Marcel the Monkey is so CUTE!!! Do you recognize this amazing amigurumi style when you look at Marcel the Monkey from ‘Friends: The One With The Crochet’? I bet you do because it is designed by none other than my dear friend Jillian Hewitt of Spin A Yarn Crochet!
Where to Purchase ‘Friends: The One With Crochet’ by Lee Sartori
The ‘Friends: The One With The Crochet’ Book is so special to my heart! You can read all about how it was created and learn more about our upcoming Virtual Book Tour Dates with all of the designers involved here >> https://www.cococrochetlee.com/friends-the-one-with-crochet-book/
The Pre-Order and Release Date
Before I introduce you to more of ‘Friends: The One With The Crochet’ by Lee Sartori, let me tell you about where you can purchase the book!
-The Pre-Order Campaign has officially begun, and when you purchase your pre-order through the publisher of this book, Insight Editions, you will receive a bonus pattern PDF sent to you as a free gift!
You can also purchase the book on Amazon here >>
The book officially releases on April 25th, 2023, so there is plenty of time to secure your copy with a pre-order.
Interviewing Crochet Designer Jillian Hewitt
Jillian is such an amazing amigurumi designer, and was with me for one of my other books, ‘Harry Potter Crochet Wizardry’! Jillian is back with another amazing design, one of the most adorable critters in Friends, Marcel! Jillian did such an incredible job creating Marcel, and I can’t wait to make one of my own from the book!
Here is our interview for our Virtual Book Tour, but before you dive in, be sure to follow Jillian on her social media on Instagram, facebook, tiktok, and her blog!!
1). Can you tell me about how you became part of the Friends Crochet Book, and any experiences/thoughts/feelings you had at joining the book?
Way back in November of 2021 (yes, this book has been a labour of love for nearly two years
now!), Lee reached out to me to ask if I might be interested in joining her on an exciting new
project for an official Friends crochet pattern book – ‘Friends: The One with Crochet’. I am a
huge fan of the Friends franchise, having watched the original show while it was on the air and
many times since in reruns and binge sessions! So, as you can imagine, I was absolutely
delighted and replied to Lee immediately to tell her that I was totally on board.
2). Describe your design and its inspiration in relation to the Show.
For anyone who may not be familiar with my designs, I design amigurumi almost exclusively
and they are almost always some sort of animal or critter. In light of that, I was thrilled to find out
that I would have the opportunity to design Marcel the Monkey! While only appearing in eight
episodes, Marcel the Monkey is such an iconic and impactful character in those first two seasons, leading to both hilarious and tender moments in the show and contributing particularly to the development
of Ross’ character. With all that in mind, I wanted to be sure to create a design that reflected
Marcel; a design that is cheeky, adorable, and sweet with a hint of mischievousness!
3). How did you approach your design? Was there anything you found fun or exciting about the design process?
My signature design style is a bit unique; I often like to design pieces using flat panels worked in
rows, which are then crocheted together and stuffed to create three-dimensional amigurumi
(sometimes referred to as “ragdoll” style amigurumi). This technique presents unique challenges
but also opens up a lot of fun design opportunities as well, as the technique allows you to create
different shapes that may not be achievable through traditional in-the-round crochet. I knew that
I wanted to incorporate elements of this technique into my design so that it reflected my
personal style.
I was also very excited to incorporate fur yarn into my design to achieve the fluffy look of
Marcel’s face! I love working with fur yarn (even though it can require some extra patience at
times!) because it adds such a great element of dimension and texture to the finished piece. I
think the fur yarn added so much character to this design!
4). Are you a fan of the Friends TV Show? What are some of your favourite memories or
moments?
Yes! I love the show; I watched all ten seasons of the show while it was on the air and have
watched it many times since! It’s probably no surprise since he is so well loved, but Chandler is
hands down my favourite character. I am also a bit of a romantic so the story arc of Chandler
and Monica’s secret fling which blossomed into a beautiful relationship are perhaps some of my
favourite moments in the show and still one of my all time favourite friends-to-lovers story ever!
5). If you could make any other design from the book, which would you make first? Why?
Probably the Central Perk Blanket by Valerié. She did an incredible job and it is such a stunning
project!
6). Is there anything else you would like to add to your feature? Tips/advice/shout-outs etc.
I had so much fun working on this project and am so grateful to have had the opportunity. Thank
you, Lee and happy crocheting, everyone!
Pattern Support
Because this book will be distributed and sold worldwide, the designers and Author of ‘Friends: The One With The Crochet’ will not be available for the high volume of pattern support questions related to each of the designs inside the book. If you have a pattern question, please do not contact the designers directly, but rather contact the Publishers at info@insighteditions.com – and they will be happy to help you. If needed, the Publishers will contact the designers directly on your behalf. Thank you for your understanding!
Thank you so much for your support of ‘Friends: The One With Crochet’ by Lee Sartori. I am so thrilled that this book is out there for you to enjoy! If you make anything, please tag me on Instagram at @coco.crochet.lee and use the hashtag #friendscrochetbook and #friendstheonewithcrochetbook so we can see your beautiful makes!
