Clarisabeth Lopez Rodriguez is a crochet designer, blogger, podcaster and host of the Crochetcakes podcast and blog. The Endless Skein is delighted to have selected her Flower Child top as the featured crochet pattern for our Spring 2023 Giving Project.

We spoke with Clarisabeth about how she got her start and where she's heading next. Read on to learn more!

What is the story of your crochet journey?

My crochet journey starts at 15. Every summer my mom would plan a series of crafty adventures for me. When I was 15, she enlisted my aunt to teach me crochet. My aunt taught me the ch, and had me practice it over and over again. “Until your tension is even, we can’t move on.” After a week, I threw in the crochet hook. Not for me! It wasn’t until I saw a girl around my college cafeteria with a crochet bag that I became curious. Of course, I enlisted my mom's help and we were both hooked.

Do you have a favorite crochet stitch or technique?

All stitches have their moments but I think my favorite is the extended single crochet stitch, it produces such a lovely texture. Favorite technique, I’m not sure but I do want to work more with mosaic crochet.

From where do you tend to draw inspiration?

I know “from everywhere” is overused but I have so many interests that I find it hard to narrow down. But if I close my eyes, the first words that come to mind are Vintage Fashions and textures.

How did your Crochetcakes podcast get started?

I’ve never been the most outgoing person, so outside of my immediate circle I didn’t know any other crocheters. I used to watch crochet tutorials on YouTube to keep me company and while watching one they mentioned a knit podcast. So, immediately I asked “are there any crochet podcasts?” Which led to the idea of starting my own podcast in 2017.

Please tell us about your new CAL!

Last year I had an insta friend and previous student message me about hosting a crochet-along and I agreed. I wanted the CAL to have a theme and at the time I was planning my Birthday make so I thought, why not host a Celebration CAL? Pick any one of my patterns, free or paid for, and join in. It runs until May 1st, so plenty of time to sit back, relax and crochet.

You recently traveled to Tokyo. What drew you there? Did you have any fiber-related adventures while you were in Japan?

I watched a lot of anime back in the day, and that is really where it all began. Anime, wanting to learn about the culture that produced the anime. However, the current relevant reason was that my husband and I watched a lot of travel vlogs (Abroad in Japan) and we became extra curious to explore.

I did have Yarny adventures in Japan, there are so many amazing yarn and craft stores to explore! I actually have 3 Japan related videos up on the Youtube channel. One is my Japan crochet diary where I shared some of the places I visited and the crochet that I did while I was there. Then there are two yarn haul videos. I would like to think I was pretty conservative with my purchases. Hahaha!

If you could sit and crochet anywhere in the world for one hour, where would you choose?

I can't think of a specific place, there are so many beautiful cities and wonderful humans to meet in this world that I don't want to choose. So instead I will say, my ideal crochet place might be a Hobbiton type place. Nature views, accessible warm or cool drinks, a mild 72 degrees with a light breeze, snacks in abundance, and lovely humans to share the sunset or sunrise with.

What’s currently on your hook?

Uh, hahaha. I have multiple things on my hook and they all happen to be garment designs. I’ll pick the Las Nubes blouse. It’s one of my favorites, although I think I say that about all my designs. Although the Las Nubes blouse is not a new design, it’s getting a complete pattern makeover. It’s now graded up to a size 61 bust and includes a video tutorial in the paid for pattern.

Can you drop any hints about what’s on the horizon?

Yes I can! I’m always excited to share! In terms of designs, I’m going to release the Bloom Top as an independent pattern, and I’m working on a home café collection, and a bralette design as well. For my YouTube channel I have a video series all about Japan that I’m working on scripting. I’m thinking of 3 videos, a crochet diary vlog, and then two yarn haul videos.

Anything else you’d like to share?

● I’m a bilingual designer and you will find most of my designs available in English and Spanish.
● At the moment I’m really enjoying creating crochet content, especially dedicated garment vlogs for my YouTube Channel ( crochetcakes) and outfit/in the making reels on instagram (@crochetcakes).
● I also send out a weekly newsletter with crochet chat, what I’m reading and what I will be working on.You can sign up directly from my website. If you are interested in the Spanish Newsletter, sign up from es.crochetcakes.com

Now through June 2023, your purchase of yarn at The Endless Skein to crochet Clarisabeth's Flower Child top -- or to knit Francoise Danoy's Wifty Top -- will help support Knitted Knockers! Knitted Knockers is an organization that connects volunteer knitters and crocheters with breast cancer survivors to provide free handmade prosthetics.

Click here to get started with the Spring Giving Project!