Inspiration Series - Part 18

I have always been in awe of fiber artists. I come from generations of women who knitted, crocheted or embroidered. Somehow, the genetic ability to do that skipped me. I have no trouble with the embroidery, but knitting and crocheting have caused me fits.

When I go to shows, I like to visit the fiber artists. The colors of yarn and the feel of the items draw me in. I love the idea that while you are wearing something functional, it is also art.

One of my favorite fiber artists is Tricia Hodson. Tricia is a fellow member of Cleveland Handmade and has her shop on Etsy. I am lucky to be the proud owner of some of her work. I asked Tricia the question:

What inspires you?

I've come to realize how much of an influence people have had on what I create. At first I thought it was family that inspired me most since I'm always making things for them. Lately, as I've been "out and about" more often, meeting people at local events and shows, I see more and more people wearing handmade things.

A woman approached me last year in need of a small wool hat. She was cold all the time and said that only wool would keep her warm. I was so happy to be able to make just what she wanted and needed.

Years of cross-country skiing helped me to understand the need for warmth. I still prefer mittens to gloves when skiing. With all the modern fabrics and textiles available for Winter sports, it's wonderful to see people wearing natural and handmade. Felted wool mittens are perfectly warm, and unless you fall through the ice or something, they're waterproof. My husband has had a pair of Dachstein mittens for decades. He always had a flair for old-world styles of Alpine hats, Scandinavian mittens, and chunky handspun wool socks.

So, I've discovered that I have people, their culture, and their fundamental needs in mind when creating my own hats, mittens, shawls, etc. Whether it's modern, has a vintage style, or is a reproduction of old-world designs, it's nice to know that it will be a functional favorite.

You can find Tricia's work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LazyTcrochet. Her beautiful handmade items would make wonderful gifts this holiday season.

Thanks so much Tricia for sharing.