Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Thibeault.
Tina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been intrigued by fiber arts. Both of my grandmothers and even my great-grandmothers were knitters and crocheters, fiber arts is in my blood. It amazed me how yarn could be transformed into something beautiful and useful.
After my two gorgeous children were born and I became a stay at home mom, I decided it was the perfect time to pick up a hook and start crocheting. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and taught myself how to crochet during nap time.
After a while family and friends started asking me to make them crochet items. I knew that I must be doing something right when the requests became more frequent. I started taking my crochet more seriously a few years ago and Hooked For You Crochet was born!
Last year I decided that I wanted to expand my skills and bought my first set of knitting needles.. oh my goodness, I was instantly hooked! (pun intended) I wanted to learn everything and anything I could about knitting. It became my true passion and knitting hats became one of my favorite things to do.
There were so many luxurious patterns and yarns to choose from.. and of course the hats had to be topped with jumbo poms. I perfected my pompom making skills and even learned to make my very own faux fur poms. I love being able to mix different yarns and faux furs to get that perfect look.
My ultimate goal is to make handmade knitwear modern and fashionable. I want everyone to be able to feel beautiful when wearing my hats, and at the same time stay cozy warm!
This past fall (2017) I attended my first craft show/market. The response was amazing. I am so thankful that people are enjoying my pieces and are supporting my little knitwear business. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Hooked For You Crochet!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, the hardest part about selling my knitwear is believing that people would actually be interested in what I do. It was so hard to lay my product out on the tables for the craft shows and markets and stand there while people looked at my hats.
What were they thinking? Did they like my hats? Did they like me? Honestly, putting myself out there was the best thing I could have ever done. The majority of people only had positive things to say. It made me feel great.
People appreciated my handmade knitwear, they liked my color choices, and even better.. they loved the way the hats looked on!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hooked For You Crochet – what should we know?
Hooked For You Crochet focuses on creating modern and fashionable knitwear. I create items other than hats (whimsical crochet pillows rainbows & cacti, baskets, knit scarves, etc.), however, my hats are what really set me apart.
I am a perfectionist and will not sell a piece unless I know it is the best quality it can possibly be. Since I also make each pom by hand, I am able to get the look of the hat just right. I put a lot of thought into colors, textures and fur choices.
I also offer matching hats, mommy & me, his & hers, his & his, hers & hers… you get the idea! I truly love what I do and I really believe that comes through in each knitwear item. I also love being able to connect with customers, whether it be through social media, Etsy or even in person!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think that people can see that I am a perfectionist, it shows in my work.. and I think they appreciate that. It’s so heartwarming to see how happy a customer is when they put on one of my hats!
I could not be where I am today without the unconditional love and support from my family and friends. They are really the ones who have believed in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Hooked For You Crochet would not be what it is today without them!
Pricing:
- Hats can range from $30-$55 (depending on fiber used and pom choice)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/hookedforyoucrochet
- Email: hookedforyoucrochet@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hookedforyoucrochet
Image Credit:
Annelie Connolly
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