Interview Series: Jessga's Yarn Cafe
Only a few more Interview Series left this year! Crazy how time flies! Today, we have a CROCHETER! Let's say 'Hi' to Jessica of Jessga's Yarn Cafe.
Q: Hi, Jessica! Why did you start crocheting and how did you learn?
A: I’ve been crocheting since the age of 9 when my mom taught me my most basic, but important, single crochet stitch. For years I thought that was the only stitch there was in crochet lol. My love and passion just kept growing for the art of crochet and, as I got older, I hungered to learn more. I started picking up pattern books, magazines and eventually purchasing electronic patterns to teach myself new stitches and techniques. All through my 20’s my friends teased about how I was the “Granny” of the group where I would much rather stay home and crochet than go to that “epic party” that everyone was going to. As time went on, I landed a job as an Engineering Assistant but always dreamed of following my creative passion. 13 years later, in 2015, I took the leap and started Jessga’s Yarn Cafe and haven’t looked back. My kids are my biggest cheerleaders and they beg me to keep everything I make. Which I take as the ultimate seal of approval because they are my toughest critics, for sure!”
Q: Then I guess we are all 'Grannies'! haha! Do you have a favorite type of project or design element?
A: I absolutely love faire isle, cabling and intricate tight stitches. I’ve recently gotten into amigurumi and I really enjoy that also!
Q: I love amigurumi. They are so cute! Do you have a favorite yarn weight? What types of colorways are you drawn to?
A: I really don’t have a favorite yarn weight. I find that each project can be so weight specific and just wouldn’t look right if I used a different weight than specified. I’m really just a super yarn geek of all high quality yarns and weights.
Q: Flash your stash! Are you a yarn hoarder or do you only buy with specific patterns in mind?
A: I’m a total yarn hoarder and having my own custom crochet business is THE PERFECT excuse to buy all kinds of scrumptious yarns without my hubby calling an intervention. Lol
Q: Lucky duck with your excellent excuse! Do you have a favorite FO? What makes it so special?
A: My all time favorite FO is the Sweet As Honey bee blanket from Sara Leighton at Illuminatecrochet on Ravelry. I made it in a gorgeous, squishy superwash merino which was simply heavenly. It was my first international order going to Western Australia for this lovely family who had a baby on the way. After messaging back and forth, the Mom had shared with me that her Grandmother had made special blankets for her other children but that she had since passed away. She wanted her new arrival to have a special handmade blanket of her own. I was honored and told her I would pour as much love as possible into this blanket knowing that it could never hold the same weight as her Grandmother’s. She was pleased when it arrived days before baby Bonnie’s arrival. Needless to say, I was thrilled!! Every so often I would get updates saying that the heaviness of the blanket would calm Bonnie like no other blanket. If she was fussy they would simply lay it on her and she would quiet down right away. The latest update, now that she is 3, is that the blanket has held up well, like new still and turned out to be Bonnie’s favorite. She carries it everywhere. As someone who truly puts their heart into every project and having something I made, for a stranger, become such a beloved part of their life is just....well, amazing. Making this, by far, my most special custom order I completed to date. ️
Q: That story brought tears to my eyes! Best compliment for an artist! What do you like most about crochet?
Q: True words right there! What patterns are on your short list to make in 2018?
A: Is there really such a thing as a short list for patterns?? In all seriousness, I have several amigurumi dolls that I plan to make very soon.
Q: No, lol, there is no such thing! Do you go to an in person or online crochet group?
A: I don’t have a crochet group that I am part of currently but would LOVE to join one. It’s always nice connecting with like-minded crochet junkies.
Q: Do you have a favorite LYS or two? Tell us about them.
A: I visit Yarn Song and Charlotte’s Web on occasion and they both have some beautiful yarns to offer.
Q: Do you have a favorite knitting resource, link, video or any a tip / trick you can share?
A: The internet is really my best resource for my crochet needs. As far as tips or tricks, always count your stitches. I can’t stress this enough. I know it’s a pain but so important when you first start out. Too often novice crocheters think they are at the end of their row and that beautiful blanket they were working on becomes a triangle. It’s by far, the question I am asked the most.....why is my project curving in on the ends. I don’t count every row anymore but I still spot check after several rows throughout my project. Also, use stitch markers to help keep count or for keeping track of the first stitch in your round. Trust me, it’s a life saver!
Q: Excellent tip regardless of skill! Do you knit, weave, spin, or sew? What other crafts / hobbies to you enjoy when you’re not knitting?
A: I also make fabulous faux fur pompoms when I’m not crocheting. I love those little fluff balls of amazingness. I’ve also asked Santa for a rigid heddle loom.
Q: I chatted with Santa and he's pretty sure he can do that for you. *wink* Is there anything you wished I’d asked and didn’t? Tell us anyway!
A: Hi! I’m Jess, the crazy fun crochet lady behind Jessga’s Yarn Cafe. I live in southern New Hampshire with my wonderful and supportive husband of 13 years (together for 21 years- he went to my senior prom with me ) and our 2 amazing kids B (she’s 12) and CB (he’s 7).......they keep me on my toes with multiple sports and activities. I post about them quite a bit and our family shenanigans on my Instagram and Facebook pages - Jessgas Yarn Cafe. You can also find them modeling some of my finished goods in my Etsy shop.
Quick Fire:
Q: Which Hogwarts house do you belong to?
A: Slytherin
Q: Go-to sock pattern?
A: Don’t have one
Q: What color is your toothbrush?
A: Pink & white
Q: If you could be any animal what would it be?
A: Tiger
Q: Who is your favorite super hero?
A: Wonder Woman
Q: Do you crochet in public?
A: Absolutely - as often as possible
Q: Favorite snack food?
A: Popcorn
Q: Are you a morning or a night person
A: Morning
Q: Where would you go if you were invisible?
A: On a plane to the Bahamas
Q: Do you block your socks?
A: No, I haven’t found a crochet sock pattern I’m in love with
Thank you kindly, Jess for coming over and chatting about yarn and crochet. We appreciate it!
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