my first two attempts at crocheting

how it all started...
my journey to becoming a hooker.

when i was 10 years old, my step-mother taught me the basics of crochet: chaining.  she made doilies with crochet thread, and i was kind of interested in learning.  by the time i got the hang of making chains with crochet thread and a steel hook--i was no longer interested.

fast forward 23 years... i was working a 12-hour shift in a building where i could not bring any electronics to my station.  i also could not access the internet.  i tried passing the time by reading books, but i'd fall asleep. what would keep me awake?  i mentioned to a co-worker that i wish i had kept up with learning to crochet.  to my surprise, she told me she knew how to crochet and the she would teach me.

after squeals of excitement, we planned our trip to buy hooks and yarn.  my first lesson would be during our next 12-hour shift together.  the above picture shows my first two attempts to make...something.

after those beautiful mistakes, i finally got the hang of it.  my first completed set was a hat and scarf for myself. i still have them and wear them.

my first hat and scarf set

blanket made for a friend's son

along the way...
hooking got easier to do.

as time (and those 12-hour shifts) went on, i had plenty of time to practice this new and exciting skill.  i was so amazed at how someone could take a metal hook (my choice at the time) and string, and create an article of clothing to wear. i was a magician!! i made something from virtually nothing.

i began reading books and websites about the different stitches, how to change colors, the different hook sizes, the different yarn sizes, the different types of materials used to make yarn, etc.  there's so much to learn in the world of fiber arts.

pretty soon i was making myself more hats and scarves.  i even started making blankets for my co-workers who were expecting little bundles of joy.  then my family got in on the benefits of my hooking skills--everyone knew i would make them a gift for whatever occasion. and then ...people started asking me to make them hats, scarves, blankets, etc...and they wanted to pay me to do it!!!

so naturally, i had to come up with an awesome brand name for my much sought after handmade accessories line.  i thought long and hard.  there are only two people in this entire world who make me whole: my father and my mother.  allen is my last name, and st. clair is my mother's maiden name.  "allen st. clair"--it just sounds like an exclusive brand name doesn't it?i know!!

my second craft show

the journey continues...
my name is deidre, and i'm a hooker.

as of 5/20/2020, i have been crocheting for almost eleven years.  i have learned a lot, and I still have a lot to learn.  what started as something to pass the time at work morphed into creating gifts for family and friends to people actually wanting to purchase items that i create.  how awesome is that?!?!?!?

as i continue this journey, i do not know what the outcome will be.  maybe i will attend several craft fairs--or maybe one a year.  maybe i will only create items for family, friends, and co-workers.  maybe this hobby of mine will transform into a budding business that will catapult me into entrepreneurship and into the world of fashion.  maybe i will find a corner in a park and crochet vests for pigeons, or sweaters for stray cats and dogs. maybe i will teach others about this post-apocalyptic skill.  one thing is for sure...i will not stop hooking.  it brings me joy, and keeps my creativity flowing.

so...stay a while and browse through the gallery (please be patient with the gallery).  they show my journey, and how my skills have gotten better over the years.  if you like what you see, or have any questions or comments, visit the contact page and send me an email.

my name is deidre, and i am a hooker.

face masks

sewing:
​an exciting new skill!

i am always excited to learn new things. my recent "new thing" is sewing face masks!!!

with COVID-19 running rampant throughout the land, i was asked if i would crochet some face masks. i rejected this request because i figured yarn covering people's faces during the spring and summer months would most certainly cause heat stroke.

i have owned a sewing machine for over five years, but i have only used it a few times. this seemed like a great time to actually use it for the forces of good--adding another super power to my crafting life.

i am falling in love with fabric and patterns just as i did when i first started buying yarn for my crochet projects.

face masks

nascar racing inspired face mask