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Today, I’m thrilled to share an interview with Tammy Hildebrand as part of the blog tour for her latest book, Crochet Wraps Every Which Way: 18 Original Patterns in 6 Techniques
Tammy is a crochet designer, author, and teacher, as well as the current Vice President of the Crochet Guild of America. Her three previous booklets, Wheelchair Afghans & Bags
Tammy is sometimes known as Hot Lava Crochet – hmm, I wonder why? 😉 – and you can find her online on her Facebook page, blog, on Ravelry (as Tammystreasures or on her designer page), on Pinterest, on Twitter, and on Craftsy. You can also learn more from this recent interview with her on the Red Heart blog. Updated to add: You can find my review of Tammy’s new book on the CGOA blog here.
All project pictures are from Crochet Wraps Every Which Way, are copyright of Stackpole Books, and are used with permission. You can find pictures of all 18 patterns here in the Stackpole lookbook.
Interview
Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first get started crocheting?
Tammy: My second grade teacher offered to teach crochet to anyone in our class that wished to stay after school. I was the only one that stayed! My first project was a floppy, purple hat that we worked on together sitting at her big wooden desk.
UC: What inspired you to start designing?
Tammy: We moved to North Carolina from Niagara Falls when my kids were babies. I saw an ad in the newspaper for crocheters and thought it would be a great way to make a little money while I stayed home with my girls. After a couple weeks a light bulb went off and I thought “Wow! I could do this!” and so I started designing myself.
UC: You’ve held a variety of positions in the Crochet Guild of America. Can you talk about why you become involved with CGOA, and share any advice for professional crocheters who are interested in becoming more involved?
Tammy: I have served as the mentor coordinator, the professional development chairperson and I currently serve as the vice president. Initially I became involved because I wanted to give back to CGOA after how beneficial the organization had been for me but with each new opportunity, I find myself learning and receiving even more. To anyone that wishes to be involved, contact me or anyone of our board of directors and let us know. Each person has wonderful talents and strengths which are such a huge asset when we all work together as a team.
UC: Tell me about the development process for Crochet Wraps Every Which Way. How was it similar or different from the process of developing your previous booklets?
Tammy: I’m not much of a planner so in typical fashion, I learn as I go and tackle obstacles as they present themselves. The photography was done by a local photographer so it was my first time participating in the styling and photo shoots. That was a lot of fun!
UC: What are your favorite crochet books in your collection (besides yours, of course)?
Tammy: My Harmony Guides as well as a Japanese stitch dictionary are always on my desk and I refer to them all the time.
UC: What’s next for you?
Tammy: I am scheduled to teach my first two classes at Crochetville‘s 10th anniversary retreat in February. The details are here. (UC comment: If you can get to Huntsville, Alabama in February, this looks like a great event!)
Tammy, thanks so much for stopping by for the interview. We wish you the best for the rest of the blog tour!
Giveaway
Are you ready to win your copy of Crochet Wraps Every Which Way