Maker Spotlight: Meet Elisabeth of Desamour Designs
I am so excited for our next guest designer and Maker Spotlight feature: Elisabeth of Desamour Designs.
I first saw Elisabeth’s work popping up in my Instagram feed in 2018 and then in 2019 was super in love with her BIPOC Make-Along and seeing so many wonderful things from that. I loved how it not only promoted and encouraged Makers and all to make things from BIPOC designers, but the community it built in her Facebook group was such a joy to be part of and see. So when she wanted to do a design for the blog, I was excited to see what she would create for us.
Spend some time getting to know more about Elisabeth and her beautiful work below.
Summertime Raglan Tee Pattern and In The Forest of the Night Cardi Pattern
Soem of my faves of Elisabeth’s Patterns:
Desamour Design Shop
Giving Beanie
Summer Raglan Tee
Feminist Pillow
Summer Days Crop Top
In The Forest of Night Cardi
Summer Breezy Top
1. Tell Us all about YOU? What's your name, where are you from, what's your fiber discipline of choice (do you knit, crochet, spin, dye, ALL OF IT?)
My name is Elisabeth, spelled the French way with an S. I grew up in Haïti and learned to crochet there. I released my first design in the summer of 2018 although I've been designing my own patterns long before. I recently rediscovered Tunisian crochet and it has become an addiction of sort.
2. Do you fiber for love and hobby or is this your J-O-B? Or a bit of both? Share a bit of your fiber journey with us.
I crochet for both love and the source of income it creates. I first started selling my finished object in 2014 and after realizing that I hated the idea of making the same project multiple times, I moved into designing and blogging.
Feminist Pillow Pattern
3. What is the most cherished thing you ever made for someone else? Who is truly knit/crochet-worthy?
I made my brother a Haïtian blanket. It was the largest blanket I've made for someone. He uses it still to this day and I'm always happy to see it put to good use. I don't often make things for family or friends. I once tried to make everyone's Christmas present and it didn't end too well for my hands, especially since I started in August and tried to make garments for 9 adults.
4. What is the favorite thing you made for yourself?
My In the Forest of the Night Cardi, named after a Doctor Who episode (where are my fellow Whovians?). I have it hanging in my crochet|crat room and it brings me joy to see it and wear it. I just love the falling leaves and copper colorway.
5. What was the inspiration for this design?
I usually pull inspiration from my surroundings and fashion while being mindful of staying away from trends. Lately, I've been focusing more on my roots and Haïtian heritage for inspiration when designing and naming my patterns. I want to use my designs to share more about my motherland and hopefully educate more people about it; there's so much beauty there than the American media would like the world to believe.
Last but not least - how can the people stay connected with you?
I'm most active on my Instagram, so send me a DM there and I should get back to you very soon. You can always sign up for my email list and tester email list. My tester email list always receives tester call approximately a week before I make it public.
And don’t forget to check out all of Elisabeth’s Patterns:
Desamour Design Shop
Giving Beanie
Summer Raglan Tee
Feminist Pillow
Summer Days Crop Top
In The Forest of Night Cardi
Summer Breezy Top