Special Episode: Robyn Chachula
SPECIAL Episode: Robyn Chachula joined Marly at a unique time for the Yarn Thing podcast which just makes our Monday Awesome!
Robyn says she’s always been crafty. As a structural engineer professionally, specializing in historic restorations, she says she learned to knit and moved on. And until fourteen years ago, even though her mother crocheted, she hadn’t found her IT craft, but when she did, it snowballed.
Once she felt she had it figured out, she began submitting patterns to magazines, and recalls working with Kim Werker as an editor, then books, and tv shows… It’s a good thing too, because in 2009, as we saw with the economy, half of those in her field of engineering were laid off. As she and her husband BOTH were in that field they felt it was not a smart idea and that Robyn’s pursuing a career in crochet at that time could 
be a good thing. Plus they started having kids, so lots of life changes, which now means she is a Stay-At-Home Mom as well as crocheting full time
Her newest book, Vintage Modern Crochet, (link to view the designs in Ravelry) combines her love of history (remember she loved the historic restorations?) and crochet. Robyn has collected patterns that really demonstrated unusual ways crochet could be. Some of that designs are a little more complicated, but all stretch what we know particular techniques can do. For instance, Robyn’s own designs in the book include jewelry! For instance the Temperance Jewelry, which features an Irish Crochet look that can be created in any modern color pallet to complete an outfit
. Moon Eldridge contributed a beautiful shift, Cyrine Striped Dress, Robyn says the stripes incorporated in the fabric prevent it from stretching and being too sheer. Brenda KB Anderson’s Aine Fascinator would be perfect for a special occasion like prom or a wedding. Tunisian crochet makes a great classic pullover, in Fleur Swing Top by Megan Granholm. Robyn’s own Field Cardigan features filet crochet in a raglan style. The pattern featured on the cover, from Anastasia Popova The Zoe Cardigan is a modern take on the pineapple crochet cardigan that Anastasia’s own grandmother made. The Priya Cowl by Robyn is from a class she teaches about entrelac, featuring four tunisian lace crochet. Finish that cowl with vintage buttons and you’re ready to go retro!
We can hear a few of the previous visits with Robyn Chachula, from April 2009, from December 2010 or from October 2011. You can follow Robyn at her website: www.crochetbyfaye.com and her Ravelry designer page. Don’t forget she is the Crochet Expert on Knit & Crochet Now, that Deborah Norville is hosting!
Your patterns have a nostalgic and romantic flair. Nothing like antique apparel and patterns for inspiration. Great job, Robin, and best of luck on your new book. And as always, Marly, you conduct such fun interviews! Thanks, ladies.
What a great interview! I remember listening to the first interview that Marly and Robyn did. I absolutely love Robyn’s new book. I adore the vintage style and love that she (as well as the other designers) have brought antique design features and modernized them. While I love the vintage style I don’t have a big enough house to keep all the antiques I would love to collect. Robyn’s new book will be a great addition to a style I dearly love.
I was so sad that I couldn’t listen live today but loved listening to the show later. I think that this is going to be an awesome book for anyone’s library. Hope to get my hands on a copy soon. I love the antique/vintage take on the book. I think that there is a lot of amazing things that have been created in the past and it is great to be able to bring them into modern day to continue to share the techniques for years to come. Fingers crossed that I am the winner for this one! 🙂
Enjoyed the podcast with Robyn. Love the antique designs in the book. Thanks.
Loved the interview! Love antiques and vintage styles!
My husband and are big fans of antiques, as witnessed by our collection of antique cars and weapons. But I also love vintage patterns that are older than I am. Some of my antique patterns have been forcing me to learn old terms only to discover that they mean something basic. Love it.
I love many of Robyn’s designs but haven’t been able to make them just yet. Time constraints are working against me.
Great podcast. Robyn and Marly together was very enjoyable. I am have not mastered the art of crochet yet but a book with antique designs might just be the thing that pushes me forward.
Thanks again for a great show.
I absolutely adore antique and vintage style! I am always so intrigued by vintage patterns, and I love Robyn’s modern interpretations of classic crochet.
It was great to hear Robyn on the podcast. I love her designs and enjoy watching her on Knit and Crochet Now. I’m also a fan of vintage crochet patterns and love that her new book has that antique vibe.
I love the fact that antiques all carry with them stories, just like all the patterns in this book!
Antique techniques – I love the thought of that. Robyn sounds like such a sweet person.
Loved listening to this podcast today. So sorry I missed the live version! Antique techniques, but very wearable and modern patterns.
I love the idea of making antiques modern like the patterns in this book! What a great podcast.
I love modern twists on antiques and vintage design. I think it is so fresh, while being timeless at the same time!
Loved the podcast and look forward to trying your modern twist on the antique designs. Reminds me of my grandma and brings back happy memories.
I really liked the interview with Robyn! I love reading patterns from old books and go searching for them in Antique stores. So many of the vintage patterns are timeless and still look beautiful and in style today.
What a fun idea – to give antique patterns a modern use.
Robyn’s new book is delightful. The patterns are great even though they are antiques. The styles always come back around eventually. Thanks for another great podcast.
I love having antiques around a home to give it a cozy lived in character. The designs in the book just fit nicely with the vintage/antique style I like.
I really enjoyed hearing Robyn and Marly. Both are so knowledgeable. And you can hear their friendship and respect for each other. I’m looking forward to seeing Robyn’s book. Vintage and antique. Add crochet — and it doesn’t get any better!
I loved listening to this podcast! I have wanted this book for a while! I love anything antique, especially if it’s crochet!!
How wonderful to see designs from the past (antique
in current designs! Thank you Robin and Marly!