Oh my goodness, do I ever love socks!! And I am so very lucky because one of my dear, and oldest crochet friends on this beat is fellow Canadian Julie Desjardins of ACCROchet! When it came time to add crochet socks to the pattern list for my upcoming Friends Book, I practically ran to Julie to beg her to design with me once again. Happy dance that she said ‘YES’ because her socks are incredible!!
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 Julie Desjardins
Julie designed the most amazing low-key socks for the Friends Crochet Book, they scream Friends without being super in your face about it, which I love! I can’t wait to make a pair of these myself (or several pairs)!
Here is our interview for our Virtual Book Tour, but before you dive in, be sure to follow Julie on her social media on Instagram, Facebook, 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?
I was invited to submit ideas for sock patterns for this book by you (Lee) directly. As a fellow
Canadian, I have to say it’s been amazing watching your growth in the industry. Anyway, when I
got your email asking if I’d be interested in submitting ideas for the book, I immediately thought
‘yes, of course’ (and maybe ‘DUH’, haha) and started thinking of different concepts to present.
2). Describe your design and its inspiration in relation to the Show.
I love to design crochet sock patterns and feel very fortunate that you’ve asked me to do so
twice now, for book’s you’ve authored. For the Friends book, I feel like we went through a few
quick proposals before deciding on the polka dot socks.
The final design is based on the Friends logo and the colourful dots between the letters.
3). How did you approach your design? Was there anything you found fun or exciting about the
design process?
The first thing I did after the design was approved, is write to my friend Stéphane of Fibrelya. He
is an indie dyer in Québec – super talented and a great guy in general. When I explained what I
needed in terms of yarn colours, he quickly accepted and sent me those amazing primary
colors, plus the black and white yarns I needed.
My initial thought was to have as little ends to weave in as possible, despite the background of
the socks being white and the polka dots being super colourful. That most definitely did not work
out (yikes). Then I tried to cut some corners while weaving ends in… which was a disaster.
The socks were almost done by then, and I had other deadlines looming… but I frogged them
and started over. I’m very happy I did because the pair we ended up with is much, much better
than the previous attempts. Having made like… 6 or 7 socks total, I fixed things in each new
version… until we got to the final version.
Sometimes, being a designer is humbling =)
4). Are you a fan of the Friends TV Show? What are some of your favourite memories or
moments?
I watched Friends often, but not every week. My daughter (22) and her friends actually watch it,
too, and were super excited when they found out 1. That there was going to be a Friends
crochet book and 2. That I would have a pattern in it.
My very favourite memory from the snow is when Joey and Ross react to Rachel’s new naked
Sphinx cat asking if the cat is inside out, refusing to believe it’s a cat, etc. I’ve sent that clip to a
few friends who have bought naked cat breeds. I just watched it now. Still just as funny.
5). If you could make any other design from the book, which would you make first? Why?
There are so many patterns I absolutely love in the book. The dolls are adorable, as well as the
logo beanie. That said… I will most definitely make the sweater you designed based on the
purple front door. That’s gotta be my favourite design in the book.
6). Is there anything else you would like to add to your feature? Tips/advice/shout-outs etc.
I want to shout out every designer in the book. Designing is great fun (yes, even when I have to
frog and start over) but can also sometimes be very lonely. Being part of something like this
book feels very communal. I love it.
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!
