People usually ask me how I discovered my passion for crocheting and then comment that it is a "lost" art. When I was in the 5th grade, a classmate, Pamela, taught me how to crochet scarves using basic stitches. While kids were playing during recess, we crocheted scarf after scarf after scarf--lol!
Many years later during my college years, I noticed my senior neighbor--Alma--crocheting beautiful things, and she, unselfishly, offered to teach me how to read crochet patterns. At least three evenings a week, I sat under her tutelage. I was excited, mesmerized, amazed, astonished and completely fascinated they there were actually patterns that could teach me how to crochet absolutely anything--that is, if I could "read" the pattern. Oh, how I remember Alma patiently explaining step by step all of the symbols, notations, and abbreviations. She never tired of my questions and if I made a mistake, she made me pull out all of my work and begin again (I really hated watching all of my work disappear before my very eyes.). By the time I started crocheting clothing for women, Alma had passed on. I still keep in touch with her daughter who says Alma would be so proud of my work. I have adopted Alma's standard for high-quality work and now chuckle if I pull out my work.
How do I decide what to crochet? There is so much yarn and so little time! I am very particular about the patterns I consider: Is the pattern well-written? Is the garment worked in one piece? Is it seamless? Is sewing required? Which yarns could be used from my inventory? Which size will I crochet first? Should I feature this clothing in my fall, winter, spring or summer collection? Some of my favorite designers are Doris Chan, Kristen Stoltzfus and Candi Jensen whose patterns are stylish and ageless. I then estimate how many hours it will take to complete the garment and set a goal accordingly. Using this technique, I can add new pieces for the various seasons. For example, in June I will start crocheting winter clothing from patterns chosen in April. I work with many different yarns: wool, cotton, acrylic, alpaca, nylon, silk and blends of the same. I even have a friend who brings yarn from Peru for me.
Every month I meet with expert crocheters, crafters and designers to learn about the latest trends and hone my skills by learning new stitches, tips, and techniques. It is quite challenging to find venues to showcase my work but I show at various events throughout the Bay Area.
Overall, I am passionate about creating garments that accent a woman's beauty and capture a girl's attention.
