Who in the crochet world doesn’t know him? Dendennis, creator of those delightfully quirky Amigurumi with names like Little Snotmonkey, Chatterbox, and Grumpy. Yarnplaza was very curious about the man behind these awesome little figures and asked him a few questions. Curious about the answers? Read all about it in our interview with Dendennis!
Dennis has run a design studio with a partner since 2006, so he’s been creative for years. Because he drew a lot and wanted to bring his designs to life, he learned—with the help of YouTube and his mother—how to do that by crocheting them. Dennis has been active on his website for a while now and has just published his first book with Tirion Publishing: "Prettig Gestoorde Amigurumi's - Van Soepkip tot Snotaap."
Interview with Dendennis: How did you learn to crochet, and what was your first crochet project?
When I was very young, I had already learned to crochet, but I found knitting with a loom much easier back then. About 4 or 5 years ago, I started working on a carrot—with absolutely no structure or pattern, just randomly increasing and decreasing stitches here and there. That’s how I got to know the stitches. A year and a half ago, I really started crocheting in earnest. I really wanted to crochet a tooth-shaped cuddly toy, but I couldn’t find a good pattern for it. So, with the help of my mom and YouTube, I really learned how to crochet well. After a few experiments, I quickly crocheted my first little tooth.
Where do you like to crochet the most?
I love crocheting at home on the couch, with my girlfriend and daughter sitting next to me. We each do our own thing, but we still chat a lot about all sorts of things. I also almost always have a crochet project in my bag, and as soon as I have a spare moment, I start crocheting—on the train, in a café while waiting for an appointment, or outside in the sunshine. It’s such an addictive hobby!
What was the first Amigurumi you designed?
The first cuddly toy I actually designed myself was Kiesje. My Bill the Black Rooster came along very soon after that, and shortly thereafter I was already sitting around the table with Tirion, discussing the idea of my own book.
The Amigurumi Dendennis feels like a superhero—does that sound like you?
Hahaha… Dendennis is totally lost in his own world, and in his imagination, anything is possible—so why not be a superhero? I have a very vivid imagination and can quickly lose myself in fantasies where anything is possible. Imagination is incredibly important for your creative development, and I think it’s very important to imagine an ideal world for yourself and live as much as possible according to it.
Which delightfully quirky Amigurumi is your favorite?
Actually, all of them! They all have their own little quirks that make each one very special. And of course I have to say that Dendennis is my favorite, but Chatterbox, Soup Chicken, and Owlet are also some of my favorites.
Do you have a favorite Crochet Yarn, too?
I have several favorite crochet yarns, and it really depends a bit on the project I’m working on. Lately, I’ve been a big fan of Stylecraft Special DK (New!). This yarn comes in beautiful colors, and when you crochet an Amigurumi with it, it really feels like a cuddly toy. Phildar Partner 3.5 or Partner 6 have that same effect, but I tend to use them less often. When I’m making an Amigurumi with a lot of detail that doesn’t really need to be cuddled, I usually reach for Phildar Coton 3 or SMC Catania.
What is the process like, from coming up with a new character to creating a complete pattern? Where do you get your inspiration?
For me, the process always starts with a name or a character type, like “Chatty Charlie.” A name like that sticks with me, so I try to jot it down quickly on my phone along with a few character traits. As soon as I have a piece of paper within reach, I make a few quick sketches. Those character traits are crucial to me—they’re what make a Cuddly Toy unique. I crochet every evening as soon as I get home from work—because, yes, I also have a regular job! It’s not possible for me to work on multiple projects at once, so I tackle them one at a time. As soon as I start on a new character, I usually have the sketch zoomed in to the right size on my computer, so I can crochet and compare at the same time. I actually get inspiration for a character nonstop: during a business meeting, while running, browsing the internet, or even in my sleep.
Are there any projects you'd still like to crochet but haven't gotten around to yet?
I’ve wanted to make a life-size Cuddly Toy for a long time—one that’s very detailed. But it takes so much time that I really won’t get around to it, and maybe I never will. I also often buy individual patterns from other designers because I really want to crochet them, but with all the designing and my own ideas, I don’t get around to that either.
What do the people around you think about the fact that you crochet?
I think my friends and family really like it—at least, I hope so. But when I talk to someone I don’t see very often—and who therefore doesn’t know that I crochet—I can see them give me a surprised look for a moment. As soon as I tell them the whole story, they’re immediately enthusiastic!
The book is called "Charmingly Crazy Amigurumi." Are you a little crazy yourself?
Let's put it this way… I always have fun in my life and have a smile on my face 99% of the time. I'd love to skip down the street, but I'm pretty good at holding back. In my head, on the other hand, my imagination runs wild, and it's wonderful to get lost in it.
Do you have any tips for avid Haaksters?
Anyone who crochets or is simply creative—whether through hobbies or work—is amazing! And you should definitely keep doing it. It’s a wonderful pastime. Try to make each project your own and develop your own style that way. Above all, be proud of everything you make—don’t be ashamed of it, and show it to everyone. You’ll get so many positive reactions, and that will motivate you to keep going. View negative comments as constructive criticism and don’t be afraid of them. Believe in what you create!
Fun Campaign from Dendennis Dendennis recently launched a fun campaign on social media. Have your homemade Amigurumi take a selfie (a photo of itself) and post it on Twitter or Facebook, for example, with the hashtag #amiselfie. Yarnplaza is eager to see the fun photos, so be sure to include #yarnplaza as well. Who knows—your creation might end up in our “Woll of Fame” on Facebook!
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