Interview with BrainsBarn Continued

KP: Do you sell your hooks elsewhere other than through the internet?

BB: At this time all BrainsBarn hooks are sold exclusively on/from the website.

The website is our inventory and brochure. Hooks are listed as they are made.

But being known locally, we are asked to and do 3 - 4 popular craft shows a year in our area of New Jersey.

They are listed on the front page of the website as they become confirmed dates.

BrainsBarn crochet hooks have also been published in Family Circle Easy Crochet (Fall,2005); Crochet! (January,2006); Better Homes & Gardens (November, 2006) and a beautifully decorated hook will be showcased in the upcoming May, 2007 issue of Yarn Market News.

We'll see what else this year brings! As we said, it's an adventure!

KP: Do you have plans for any other woolly related products?

BB: Crochet hooks are our most popular product and what I am known for - the custom orders for these items keep me quite busy

Yet, on the BrainsBarn website there is also a page for knitting needles, Tunisian/Afghan hooks, Cro-Hooks (Crochet on the Double), and Nostepindes (manual ball winders). See the other items page on the link menu (links are on the left side of every page of the website - so far there are 10 pages). In the near future I would also like to include shawl pins, stiletto/awls, hair sticks and wooden buttons.

KP: What makes a 'good' handmade crochet hook?

BB: The attention to the turning detail and the finishing detail of the item. Balance is also important. Above all it must be a functional tool or it's useless.

There's no reason a tool can't be BOTH beautiful AND functional too!

KP: What hints would you give a perspective buyer about how to choose a hook?

BB: Anne always states that it's a personal choice and a personal preference unique to each crocheter.

99% of our buyers are experienced hook collectors and many are repeat buyers looking for a unique handcrafted collectible item - not a store bought tool. They also appreciate that one artist creates their item from start to finish.

Knowing that they are either a 'pencil holder or knife holder' the shape of the shaft/handle is a priority in choosing a BrainsBarn crochet hook. Hook size, decoration and wood are a personal choice.

KP: And lastly - are you able to tell me more about the diamond encrusted hook on the front page of your website.

BB: LOL! THAT is the hook that started us in accepting custom work orders!

A local friend had seen some of my specialty creations; she had lost the mate to a diamond earring. Being a crocheter she just happened to ask if I could do something with it. Well - there it is! I don't know the value of the piece as I didn't ask - but I can assume that it's a OOAK (one of a kind) and what I like to do! Since then I've created hooks with puppy dog teeth (put into a glass vial and inserted in the hook); inserted a hook end into an artist's paintbrush (belonged to a woman's grandfather and is a sentimental piece); used a tanzanite and gold necklace slider as a decoration; vintage cigarette holders (for specialty thread hook sized hooks); deer antlers; military buttons and on and on.... Not all items work out but if it does - I'll do it!

Don't forget to read our other BellaOnline Crochet Interviews which can be found by following the link below. Do let me know if you have a suggestion for an interview for BellaOnline Crochet.

Visit the BrainsBarn website.