We’ve kept you waiting a long time for a new Yarnplaza & collaboration, but your patience will be rewarded today! In this blog, meet the creative Flemish jack-of-all-trades Bea Torfs and her beautiful collection of cable-knit cardigans.
I can hear you thinking, “Bea Torfs… didn’t I just see one of her designs recently?” That could very well be the case, because among the latest arrivals on the shelves are the Droomsjaal 5.0 and the Hugs & Kisses Kimono—both designed by Bea. And yet we’re dedicating a Yarnplaza & edition to this Flemish jack-of-all-trades. Because Bea’s new creation isn’t just one fashion item, but an entire collection! Read on to find out everything about the designer and her exclusive designs for Yarnplaza. 
What are most people familiar with you for?
You probably know me from the first season of *Haakster*. Back then, as a Belgian knitter, I went head-to-head with Dutch Haaksters. Quite a challenge! I also lead creative workshops with Het Betere Bolwerk. And I have a blog that features knitting and Crochet Patterns, as well as reading recommendations and delicious recipes. Feel free to check out koekjesenboekjes.be and my Instagram account. 
When did your passion for crafts begin?
My passion for knitting and crocheting began at home. My mom and dad were pretty creative, but I mostly learned crafts from my grandma. She taught me how to crochet and knit when I was still in kindergarten. Once I discovered this passion, I kept at it, even though it wasn’t cool or trendy at all, haha.
Can you describe your style in three words?
I try to describe my style as fairly simple. I always try to keep my designs and patterns simple so that everyone can enjoy making them. I also try to make the designs timeless, so that once you’ve crocheted or knitted them, you’ll enjoy wearing them for a long time.
If you had to choose between crocheting or knitting Amigurumi, clothing, or home decor, which would you choose?
If I had to choose between making Amigurumi, clothing, and home decor, I’d go 100% for clothing. I sometimes make blankets or cushions, too, but I find clothing the most rewarding to make. I usually make clothes for myself, but my friends get to enjoy my knitting skills as well. My son and husband always get warm quickly, so unfortunately, I can’t make much for them.
Which project are you most proud of?
The piece I'm most proud of is usually the one I created most recently, but this time I had the opportunity to design an entire collection: the cable-knit cardigan collection. I think it's fantastic to see how beautiful it turned out, and I hope many others feel the same way. 
Who or what is your greatest source of inspiration?
There are plenty of sources of inspiration. But when I look at my colleagues, I really enjoy following Sascha Blase-van Wagtendonk (@alasascha). Lisanne van Multem (@happyhandmadeliving) also creates beautiful collections. And, of course, the winner of our season of Haakster, Linda Modderman (@lindamodderman).
Would you rather go out for dinner or spend a quiet evening doing crafts?
If I had the choice, I’d choose both. I love going out for a bite to eat, but afterward I always need a little downtime, even if it’s 2 a.m. So after a nice meal out, I always spend half an hour crocheting or knitting.
Which craft techniques have stolen your heart?
The first thing I was really good at was knitting. I think that’s also the most popular type of craft in Belgium. But during the Haakster contest, I rediscovered my passion for crocheting and started focusing on Tunisian crochet as well. It’s totally addictive! Tunisian crochet is sort of a combination of crocheting and knitting, because you put multiple stitches on your hook and then let them slide off. So if you can’t choose between crocheting and knitting, Tunisian crochet is the perfect solution.
Who is your biggest fan?
I think my son and my husband are my biggest fans. But especially through the workshops, I’ve got a whole bunch of supporters around me. I always love seeing how they react to new designs.
Who sighs when you start doing crafts (again)?
My husband, when we get home a little later and I spend another half hour picking up my knitting or Crochet Hooks.
Where do you prefer to do your crafts?
I always carry a craft project in my purse. It might be a sock I’m knitting or a scarf I’ve just started. It’s also a great icebreaker; if you’re out and about with a dog or a craft project, everyone comes up to you.
What do you have in your craft supplies?
My craft supplies are especially extensive. I have a wool chest from my grandmother that contains wool that’s older than I am. Over the years, quite a few more balls of yarn have been added to it.
What items are essential for your crafting sessions?
Crafting decreases the amount of time you have to read, so audiobooks are a perfect alternative.
Besides following you on Instagram, of course, which other accounts are worth checking out?
Definitely Linda Modderman’s (@lindamodderman). I think she makes so many beautiful things and photographs them so beautifully, too. They’re a real treat for the eyes!
You designed an exclusive collection for Yarnplaza—can you tell us a little more about it?
When I start designing, it’s usually a very organic process. I do have a general idea in my head of what I want to design, but the details emerge as I go along. In this case, those details turned out to be the cables that add a bit of interest to the back of the cardigans and the front of the spencer. I also wanted it to be a cardigan you could wear in any season. That’s why I chose the Elegant yarn, which is also nice and light to wear.
Bea Torfs Collection Knitting Kits
Did you also fall in love with Bea Torfs’ cable-knit cardigans at first sight? Then order your kit now to make one of these wonderfully fluffy and timeless cardigans. You can choose between a long and a short cardigan style, and decide whether or not to knit sleeves. In addition to the cardigans, there’s also a Knitting Kit for a spencer and a triangular scarf. All patterns are suitable for sizes S through XXL and are knitted with Yarn and Colors Elegant in the colors Cream, Chestnut, Pea Green, Graphite, and Rosé.
Knitting Patterns from the Bea Torfs Collection
Would you rather choose your own colors and/or yarn? If so, all patterns are also available separately for just €3.95.
Learn to knit cables with Bea
Not sure if cable knitting is right for you? Don’t hesitate! Order your kit and make sure you’re ready in two weeks to join Bea’s free cable knitting course! That way, knitting your Bea cardigan or spencer will be a breeze. The online course starts Monday, October 4, and will teach you how to knit cables in five steps (days) using free video tutorials.
