Candi Jensen
Candi Jensen was our guest on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. Candi and Marly have been friends for a while, in fact Marly things of Candi as her ‘Crochet Godmother’. Candi recalls that after her first crochet books with Vogue Knitting, Marly wrote to her and they’ve been friends ever since.
One of the things that has been admired about Candi is that her work is not the dated crochet projects that it seems everyone imagines it to be. Designing since 1983, she’s learned crochet can be beautiful and following it, seeing it featured on the runways was something she wanted to spread the word about, sharing the astounding growth. She loves seeing the designers like Tommy Hilfiger and Chanel feature crochet. Amazing when you remember this can’t be done by machine!
Candi recalls a babysitter taught her to knit as a way to channel her energy, but it became a thing she always did, keeping her hands busy and loving the colors of the yarn. Moving to San Francisco in 1967 when knitting, crochet and macrame were the crafts to do, she embraced it all, creating things for her children. By 1980, she went to work with Crystal Palace yarns. At that time, Lola Ehrlich was the editor of Vogue Knitting, and Candi was able to get her attention and help by sending her yarns wrapped in eclair wrappers, in a box. She got a lot of help with writing patterns and began a path of designing as a profession.
Another turn in her career, was working in television, producing the Knit & Crochet today, which later became Knit & Crochet Now. Starting without any knowledge of HOW TO produce a television but being told she could do this by those who did know how, believing in herself, making mistakes and learning from them, she has worked at that project for ten years and was actually nominated for an Emmy.
Attitude has been the biggest area of change that Candi has noticed. Yarns have changed, a project’s popularity comes and go, but the attitude of people who are embracing it and then designing with crochet has become an interesting path to follow. Mentoring and influencing new creators is a direction she hopes to follow, especially through television.
Candi Jensen can be followed in Ravelry (designer page) and Facebook, also Pinterest. This is the not the first visit Candi has made to the Yarn Thing podcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, who exactly is Candi Jensen?
Honestly… Candi Jensen is a super talented crochet designer who was a guest on my Yarn Thing podcast! Marly considers her her “Crochet Godmother” because Candi has been designing crochet patterns since 1983 and has really seen how much crochet has evolved over the years…
Marly, what’s your connection to Candi?
Oh, Candi and I go way back! We’ve been friends for a long time, and I really see her as my Crochet Godmother. She actually wrote to me after my first crochet books with Vogue Knitting came out, and we’ve been friends ever since. It’s always a joy to have her on the podcast!
I’ve heard crochet can look dated. Is Candi’s work like that?
Not at all! One of the things people admire most about Candi is that her work is absolutely NOT the dated stuff people sometimes imagine. She’s been designing since 1983 and has shown the world that crochet can be incredibly beautiful, even showing up on the runways with designers like Tommy Hilfiger and Chanel!
What other cool things has Candi done besides designing?
Yes! Candi also has a background in television. She produced the show “Knit & Crochet Today,” which later became “Knit & Crochet Now.” She jumped into producing without knowing how, but she totally learned and even got nominated for an Emmy after working on it for ten years!
Where can I follow Candi Jensen online?
You can definitely follow Candi’s amazing work and connect with her! She has pages on Ravelry (her designer page), Facebook, and Pinterest. It’s so inspiring to see her designs and follow her journey in the crochet world!
I love crochet!!
What a wonderful interview! So great to hear how crochet had evolved and that’s why I love crochet!
I started out with knitting, but i am definitely learning to love crochet, especially crochet lace.
Before I started knitting I was crocheting, and I love crochet. So much fun.
I’m primarily a knitter, bit I love crochet for a change and for some romantic, airy lace.
I do, I do I DO love crochet. Great podcast ladies, thank you.
I love crochet, too…AND this podcast. Thank you, Tammy and Marly, for all your efforts!
I first learned to knit, but it didn’t stick. When I learned to crochet years later I became a yarn addict because I love crochet so much. It’s my go-to craft.
I love crochet and have made many different items with it, including hats, shawls, sweaters, and blankets.
I started out as a knitter and I decided to learn how to crochet. I have come to love crochet and plan on expanding my crochet skills.
I need to leave to crochet so that I can honestly say “I love crochet!” How cool would it be if I could have Candi and Marly come to my house to teach me! Of course they would have to bring Tammy, too because an is great at encouraging people. It would be awesome, right?
I can both knit and crochet, but learned how to crochet as a teenager a long time ago. I learned to knit a few years ago. Even though I can knit, I keep going back to crochet because I love crochet! I love Marly and the podcast too! I am so thankful to be able to listen and hear about all the great designers, patterns, yarn and supplies! Would love to listen live some day, but work gets in the way. 🙂
I loved hearing the conversation between you and your crochet godmother, Marly. Candi has a deep passion for guiding people who are willing to make a commitment to the art of crochet. I trust that with practice, someday I will proudly say, “I love crochet.”
I loved this episode, very inspiring! I LOVE CROCHET!
“I LOVE CROCHET” and I love this podcast and would love to win today’s show prize! Thanks for the opportunity to win and for another great podcast!
Rose.
I want to be able to say “I love crochet” but so far – I really really struggle with being able to crochet. However, after listening to this interview with Candi Jensen – I just may try. (Oh wait….I have to because I plan to crochet a special afghan for my daughter and son in law as their christmas gift.
I love to crochet. So glad people like Marly and Candi promote the crocheters. I’ve been snubbed in yarn shops because I don’t knit but you guys make me feel at home.
I really enjoyed this episode. Even though I am new to the craft – I love crochet!!
I too love crochet! I certainly wish I could get to watch Knit and Crochet Now in my area, especially after this podcast!
In the past I pretty much just knitted, but after listening to this podcast for the past year and hearing interviews like this it has made it so I love crochet just as much!
I love crochet. It is what started my love for all things fiber!
Thanks to Marly, her excitement for crochet, and videos, I love crochet. I’m a newbie, but have found hooks I like and begun a blanket. Interviews like this one motivate me to try new stitches and projects.
Thanks for another fun interview. I love to crochet and am always excited to hear from guests that do crochet as well as knitting. I am a definitely a Candi fan! I love her designs!
My grandmother taught me a little crochet when I was I kid and I picked it back up last year. I love to crochet baby blankets for my friends who are expecting.
I Love Crochet. As always another great podcast.
Candi and Marly, I love crochet, too! In my opinion, it’s a lot easier to learn than knitting although I enjoy knitting as well. Great podcast!
I look forward to seeing what Candi Jensen dreams up next! I love crochet!
Crocheting is my passion. I love knitting… but crochet is where my heart is. <3
I love crochet and always will. I knit and sew too but crochet is a constant. Participated in Marly’s garter stitch shawl and have a lovely shawl as a result. Love these podcasts and your YouTube videos too. Keep up the good work you are such an inspiration and breath of fresh air and creativity.