Year of Projects: Crochet Master Class – Interview with Crochet Master, Julia Bryant
(This post is part of my Year of Projects: Crochet Master Class series. You can find my first two posts on Tunisian crochet here and here.)
I’ve been working on Tunisian crochet a lot in the past few weeks since I’m teaching beginner Tunisian classes at the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival on Saturday and the North Jersey Fiber Arts Festival on September 30. Today, instead of an update on my Tunisian crochet project, I’m so pleased to share an interview with one of the Masters featured in Crochet Master Class
I love Tunisian crochet and I was struck by the beauty of Julia’s work when I was first exposed to it through Crochet Master Class. Julia can be found on her website, Fibre Fantastics, at the Downtown Knit Collective‘s monthly meetings, or at the Regal Order of Crocheters and Knitters (ROCKS) Guild meetings. All photos in this post are used with Julia’s permission.
Julia, wearing her Tunisian Chevron Sweater.
Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first learn to crochet and Tunisian crochet?
Julia: I learnt to knit and crochet as a young child in England. Store bought sweaters were a luxury, so we made our own, often ripping out a garment we had outgrown and re-knitting it. (UC comment: Everything old is new again! Julia was upcycling before anyone even knew the term.) Knitting was my first love, but crochet, cross stitch, weaving and other crafts have always been an important part of my life.
Tunisian crochet took hold about 30 years ago. I found a pattern for a stained glass afghan in Tunisian crochet in a Woman’s Day magazine, and it seemed a great way to use up my stash. Well, it seemed far toonice to put on my bed, so I transformed it into a poncho which I am still wearing to this day.
As you can tell, Julia is no "one trick pony." Her Shawl from the Sea is designed in standard crochet.
UC: What inspired you to start designing?
Julia: After I discovered the joy of Tunisian crochet and the colour inlay technique I found there were no patterns to be had, so I started designing – there were many mistakes along the way!
The color work on Julia's Celtic Jacket is particularly striking.
UC: You work frequently in Tunisian crochet. What do you enjoy about it?
Julia: I love the fabric that it produces, and it gives such definition to the shapes and colours of the designs. It is also a wonderful background for bead work. (UC comment: Julia’s pattern in Crochet Master Class is a lovely beaded coat for a young girl with floral designs made with Tunisian crochet to achieve an embroidered effect.)
Julia's eye for color is really evident in her Hanging Garden.
UC: How did you start teaching Tunisian crochet?
Julia: I have always loved to teach, and started at my local Knitters’ Guild, and branched out from there. The largest class I have ever taught is to 30 people.
Julia's Folkloric Blanket.
UC: What do you find most rewarding about teaching Tunisian crochet?
Julia: Students are able to produce a nice even fabric quite quickly. I always provide a small project that can be finished in class, and as the piece progresses I introduce colour inlay and bobbles. I have taught it to crocheters, knitters and to some students who have had no experience in either.
Julia's Tequila Sunrise incorporates many stitch patterns and beautiful motifs.
UC: Where do you generally find your creative inspiration?
Julia: In the world around me. I have travelled extensively in Morocco, where I am surrounded by incredible colours and designs everywhere I look, and I have incorporated many of their tile designs into my work. Art galleries, museums and books also feed my creative muse. (UC comment: I’d like to mention that when I visited Toronto in 2006, I was extremely impressed with the collection at the Textile Museum and the city’s overall friendliness towards the fiber arts. I’m sure living in such an environment can also “feed the creative muse.”)
Julia incorporates her Memories of Morocco into a Tunisian crochet jacket.
UC: What is your favorite crochet book in your collection (besides yours, of course)?
Julia: I do not have a favourite crochet book. Books of designs from all parts of the world are my standbys.
Julia's Tiffany Wrap uses a great stained glass effect.
UC: You seem to be multi-craftual. What’s your favorite “go to” craft when working on personal projects?
Julia: My projects vary according to the space I am in. Simple knitting while waiting in the doctor’s office, elaborate Tunisian crochet projects sitting on the dock at the cottage, something less challenging after a tiring day. My four grandchildren inspired to make each of them a Tunisian crochet blanket and a cross-stitch sampler.
UC: Do you have anything else you’d like to add?
Julia: I feel blessed to have the skills I have, and to be able to share them with others. I have met many wonderful people through knitters’ guilds and conferences. Knitting or crocheting on trains, planes and buses will often lead to conversations. Seeing the joy in someone’s eyes when they finally “get it”. Welcome to the world of craft and creativity!
Thanks again, Julia, for stopping by for an interview and sharing your amazing work!
Wow, her work is gorgeous. I think I will have to learn Tunisian crochet as soon as my YoP list is whittled done a bit.
Marsha, I’ll have an online Tunisian crochet tutorial up and running in a month or so, so you are welcome to come back and try it.
The stained glass effect is awesome. Sounds like you had an awesome time with your interview.
I think that piece is lovely, too, Sandy.
She is such an amazing designer. Not afraid at all to go all out and for it.
Awesome how you found crochet inspiration in her.
Welcome Kepanie. I was really inspired by the freedom and creativity in Julia’s work.
Great interview. It’s so neat that you were able to interview one of the masters of the book since you’ve been working so diligently on it!
I’ve only just picked up a hook recently and finished one regular crochet item, and now I want to try Tunisian too! I’ll keep an eye out for your tutorial
Amazing and beautiful work. Thanks for sharing Julia with the rest of us.
@ CrochetBlogger: I may have a few more Crochet Master interviews up my sleeve, too
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@ Nat: I think you will have a lot of fun with Tunisian crochet. As Julia says, in some ways it is easier to pick up than “standard” crochet. Also, since you already knit, the mechanics of keeping the loops on the hook will be familiar. The best part is that you don’t really have to worry about dropped stitches unraveling your work. (PS: I love your first crochet project, as I’ve already mentioned on your blog!)
@ Keri: You’re welcome! I actually have to extend my thanks to the late Jean Leinhauser and to Rita Weiss, who introduced me to Julia via Crochet Master Class.
wow that is stunning…might be awhile before i learn that!
[...] and showing off what she’s learning and doing as she works through the book. She even has an interview with Julia Bryant, master of Tunisian [...]
absolutely stunning work. I am visitng from a post on Linked In. I am enjoying your blog
Welcome Lisa B and thanks for the kind words. Julia is a true artist!
A great interview! Her work is amazing! I’ve only just dipped my toe into Tunisian crochet but I’m so inspired by the beautiful things I see crochet artists making.
Misty, Julia’s work is truly awe inspiring! I’m glad her work has inspired you to continue in Tunisian crochet!