Cynthia Thomas learned to crochet as a child and now sells her work through the shop Loopy Crochet. She loves making crochet scarves, hats and blankets and gets really creative when it comes to crocheting baby items. Crochet has helped boost her self-esteem and reduce her anxiety. Learn all of this and more about her work in this crochet interview.
On Learning to Crochet
When and how did you learn to crochet?
I learned the very basics (chains, single crochet, double crochet) at age 8. I initially learned to crochet from my Peruvian “abuelita” (grandma in Spanish). Later on, I would crochet on and off over the years with very little progress. That all changed when YouTube came out. As I am a visual learner, it was wonderful to find videos online that I could follow. I could pause, rewind, and just go at my pace. With much persistence and practice, I improved quickly.
It sounds like you had some special times with your abuelita. What memories do you have of that time?
I remember being fascinated by my abuelita’s crochet. I found it incredible that she could make doilies, purses, blankets, etc. with yarn and a crochet hook. I would sit next to her as she skillfully maneuvered the hook around the thread when she made doilies. I loved her granny squares and how she formed them into blankets. The most impressive thing to me is that she did all of this from memory. She followed no patterns; she just created things. I wanted to do that, too.
And now you can! Is there anything you don’t know in crochet that you would like to learn?
I would love to try my hand at amigurumi. I have attempted once or twice, but I have never fully completed a project. I currently have a beautiful crochet doll pattern, and all I have completed is a head with eyes, a torso, a right leg, and a left arm. As creepy as it looks, I can’t bring myself to throw it away. I’ll finish it one day … maybe.
What is the most important thing you would want to tell someone who is just learning to crochet?
I would tell them to be patient with themselves. Not everything is going to look pretty right away. You will have some loose stitches and some tight stitches at first. Things may be lopsided. You will be frogging your work a lot, and I mean a lot. I still do. And that’s okay. Keep going. Keep practicing, and you will see great improvement.
What are some of your favorite crochet tips?
Weave in your ends as you go. There is nothing worse than having to do it all at the end. Also, the magic circle is your friend. It makes it so much easier to tighten the opening on any crochet hat.
On The Benefits of Crochet
I have always been a “bundle of nerves” ever since I can remember. I am a very anxious person. But crochet, along with a lot of prayer has really helped keep me distracted and I feel it lowers my anxiety level tremendously. Whenever I feel anxious or when I just want to unwind, I will crochet. Mentally, crochet is a great exercise. There is something about repetitive stitches that actually helps you concentrate more and at the same time is very soothing.
I also believe that crochet has really brought out my creativity. I used to think I didn’t have a creative bone in my body, but I was wrong. I felt like I had absolutely no talent, while everyone else around me did. Quite frankly, it made me feel useless. But now I have a sense of satisfaction when completing a project, and it makes me feel proud. More than that, it warms my heart when friends and family commend my work and appreciate the items I make them. It makes me feel like I’ve contributed a little to their happiness.
Questions About What You Crochet
What are your favorite items to crochet?
I mostly enjoy making hats, scarves, and blankets.
Do you crochet more for yourself or for others?
As most crafters can probably relate, I tend to make more for others than myself. I usually keep something that has a mistake in it. Yet, even when I make something great for myself, someone will ask about it and I’ll give it to them. I never remake another for myself, though.
What is your favorite crochet stitch or technique?
I really enjoy the front post double crochet stitch. It adds texture to any project.
What was the very first thing that you crocheted?
My first crochet project was a dog blanket made with all double crochet stitches, which was all I could do then. It was in a forest green color and I made it for my cocker spaniel Charlie.
What is the weirdest thing you have made?
The weirdest thing I made (not purposely) was a hat, or at least what should have been a hat. When I was first starting out, I thought I could just wing it and make a hat without a pattern. The result was a hideous, homely, lamp shade looking thing. I had a good laugh!
How often do you crochet?
I try to crochet every day. I do most of my crocheting at night to help me unwind and relax before going to bed.
On Favorite Crochet Resources and Supplies
What is your favorite yarn?
I am not really a “yarn snob.” I will use worsted weight yarn that I purchase from Hobby Lobby and JoAnn’s (their store brand). I also like Lion Brand Heartland yarn because it’s soft and easy to work with.
What is your favorite crochet hook?
I really like the Boye crochet hooks, simply because they are affordable and I like the head shape of their hooks. My favorite hook size would probably be an “I” hook.
Who are some of your favorite crochet designers?
Wow, this is hard. I have so many favorites. Some of my favorite crochet designers are Mon Petit Violon, Crochet by Jennifer, A Crocheted Simplicity, Crochet by Lindsey Faye, The Velvet Acorn, and Lakeside Loops. I like that these designers have simple, classy designs, full of beautiful texture. One day I hope to make my own designs as well.
On Where you Crochet
Where do you live?
I live in a small town in eastern North Carolina. I have lived there for 13 years (as long as I’ve been married). There is nothing too impressive about it. There is no real mall in our town, so if we want to get some good shopping in, we have to go to Raleigh. However, something we DO have is a Hobby Lobby AND a Joann’s, so I’m happy! We also had a Michael’s, but sadly, it closed.
Do you crochet other places than home?
I crochet when my husband and I go on road trips. I have also crocheted while waiting to have an oil change on my car. People always stare, and I have had an older gentleman ask me what I was working on, and then proceed to tell me about when his mother crocheted.
Do you consider yourself part of a craft community?
I am active on social networks such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, so I have met many crafters and keep in touch with them. One of the biggest communities I am a part of is New World Designers, where many talented Jehovah’s Witnesses from around the world share their skills in various hobbies. We encourage one another and have a real sense of community there.
On Crochet as a Business
Where do you sell your crochet?
I sell most of my items via Etsy. However, I also sell on Instagram and by word of mouth. I would like to try selling at a craft fair one of these days.
What inspired you to start selling your crochet work?
My family is responsible for the reason I now sell my crochet work, especially my husband. He really gave me the push to open an Etsy store and advertise my work. It was nerve wracking at first, but once I started receiving good reviews (mostly over social media), I felt more confident about my abilities.
What makes your crochet unique and special? What is the mission of your business?
My crochet style is simple, yet classy, clean, and sophisticated. I tend to stick to neutrals the most, which is so me! My mission with crochet is not necessarily to make something different but to make something well, of high quality and durable. I want my clients to not only love their purchase but also to use it for a very long time.
What are the pros and cons of making money doing a craft you love?
The advantage of getting paid for crocheting is that people actually think your work is actually worth something! That is a great feeling. The bad part is that, unfortunately, those that don’t craft really don’t understand the time, energy, and care that goes into making beautiful crochet items, no matter how simple they may be. People assume that they should be able to purchase a handmade item for the same price as something they can buy it at a store. That can be very frustrating.
And a Few More Things
What is the number one reason that you crochet?
I crochet because I love working with my hands to create something both beautiful and useful. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Finish the sentence … “If I couldn’t crochet, I would … “
… torture myself by watching crochet videos all day long.
What is your crochet superpower?
Baby items! I love making tiny things and feel I can be more creative with color and design.
Do you do any other crafts? How do they compare to crochet?
I am a newbie knitter, and a super newbie at sewing. These are more frustrating to learn than crochet. They tend to stress me out initially, especially if something’s not coming out correctly.
Who are your role models or inspirations?
I am inspired by nature, which is why I am always drawn to earthy colors for my crochet work. Nothing else beats the beauty of our earth.
And finally, five words that best describe you:
Silly, level-headed, loyal, nurturing, and approachable.
Cynthia shares her crochet work through her blog and YouTube. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.