The multi-talented Deja Joy creates both knit and crochet patterns as part of Knit Picks’ Independent Designer Partnership program, and is one of our most prolific contributors of crochet patterns, with a wide variety of fun colorwork accessories and functional projects.
Deja, modeling her own favorite and bestselling pattern, the Autumn Infinity Scarf (knit)
Deja Joy is the designer behind Crochet Ever After. Learning the craft from her great-grandmother when she was a child, Deja has now been crocheting for over 20 years and designing for the last four. Born and raised in Southern California, Deja now lives in Maryland where she is finding all new inspirations for her patterns. Check out her website knitandcrocheteverafter.com for more info.
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English or Continental? – Continental
Cardigan or Pullover? – Cardigan
Cables or Lace? – Both!
DPNs or Magic Loop? – Magic Loop
Yarn: Solid or Variegated? – Variegated
Socks: Toe Up or Top Down? – Top Down
Needles: Wood or Metal? – Metal
Wool, Cotton, Acrylic, Alpaca, Cashmere, or Silk? – Alpaca
What was your first design, and how do you feel about it now?
I can’t even remember anymore. I think it was fingerless gloves or a washcloth? So long ago…
What is your favorite design with Knit Picks?
Autumn Infinity Scarf. I love working with Knit Picks Chroma yarn (just look at how many patterns I use it in) and the color way and stitch pattern worked so well together that it was just a beautiful project to watch develop. Plus the pattern is super easy so it’s fun to make over and over.
What is your favorite current Knit Picks yarn?
I still can’t stray from Chroma, it’s been my favorite for years and I always come back to it. I just got some Chroma Twist to finally try so I’m super excited about that.
Two of Deja’s many Chroma crochet patterns,
the Diamond Lace Scarf and the Floating Triangles Scarf
What does your stash look like?
I just moved cross country (again) so I had to really downsize. I’m actually quite lean on yarn at the moment. It fits in about two (very large) plastic crates. I don’t like clutter as a whole, so I try to only buy yarn when I have a specific project in mind first.
What is your favorite thing to knit?
Beanies. They are so fast to make so you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Plus it’s the perfect project for when you’ve just bought that one hank of super expensive yarn at your LYS.
Just a sampling of Deja’s myriad beanie designs,
the Pixelated, Frozen Snowflakes, Diamonds, and Grace (knit) Beanies
What is your favorite thing to design?
Baskets. I like creating different shapes and sizes because everyone needs baskets to hold their enormous yarn stashes!
Deja’s practical and popular designs,
the Entangle (knit), Owl (crochet), and Oodles (knit) Baskets
Your biggest yarn pet peeve?
Yarn Barf. Why can’t the manufacturers have both ends sticking out of the skein?
