecasse is a part-time crochet designer with a day job in the pharmaceutical industry. She comes from the French island La Réunion but now lives in Canada. Audrey can be inspired by anything: a movie, an ordinary item of clothing... Sometimes she just starts drawing, and a new idea comes to her.

For this issue, Audrey designed the Zinnia top, showcasing the beauty of granny squares and the power of simple stitches.

@maillesdeluxe

Krysten Wilson

Krysten Wilson lives in Richmond, USA. She works as a senior IT procurement officer and does crochet design and teaching in her free time. Krysten finds beauty in simplicity: she loves to take basic shapes and constructions and elevate them by experimenting with textures, stitches and materials.

For this issue, Krysten designed the Haven Hobo bag that features a simple, modern structure and intricate texture.  

@yarnTh3ory

Jen Yard

Jen Yard is based in California, USA. With a background in advertising, she is now a full-time knit and crochet designer and a content creator. Jen’s inspiration often comes from natural shapes, colours and textures, and her first question is: “Would I like to wear this?”

For this issue, Jen designed the Checkers handwarmers: a modern take on timeless checkerboard and gingham designs.  

@every.thing.shapes.us

Learn more:
Let's Crochet! Issue 2
Pattern Previews for Let's Crochet! Issue 2
Pattern Previews for Let's Crochet! issue 2 on Ravelry