Get to know Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts and her collaboration with della Q on the Vivid Rose Collection.
Q: Please remind us why hot pink and why you wanted to name the collection Vivid Rose?
A: Hot pink has always been my favorite color. Not only was I a Barbie Girl, but I loved Blossom from the Powerpuff Girls, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, and Nicki Minaj from her pink hair era. Pink has always signified strength, femininity, and expression for me. It's not a color you stumble upon by mistake, and hot pink would never be mistaken for a neutral. It's an intentional, bold choice, and a way I like to express myself artistically. Vivid Rose lets me bring that bold spirit to my crafting, and helps me spot my bag in a crowd :-)
Q: What’s next for you in the world of design and collaboration?
A: The ideas keep pouring out of me, and my latest inspiration has been my very own stash. I've spent the last few years curating a swoon-worthy stash, and it's about time I dive deeper into it. I want to see what I can design with minis, fade sets, leftovers, and advents. I want to put these projects in my pretty Vivid Rose bags and use all the gorgeous hooks I have. I'm leaning into the "we have yarn at the house" impulse, and trying to be more intentional with my purchases. I hope focusing on stash diving will make any yarn purchases even more special.
Q: What is currently in your bag?
A: Right now, I'm making one of my latest designs for myself. It's called the Glimmer Poncho, and it's a t-shaped sweater made with a bulky blown alpaca yarn. It's so squishy and lightweight, and it's working up super fast. I can't wait to get it off my hooks and rotate it into my wardrobe. It's the perfect cool-weather accessory, especially if you're sitting on a heated patio or relaxing by the campfire.
Q: If you could send one message to every maker unboxing their Vivid Rose bag, what would it be?
A; Use it immediately!! Something about seeing my Vivid Rose bag holding my latest WIP makes me want to dive into it at every chance. This bag is way too pretty to let it languish in your closet. Vivid Rose bags are great for traveling, popping by your favorite book or yarn store, or just taking your project from your bedroom to your cozy couch. These bags have tons of useful features to make every stitch that much more satisfying.
Q: What is currently on your hook? Favorite trend, tool, book, tv or podcast?
A: I'm obsessed with the interlocking crochet trend. I dabbled in it a bit some time ago, but it's having a resurgence right now. I'd love to stitch away on a reversible sweater using my new Happy Place hooks while listening to an audiobook. Next on my list is The Man Who Died Twice from the Thursday Murder Club series.
