
1. When did you start knitting (crocheting) and who taught you?
I am a self taught crocheter. My mom was not domestic or crafty at all, though she did teach me how to sew a seam. I started crocheting in 1971, while I was living in a tiny little houseboat in Amsterdam. I was a full-blown hippie and everyone was really into being crafty and creative. A friend had a weaving shop with the most gorgeous colors of yarn, and she gave me some. I started crocheting things for myself to wear -- with no background at all, I figured it must be easy!
2. When did you begin publishing your designs?
I was at my first CGOA meeting in 2003 and Jean Leinhauser was sitting next to me at a class. I had no idea she was one of the most prolific book producers in the field! She saw a cotton crochet top I was wearing and asked if it was my design - I said yes. She then asked if I wanted to earn some money for my designs - duh! At that conference, she and Rita Weiss bought 5 of my designs. These were all things I had made for myself.


3. What is your most favorite knitting (crocheting) technique?
I love all kinds of crochet. Tunisian, slip stitch, regular crochet, whatever - it's all beautiful, and each has its own look, feel, and drape.
4. When you are thinking about some new design, what inspires you the most? Is it different every time? Could you give us some examples on inspiration for some of your designs?
I get inspired by things I see people wearing on the chic streets of New York City. I live in a neighborhood with lots of boutiques and see inspirational pieces hanging in the store windows. I also look at runway shows at style.com, and buy fashion magazines to keep abreast of new trends.

5. What does your studio look like?
My studio is one room where I live, teach singing, and do all my designing. It's ridiculous! Every time a voice student comes, I have to tuck all my work away as best as possible (not very well!) so that the place is presentable. But hey, it's a cheap apartment in one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan, so what can I do?
6. What is your most favorite place to knit (crochet)?
On my comfortable couch (which is a futon that's also my bed), surrounded by stitch dictionaries, calculator, computer, ruler.

7. Do you spin your own yarn?
Haven't tried this yet, maybe some day.
8. Do you belong to a knitting group?
I belong to CGOA and the NY chapter of CGOA. Both great groups.
9. Are you in touch with other designers and how do you communicate with the knitters who knit your designs?
I talk to other designers all the time, by phone, email, etc. When people email me with questions about designs, I do my best to help. I love meeting other designers at trade shows, this is where we share all the inside gossip and get to commiserate about our lot in life as designers. That's how I met you, Faina, and so glad I did! Forming new relationships with other like-minded people is one of the real pleasures of this industry.
10. Where can we see your published designs?


11. Do you teach classes? If yes, where do you teach?
I have taught at CGOA conference and plan to do so again, and I teach online classes as well. I'll be offering some on line garment-making and designing classes soon: check crochetinsider.com on the Classes page.
12. What would you like to tell knitters who are timid and do not believe they are skillful enough to knit some of your designs?
I'm here to help, don't hesitate to ask questions. If you need to upgrade your skills, take advantage of my online classes, ask at your LYS, or come to a CGOA conference.
13. What are your plans in the near future?
Last summer I traveled to the Balkans, mainly to see what I could find of Old World crochet, and discovered a world that I'd known little about. I was re-bitten by the travel bug, and now that crochet is my focus, it's a way of connecting with women and textile people all over the world. This summer I am planning a trip to Central Asia, where the people of the Pamir region make the most amazing slip stitch socks. The women raise their own sheep, then spin and dye the yarn, and the socks resemble Oriental rugs. I think it's going to be quite an adventure!
14. Can you share with us some of your latest designs?
I'm working on a gorgeous shawl pattern for Inside Crochet out of Malabrigo silk/wool, articles for Interweave Crochet about slip stitching, and a design using that technique too. Also working on smaller projects like hats, neck warmers etc. for self-publishing.

FG: This is Dora's latest design from Interweave Crochet. It is called Kristy Cardigan

15. Would you like to add anything about yourself?
It's been lovely to have this whole new chapter in my life after having been a touring musician. I love having both things going on in my life now: teaching is very social, designing very private. I am passionate about crochet, and want to be a force for upgrading its image and helping people build skills. That's why I started CrochetInsider.com. The site has articles by many different contributors on crochet history and technique, and interviews of designers, fiber artists, and editors.

FG: Wow, Dora! Thank you very much for letting us into your world. How fascinating! I want to crochet more after reading your inspiring story and looking at your gorgeous designs. We all want to see more of your future designs! Thank you for stopping by and see you in NY and at TNNA meetings.
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