I love collecting anything and everything from old buttons and alligator ashtrays to dress forms and costume jewelry, My house overflows with thrift store and yard sale treasures.It may seem ( and does!) crowded and unconventional to some, but these finds feed my creativity. Many of the trinkets work their way into my freeform crochet art. Add to that my love for music and Cajun cooking, and the mix is just right for creating celebratory hats - my response to life.
What is your medium of choice?
Any kind of fiber, either spun or unspun.
What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Marketing my work, especially since my computer skills are somewhat limited! I’m seventy years old, but I’m coming along.... slowly but surely!
What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
I love seeing people find joy in discovering their perfect hat, and gratification in watching them stand out in a crowd, with style and pizzaz!
Where do you find inspiration?
On the streets, on various sites on Instagram, by traveling, and by going back to the book that was my first inspiration, “ A New Look At Crochet” by Elyse Sommer and Mike Sommer 1975.
Where is your studio/work space?
I keep most of my yarn, my spinning wheels, heads, and mannequins at home, but I can crochet wherever I am... and I do!
What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
I would like to crochet an entire environment, which could travel around the the world, and then move into it! 😍
What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
I discovered and was inspired by Bonnie Meltzer at the very beginning of my crocheting career, back in the early seventies. I have since not only become FB friends with her, but exhibited several times with Bonnie, and visited her home/ studio in Portland, Oregon, where she taught my daughter to crochet as we assisted in the assembly of a large, collaborative crochet project. Bonnie uses her “ very mixed media” art as an environmental activist, a skill I greatly admire.
Describe your work in 5 words:
Fun, funky, comforting, power hats.
Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
When I first moved to Winchester ten years ago, I was able to have kind of a large popup space at the beautiful Bright Box on the downtown mall, courtesy of Marilyn Finnemore, owner of the building and a great supporter of culture and the arts. I was able to be there for a year, during which I became familiar with many of the wonderful denizens of Winchester, most of whom I’m still friend with.
Is there a story behind your business name?
When I was a little girl, my mother used to tell us that if we didn’t listen to her, the Raggle Taggle Gypsies would come and take us away. We never really minded, because apparently the Gypsies would let us wear lipstick, beautiful skirts, jangly jewelry, and a good time would be had by all! I’ve dressed like a Gypsy ever sincd, much to my mother’s chagrin! I believe the original term came from an old Scottish folk song.
See more of Genevieve's work on Facebook here!
Any kind of fiber, either spun or unspun.
What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Marketing my work, especially since my computer skills are somewhat limited! I’m seventy years old, but I’m coming along.... slowly but surely!
What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
I love seeing people find joy in discovering their perfect hat, and gratification in watching them stand out in a crowd, with style and pizzaz!
Where do you find inspiration?
On the streets, on various sites on Instagram, by traveling, and by going back to the book that was my first inspiration, “ A New Look At Crochet” by Elyse Sommer and Mike Sommer 1975.
Where is your studio/work space?
I keep most of my yarn, my spinning wheels, heads, and mannequins at home, but I can crochet wherever I am... and I do!
What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
I would like to crochet an entire environment, which could travel around the the world, and then move into it! 😍
What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
I discovered and was inspired by Bonnie Meltzer at the very beginning of my crocheting career, back in the early seventies. I have since not only become FB friends with her, but exhibited several times with Bonnie, and visited her home/ studio in Portland, Oregon, where she taught my daughter to crochet as we assisted in the assembly of a large, collaborative crochet project. Bonnie uses her “ very mixed media” art as an environmental activist, a skill I greatly admire.
Describe your work in 5 words:
Fun, funky, comforting, power hats.
Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
When I first moved to Winchester ten years ago, I was able to have kind of a large popup space at the beautiful Bright Box on the downtown mall, courtesy of Marilyn Finnemore, owner of the building and a great supporter of culture and the arts. I was able to be there for a year, during which I became familiar with many of the wonderful denizens of Winchester, most of whom I’m still friend with.
Is there a story behind your business name?
When I was a little girl, my mother used to tell us that if we didn’t listen to her, the Raggle Taggle Gypsies would come and take us away. We never really minded, because apparently the Gypsies would let us wear lipstick, beautiful skirts, jangly jewelry, and a good time would be had by all! I’ve dressed like a Gypsy ever sincd, much to my mother’s chagrin! I believe the original term came from an old Scottish folk song.
See more of Genevieve's work on Facebook here!
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