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Crochet for Baby All Year by Tammy Hildebrand / Interview & Giveaway

7/30/2014

31 Comments

 
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Greetings Friends!

I'm so glad you're here! Today I have a special treat: a Q & A session with a legend in the crochet and fiber community - Tammy Hildebrand! I know - I know it's very exciting!! Tammy is tremendously talented and her vibrant personality shines through in everything that she does - and she is one busy lady! Earlier this year I had the opportunity to review another book of her designs, Crochet Wraps: Every Which Way.  It was one of my most popular giveaways ever!  With her latest book she has created designs for babies.  Inspired by her granddaughter this collection for girls and boys has adorable outfits for every occasion. If you love crocheting for the wee ones you need to check out this book!  

I've never done an author interview, and I wasn't sure what to ask.  A few rough drafts later I came up with these questions.  Tammy promptly and graciously found time in her busy schedule to share her insightful and sincere answers. Without further ado - here's what she had to say:
Tell us about learning to crochet.  How old were you and who taught you?  Have you been at it ever since?

I learned to crochet from my second grade teacher, Mrs. Crooks. She put out an invitation to the whole class that anyone interested in learning to crochet could stay after school. I was the only one that stayed. I can clearly remember sitting at her big wooden desk working on a floppy, purple "hippie" hat which I still have somewhere. After I first became published, I hunted down Mrs. Crooks to thank her. We are now friends on Facebook and she is one of my biggest fans! I crocheted a little all through the years and really stepped it up when I was pregnant with my first child 23 years ago. About 2 years later I became a contract crocheter. After doing that for about 2 months, I realized I could design professionally myself and I have been ever since.

How did you make the transition from following a pattern to creating your own design and writing your own patterns? What is the first thing you designed?

I have never really worked from patterns much. I've always liked doing my own thing. That is pretty much everything in my life, not just crochet. My very first published design was a little granny square soap on a rope published by Crochet World. I don't remember what my first actual design was as I was always making up something.

You have 5 published books (3 in 2004!). Once you decide on a collection what inspires your pattern ideas?

I find inspiration in absolutely everything I look at. It can be the world around me - trees, flowers, cars driving down the road, whatever! I see design ideas in tiles, wallpaper, curtains, just everything I look at I interpret in crochet. It is truly my gift from God and it comes very easy to me. It is what I was meant to do.

How long does it take for you to put together a new pattern - from the vision to something someone else can make?

Obviously, every design is going to be a bit different but typically it is a pretty quick process or I lose interest. I have a few works in progress laying around that I know I might just as well throw away since I won't usually revisit them once I've been distracted by something else.

The new book is for babies, but it looks like most of your previous patterns are for big people.  Do you have a preference on what and who you design for?

Absolutely big people! Ha! The baby book was completely a labor of love inspired by my granddaughter Willow. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it but my comfort zone is in ladies garments and afghans.

What is your favorite pattern in the new collection and why?

I really like the September cheerleader and football player. My models were so cute wearing them and my dad was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He would have love this!

What advice do you have for a crochet (or knit) enthusiast looking to make the transition to designer?

Experiment, explore, read, take classes, learn absolutely everything you can about techniques, stitches, pattern writing, sizing, etc. Step way out of your comfort zone to find growth. CGOA (the Crochet Guild of America) has a wonderful 2 year mentoring program which is free of charge with guild membership. You must already be working in a professional capacity (be designing, have a website or blog, etc.). You will be placed with an established professional member to help you learn the ropes.

You've accomplished so much! You've published books and patterns in numerous magazine, you are present on Ravelry, FaceBook and other social media, plus you are currently the vice-president of the CGOA - WOW! Congratulations! What do you have in store for 2015?

I am not much of a planner and like to just go with the flow so your guess is as good as mine for what's in store next year!

And one last question. What do you do for fun when you're not crocheting?

Right at the moment my husband and I are restoring a 100-year old home. I have learned to plaster, sand, paint, strip and I have discovered that I absolutely love doing this! I also enjoy brick carving, painting, gardening and anything crafty. My other latest love is Zumba! I took my first class about 3 months ago and I am totally addicted! I aim to go 5 days a week when my schedule permits.

Thank you so much Tammy for sharing your insight, advice and passion! Good Luck with the new book - and all your adventures! 
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It's Giveaway Time!

Enter now for your chance to win this terrific prize package.
A copy of Crochet for Baby All Year, handcrafted stitch markers from Nirvana Designs,
a US size J crochet hook, a pair of stork scissors - and a little extra surprise gift!

The contest is open to everyone - (hooray international visitors!)

Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I hope that you enjoyed the Q & A with Tammy as much as I did. If you'd like to learn more about Tammy and her many activities here are a few links:
On Facebook visit Hot Lava Crochet. On Ravelry check out her designs at Tammystreasures. To keep up on the latest in the world of professional crochet visit the CGOA.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. 
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!
31 Comments
Bailey link
7/30/2014 05:59:57 am

I had a chance to participate in the Crochetville Chat with her. What a generous lady. What a great contest.

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trish link
8/4/2014 02:58:30 am

I learned to crochet wen i was little by watching my mum ,hadnt done it for a while was knitting instead but now iv rediscovered crochet i cant put my needle down lol im even dreaming about it .

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Susan Butler
7/30/2014 06:13:25 am

Great information about a very interesting lady. I learned to crochet about 1-1/2 ago as therapy for a severed nerve in my arm. It's done wonders for me.

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Jane
7/30/2014 11:06:27 am

Great interview and giveaway!

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Ann Le Roy
7/30/2014 11:07:34 am

I enjoyed reading your blog, looks like a very nice give a way. I wonder what the surprise gift is. I want to crochet but have to make dinner instead.

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Donna Haggerty
7/30/2014 11:39:30 am

Love making baby things and this book looks great!

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Sonya Blackstone link
7/30/2014 11:45:26 am

Awesome giveaway, thanks for the chance to win! Great blog too! And Etsy shop!

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Beth Hulevitch
7/30/2014 12:07:44 pm

Every day we learn something new and when it deals with crocheting, it is worth twice as much in my opinion!! Thank you for your blog and interview!!

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Melisa
7/31/2014 02:47:35 am

What a wonderful interview! For your first one I thought your questions were insightful; thank you! Can't wait to see who wins this marvelous package :)

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Daile Rois link
7/31/2014 04:46:48 am

I'm hoping to have a new grandchild within the year so this book would be timely! First time I've commented on your blog, but I read it regularly. Thank you for writing and sharing it!

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Debra link
7/31/2014 04:47:49 am

Love the stitch markers.

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Leeanne
7/31/2014 04:54:07 am

Awesome thanks

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Aurelia Vie link
7/31/2014 04:57:11 am

Thank you for the opportunity!!! :D

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Ranjitha link
7/31/2014 05:01:37 am

Lot of useful info in the interview. and an awesome giveaway!! Perfect gifts for any crocheter. ;-)
Good luck to everyone!!
-Ranjitha

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Sandra Caudle
7/31/2014 05:12:19 am

Love this!!!!

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Mary Dunphy-Williams
7/31/2014 05:13:29 am

What a great interview and awesome giveaway! I love Tammy and now I feel like I know her a little outside of our mutual love for crochet! Thank you!

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Kathy
7/31/2014 05:14:21 am

Kool!

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Lisa Rushing
7/31/2014 05:32:16 am

Love your blog. Thanks for having such a great giveaway, and you are right, one can never have to much crochet tools. :)

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Tracey Wescott
7/31/2014 02:03:17 pm

Love the dress that looks like a cheerleader.

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Sara Silva link
8/1/2014 05:51:14 am

Thank you for this giveaway and for the awesome interview! It's fun to read up on your favorite designers!

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Candice Taylor
8/1/2014 06:49:37 pm

Great giveaway! Thank you!

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Candice Taylor
8/2/2014 04:36:46 am

Great giveaway! Thanks.

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Michelle Noble link
8/4/2014 08:14:08 am

Generous giveaway! Love the interview. I like getting to know the author's behind the books.

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Danielle Humes link
8/5/2014 02:36:55 am

I've been crocheting since I was 8 years old...I'm now 29! Started with thread making and starching snowflakes and various doilies! Love this craft and now working on passing my skills to my 4 year old daughter! Thank you for this opportunity!

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Mary Ann
8/5/2014 02:13:01 pm

Wonderful giveaway! I sure would love to win! I have 3 new great grandbabies, 3 other great grandbabies, and 15 grandchildren! Sure would get put to good use!

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Jacintha
8/5/2014 02:23:24 pm

Thank you for the giveaway. My daughter just had her first baby girl. She will be her only child due to my daughter having a kidney disease. I am almost finished working on a baby blanket and now starting to crochet a diaper cover. My daughter is my only child and the baby will be my only grandchild. I am looking forward to crocheting more for her.

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Marcia Williams link
8/5/2014 04:35:32 pm

I would love to receive this. I am hoping to start making baby items for future grandbabies.

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Tita Carré link
9/9/2014 06:54:15 pm

Hi, I love your craft, is beauty, I love a colors, I follow your blog, hugs from Brazil.
<a href="http://www.titacarre.com" alt="My site about crochet with free patterns"> Visit my blog - Tita Carré - free patterns crochet </a>

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tracy babcock
9/18/2014 12:52:29 pm

awww so precious love the designs

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kids ultra link
4/9/2015 08:12:32 pm

Magnificent goods from you, man. I've consider your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent.

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