Pure and simple

Kate Rowell, also known as Jellybean Junction, shares her secrets for creating simple yet effective designs as she talks about her passion for speedy stitches and rainbow yarns

- Lucy Evans

When you're new to crochet, it's tempting to admire some of the more complex designs and techniques and feel you've still so much to learn. But one look at Kate Rowell's vibrant Instagram feed should reassure you that fancy and fussy doesn't always have to be your aim. Kate celebrates the simplest of patterns and ably demonstrates that no matter how time pressed you are, joyful, irresistible and colourful crochet makes are very much within your reach.

"Quick and simple projects are my favourite type of crochet projects!" exclaims Kate. "I don't have the time or patience to work on fine, delicate crochet designs and much prefer working with chunky yarn and simple stitches. Projects that can be made in a few hours are very satisfying, and perfect for last-minute gifts." Even if she has more time to spare for a project, Kate's favourite makes usually involve simple construction. "I really love designing and making blankets and throws. I've made big squishy throws using chunky yarns and more delicate baby blankets with 4ply yarn. Scarves are my other favourite project - you can never have too many scarves!"

KEEPING BUSY

Kate picked up her crochet hook for the first time when she was pregnant with her youngest child, about seven years ago. "I'm pretty much self-taught, using YouTube videos such as Bella Coco and a few crochet books for reference," she explains. "I also had amazing support from my late Grandma, who was a great knitter and crocheter." She took to crochet like a proverbial duck to water - so it was only a year later when she began to create her own designs. "I started with a simple baby blanket and haven't stopped since."