A behind the scenes look at Hooked In Yarn

I recently had the opportunity to ask, Shelly, owner of Hooked in Yarn a few questions!  What a delightful, and engaging interview.  I hope you enjoy the behind the scenes look at Hooked In Yarn.....

When did you start crocheting? 
I started crocheting around age 4.  My Grandma was a firm believer in
girls being raised to be proper women.  I learned also to sew, knit,
and embroidery over the years, but I've always stuck with crochet.

Who inspires you? 

Even though she's been gone many years now, my Grandma is still one of
my biggest inspirations.  She also taught me that family, and being
happy were the most important things in the world. She did such
beautiful work and taught me that there was nothing wrong with
changing things until they were perfect for you.  I know I am a bit of
a perfectionist at times, but I'm always proud to put out items that
make me 200% happy!  I think this craft if about making yourself happy
in what you're doing, a true love of it is necessary!  Also all the
wonderful women I've met on Facebook since I made my love of crochet
public (that sounds strange, but people tend to give young women weird
looks when you tell them you love something like crochet!).  They have
pushed me to succeed, encouraged me, and made me feel positive in
times I've not felt it in myself!  And that applies to so much more
than just the art, you're all truly like a second family!

Your blankets and purses are amazing, why blankets? 

I'm not sure why blankets are my thing, but I made my first one at age
7.  Prior to that it was tons of clothes for my barbies!  I had some
of the craziest dressed barbies as a little girl, I'm quite sure.
There is something about making a blanket that someone can cuddle up
in, and get comfort from that really makes me happy.  On top of having
all that space in one project to go crazy with my color choices!
Purses have become a recent passion, and I'm surprised at how much I
love them.  They can be so versatile though, and each one so
completely different.  I think that's the biggest appeal for me in any
project I do, I don't like to do repeats.

When did you decide to start selling your completed projects?

I don't know that I ever fully decided that I was going to sell my
projects.  It started with blankets and hats for friends and family,
and then there was a lot of push from them that I should start a
facebook page.  Thanks to many wonderful and insightful friends I've
met along the way (especially our own wonderful Valorie!!), things
have just evolved in that direction.  I'm very thankful to be able to
do something I love, share it with others, and help a little with my
family budget while I get to stay home with my little man!

You recently began writing and selling crochet patterns, what made you decide to get into designing?

The designing part is not new for me.  The writing down my designs for another to use is what is new.  I was asked over and over on a daily basis, "How did you make that?"  Almost every item I made that wasn't from a pattern I was asked this same question.   

I always had the same answer, "I just came up with the design in my head and made it."  The answer was rarely received in a positive manner.  I just didn't know what else to say.  So, I wrote one of the patterns out, and it was so well received, I just kept writing them down.  I doubt I will run out of pattern ideas for quite some time, as I have so much already done that just isn't written out.

So, are you enjoying writing patterns?

I wasn't sure if it was something I wanted to do, but yes.  I love the creativity of it.  What is really exciting is seeing what others make from my patterns.  

Besides crochet, what makes you happy?

Besides crochet, family is definitely what makes me happiest.  I have
been married to the most amazing man since July 2008, and   things
have been fabulous since!  In February of 2009 we completed our family
with the sweetest little boy!  Nothing makes me happier than spending
time with them, and extended family when we get the chance.  Life is
all about the people we put in it, right?