Say hello to Jess @eclecticjess - our Ribblr of the Week and the designer behind Eclectic Jess 
Hi Jess! This is your second time back as Ribblr of the Week and for everyone reading, you can find the first interview here! We are so excited to hear how things are going for you!
How has your crafting journey evolved since we last chatted? Any new discoveries or shifts in your style?
I’ve actually been experimenting with plush chenille style yarn lately. It’s definitely outside of my normal work and not my preferred medium, but when inspiration strikes, I find it’s best to follow it! I had the idea for my possum and cat travel pillow patterns a while back, and I knew that chenille was going to be the best yarn for them - you can’t beat how soft it is, and that’s an essential quality of a neck pillow after all. It’s definitely been a learning experience to design with it, and I’m happy for it, but I’m really excited to get back to some worsted weight yarns.
Is there a craft or technique you’ve recently tried (or want to try) that’s outside your usual comfort zone? How did it go or what’s holding you back?
The cross stitch bug bites me every few years, and it’s been sneaking up again. I started a moth pattern that is pretty ambitious, but I’m excited to work on it. Getting started is always a blunt reminder of how time consuming cross stitch can be! So far I just have only a thorax done, but I was able to source most of the floss I need from my local creative reuse store, so I’m ready to dive in (thanks Art Hive!)
What’s one design or make that totally surprised you, either in how it turned out, how it was received, or how it challenged you?
I never expected my Big Waffle Bag pattern to be as popular as it has been. It turns out I’m not the only crocheter who loves waffles and unique bags! Creating a larger scale version of a waffle stitch and adapting it to the round shape was such a fun challenge. I love being able to play with shapes and different stitches to get the look of a project just right!
When you hit a creative block, what helps you reset or find your spark again?
I always make something small from someone else’s patterns to get my creative motivation back. It gives my brain a chance to reset from designing something on my own, and by making a small project, I get a dopamine hit from the satisfaction of finishing a project that much sooner. I always try to have an easy “no thinky” WIP ready to go for when I’m ready to make, but don’t have the energy to think too much about it.
Tell us about a time someone else’s make or feedback truly made your day.
Every time someone shares a picture of something they’ve made from one of my patterns, my day becomes infinitely better! I love seeing how artists can take a pattern and transform it into something personal, and I’m so honored when one of my patterns serves as the blueprint. Never be afraid of sharing your FOs with me, I love it so much!
Any secret WIPs or upcoming projects you can give us a little sneak peek about?
It’s not too secret, but I’m working on designing a baby blanket right now. I don’t normally design blankets, but I’m so excited for some friends who are expecting that I can’t resist! I have some really cute swatches made up already and have been sharing a little on my IG stories. I also have a flower decor piece that I may decide to write up, but it’s been put on hold while I focus on other projects. Maybe I’ll write it up after the baby blanket…
What’s one underrated tool, trick, or tip you swear by?
Steam blocking is amazing, bent tip needles are a game changer for sewing pieces together, and a magic circle is a lot easier when you think of it as a loose slip knot.
Share a crafting fail or funny behind-the-scenes moment we haven’t heard yet!
If I’m sewing two pieces together that each have a right and wrong side, it is inevitable that I will check repeatedly that I have it right before sewing them together incorrectly. I must be cursed!
There is also a lot of play that happens with my amigurumi pieces. It may look like they are on display most of the time, but the kids love getting them down for play time, and I love to see their imaginations at work!
All of my bags are also in a regular rotation to suit my moods and my outfits. The Big Waffle Bag is lined with foam and makes a great travel bag since it can double as a pillow - I’ve had some great car naps with that bag!
If you could spend a day crafting with any other Ribblr designer, who would it be and what would you make together?
I actually just got the Just Distressed Top pattern from Nessa’s Knots, so I’m going to have to say Nessa! I think we’d have a pretty chill day, and as a bonus, we’d have new cute tops at the end of the day.
What’s currently playing in the background while you create; music, shows, podcasts?
Currently there’s a lot of Florence + The Machine, Fleetwood Mac, and The Mountain Goats playing in the background, but I’m also re-watching Shoresy, which is a totally different vibe. I like to keep multiple media options going to fit the mood and the level of concentration I need for a project. When I really need to focus, it’s the good old lo-fi study videos on youtube!
What keeps you coming back to Ribblr?
I love that there’s always something exciting happening! Other platforms can get a little monotonous and impersonal, but Ribblr always has a new feature or event going on, and has its own personality. The new Glow Up has been so much fun to explore!
Got any recent social updates or new platforms you’re on? Drop the links!
You can find all my socials here: Links — Eclectic Jess - I’ve recently joined Bluesky (@eclectic-jess.bsky.social on Bluesky) and PixelFed (eclecticjess (@eclecticjess@pixelfed.art) - Pixelfed) and am planning on posting there more often!
Feed takeover time! Have any newer favorite Ribblr patterns or designers we should highlight this time around?
I’d like to take this space to shout out Cristina from OrozcoCraftCo! They’ve got some cute patterns on Ribblr, including a mini skull pillow that’s calling my name. Unfortunately, they’ve just suffered through a terrible house fire and could use our support, so make sure to check out their shop!
Thanks so much for being here again Jess, it was a pleasure to read about you!
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