How did you get into crochet and doily making in particular?

At first, in 2014, I knitted by teaching myself with Youtube. I didn't much like it. I tried again in 2019, but really didn't like it because I never ever wanted to make clothes of any kind. I felt drawn to crochet but physically couldn't do it. From 2020 onward I spent the next 4 years trying to crochet. Every 6 months I'd pick up the hook and try. I watched a lot of one-handed crochet videos. Finally, by the grace of the Lord, I combined techniques. My objective: don't hold the hook. I brought back how I knitted, bracing one needle with my stomach (not unlike using a knitting belt), and combined that with one-handed crochet techniques. Doily making came from me doing anything not to make wearables and the simple fact that I love thread. I am opposite to 99% of crocheters in that thin thread hurts my hands way less than yarn does. I am most comfortable and happy with thread rather than yarn and making art pieces rather than wearables. 

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How do you crochet?

I crochet in a different way because I have a condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Since my hands do not bend, I do not hold the crochet hook. Here is a short video showing how I crochet. Pattern in video by Jayda in Stitches, link here.

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What is you favorite hook?

2mm red Tulip hook

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What is your favorite pattern?

Spring Flower Doily by Jayda in Stitches, link here. You will see this pattern in several places. I drew the diagram (with slight changes) and the lovely Jayda let me use it wherever I see fit.

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If you could only crochet one thing what would it be? 

I'd be happy to make that Spring Flower endlessly. If you mean genre, then, obviously doilies. Regular yarn is too thick for me and hurts my hands.

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Would you rather crochet the same doily forever or never crochet the same one twice?

Definitely never the same one twice. I rarely re-crochet anything. 

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What is your favorite color scheme?

I like vibrant dark colors, like red, orange, green, black, etc. I do not like blue, especially navy blue, nor do I like white. I crochet in white because it is traditional. 

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Are you a perfectionist? 

No, I am not, but I will redo a round if I find a mistake. If there aren't inconsistencies or imperfections, then it isn't handmade. Hands connected to a flawed person made it! 

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If we could know 3 things about you outside of crochet, what would they be?

I'm a very strong Christian and I give all the glory to the Lord. I adore children's books, movies, and tv shows, but also murder mysteries pre-2010. I love hot, hot weather.

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