I was recently the very honored and thankful recipient of my very first hand-carved hook and let me just tell you, I don’t know if I can ever go back. I have never experienced a more comfortable fit. I really like flat handled hooks and my Clover hooks used to be my favorite but I wanted to try something new so I had a custom hook especially designed for me by Monica of Craftwich Creations.
The customer service I received was commendable. Since I prefer flat hooks, when I made my request for my hook I specifically asked for something with flat sides. Monica got to work creating some hooks that might fit my preferences. She sent me a picture with a bunch of hooks to choose from and one specifically caught my eye. It wasn’t completely flat but had a handle that looked like it would be rather comfortable. I’m not sure why but I chose this hook over others that did have more flat sides on the handle… something about it just called my name. It could of been how comfortable it looked despite its more rounded handle, or it could of been the amazing color.
The hook I chose was made from Walnut, which has always been one of my most favorite species of wood.
My new “baby”
I really appreciated the fantastic customer service I received from Monica and I love my hook. If you are ever in the market for a custom hand crafted hook definitely be sure to contact Craftwich Creations.
Lets get to know a little bit more about Monica and her designs.
How long have you been carving?
Almost 2 yrs, regularly. I tried doing it a coupl years ago but it was a complete failure, so when i saw that Jimbo from Jimbo’s Front Porch was offering a class on carving hooks at Crochet @Cama (put on by the Crochet Liberation Front) two years ago, I jumped on it! he taught me a LOT, as he’s a cool guy too. Very talented hook maker.
Do you crochet also?
Sure do! Mostly shawls, using fingering wt. I love the look of crocheted lace.
What are your favorite hooks to make?
I love them all, and I’m always trying to come up with new style/ideas to play with. That’s what I really enjoy about the handcarving, as compared to turning with a lathe. I have a LOT more freedom in created anything I want, or that a customer might want. If I have to pick a favorite though, I think I’d say I love to try and make a hook from usual wood, either in shape or texture or trying to figure out how to use a piece of wood I like (I hate wasting it – it all has a purpose!)
What is your favorite thing about carving/crocheting?
I actually love all things fiber art wise. I find the process to be the most fun, which is why I started spinning, and from there went to processes raw fleece right off the animal, and then carving my own hooks. I absolutely adore the idea of true sheep-to-shawl, and knowing that I not only made the finished piece, but every tool and material also!
What are your favorite woods to carve from?
I’d say my favorite to carve is probably walnut – easy to carve yet still a strong hook, and gorgeous color. I also like ornamental plum, madrone, pink tulipwood, and the local cedar trees. 😉
What is your inspiration for your hooks?
Nature itself! Each step in the process of carving is a new discovery – from removing the bark (or not, in some cases), to the carving, to the sanding. I always try to work with how the wood id naturally – I think it makes the best hooks. They are all OOAK, but then so are people! So that means there’s a hook out there for everyone, my place is to try and match them up.
Do you have any other crafts?
I do a little dewing, spin, crochet. I’ve tried just about any craft, but over the years I’ve found that I work best if I narrow it down, LOL. So now I stick to the fiber crafts.
Tell our readers a little bit about your personal life.
Two boys, hubby, snake, dog, rat, 3 cats, hedgehog and alpaca (who is boarded at a friend’s farm) I’m a SAHM mostly, but I work at a fiber mill 9Crimping River Fiber MIll on Camano Island) a couple days a week. Since I love it so much, I don’t consider it work!
