1) Thank you for doing this interview, let’s start out with you telling us about your craft.
Billie Sue: I love animals and have five dogs, a cat and a parrot. I like putting little clothes on my dogs and have seen homemade dresses and vests online. I could not afford the prices of them and for five dogs, so I just thought I would give it a try. I really never thought I could get good enough to sell my doggy clothing and accessories. When I took my dogs to the vet wearing the clothes I had made for them, both vets and staff loved my stuff. One of our vets told me to bring my stuff in his office and try to sell them. So I did and began selling some of my creations.
My husband was hurt at work and not able to go back, so he decided to learn to crochet. My grandmother use to crochet when I was a little girl. She taught me to do the first chain but I could never learn to do a second row. Once my husband learned I asked him to teach me. My little sweaters look totally different from his. He is fast, doing several sweaters a day. It takes me a week to do one sweater.
My vet was so amazed that I could do this that he asked me to come over when the local newspaper was coming to take pictures of his clinic and staff. He wanted me in the pictures to get my work out for others to see. Now, you might be wondering why he was so amazed and I am so slow. I was born with no left hand. My left arm ends just below the elbow. My parents brought me up as though nothing was wrong with me. If I could not figure out how to do something on my own they would help me find a way to do it. I type with my right hand only, and I do about 35 words per minute. I have worked for two doctors, two attorneys, and in the school system. I am very determined and if someone tells me I can’t do something, I will do my best to prove them wrong.
When crocheting I hold my needle in a vice and then work the yarn around the needle. I can’t explain how I sew, I just use my right hand. I absolutely love doing things for the animals. Many have asked me to do children’s clothing and I do have a pattern to try but for now, I just enjoy doing for the pets.
2) Is crafting something you’ve always been interested in or maybe once was a hobby?
Billie Sue: I love to do crafting, I am not always very good at it but I like making things. Years ago my sister was expecting my niece and I decided to make her a baby quilt. I really enjoyed doing it. Later I married and was going to have child, so I made my baby one also. I have also made a King size quilt for my son with a train engine on it. When I finished it I knew I did not want to tackle that size ever again. I have done various crafts with friends.
3) Do you have a schedule you follow for your creativity or are you more relaxed, maybe waiting for inspiration?
Billie Sue: A lot of times I will work on things in the evenings. Sometimes I have to take a break for a few days and right now I am having problems with my right shoulder and seeing a chiropractor so this has slowed me down more. I like sewing and crocheting. It relaxes me and gives me something to do.
4) Where do you find your inspiration?
Billie Sue: Sometimes my husband will come up with something and I will give it a try. Lots of time I lay in bed before going to sleep and think about what I can do next. Then there are times I will be looking at material and think of how pretty that would be as a little dress. I go look at patterns so I can learn new things too.
5) What are your favorite colors to use?
Pink, I love pink and I could make lots of pink stuff. I have to make myself buy other colors.
6) Do you have any advice for someone considering entering the craft market place?
If you want to do it give it a try. You never know if you can or if you would enjoy it if you do not try. Hey, if I can do it anyone can if they really want to.
For more information, Billie Sue can be found on Facebook at Dutys Critter Outfitter where you will find more of her work. She can also be reached by email at billysueduty@live.com .
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