Mona of La Serena Tejera

Mona is a knitter, crocheter, and artist who creates some of the most unbelievably cute knitting notions and stickers. Her adorable products can be found on her website La Serena Tejera. Her bright-colored notions make me smile whenever I see updates on Instagram. Read my interview with Mona to learn more about her tenacity, her gorgeous granny square blankets, and her great attitude towards frogging.

[Pattern above image: Ripple Crop Top by Jessie Maed Designs.]

What inspired you to start knitting or crocheting?

My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was a child. I was always mesmerized by how fast the yarn and her crochet hook would move through her hands. And the items she would make were just as magical, from the baby blanket for a cousin’s newborn baby to the fruit-themed potholders and dish towels for her kitchen, all were cozy, useful, and fun. I try to imbue those qualities of functionality and fun into my own art, as well.

Has knitting or crocheting got you through a difficult time in your life? If so, how did it help?

Being the first in my family to attend college away from home was a huge challenge. My parents wanted me to commute to a local state college like my cousins instead of moving away from home and attending a university. No one in my immediate tight-knit family had ever moved out of their parents houses to pursue an education or job opportunity. As a woman and only child of my parents, it was expected in my family for me to stay home with them until I married. I chose a life path that was different when I decided to leave home, live on campus, and pursue a higher education. My family was not exactly happy and decided to shut me out from all family events and communication. Was I sad? Yes. Was I mad? Yes. Was I defeated? No.

Instead, as an undergraduate student, I went to a local craft store, Michaels, and bought some yarn and a crochet hook. Sitting in my dorm room on Sundays when it seemed that everyone of my friends were with their families having dinner, good times, and laughs, I sat in my dorm room and later apartment and crocheted and I remembered. I recalled my grandmother teaching me to crochet when I was a young girl. I recalled her sage advice. And I crocheted my way to a Bachelor’s Degree in English from UCLA.

What keeps you obsessed?

All the beautiful new patterns I see on Ravelry and the yarn. From the indie-dyed skeins to the new varieties available at local craft stores. The quality of fiber has really evolved and it’s exciting to witness how the craft of knitting and crocheting is truly accessible to all peoples, no matter their individual budget or skill level.

What’s your favorite project that you’re working on right now?

My favorite project is a cowl designed by Jennifer Berg of Native Knitter that I am working on with a skein of indie-dyed yarn and a cashmere-like variety from a local craft store. I love mixing up expensive indie-dyed yarn with a more affordable machine-made yarn and seeing how together they enhance the piece I’m making. I believe, that yarn like people, no matter how different they may appear, can get along and co-exist. I also dig those pan dulce stitch markers keeping my color work stitches in order.

What project are you most proud of? Why?

I am most proud of the granny square blankets I have made. They are colorful. They are warm. They remind me of the wonderful woman, my grandmother, who in teaching me to crochet when I was a girl, gave me a lifelong connection to the family that is always in my heart, if not in my life.

What’s the best knitting or crochet advice you have received?

Frogging is not a reflection of your worth, your ability, or your destination as a fiber artist.

Do you have a favorite notion that you’ve created?

Yes! The “Caritas Lindas” stitchmarker set. I made these on one day I came home from work, sat down to have lunch, turned on the television and saw the news of how the current administration was treating little innocent children and their parents on the border, who were seeking safe harbor. I thought to myself, “These are just little children. Look at their scared little faces? How can anyone feel loathing and utter disregard for those caritas lindas?” As an artist I try to make sense of what I am experiencing in today’s world through my art. Whether that be a poem, a short story, a drawing, a knit sweater, a crochet blanket or a hand-sculpted set of stitch markers, whose brown caritas lindas or beautiful faces with colorful blooms speaks love, acceptance, and understanding.