PatternsByJeannine

Read more about this wonderful designer below.

Company Name:  PatternsByJeannine
Designer Name:  Jeannine Holper
Home State:  California
Design Specialty:  Preemie, Infant & American Girl / 18-inch Doll Clothing

1 How did you first get introduced to your craft?

My older sister taught me how to crochet when I was eight years old. I crocheted my first Orange and Yellow Granny Square Afghan at that time (8 skeins Orange/8 skeins Yellow).

2 What type of patterns do you enjoy designing the most?

I love baby and doll patterns because you can finish them very fast.

3 What are you most known for?

Infant, preemie and baby doll patterns, which have also been used for bears.

4 How do you jump-start your creativity?

At present, I get requests from crochet artists for a particular pattern, and if I don't have one, I just dream it up.

5 What season inspires you the most?

Fall. My twin nieces both have American Girl Dolls, so of course I need to crochet outfits for their birthday! I take every opportunity to make a new type of pattern and I write up the instructions as I go. For each new pattern, I must crochet it three times: one for design, one for instructions, and one final for pattern audit. Needless to say, the twins get a lot of outfits for their birthday and Christmas.

6 On average, how many new patterns do you design each year?

It varies depending on my other activities. 2008 was the year of the 18-inch and American Doll patterns. I completed over 36 in three months.

7 Is there another craft you'd like to try your hand at?

Yes. I "reborn" dolls, meaning I take a basic vinyl doll and transform it into a lifelike collectible. I've written over 20 instruction books on how to do the craft and have created three visual instruction movies. If my husband would let me retire, I'd do that full time! Needless to say, my art hobby works hand-in-hand with my crochet craft hobby.

8 What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

If it's sunny, I like to take a bike ride around Foster City with my husband. If the weather is cold, then I enjoy sitting by the fireplace crocheting or reading a JD Robb/Nora Roberts book.

9 What three items do you always have in your craft bag?

I have so many craft bags, it would be hard to choose just three! Besides crocheting and reborning dolls, I also love sewing and quilting. I'm always up to something!