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I’m absolutely delighted to interview the talented crocheter and crochet designer behind Nuke Niejte, Amanda Calbucura Marklund.
Amanda’s crochet designs grabbed my attention on Instagram over a year ago now. I am so impressed to say the least. Amanda’s tapestry crochet designs are minimalistic yet meaningful and come in the form of stylish fashion accessories. I’ve honestly had one of Amanda’s bag designs on my crochet wish list for over a year now. I will get there, I promise!
But today is about Amanda, not my never-ending crochet wish list, and I am so delighted to introduce you all to her, highlight her amazing work, and ask her about her top crochet tips and advice. So let’s get straight to it!
Amanda, it’s so wonderful to finally chat! Before we jump into the crochet chat, are you able to tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?
“Mari mari, Buerie biejjie! I’m an indigenous, Mapuche and Sámi crochet designer living in Stockholm, Sweden. I live together with my partner/soulmate/biggest fan and our amazing 2 year old daughter, who actually made me take the leap to start designing crochet patterns.
“When she came into this world she made me feel a sudden urge to express myself through, and a responsibility to be able to pass down the knowledge of textile art, which is a huge part of indigenous (both Sámi and Mapuche) culture.
“Currently, I have absolutely no time for interests other than crochet. However, I’m very thankful for being able to dedicate as much time as I possibly can to crochet and to focus on crocheting and designing crochet patterns.”
That is honestly amazing. I love how your daughter and your culture inspired you to take the leap into crochet designing.
Can you tell us all a little more about your crochet journey and where you are at now?
“My mother taught me how to crochet when I was around 6 years old, at that age I mostly made blankets for my stuffed animals, in different colors and wonky variations.
“Right now at this point in time, I would say that I’m pretty obsessed with making tapestry bags in different patterns telling a certain story or making a statement/sending a message within the pattern.
“For example Koñiwe is my pattern of a tapestry crocheted pouch with a uterus (Koñiwe is the word for uterus in mapudungun). I designed the pattern while being pregnant with my daughter and since then I’ve gifted a pouch to all of my friends when they’ve become pregnant.
“Also, a few days ago I got a message from a maker telling me that she had made a Koñiwe for her friend who’s suffering from endometriosis, to bring her power and strength. To be part of such a thoughtful gift makes me speechless. It makes all the frogging, counting and sweaty business of writing a pattern totally worth everything.”
I love this bag so much, and the story behind it makes it even more powerful. I’m really inspired by how you tell a story through your crochet patterns.
Why do you think you enjoy crocheting so much?
“Crochet keeps me sane. Honestly. I used to crochet a lot during my teens when I dealt with anxiety and panic attacks. Now I just love to get some ”me-time” and let my creativity take over all of my thoughts and musts. It’s just pure joy and calmness – better than yoga, therapy and all kinds of indulgences.”
I couldn’t agree more!
For any beginner crocheters reading, do you have any crochet tips you could pass on?
“Always try different crochet hooks and yarn. It can definitely be both easier and/or more difficult depending on type or material. Try and try again, and find what’s suitable for you – AND do. not. care. about do’s and don’ts, just go for it! And do it now!”
The best way to learn is definitely to give it a shot!
Given that I’m a huge fan of your crochet designs, Amanda, I’m extremely keen to find out what you have planned in 2022. Do you have any crochet plans in 2022 that you’re able to share with us? Anything we should look out for?
“Look out for pattern releases, more action on my instagram and maybe me participating in some magazine and collection drops?!”
Exciting! I cannot wait!
For anyone not connected with you already, how can they reach you if they’d like to stay up-to-date with your work?
“I love to connect with people around the globe through Instagram. I mean, how amazing is it to connect with makers, crocheters and pattern testers making a pattern I’ve designed, and they’re being made in Indonesia, Germany and Brazil!? It makes me so happy that some yarn and a hook can bring so many people together in the fiber community, and it feels like we know each other, just a group of friends.”
Our crochet community on Instagram is honestly incredible, so if you’re not already following Amanda I highly recommend connecting with her here.
Last questions, I promise. A quick fire round!
Amanda, what is your favourite…
Printed or digital patterns? “Printed”
Yarn? “Järbo mercerized cotton yarn”
Crochet stitch? “Dc (US terms)”
Yarn fiber? “Cotton!”
Crochet Instagram account? @bipocfiberarts
Crochet website? “Etsy!”
Pattern books or individual patterns? “Individual”
Aluminium or ergonomic crochet hooks? “I only have one ergonomic hook that I’ve made myself, but I use it a lot!”
Crochet accessory? “Tapestry crochet bag!”
And…
What are you currently reading? “A book by Elin Anna Labba about forced displacement of Sámi people in Sweden.”
Who is the most inspirational crochet designer for you? “It’s too hard!!”
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me about all things crochet, Amanda! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and your crochet designs more, and I can’t wait to see what designs you release in 2022!
For my readers, I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Amanda as much as I have and are inspired to pick up your yarn and hook.
Until next time, happy crocheting,
Cilla x
