What brought you to 1000 markets?
I first heard of 1000 markets through an Etsy group. When I checked it out, I was very impressed with the graphics, the layout and the whole concept. I was very excited when I was accepted and my shop went live!
Where in this beautiful world would you love to sit down with your needles and crochet?
That's a tough one. I am an Army brat so I traveled a lot when I was a child. Since getting married, I have lived in the same home for over 30 years and am a homebody at heart. Since one son-in-law is from Portugal and one is from Romania, I would love to visit those countries with them as my tour guides. Also, we have a close friend from Spain and I have always wanted to go there, and of course, Ireland, everyone wants to go to Ireland. If I can find an old house somewhere with a big covered porch, looking over a beautiful garden and lake, and a big comfy chair, that is where you would probably find me!
Who was your crochet mentor and when did you first learn?
My husband's grandmother, Ella Sander, taught me to crochet. I had mentioned her in one of my first blogs as the person who really inspired me to give it a try. She always seemed be working on an afghan and probably in her lifetime made hundreds of them. It wasn't really that easy for me to pick up, I kept trying and then finally just got the hang of it. My first attempts were little blankets and lap afghans. It wasn't until about five years ago that I tried to read a pattern and tackle something more difficult.
How did you come up with the Photographers Cocoon that is so loved by all?
Well, that is a story! This past summer, I experienced a true empty nest. My husband's elderly aunt had lived with us and passed away in March. Then my daughter and family who had lived with us bought a house about an hour and a half south and moved with my grandson, her husband, her cat and two dogs. For the first time in 30 years, our house was empty and quiet. My days had been so jam packed with the usual family chaos that I felt a little lost and wondered what I was going to do with myself. A friend that I work with is a portrait photographer. She showed me a picture of a cocoon and asked me if I could make it. She printed out some things from different photographers forums that she was on that gave me some ideas. I just kept experimenting with different kinds of yarns, looms and crocheting and gave her several to look at. She picked the ones she thought would work and used them for newborn portraits. The two babies modeling the cocoons were photographed by her. She is awesome and you should check out her website at Denise Snyder Photography.com
What fiber is your most favorite to work with?
I keep going back to Red Heart yarn. I think it goes back to my husband's grandmother insisting that you should only use Red Heart. I just recently used Vanna's Baby Soft and that is really nice to work with as well.
If there was any other trade you'd like to learn or have the natural talent to do what would it be?
I have always wanted to learn quilting and because I am so nosy, being a detective or private investigator would be a perfect fit! I also would love to have the ability to write well enough to author a book that no one could put down!
Do you think we have children so we can finally have grandchildren :)
Hmm. That is tough. My children are 29 and 33 and I loved every minute with them growing up and especially now knowing them as adults. Both of my parents died before I was 25, so I didn't have the pleasure of an adult relationship with my parents and I really treasure my children through every age. I don't think I ever yearned for grandchildren when I was younger because my children have brought me so much love and pride. I have to say though, when my daughter had my grandson, from the first glimpse of him I was captivated. It is true, unless you have a grandchild, you can't really explain the feeling! It is like living your childhood all over again through their eyes, and enjoying every moment as a grandparent without all the responsibility and worry that you have as a parent. There is nothing like that little voice saying "Nanny" when he sees me to touch your heart. My daughter is expecting another little boy in June. It just gets better and better!
What in this world could you not live without (besides family) ?
If you mean material things - a comfy chair, my crochet hooks and yarn, the newspaper, the telephone, a stack of good movies, and of course the internet! In the abstract, it would definitely be human contact, conversation, sharing stories, learning, listening, anything that involves interaction with others.
Is there any advice you would like to share with the "up and coming" Crochet Nannies?
Live in the moment! If you want to do something, do it! So many people, say, when I retire, I am going to do this or that! Do it now! Open the door and venture out! If you have an interest in learning a craft, embrace it, keep at it, perfect it, share it. I think back to Ella, and the afghans, we still have them, everyone in our family has them, it is something you can hold in your hands, and wrap around your soul. Leave a footprint with your craft for the next generation.
Spreading Love Stitch by Stitch......The Crochet Nanny
Here are just a few of the many items Ellen has made for me...
Ellen offers so much more than you will see in her shop. She will custom make just about anything you can dream up... believe me I have given her some items that I thought would be impossible - but she has jumped head first into anything I have asked and has produced some of the nicest quality items I have seen. You can find Ellen a/k/a The Crochet Nanny, at her 1000 markets shop at http://www.1000markets.com/users/thecrochetnanny. Tell her Denise sent you!
I cant seem to get the link working (I'm such a spaz!), but if you scroll down to the bottom of this page there is a link to Ellen's blog, or you can just paste the above address into your web browser to visit her shop. Enjoy!
