Let's give a warm welcome to Denise, owner of The Cajun Crafter!
All About Denise
Do you have a job outside of this?
I am a retired educator. (I take care of my 2 month old
granddaughter—I don’t consider that a job) and I am a fulltime pattern tester…at least 2-3garments a month.
What’s your dream vacation spot?
Any balcony overlooking a clear water beach…since I had rectal cancer, I can’t ever be too far from a bathroom, so for me, just sitting out, looking out at the clear blue water, listening to the waves, smelling the ocean water, and feeling the sun warm my body makes me happy. (besides I get overwhelmed by crowds). I can sit there and read or crochet to my heart’s content and I always have an unobstructed view of the ocean. Don’t get me wrong, I can go out and swim for a little while, but for the most part, I prefer the balcony enjoying peace and tranquility.
What’s your favorite color(s)?
I don’t really have a favorite color. My Instagram grid has garments of all colors…However, I tend to lean towards the jewel tone colors…I mean who doesn’t love emeralds,
diamonds, sapphires, ruby’s, etc?
What’s your favorite food/meal?
Seafood Gumbo made with fresh out of the gulf…shrimp, crab, crawfish and oysters!
What’s your least favorite food/meal?
Fried Alligator
Do you have a favorite movie or TV show?
I don’t really have a favorite TV show but I do like true
crime shows and podcasts.
What’s 1 (or more) weird/strange fact(s) about you?
I have 6 grandchildren all under the age of 4.
After 5 boys we finally got a girl.
If you could do one thing for the world (people or environment), what would it be?
It would be to make people shut up and listen. If people would truly listen to what others have to say,
maybe there would be a better and kinder understanding of the differences between us and the world would be a better, happier place.
All About The Cajun Crafter
How long have you been crocheting?
I have been crocheting for over 50 years. My grandmother taught me when I was a little girl.
When did you start The Cajun Crafter?
I started pattern testing a little over a year ago when I
started posting on Instagram
Why did you start?
I always loved crocheting but never like the garments made during the 1970-80’s. I live in the south and most garments were made with acrylic or worsted weight yarn that was just to dang hot to wear here. Once I retired, I could really put my passion for crochet to use by using the internet. My daughter told me about Instagram. I started my account and there was a post asking for pattern testers using fingering weight yarn. Because it was using a lighter weight yarn and a smaller crochet hook……I knew I had found a home.
What’s your favorite thing you’ve made?
It would have to be any pattern from @by.stephanie.erin
What’s a piece of advice for someone just starting out in your field?
My biggest advice for starting in the pattern testing field is to just take the plunge and try it. If you are scared, start off by testing something small…like a hat, or a scarf or shawl. Testing has a reasonable timeline in which to get your project done and most pattern tests work in a group using some sort of online communication platform. Here the testers can ask questions, find mistakes and adjust them, etc.
You get positive feedback and support from other testers and direct communication with the designer as well. I have found lifelong friends through the pattern testing community.
The Future for The Cajun Crafter
What’s your latest project?
I have started a new platform in the Instagram fiber arts community. I have just started talking about my passion for size inclusion in the garment world. Size inclusion is a garment that has a complete range of sizes from XS all the way to 5XL. I am a plus size woman and I think I can look as good as a smaller size person wearing the same design. It kills me when I see a pattern that only goes up to size XL or has special patterns that are for “plus size only”.
Where did the inspiration come from for this project?
The inspiration comes from the body shaming that has been done to me as a plus size person all my life as well as the body shaming the is put on smaller size people because they are “too skinny”. Body shaming is cruel and hurtful. Everybody is beautiful!
If you are new to Instagram, or are just looking for designers that include designs that are actually tested by plus size makers, or even looking for people to follow that are your size and/or support size inclusion, please use the hashtag
#sizeinclusivestitches.
It’s designed to be a great place to start looking for all of your fiber arts makes. Everyone is always welcome.
Go and give Denise some LOVE! Like, share, or check out her amazing push for size inclusivity among designers. Remember, supporting Denise is supporting a local maker’s dream.
Denise is working hard to showcase posts by plus size testers and makers. That way, people can see what a pattern looks like on a real person. How amazing is this?! Every person, no matter the size, deserves to feel love and accepted in our fiber arts community. Keep an eye on Denise and her page for lots of awesome stuff in the future!
Here are the links:
Instagram: @thecajuncrafter
Hashtags:
Comment below if you have any questions for Denise or The Cajun Crafter
And THANK YOU so much for reading and joining along on our Maker Spotlight. You can see a new maker right here EVERY Monday. I have some AMAZING makers lined up and I cannot wait to share them with you.
xoxo, Lindsey
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