Saturday Spotlight | Introducing Knit and CroSHAY

Hey guys!! I know you all are like where is GG!? The next post will explain, I promise. In the meantime…Vogue Knitting happen. I had reached out to the wonderful maker to see if I could shine my spotlight on her? Guess who I got to actually meet!? YUP, I sure did! I am super excited about this Saturday Spotlight

So grab your favorite beverage and lets learn more about Shay!

Tell me your story. What is your name? Where do you make from? 

My name is Shay Johnson (aka Knit and CroShay), and I am a knit and crochet designer based in DC. By day, I am an attorney-at-law.

Hi Shay!! It was so nice to meet and share a meal with you! So tell me what is your craft of choice? Do you knit, crochet or both? Who taught you and how long have you been creating?

 I knit and crochet. My aunt taught me how to crochet when I was about 7 or 8, and I stuck with it until middle school, when I focused more on my extracurricular activities. Throughout college and law school, I would crochet off and on, mostly to make gifts for friends (and also my then-boyfriend, current hudband). Last year, in late January of 2018, my dear friend took me to a local yarn store here in DC called Looped, which was the first local yarn store experience I have ever had. I was instantly drawn to all of the indie-dyed yarn, and was immediately hooked (pun intended). I started teaching myself to knit from YouTube videos in February of last year (2018), and started my Instagram account and website shortly thereafter. 

I know all about that first visit to a yarn shop, trust me I do! Now, I noticed in your Instagram profile you are a designer. How did that come about? How is that going? 

After teaching myself to knit last year, I then ventured into design last year in the spring and summer (also self-taught and lots of trial and error). I finally gained the confidence to test and release the As If Tee, which is my first paid design on Ravelry, and I cannot wait to release more! My most recent pattern is the Intersect Cowl, which is a free pattern on Ravelry. I’m truly enjoying designing knitwear because it allows me to exercise a creative part of my brain that I do not get to use in the same way during my legal work, and it lets me design clothes that I want to wear! 

I know all about that As If Tee!! The first time I saw it was on Kristy Glass!! and that was your first?? You Go!! Do you have a storefront/studio?

Not yet.

What is your best selling item ?

The As If Tee (available on Ravelry) is my most popular and best selling item.

I know you have since moved into your new home, congratulations! so I know some sort of work space will happen. What advice would you give someone looking to start a business in this field? 

My best advice that I could give would be to create without restraint, be confident in yourself, and do not measure your success and progress against that of someone else. Also – read, read, read! I love reading books, and own so many on different topics, ranging from law to business to knitting. I am a constant student, which allows me to grow as both a businesswoman and designer.

That’s great advice!! Shay, thank you for allowing me to shine my spotlight on you. So my final question is this, where can my readers find you in this cyber world?

I am most active on Instagram at @knitandcroshay, and I also have a website, www.knitandcroshay.com. My Ravelry account can be found if you search for Knit and CroShay or Shay Johnson.

Isn’t she awesome? I have a few Saturday Spotlights lined up, so stay tuned. As always Knit on my fiber friends….knit on

GG