At SkinnyBuddha, we love showcasing talented artists, especially those whose work is as bold, unique, and full of heart as Pilot the Fiber Artist’s crochet designs. A close friend of our brand, Pilot has been turning heads with her one-of-a-kind hats, bags, and accessories. We recently sat down with her to chat about her creative journey, inspirations, and how she’s built a business around her crochet craft. Here’s a peek into our conversation!
How It All Started
Pilot has always been a dreamer when it comes to fashion. As a young girl, she envisioned designing clothes for herself, especially after a growth spurt left her struggling to find clothes that fit her tall frame. Although she was an athlete at the time, her mom encouraged her to explore her creative side, even offering to teach her how to sew. But, true to her nature, Pilot was more inclined to grab a ball and run outside to play sports.
Fast forward to 2019, when she enrolled in fashion school, eager to finally bring her lifelong dream to life. But as we all know, 2020 had different plans. However, as the world around her shifted, Pilot was drawn to crochet. "I kept saying I wanted to start crocheting, especially when I saw it gaining popularity as a creative outlet for so many people," she says. After her mom bought her a crochet kit, things quickly took off, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Turning Passion into Business
With her entrepreneurial spirit already in full swing (she’s also involved in coaching movement, tie-dying clothing, and upcycling thrift finds), turning her crochet hobby into a business was a natural next step. "I had people around me reminding me that I have a real talent for hooking," she says, laughing. Her friends, family, and community supported her, and soon enough, her creations became more than just a hobby—they became a brand.
A Funky, Fun Style
If you’ve seen Pilot’s work, you know it’s anything but ordinary. Her designs are vibrant, eclectic, and full of personality. So, where does she get all that inspiration from? "I get my inspiration from everything," she says. "It could be childhood nostalgia, current trends, or a mental picture of an outfit I have in my head."
Her designs are often influenced by the different "characters" or personas she envisions while creating—like the businesswoman or the heavy metal enthusiast she once encountered working at Forever 21. "Each part of the store had its own vibe, and I’d imagine these different women in the clothes I was making."
Her style is playful, bold, and undeniably sexy. "Fun + sexy with motion and boldness" is how she sums it up in a few words. And it’s clear from her creations that she embodies that description fully.
What Sets Her Apart
What makes Pilot’s crochet work stand out? "I see colors in a different light than most," she explains. "I put MY HEART into each piece. They’re like my little babies." Each design is a labor of love, carefully crafted to not only look good but to evoke emotion and tell a story.
The Role of Fashion in Her Life
When it comes to fashion, Pilot describes her personal style as "sensational, cute, sexy, but a different kind of sexy." And that vibe flows directly into her creations. "My wardrobe absolutely influences my designs," she says, noting that her mood and the emotional energy she gets from colors play a big role in her creative process.
The Most Important Materials
For Pilot, the key materials in her crochet designs are simple but essential: "My hook, yarn, and intellect!" She chooses her materials based on the vision she has for each piece, working from patterns on YouTube or bouncing ideas off her mom, who also crochets. "It’s usually the same materials: whatever yarn I need, my hook at whatever size I want the project to be, and my creative intellect to make the vision come to life."
Crochet as Self-Expression
Crocheting isn’t just a craft for Pilot—it’s a form of self-expression. "It gives me a dopamine hit every time," she laughs. "I might have an addiction to it!" And her creative process is undeniably therapeutic. With each piece, she pours a part of herself into her work, using the craft to explore new ideas, emotions, and visions.
Music, Colors, and Synesthesia
One of the most unique aspects of Pilot’s creative process is her experience with synesthesia, which allows her to "see" colors and shapes while listening to music. "When I listen to music, I can see colors and shapes, and when I look at colors, I can hear songs or sounds," she explains. Depending on the piece she’s working on, the music she listens to—whether it’s Erykah Badu, Doechii, jazz, or some of her favorite DJs—will guide the colors and tempo of her crochet designs.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any creative process, Pilot’s journey isn’t without its challenges. "I get overly confident sometimes, and I don’t always follow directions carefully," she admits. "But that’s part of the learning process. Each mistake is an opportunity to grow, and I’ve learned to slow down and pay attention to the details."
Balancing It All
Running a creative business while balancing other parts of life isn’t easy, but Pilot makes it work. "I take yarn and hooks with me everywhere I go. We all have 24 hours in a day; it’s about how you use it," she says. Whether it’s crocheting in her car or during moments of downtime, Pilot stays committed to her craft while juggling her other entrepreneurial ventures.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Pilot’s advice for anyone looking to follow in her creative footsteps? "Be patient with yourself. Enjoy every moment of learning something new, and start with what excites you the most." It’s a reminder that passion and persistence are key to any creative journey.
Styling Pilot’s Pieces for Everyday Looks
For those new to Pilot’s work, she recommends her pieces as "pivotal"—perfect for any occasion. "From athletic wear to dressing up for a date or going to the movies, these pieces can go with you anywhere," she says. "Crochet makes it last. Wear them any way you want—go crazy!"
At SkinnyBuddha, we’re proud to support Pilot and her creative vision. Whether you’re adding her vibrant hats and bags to your collection or simply following her journey, it’s clear that Pilot’s passion for crochet is here to stay. Stay tuned for more from this incredibly talented artist!
