You can find Lee Sartori researching pop music stars to create original amigurumi crochet patterns or gathering yarns to design a new crochet sweater. All with instructions detailed enough for beginners, but designs that provide a challenge for experienced crocheters.
Why crochet? How did you get started?
I began crocheting about 17 years ago when my son, Noel, was born! I was in University for Visual Arts, and with a new baby I decided to try a crochet class at a local shop. I loved it pretty much immediately.
When did you first realize you are a creative person?
I think I have always been a creative person! I used to love getting the special edition Crayola briefcase full of crayons for Christmas every year with all of the fun colours. Art has always been a part of my life.
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Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
I like to make things that I would use or wear! I love bold colours and fun styles. And for amigurumi, I love making them as realistic as possible.
Tell us more about your newest books, Unofficial Harry Styles Crochet and Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet. What can readers expect?
Sure! Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet was released earlier this year and it is absolutely beautiful. The art is amazing, and the designs are so fun! There is a wide variety of projects and skill levels inside for beginner crocheters to more experienced crocheters.
Unofficial Harry Styles Crochet is the ‘sibling’ to UTSC. It is very whimsical and filled with the most adorable projects! Everything is an ode to the artist and his songs, and I can’t wait for everyone to find a project that speaks to them inside the book.
Describe your creative space.
My creative space is honestly wherever I end up for a certain project. I tend to move around my home to different spots for different projects, kind of like a fresh start?
Sometimes it will be a certain armchair that I camp in with all of my supplies around me until I finish, and then I will move the couch, or to my office upstairs. I am a nomadic crafter in my own home.
What’s your favorite storage tip for your yarns and other crochet supplies?
I am the very lucky owner of a CreateRoom Dreambox! It’s a huge storage cabinet on wheels that opens to an amazing storage system with all sorts of shelves and compartments. I keep most of my supplies in there unless I am actively working on something.
Do you use a sketchbook, journal, or technology to plan or keep track of ideas? How does that help your work develop?
I usually use technology! I am a big fan of Trello, it’s an organizational app that lets you pin pictures and links, along with due dates, etc. It’s really great for keeping track of things!
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I am always working on several different projects at the same time! I try not to but it ends up happening anyway. I do like being busy, though, so it is really fun for me!
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
I usually begin something with an idea of what colours I want to use and go from there! Sometimes it involves drawing a mock up of the design ahead of time. For certain amigurumi, if I am trying to recreate a character or person, it involves a lot of reference photos.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
My favourite part of the design process is seeing everything come together in the end! I love when an idea becomes a physical object.
Is there an overarching theme that connects all of your work?
Hmm, that’s a tough question! I think maybe the overarching theme in my work is trying to create patterns that other crocheters will enjoy? It’s a difficult balance between making them easy enough for new crocheters but challenging enough for people who have been crocheting for some time. I love the challenge!
How has your creativity evolved over the years? What triggered the evolution to new media/kinds of work/ways of working?
Something that I am proud of is that my work has improved with every new project. I learn new techniques, new ways of making things, and streamline my style. It’s really fun!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I think the best piece of advice is to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. If being a crocheter is something that you want to do, there are hurdles but there are also some amazing benefits to enjoy!
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
It’s actually the work that keeps me interested! I am so lucky to have some incredible opportunities to create new projects with some wonderful teams. Every new project is a new challenge and a new chance to have fun!
Where can people see your work and learn more about you?
You can find me on social media at CoCo Crochet Lee! I also have a website with free patterns at www.cococrochetlee.com. It would be such a pleasure if people were to check out my Amazon Author page and see what new books are coming out, they are all pretty amazing!
Interview posted April 2025
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