I learned to crochet in high school.

My English teacher would crochet while we took tests and on her breaks. One day I asked if she could teach me. I stayed after school for weeks and learned how to make a granny square. I remember making lots of granny squares but never joined them. I wonder what ever happened to those… I made blankets for baby showers and even made my niece and nephews christening outfits. I left the craft for a few years and when I needed extra income to pay for a European vacation, I returned to a world of YouTube and Ravelry that opened my eyes to all the changes in the yarn world. I decided to pick up my hooks again and even though that vacation is a wonderful memory, I haven’t put them down.

I wanted to make things I would wear, using bold colors and designs.

I’m not a designer so I follow patterns I find on Ravelry and Pinterest. I started a Instagram page and primarily sold to friends. In the fall of 2017, I signed up for my first craft fair featuring scarves, ear warmers and cup cozies in festive patterns. When I was offered the opportunity to sell at a spring fair, I looked for patterns outside of the typical accessories. I found a pattern for face scrubbies. Similar to the small cotton rounds you use and throw away, these are also made of 100% cotton. You can use them to cleanse your face, remove makeup or apply skincare, the best part is you don’t throw them away, you can wash and reuse them. At a time when people are looking to become more environmentally friendly, these reduce waste. It’s my #1 seller.

Back in high school, there were limited brands and even more limited colors.

The only places to buy yarn were Woolworth or Save-A-Thon. The only people I knew who were into yarn crafts were grandmas and and my English teacher. While there are still big box stores like Walmart, Joann, Michaels and Hobby Lobby that sell crafting supplies; now there are local yarn stores and indie yarn dyers taking the yarn world to the next level. I’ve connected with other yarn enthusiasts at events like the NYC Yarn Crawl, the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY and Vogue Knitting Live. I’ve gotten to meet lots of indie dyers and designers including several women of color. I’ve meet people I’ve followed on Instagram, which is akin to meeting a celebrity and connected with people who have become my yarn friends.

I’ve sold my work at craft shows in New York and New Jersey.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to vend at an event at the LinkedIn offices in the Empire State Building. Someone I had met at the local New Jersey craft show last year, reached out to me for the event because she liked the uniqueness of my crocheted items. The funny thing is I almost didn’t do that local show because it was cost prohibitive, but I took a chance. You never know what opportunities will come about if you’re willing to take a risk.

Not every craft show has been a win for me.

Sometimes there’s not enough promotion meaning less traffic or there are no customers interested in what I have. I did a show where most of the customers were men and I didn’t have many items they were interested in. Instead of looking at it as a bust, it was a learning opportunity to explore what I could offer to men at my next show.

During this time of quarantine and stay at home orders…

My crochet has been a source on normalcy. I have a pretty hefty stash of yarn, which has benefited me since all the craft stores were closed.

I love all things yarn related and recently learned to knit.

I may make and sell mostly accessories, but this is not your grandma’s crochet. I’m excited to see where my crafting journey will lead me next. I couldn’t imagine this when I was in high school. Even though there are lots of yarn crafters out there, life is not pie, there are enough slices for everyone. Keep going. #iAMaRewriter

Hooked!