Calling all rainbow seekers: step this way! Alexandra’s technicolour crochet creations have been firmly in our Instagram ‘saves’ since we spotted her in 2018, working the Keyboard Necklace - Rainbow against ombre wefts of yarn. Whether you’re a maker, creator, or simply a granny square appreciator, you need to read on for the full scoop from the lady herself...

CAN YOU SUM UP WHAT YOU DO IN FIVE WORDS?

Colourful crochet designs + happy vibes.

FROM PODCASTS TO PLAYLISTS, WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO FOR INSPIRATION?

I don't think I've ever honestly listened to a podcast.. is that really bad?! I am a huge music fan though, there's always something blasting in the house from the second I wake up. I'm a huge believer of 'everything has it's time and place' and would definitely say this for music too. I mean, mornings were just made for Soul, right? I love having a boogie to a bit of Aretha or The Supremes to get me ready for the day. By the evening I'm usually ready for something a bit more chilling, I recently came across FKJ and I cannot get enough of his tunes!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CREATING CROCHET ART?

I've been crocheting for just over 3 years now, although I can't seem to remember what my life was like without it! I've always loved making things but never really felt like 'art' was my thing because I can't draw to save my life. Once I started learning how to crochet and I realised how versatile it was I fell in love with it, it's so much more than just blankets and baby clothes! (I still love making blankets though, don't get me wrong - I think they're like a crocheters' rite of passage!)

WE LOVE YOUR RECENT PIECE, 'BE KIND TO YOUR MIND'. DO YOU FIND THERE'S A CORRELATION BETWEEN CRAFTING AND MENTAL HEALTH?

Yesss! Crafting majorly helps me with my mental health. I think if you're working on something that you love or enjoy creating, your focus and energy become entirely devoted to that act and I know for me, while I'm counting out hundreds of stitches, my mind just doesn't have chance to be worrying about that conversation I had 3 years ago. I'd honestly recommend crochet and fibre arts to anyone and everyone looking to improve their Mental Health, it works wonders - I promise! (Although there's always a few swears and angry faces pulled when my cats run off with my yarn!).

OK, WE'RE CROCHET NOVICES... WHERE DO WE BEGIN?

Crochet seems to be getting more popular recently (yay!) which means there's loads of workshops and classes popping up. YouTube is an absolute godsend too, 'Bella Coco Crochet' is always my top recommendation for anyone wanting to learn online. My biggest tip would be to start with a chunkier yarn and get yourself a decent hook. Oh, and patience too, lots of patience! There was definitely more than once I wanted to launch my work out of a window before it finally clicked!

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF TATTY DEVINE?

I seem to love everything rainbow related Tatty Devine make, strange huh!? The 'Head in the Clouds' collection is the stuff my actual dreams are made of, but I can't NOT mention the Misshapes collection Rainbow Super Statement Necklace too, can I? Swoon!!

A LITTLE BIRD TOLD US YOU'VE EVEN GOT A CROCHET THEMED TATTOO ON YOUR NECK... NOW THAT'S DEDICATED! HOW HARD WAS IT TO DECIDE ON THE FINAL DESIGN?

My neck tattoo is my absolute favourite. I had it designed by Sam Nancy in Leeds, who specialises in cute and colourful work - I'd had the idea of a crochet themed tattoo for a while and just knew her work would fit perfectly with my ideas when I saw it. I think I can also safely say it won't be my last crafty-related tattoo!

Phew! Get all the making ‘spo over on Lexie’s IG here, find out more about our Campaign For Creativity here and shop our Crafts Council Make Your Future collection here!