Sunday, March 04, 2007

How I became a Published Designer

Hi I'm Ferosa Harold Crochet Designer, designing professionally for the past 7 years. I taught myself to crochet at the age of 16. I started of making doilies to give as gifts to friends and family. Eventually as other people started seeing my work they wanted doilies too for their home and for gifts I began taking on commissioned work . My crochet book collection consisted of mainly Ondori and Nighon Vogue. In the 80's and 90's those were the only type of crochet books available here in Trinidad.

My introduction into learning how to adjust stitches came about when one customer wanted a combination of two doilies made into one. Mind you I didn't know how I was going to accomplish this but I said yes I can do it, and lo and behold I did it. Pretty soon I was trying my hands at designing and the finished pieces was always snatched up whenever I showed it as a new doily for sale. The sad part of that is I never wrote down the instructions because never in my wildest dreams I thought I would be good enough to get my work published. My story on how I got my first book published is very interesting.

In 1998 I lost my job and decided I wanted to be self employed. I would do commissioned work and teach people to crochet in my spare time. Commissioned work was slow and not many people was interested in lessons for crochet. My Father in Law who lives in Canada came home for a visit and he bought me a crochet magazine as he knew I love to crochet. In the magazine was an AD for the crochet guild of America and I contacted them about places to buy crochet books. I was suprised when I recieved a package in the mail with a whole listing of places in the USA to buy crochet books. I also became a member of the Crochet Guild of America. I contacted Annie's Attic to get information on buying from them. A very helpful customer service rep named Tori Currington called me with the information I needed. I asked her if Annie's Attic published their own crochet books and she said yes. So I questioned her some more about how to go about submitting designs to them. She was so patient and helpful, she told me to write a letter requesting the designer guidelines and fax it to her and she will pass it on to the relevant department. I faxed the letter and waited for a while, I didn't get any response so I thought "oh well" another avenue in crochet that wasn't to be. Then one day the phone rang and to my suprise it was Darla Hassell from Annie's Attic design department wanting to know if my mailing information is the same because she had a package with the designer guideline to send to me.

She was very helpful also told me exactly what to do to submit my book to the design acquisiton manager Ms. Deborah Hamburg.

Mind you I didn't have a computer and internet service at that time. My sister in law helped me to email the relevant information to Ms. Hamburg. I got my cousin to take pics of the designs and emailed it to Ms. Hamburg. I was overjoyed when I recieved a reply from her saying she was very interested in my work and to submit the designs for publication.

I borrowed a friend's typewriter to do the instructions for the book and my sister in law retyped it when I was done so that it looked a little more professional. I cannot tell you how many pages I spoiled because I couldn't type to save my life. I was on a learning curve in a lot of areas.
Learning to type, learning about computers and the internet, learning how to write pattern instructions etc! etc! etc! But I survived and learned and became a published Designer. My first checque from designing I used to purchase a computer and sign up for internet access.
My first Published book "Irish Lace Doilies" Published in 2001, it has since been discontinued but from time to time you will find a copy on ebay.

16 comments:

Pam said...

Ferosah, it was really great to read your story, I think you'll love blogging! Your designs are fantastic! -Pam

Anonymous said...

Hi Ferosa,
Thank you for sharing with me a bit about your beginning in the designer world. I love all your designs.
Katheryn

Chie said...

I knew I saw your photo somewhere! :)
What a great story, I too love your designs!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Ferosa,

Way to go girl. We all had faith in you. Great beginnings. Keeping you in our prayers. My most favorite crochet designer.

Love & Prayers,
Theresa (Tee)

Anonymous said...

Really interesting blog, Ferosa.
So nice of you to share something of yourself, where you are from etc.
Arlene in the Adirondacks

ferosah said...

Thank you Squirrel for the support and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I appreciate you.
Ferosa

ferosah said...

Thanks for the wonderful comment on my blog Jeannez. I appreciate your support.
Ferosa

ferosah said...

Hi Pam,
You're right I am loving every minute of blogging. It's a wonderful avenue to keep crocheters updated on what I'm doing. Thank you for the compliment on my work. I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment.
Ferosa

ferosah said...

Hey Katheryn,
Thanks for the stopping by and showing your support. I appreciate you girlfriend.
Ferosa

ferosah said...

Thank you chie, it's always a pleasure hearing from another crocheter who likes my work.
Ferosa

ferosah said...

Hi Theresa,
Thanks for all your support throught out the years girlfriend. I appreciate you taking the time to write.
Ferosa

ferosah said...

Hi Arlene,
It's a pleasure to hear from you my dear. Thanks for your comments, I am hoping to share more tid bits about myself and designing in the future.
Ferosa

Anonymous said...

For the life of me......I cannot understand why this first book has been discontinued!

ferosah said...

Carol I was very disappointed when I heard that it was discontinued. I remember not too long ago a copy sold for $41.00 on ebay. I appreaciate you taking the time to comment on my blog.
Hugs
Ferosa

Mimi said...

What a wonderful story, Ferosa, its also good to know you are now successfully self-publishing your work :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Ferosa,
You did it girl! From the moment I saw your work, I knew you would. I miss talking to you, but it looks like you're staying busy.

Love Ya,
Darla Hassell