Jane Crowfoot started out with a foundation course in art and design before going on to do a degree textile design at Winchester School of Art, specialising in constructed textiles.

Jane began working for Rowan as a design consultant in John Lewis Brent Cross in 1995. Since then has become a mobile consultant. She now tutors workshops in knitting and crochet across the UK.

Jane’s current passion is for crochet, even though this is something she only learnt relatively recently. “I think it is far more organic and requires less planning when designing. I often start a project without any clear idea of what the finished product will be. Crochet pieces can start small, perhaps with just a flower motif which will fit the palm of your hand... yet they can end up being large enough to act as a cushion cover or a throw.”

Jane gets much of her inspiration from poring over interior magazines, and she loves looking at greetings cards and wrapping paper. “I also love wallpaper,” she says, “and often send off for free samples to use as design inspiration.”

Despite working as a designer for many years, Jane thinks it’s only recently that she has begun to find her own style of work. “It’s only now that my kids have grown up a bit that I have more of my own time to develop. I love colour. I love Missoni and I’m constantly drawn to artists such as Raoul Dufy and Paul Chagal. I also love exotic textiles such as Indian saris and Japanese screens. I’m currently working on a range of kits which I think reflect these styles.”

Jane will soon be selling her own range of kits and designs on her own Janie Crow website. The projects will be for home interiors and include throws, cushions, and runners.

Jane was recently chosen as a columnist for The Knitter magazine, which is no mean feat for someone who is in awe of Erika Knight, despite being something of a star in her own right.

You can catch up with Jane’s latest ideas and inspirations in The Knitter every month. And if you enjoy the blogging world, you can catch up with Jane on a regular basis on her own blog which also features a free monthly pattern.