Tammy Hildebrand is an extremely well known crochet designer and author, as well as the Vice President of the Crochet Guild of American (CGOA). I've been admiring her patterns ever since I started crocheting, and I'm so excited to have gotten to interview her today! Tomorrow I'll be reviewing her latest book, Crochet Wraps Every Which Way - and doing a giveaway where you can win your own copy! - but first, read what the lovely Tammy has to say about her new book, designing, and more!
I was thrilled when I got a talk to you about your new book, Crochet Wraps Every Which Way - your name is one I've definitely come to associate with big time crochet over the years! I read in the intro that you've been crocheting for 40 years, and designing for 17 - what made you decide to become a professional designer?
My family moved from Niagara Falls to North Carolina almost 19 years ago. My daughters were 2 years old and 6 weeks old and I was a stay at home mom. One day I saw an ad in our local newspaper for contract crocheters. After stitching a couple projects for this designer, it didn't take long for me to realize that I could do that and the rest is history! I've been designing ever since.
After so many years designing, how do you stay creative? Do you ever worry you might run out of ideas?
Even if I live to be 200 years old I will never be able to finish all the ideas I have! It is my true gift from God and the ideas just keep coming all the time!
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
I really can't come up with an answer to this question. I am inspired by everything! I see a crochet version when I look at bathroom tiles or leaves or maybe the colors in a billboard. There is inspiration all around. As far as who my inspiration is, there are many artists whose work impresses me but I don't want to name a few and accidentally forget others.
What is your favorite project that you've worked on or designed to date? Why?
I really don't think I can nail it down to just one project. I have made so many things and many of them I have really loved making. My favorite is always something lacy, preferably in motifs and afghans are my very favorite!
What are the best and worst parts of working in a creative profession?
The best part of working in a creative profession are all the obvious reasons - it is fun, I can work in my pajamas, I can take my work with me wherever I go, and I'm always doing what I love. Now sizing and pattern writing, not my favorite!
What sets Crochet Wraps Every Which Way apart from other crochet books on the market?
My book will never lose it's relevance because it is technique based. Once you have learned the techniques, not only can you make the projects in the book but you can take what you learn and apply it to so many other projects.
In Crochet Wraps Every Which Way, you cover 6 different techniques - which is your favorite? Which do you think is the most challenging?
Again, lacy motifs using a join-as-you-go method of assembly are always my favorite. I think the most challenging was probably the broomstick lace worked in the round. It can be a little bit awkward finding the best way to hold the tools and the yarn.
What advice would you give to other designers who are interested in writing a pattern book?
One of the most valuable resources for aspiring professionals is membership in the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). The guild offers many opportunities for education and networking as well as a mentoring program at no additional charge. You are placed with an established professional for 2 years to help you grow and show you the ropes.
Thank you so much to Tammy Hildebrand for the great interview - such an inspiration! You can purchase your own copy of Crochet Wraps Every Which Way via my Amazon affiliate link: just click HERE!
And get ready for more fun this week Tammy Hildebrand and her publisher Stackpole Books, including my own review of Crochet Wraps Every Which Way, and a giveaway for Moogly readers! Get Moogly on your favorite social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, G+, Pinterest and Tumblr, and sign up for the Newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
Clotilde/Craftybegonia
It's great to "meet" her! I have sold her book on my online store through my Amazon affiliate! What a coincidence that you are featuring precisely that particular book.
Tamara Kelly
😀 I like it a lot, and it was such an honor to interview her!
Cindy Broecker
It is nice to read about designers and their backgrounds.. Articles like yours gives so much insight into how visions become designs. Great article! Thank you
Anne duke
Hello ,
I have a question about a pattern in the October issue of ANNIE'S ALL Season Throws to Crochet. It is You're getting sleepy Afghan. In round 7 :*[ 2 dc in next st,dc in each of next st ] Dc crochet in each of next st does not make sense to me. In the other rounds it tells you how many of the next stitches to dc crochet in .I love this pattern and I would like to make it for my son.
Thank You
Tamara Kelly
Hi Anne!
I'm afraid Tammy isn't likely to see this. I would recommend contacting her through her Ravelry page: http://www.ravelry.com/people/Tammystreasures
Belinda Templeton
Hi Tammy. Please can you confirm on red heart pattern LW5769, when you do row 11 on the circle, your pattern says there should be 40 ch 1 space. I always get 32. Row 10 is correct as per your pattern. Can I carry on as per the rest of your pattern
Tamara Kelly
Hi Belinda! I'm not sure Tammy will see this comment - I would recommend contacting her directly. Her Ravelry page is https://www.ravelry.com/people/Tammystreasures and you can send a message through there, or there are also links to her Facebook and Twitter there. 🙂