Meet Tammy Hildebrand, author of “Crochet Wraps Every Which Way”!

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!