Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

I'm the founder of Laughing Hens, the UK’s leading online yarn store, and Rooster Yarns. My books include Cute & Easy Crocheted Baby Clothes, A Passion for Quilting and Super Scary Crochet.

Tell us a bit about the book?

Geek Chic Crochet is retro-inspired pattern book with 35 patterns for sweaters, scarves, skirts, tank tops, turbans and more.

What was the inspiration behind it?

We saw so much vintage-retro inspired crochet being worn by young women, that we thought it was time to design some projects based on the crochet being sold in vintage shops and on the high street.

Which is your favourite project?

The Chunky Patchwork Scarf and the Retro Chunky Jacket

What is your craft space like?

Well I have a room with lots of wool and fabrics in boxes. I keep everything colour-coded so I can choose easily.

Have you always been creative?

More of less, but not so much as a child. I didn’t go to a school that pushed art or needlework. But I always enjoyed knitting and crochet at home.

When did you first start crafting?

I started early and remember knitting a jumper for my father when I was about 5 years old – with a lot of help from my mother I expect.

Who are your crafty heroes?

I don’t have any particularly crafty heroes. My heroes are all those women from my mother’s and grandmother’s generation who just took crafts as a given – it was part of their existence.

Where do you find inspiration?

For this book I took inspiration from the markets and vintage shops around Shoreditch in East London.

What's next for you?

I’m working on another crochet book for Cico Books at the moment, with floral-inspired projects.

Do you have a passion for vintage fashion? If so, you re guaranteed to love
the 35 patterns in Geek Chic Crochet. With a combination of cute, quirky and
cosy items, you will find clothes suitable for any occasion, all inspired by retro
designs. If you re meeting for coffee with friends, the tank top in orange and
black is perfect teamed with jeans and flats. Heading out to see a band? Opt
for the crocheted skirt and brogues. And for a winter walk, wrap up in the
granny-square scarf. For the summer months there s a cute crop top to wear
to the beach and cool cover-ups to put on when the sun goes down. You ll
also find accessories to complete an ensemble the collar is perfect for
giving a new lease of life to last year s favourite dress or adding detail to
a coat. Finally, there are brightly coloured pillows for your bedroom and an
oversized hoodie that s perfect to relax in the day after the night before.
Making your own clothes is also fun and rewarding. Even if you have never
crocheted before, you ll find easy patterns to stitch, plus an extensive
techniques section explaining everything you need to know.
Inject some individuality into your outfits with homespun clothes and
accessories including scarves, skirts, tank tops, turbans and more.
Customize your wardrobe by stitching your own clothes in any colour
you want.
Cute & Easy Crochet (ISBN 978-1-907563-06-5), also by Nicki Trench,
has sold over 20,000 copies.