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Have you ever seen the marvelous work by CoCoCrochetbyLee and wondered the story behind her work and what inspires her? Lee is an amazing crocheter and knitter who has created many stunning crochet and knitting patterns (like this comfy and wonderful cardigan pictured above). You can find some of her patterns on her website and her behind the scenes pictures and upcoming projects on her Instagram profile. She’ll also talk more about her crochet/fiber journey, what it means to be a entrepreneur during the COVID crisis, recommendations she has for new designers and so much more!

Crochet Designing Harry potter and more with CocoCrochetbyLee

By Michele of VAMICreations and Lee of CoCoCrochetbyLee

What gave you the idea/inspiration to start CocoCrochetbyLee?

-       My sister in law actually encouraged me to start my business, she was and continues to be such a big support along with the rest of my family and friends. I am so grateful!

How did you get started in crocheting, knitting and designing?

-       I started out by making things for my own children after taking a crocheting class locally. Then people began asking me where I got the things my kids were wearing and that was when I began making them for other people.

How do you choose the yarns you work with?

-       I usually start with an idea of colour, and then try to find a yarn that matches the idea I have in my mind.

How did you get started in being an author?

-       I was very lucky to receive two individual offers for book deals in the same year during 2020, it was such a surprise! I was lucky to be able to work with Quarto Publishing via Penguin Random House, and then with Insight Editions for my second book. It was such an interesting experience to work with two different teams and Editors at the same time, the process was different for both of them.

What’s a dream project for you (if you could do anything)?

-       Oh, that’s so hard! I am not sure, really. I love working on books, to be honest. The Harry Potter Book was a dream come true for me.

How do you choose the patterns you create – ie is there something that you take inspiration from when you start a pattern?

-       I find inspiration everywhere. I try to stay up to date with current fashion trends as much as possible, but I really like designs and wearables that are a bit different, sometimes very colourful. They make me happy and help me express myself.

What is your favorite style of pattern (dress, shirt, scarf, etc) and yarn to work with?

-       I have been really enjoying cardigans, and I also love making blankets. I find them so useful, and we keep them around the house to cuddle up in. I like medium weight to light weight yarns the best. I’m not much of a bulky weight enjoyer.

What would you tell a new designer for encouragement?

-       I would say that persistence is your best asset. Be persistent, be forward, ask questions, don’t hesitate. Be your own best advocate in achieving your goals.

What is something you are passionate about and why?

-       I am passionate about building a sense of community with my crochet, which brings me a lot of joy and a sense of accomplishment. I love seeing crocheters learn something new, or try something and finish it all the way. It’s wonderful to see!

How has COVID changed or impacted your vision/strategy?

-       COVID really affected my work from home routine. I live in a little war-time house with my two children and my husband. The three of them were all in virtual school (grade school, and University Mathematics for my husband), and that left me with little opportunity to do things like film videos, etc. It was often loud, we had a lot of strain on our internet, and we had to focus a lot of time on the kids. But we made it through and all worked together to make it work. Now that school is back to in-person I look forward to getting back into a few of the things I was missing.

What is something that has helped you get through during this global pandemic? Something encouraging or positive?

-       I would have to say, it was mainly my husband Sean who helped me get through. I got the two book deals right at the beginning of the pandemic, and so we had to photograph everything ourselves since the world had shut down. Sean was my right-hand man, he helped me with everything, no matter what it was. Even if he had no clue what it was or how it worked. I couldn’t have done it without him.

If you had one (or several) things to share with a woman entrepreneur, what would it be? What would you encourage them about?

-       I would say, that it is never too late to get started and to keep going even when you think it isn’t progressing in the way you would like. You never know what opportunities your hard work is creating in the future, and they are right around the corner.

What is a lesson learned for being a woman entrepreneur that you wish someone had told you when you first started?

-       That’s such an interesting question. I think that before I met my child, Emma-Noel, I would have given an answer based on stereotypical gender roles and assumptions. But my teenager is Trans/Nonbinary and I’ve learned so, so much about how little gender roles actually matter in determining your success or value. I love to look at it more as...I am happy to be an Entrepreneur with all of the hard work and respect that goes into it, without the need to associate my gender with my struggles or successes.

If you had one (or several) things to share with a woman entrepreneur who is a mother, what would it be? What would you encourage them about?

-       I would say that being a parent can be challenging, time-consuming, and also very rewarding. Many entrepreneurs struggle with all kinds of situations and still find success and joy in what they do. It’s a wonderful juggling act.

Fun question – if you could meet one person in history or present, who would it be and why?

            -Oh, gosh. I have no idea! There are so many good choices!

What is your dream for CocoCrochetbyLee to be (where do you see CocoCrochetbyLee in 5+ years)?

-       I think my dream for CoCo Crochet Lee is to have built a lasting community and body of work that I can continue to be proud of.

Thank you for joining us for this awesome interview with CoCoCrochetbyLee and thank you to Lee for taking the time for this interview. What projects have you created using CoCoCrochetbyLee patterns? I’d love to hear from you about your projects or if you have someone that you recommend for an interview or feature? Email me or comment below and have a wonderful day my friend!