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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Why doilies into modern art?

It really saddens me that people associate doilies with negative things. There are SO MANY hidden gems, true pieces of art that no one will look at because of the stigma of the word "doilies." In other languages, there isn't this issue because doilies are called "lace" or "napkins." I want to put beautiful crochet lace before people in a modern package. I want them to see doilies in a new light. 

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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. 

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Why the pink couch?

I have ​a pink couch which I love! It's so me!  

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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 weather.

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The wonderful illustration of my hands was drawn by Linda Schmidt at ROFL Hat Factory
For Knit Pattern Designs; for Illustration work