A loving mother, career woman, avid athlete, and inspiring Haakster. Last Thursday, she visited us in Zaltbommel: Mariska van der Neut, better known as Handmadejolie. A well-known figure in the crochet world, she based her pseudonym on the first names of her two children and the French translation of an expression of beauty. Together, we talked about her new book, *Puur & Natural Crochet*; a true gem with beautiful patterns and a cover that looks great on the coffee table. Curious about the talented creative mind behind the book? Then read on!
“The Haakster with the ‘VT lifestyle’ who created the beautiful, famous Jolie Cardigan”; a short and powerful description that many will offer when the name Mariska van der Neut comes up. We can add the word “author” to that list, because a book by Mariska will be on the shelves starting June 15. It’s not a thriller, mystery, fantasy, or novel. No, it’s a book that’s not about the words but about the threads.
Pure & Natural Crochet
When you visit her Instagram page or blog (@handmadejolie), you’re greeted by shades of taupe, sand, grey, and white. These delicate, natural tones bring a sense of calm to both your wardrobe and your home, and they’re featured in her New book. “I wanted to create a book that I myself would really love—the kind of book you leave open on the table as a decorative accent,” said Mariska. And she certainly succeeded!
The book features 25 different patterns—ranging from clothing and other fashion accessories to beautiful additions for your home. When we open the book, we immediately notice that Mariska has incorporated her love for combining different yarns and materials into her designs. In doing so, she shows readers that there are really no limits when creating a Handmadejolie design. “Feel free to make it your own,” says Mariska. So combine yarns from Durable, Yarn and Colors, or Katia with, for example, linen fabric. The sky’s the limit, “because you can always rip it out later” (Mariska).
Where did it all start?
For some, the craft of crocheting was instilled in them from a very young age. For Mariska, this little obsession began during the first year of her three-year stay in Sweden. Her first project was a Cuddly Toy for her daughter. Her second was a pouf made with Hoooked spaghetti yarn. Her third… well, we could go on and on, because she already has many designs to her name. She shares these designs on her Facebook and Instagram pages @handmadejolie and on her website. www.handmadejolie.nl.
After three years in Sweden, she and her family returned home to the Netherlands. Once she had settled back in the Netherlands, she joined the Facebook page “Dutch Crochet Talent.” With her “VT-style” designs, she quickly gained popularity among the other page members. At the time, many members of the Facebook group were working with Durable yarns. The administrator of this well-known social media page—which now has 29,000 followers—put Mariska in touch with Durable. She was asked to design something using a Durable yarn. “I actually knew pretty quickly that this had to be a garment” (Mariska). The pattern for this garment was viewed more than 18,000 times in the first three days after its launch. To say that her creation was—and is—a success is an understatement. Three guesses as to which design this is! :) Okay, I’ll give you a little hint: the Jolie cardigan!
Inspiration
Before Mariska starts a new project, she likes to find inspiration. Whether it’s an interior design or craft book, a particular yarn she comes across, or a shared design that pops up on her Facebook and/or Instagram feed, Handmadejolie is always open to new ideas. And even though the source of inspiration may vary, the starting point is always the same for Mariska. “Just get started!” She notes that clothing is the exception to this rule. “In that case, I already know which stitches I want to use and what size I’m going to make, because, of course, it has to fit well.” Her advice is to trust your own abilities and always keep your personal taste in mind when designing. If the color or a part of a design isn’t quite to your liking, adjust it! After all, all those hours you put into it have to pay off! ;)
On the horizon
And is Mariska herself drawing inspiration for a future project as we speak? “Maybe,” she beams. Right now, she’s trying to swap her Crochet Hooks for Knitting Needles a bit more often so she can treat herself to a lovely mohair sweater this coming Fall/Winter. She’s keeping it under wraps for now as to whether a new project will soon come off her Crochet Hooks. But one thing is for sure: she’ll be sharing many more beautiful creations with us in the future! Want to stay up to date on all Handmadejolie designs? Visit Mariska’s Facebook or Instagram page @handmadejolie and check out her blog! She’ll definitely appreciate it! ;)
