This interview was originally published in 2011. I am pulling it up from the archives to share it with those who may have missed it the first time around.
BobiCreations is an Etsy seller who has has relocated from Canada to Tennessee where she is part of a group of international artisans who show and sell their creations at a store called Up & Dyed. Etsy allows her to share her work with an even broader audience! I adore her Etsy store slogan “crafting for sanity” and like all of the various crafts she presents there although of course it’s the crochet that interests me most! So, let’s get to that interview …
CROCHETBLOGGER: Who taught you how to crochet? Do you remember what the first thing that you ever crocheted was?
BOBICREATIONS: I learned from my now 92 yr old Great Aunt 19 yrs ago – still have the first 2 crochet hooks I ever used, from her, and still use them to this day. I learned to make a granny square, I strung some together and called it an ‘art project’ in grade 10 for my independent study project because i couldn’t draw…this leads into the first thing I ever crocheted, which was a granny square afghan. I gave it to my Mom and she proudly displays it on her couch to this day, though now it seems so ‘novice’ to me!
CROCHETBLOGGER: I gave my first very novice blanket to my Mom, too and she’s still got it as well. 
CROCHETBLOGGER: What is your very best crochet memory?
BOBICREATIONS: My best crochet memory involves tea & cookies & a lesson from the aforementioned Great Auntie Rita. For someone with such skill to be able to sit and teach someone, without getting frustrated, pass on some ancient (and awesome) crochet books and be excited 16 yrs later when she hears you’ve opened a shop as a result of her inspiration – just awesome.
CROCHETBLOGGER: Definitely! I’m so glad that you shared that memory. I think crochet is a nice thread through the generations for many people and always love stories that support this theory.
CROCHETBLOGGER: You crochet a lot of great hats. Is that your favorite item to crochet?
BOBICREATIONS: Hats are something I stumbled upon – and resulted in my opening a shop. I started with blankets, but they are time consuming and expensive! I made up a hat pattern as I went; for myself, I needed a good Winter walking ha – I was tired of too tight ‘beanies’. Posted a picture of the result and friends said ‘I would buy that!’ or ‘Where can I purchase one like that?’ I started making up a bunch of hats and suddenly Etsy seemed like a logical step. I had been looking for an opportunity and there it suddenly was, so unexpected! I like making hats because it’s a quick project with a totally useful end, and because I make them up as I go each one is like a little challenge to myself, I learn something new every time.
CROCHETBLOGGER: My favorite item in your store is actually your coasters (shown in the photo above). Do you have a favorite item that you’d like to highlight?
BOBICREATIONS: The coasters you like are great because aside from standing alone I have made them into rugs and scarves by attaching them and used them as a center/top piece for hats. Right now I am super excited about my Spring and Summer garden hats. They are delicate and flouncy which is new for me, but super fun to make and wear. They kind of harken back to the 20s flapper look with the cute brims. I am using cotton yarn for the first time and am really enjoying it! I experiment as I go, so each one is different and special in its own way.
CROCHETBLOGGER: They’re definitely adorable! I love that modern 1920’s inspiration.
CROCHETBLOGGER: Is there anything that you really don’t like to crochet?
BOBICREATIONS: I haven’t encountered anything I don’t like to crochet, but there are a lot of things I would like to learn to do that I haven’t yet had the time to tackle!
CROCHETBLOGGER: You also make other items like bags and pillows. Do you ever combine crochet with other crafts in a single product?
BOBICREATIONS: As far as combining crochet and other crafts, I am just starting to delve into that. Crochet flowers as hair and belt clips, adding ribbon to crochet hats, upcycling clothing with crochet motifs, crochet fronts on cotton pillows, crochet jewelery…I love the freedom to mix and match, I love the possibility to just keep going 
CROCHETBLOGGER: You mention on your profile that you have a strong desire to express yourself creatively. Is that why you started your own Etsy store?
BOBICREATIONS: I do have a strong desire to express myself creatively, I like to write, I like to craft, I feel penned in by my desk job. I didn’t really have an outlet for a while – you can only go on so many long walks, ya know? I picked my crochet hook up after 10+ yrs of being dormant and realized how SATISFYING it was to have something to show for your time at the end of the day. It kinda just slapped me in the face!
CROCHETBLOGGER: What is one thing about crochet that you want other people to know?
BOBICREATIONS: What I would like other people to know about crochet is it is really so simple & so much fun. One hook, one skein of yarn, some over, some around, some through, and you have the start of an amazing project. Nothing compares to making something useful and enjoying it. Every time I wear or use one of my creations a little bit of happiness and pride comes out, not something we often have a chance to experience!
BOBICREATIONS: Thanks so much for choosing to spotlight me & my store, I am just getting started so there are only greater things to come as I learn & collaborate with others I really enjoy helping others bring their visions to life!
