Q: When did you start crafting? What craft did you start with?
Tanis: I started crocheting about age five. My paternal grandmother taught me when she would babysit. I suspect it was to keep us out of her hair. It seems the crochet gene runs in that side of the family. I learned the basics then and found it easy to pick up again when I entered high school and started using patterns. From then on, I never stopped. As soon as I finished one project, I was on to the next.
Q: What other crafts do you do besides crochet?
T: My mother was a sewist. She made all of our clothes, including winter coats. She would sew the latest style for herself, a smaller version for my sister and me and an even smaller version for our dolls. I did my share of sewing, too.
Q: What made you decide to write a book?
T: I had been exclusively working with interlocking crochet for almost 20 years. I kept waiting for a book to be published on the subject. I could never find one, so I decided since I was definitely getting older, I’d better share what I had learned with others before it was too late. And the best way to do that was in a book.
Q: What is the best part about writing a book? What is the most difficult?
T: The best part was stretching myself to think in new ways and solve design problems I had never considered before. The most difficult part was learning to write patterns and communicate the technique clearly to others. I hadn’t used a pattern in over 20 years, plus Interlocking Crochet had to be written in a different way. I worked with my own short hand, so I needed the help of a good tech writer (KJ Hay) to teach me the correct way to write a pattern.
Q: How do you get inspired when you’re feeling a lack of creativity?
T: I never feel a lack of creativity. I look at a skein of unusual yarn or a new book or a TV crafts show and immediately I think how I can translate that technique into crochet. Unfortunately, that means I have a million projects and new crafts I want to learn and of course no time to do it all.
Q: What is the skill or technique that most intimidates you?
T: I’m most intimated by writing patterns, especially for jackets and sweaters that fit properly. I’ve recently taken some classes and collected some excellent books on the subject. I still have more to learn, especially pattern drafting and grading. I’m going to be working to improve these areas.
Q: What’s the best advice you could give to a new crocheter?
T: Relax and enjoy it. Chances are it’s not going to be perfect in the beginning. And that’s fine. You can always pull the yarn and redo the stitches. Also, associate with more experienced crocheters in your local area and don’t be afraid to take classes. As your technique improves, your enjoyment will increase.
Q: What’s your favorite crochet blog, and why?
My blog at InterlockingCrochet.com. It is something new for me and I’m beginning to really enjoy it. It gives me the opportunity to revisit techniques I haven’t used in a while. I have the opportunity to communicate with other crocheters – learning from them, exploring various new yarns and meeting other designers and artisans. With the added bonus that I seem to be helping new crocheters improve as well.
Q: What tool, notion or material can you not live without?
T: I still like and use my old aluminum crochet hooks.
Q: How has crocheting change your life?
T: Crocheting is something I do anywhere I am and at any time. I never could just sit and watch TV or a movie, I always had to be doing something with my hands. Whether it’s for me or gifts for friends or items for a charity, I’m never wasting my time. It also has been an excellent creative outlet and a great way to meet like-minded crafters.
Interlocking Crochet by Tanis Galik is on sale through March 18 for 50% off the retail price. Take advantage of this great offer and learn a new crochet technique during National Craft Month!
Tanis Galik has been crocheting for over 50 years. She is a member of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA), has a Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Technique Certification and is an award-winning crocheter as well as an experienced teacher. Her crochet book, Interlocking Crochet, went to #2 on the Amazon Bestseller’s Crochet Book List and spent 18 weeks there. For more information on Tanis, visit www.interlockingcrochet.com.
Beautiful! I've never heard of interlocking crochet.
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