Read our interview with Beth Povey, designer and author behind Not Your Grandma’s Crochet!

Getting to Know You

How did you first get into crochet? Do you remember your very first project?

When I was in college I joined a knitting club to learn to knit but I was taking inspiration pictures and they were all crochet! So instead she taught me to crochet a flower and I was obsessed. I went home that day and asked my mum to show me how to make a granny square and I haven’t stopped since!

How did you go from crocheting for fun to building a presence in the crochet community?

When I was 19 I decided to start a small business. It was always my dream! I created an instagram and a website and started selling whatever I fancied making at the time. This was anything from upcycled clothing to crocheted accessories. When I released my first pair of crochet earrings it really took off and pushed me to create more crocheted pieces. The aim was always to have a shop so when crochet was what was working for my business I pursued that. Then people started asking for crochet patterns, it shifted from selling physical pieces to patterns. When I started out I didn’t know this was where it was going to end up but I am so glad it did!

Finding Your Niche

How did you find your niche within the crochet space?

I love colour so that is always a big factor when I am designing. It is something people always comment on when seeing my designs. I like taking inspiration from 70’s fashion but with a modern twist. My designs are very authentic to me. They are very much my personal style, I just make things that I want to wear!

Was there a specific project or moment that helped define your signature style?

I created my granny squares and stripes cardigan back in 2018 and this really solidified my crochet style. It is the perfect example of colourful, 70’s inspired fashion. It is still one of my favorite pieces to this day and my audience loves it too!

About Not Your Grandma’s Crochet

What inspired you to write Not Your Grandma’s Crochet?

I had already been writing crochet patterns so when I was asked to write a book it felt like a natural progression. It was always a goal to write a book some day so I was very excited when I was offered the opportunity!

How did you come up with the concept and title for the book?

I wanted the book to be clothing and accessories you actually want to wear. The hope is to reach a younger audience who enjoy slowing down in a time where everything seems so fast paced. The idea behind the title was to appeal to people who are doing ‘Grandma’ hobbies but don’t want to wear old fashioned designs.

What can readers expect from this collection that they might not find elsewhere?

I wanted the book to be simple to follow but also look beautiful. The book is colourful and has lots of images. Something that was super important to me when writing the book was that it would include step by step images. This isn’t something I have found to be very common in crochet books but I am a visual learner so I find images to be so helpful. The layout is also spread out which I think helps make it easier to follow.

Do you have a favorite project in the book? What makes it special to you?

My retro flower jumper! This is my most worn piece, I wear it all the time! I love the flower design and even have a tattoo just like it.

Was there a design in the book that challenged you creatively or technically?

I had to write 4 new patterns to a deadline which was new for me! I don’t usually have more than 1 pattern going on at the same time so it was challenging to have 4 projects on the go at once.

How did you decide which projects made the final cut?

I wanted the book to have a great range of patterns in terms of design and skill. The book is split into 5 sections, so there is something to fit every occasion. From ‘chilled and comfy’ to ‘festival ready’. So when choosing the patterns it was important the pieces made sense in each section.

The Book-Writing Process

What was it like to write and design a book compared to releasing individual patterns?

It was a different experience because I am not used to working to deadlines! The only deadlines I usually have are ones I put on myself. Even though this was a different way of working for me I really enjoyed the challenge.

What surprised you most about the publishing process?

How long it took to be published even after I had sent over all the content. There is a lot going on behind the senses!

How long did the process take from idea to finished book?

From the initial email asking if I was interested in writing a book, it was just under a year later I had sent over all the content. Then it took around 6 months for checks and edits to be made before I received the first copy. Then a few months later it was published!

Did your design process change knowing the projects would live together in one cohesive collection?

Yes! I went through all the pre-existing patterns that were going into the book and checked that everything was consistent in terms of writing style and images.

What was the most rewarding part of creating this book?

The response I have had from people who have purchased the book and love it! It means so much that people like what I have created.

For Our Crochet Readers

Who is this book best suited for—confident beginners, experienced crocheters, or a mix?

All the patterns are beginner to intermediate so it is great if you are just starting out or a more advanced crocheter wanting some fresh inspiration!

Are there any techniques in the book that you’re especially excited for readers to try?

My retro flower design! I use this in a few of the patterns and I think it is such a fun design. At first glance it might look difficult but is actually quite easy and so versatile.

What do you hope readers feel when they finish a project from this book?

I hope they feel excited to wear what they have made straight away! 

Looking Ahead

Has writing this book changed how you view your creative career?

I think it has given me more confidence in myself and my work. It proves that you can love what you do and make a career out of it.

Are there any new directions or projects you’re excited to explore next?

Now the work for the book is done I am so excited to start on new projects. I currently have 4 wips on the go! In the back of my mind I would also love to write another book one day.

Follow Beth on Instagram at @realm.designs. Get your copy of Not Your Grandma’s Crochet.