Barbara Donovan learned to create granny square blankets while at school and crochet has been her passion ever since. She started her company Joseph Bear Designs in 2019, selling her crochet kits and patterns that are bursting with character. Barbara is also the author of Crocheted Dogs and Crocheted Cats.
Do you have a favourite project from the new books?
My favourite project has to be my Yorkshire Terrier cushion as I designed this to resemble my own Yorkie, Tilly. In addition to this I dedicated Crochet Dogs to Tilly.
Where did you find inspiration for Crocheted Dogs and Crocheted Cats?
My inspiration came from my love of dogs and the enjoyment I have in creating my dog designs. When I was asked to write and design a book of crochet cats, I thought at first it may be difficult to design and write 35 crochet patterns. I soon proved myself very wrong as when I started designing cats I didn’t realise how many different breeds of cats there were, not forgetting the big cat family
Where are your go-tos for craft supplies?
I have worked very closely with King Cole yarns over the years since I started to design crochet patterns for them in 2017. I have used King Cole yarns in both of my books and any yarn I require is always close at hand.
Crafting aside, what is your favourite way to pass the time?
Any spare time that I do get, I like to do spend with my family and friends.
Where is your favourite place to crochet?
There is not a lot of time when I am not crocheting, however, I run a crochet club once a week with eight other ladies which I thoroughly enjoy. There, everyone has a different level of crochet skills, yet everyone is able to advise others with their projects and share their ideas, many of which I have used for my patterns
What’s the best piece of crochet advice you’ve received?
If you think a crochet pattern is too advanced or complicated, it probably isn’t. Just sit quietly and read the pattern a few times and just slowly work your way through the pattern. You may surprise yourself.
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