I’ve written elsewhere on this blog about how it’s possible to set up a crochet portrait or photo art business that lets you sell pieces you create from customers’ personal photographs. One of my pattern customers, Nora Ashley, has done just that. I asked Nora if I could interview her about her business, and she gladly agreed.

When did you first learn to crochet and who taught you?

I was already knitting by the time I got to 6th grade. My mom taught me how. I was even asked to show the other kids how to knit during our after-school craft hours. Even the teacher was impressed with my skills.

Then I wanted to learn crochet. I was in the hospital at age eight and had just started to learn how to do the chain stitch; that’s all I knew. Every time I’d finish the ball, I figured out what my mom was doing. She’d go out of the room, unravel the chain, ball up the yarn and hand it back to me again just to keep me going. Then I started to buy books, so I am mostly self taught.

What kinds of items do you like to crochet?

I mostly did blankets at the time, but was looking for work, and who knew that I’d be working for a designer. She taught me a lot about garment making. She would design the originals, and I would help her mass produce her products. I learned how to make everything, including vests, skirts, pants, shorts and even dresses and ponchos. What you can make with crochet is truly unlimited!

 What prompted you to start crocheting graphghans?

I had been wanting to do picture-ghans for a long time, but didn’t like using graphs or doing the yarn carry over technique (i.e., intarsia crochet). I prefer the “cut and tie” method. And I didn’t have the funds for the patterns, but at some point I did and finally decided to give it a try.

A friend of mine asked if I could do a Marines afghan for her. So I researched a lot of hours to find a pattern, and your website came up. Your website was the most inexpensive one I found, and I get my patterns in a timely manner, too. I also got permission from the Marine Corp to use their emblem for the afghan.

What do you like most about doing these pieces and why?

Doing these pieces is so much fun; it’s like painting but with yarn. And I love how it’s much easier to do (when using crochet photo patterns) than doing them from crochet charts. The patterns come out true to the picture, and it’s much more personal, I think, when you create a crocheted piece from someone’s photo.

I understand you are selling some of your finished pieces. Has it proven to be a profitable venture for you? How so?

Yes, it has but you have to be careful of certain laws when selling pieces that incorporate licensed images. I get permission first; then I create the picture-ghan. I get the most pleasure out of receiving feedback when I’m done with a piece. But yes, making a profit helps as well.

How do you establish a price for your graphghans?

I’ve tried to keep costs down for as long as I’ve been crocheting. I buy yarn whenever it’s on sale. People say you should use the better quality yarn, but I have always and will continue to use what’s local, like Red Heart Super Saver and the colors that are recommended by brand, Caron yarn especially. The big “pounders” are awesome to use.

I charge $100 for my blankets which includes the price I pay for the pattern, the cost of the yarn, and the time it takes to make one. I’m getting faster at it. I get more pleasure out of the responses I get when I have completed a piece for a customer. And my customers are willing to pay at any cost. Each blanket is a unique piece, and I include an extra bonus – I do angel work and get messages from spirit for each one that I create.

What advice would you give to crocheters who want to start a crochet photo art business?

I would first try to see if you like doing it. Some people just can’t quite get the hang of it and give up. Start simple until you understand it. Find what works for you.

Also, have a place where you can leave your piece when you’re not working on it. I have a big plastic container with a lid; that way it will also be protected if you have animals. And you won’t lose your place if you have to stop at any time.

I have a waiting list now for graphghans to be done. It feels good that people still appreciate the value of a good handmade item versus buying it factory-made. And it will keep for years as an heirloom when stored properly. Thanks to you, Patrice, I am able to put fun back into my life and think outside of the box when it comes to crocheting.

If you want to learn more about Nora’s graphghan business, you can find her on Facebook as “Nora Ashley.”