Featured Artist: Tricia Hodson

Tricia Hodson, or LazyT, of LazyTcrochet is this week’s featured artist. Tricia is from Garrettsville, Ohio, which is between Cleveland and Youngstown.

What is your first memory of knitting or crochet? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
I sat down with a book and taught myself how to crochet. I had been a stay-at-home mom for a few years, and when the kids were both in school I had an urge to create. I love to sew, but once I started working with yarn, there was no stopping me. I started doing craft shows and making crafty things just to fill up my table. After a while, I found that I most enjoyed making clothing and accessories, and since I started to knit as well, I’ve refined my work to mostly fashion accessories.

What is it that makes you want to work with fiber?
Although I love all types of fiber, I most enjoy working with hand-spun yarns. The natural fibers and fun textures are appealing to me. I’ve often been tempted to learn to spin my own fibers, especially with all the gorgeous wool there is available, but I would much rather spend my time creating with the yarns. I might learn to spin some day, but for now I love to knit and crochet with the finished yarn.

How would you describe the style of your work?  Does it reflect your personal style?
My style is ever-changing. At first I was following patterns and making basic designs that everyone and their grandmother make. Although I do admire the classic designs in crochet, I like to change things up and make it different and adding my own personal style to the design. I haven’t published any of my own patterns yet, but I have found the confidence to design my own items, often making it up as I go along and creating one-of-a-kind pieces.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
At first I was inspired by my great-grandmother. She made beautiful heirloom tablecloths and placemat sets. My mother remembers having tea with her table settings. She made different sizes and colors so that each setting was unique.  I have recreated her placemat pattern and may someday work more on those, but I really don’t like working with crochet thread. Doilies and thread crochet are not my cup of tea. These days I find inspiration in modern fashions. I love seeing knits on the runways at fashion shows. And hats . . . I especially love hats of all kinds!

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
Since a lot of my items are one-of-a-kind, I tend to have several favorites.  This purse was especially fun to make. I cut fabric strips into big, chunky strips and crocheted it into a fun purse. The lining was from a recycled dress of mine. Black has always been my favorite color and I was very pleased with the way this purse turned out.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I became addicted to knitting and crochet and started taking yarn with me everywhere. I can almost work with my eyes closed; however, I can’t work or read while traveling in the car.

Describe your workspace.
I’m lucky that my workspace is mobile. I can take a project with me and work wherever I want — soccer games, movie theaters, the library, etc. I especially love sitting next to the woodstove on a snowy day (yes, I love snow)!

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
My favorite task is finishing a large project. Oftentimes, I will be almost done with something and wait a while before I actually finish it. I always have several projects going at the same time. Inspiration will hit me and I’ll start on that idea right away. So, going  back to finish what I was working on is great.  My least favorite part of needlework is finishing the ends. Sometimes there are a lot of loose yarns that need to be worked in at the end of a project.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I am not at all talented when it comes to drawing or painting. I like to sew and could probably be good at that if I had the time. My other love is photography. I used to develop my own black-and-white photographs when I worked for a newspaper.

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I’ll give you two . . . I love loud modern rock music. The kids come home and turn it down! And, I turned down a chance at an internship at a television station in New York City. I decided that I didn’t really want to be the next Barbara Walters. I think the bright lights and the big city were pretty scary for me at the time. I’m a down-home country girl at heart (but I really don’t like country music).

Where can we find your work?
I have a boutique on Etsy at http://LazyTcrochet.Etsy.com
You can also find me at the local Tour of Homes each holiday season. The Historical Society of Garrettsville and Mantua take turns having a Christmas Walk each year. The Tour of Homes Craft Show will be in Garrettsville this year. For more information visit my blog or contact me at LazyTcrochet@yahoo.com.