Artist Interview with Im a Yarner- Sandi Ragusa

Why do you craft/make? How did you learn?

I craft because I love the idea of making something with my own two hands. It still amazes me after all this time, that I can sit down on the couch with a ball of yarn and in a couple hours, I’ve made something wearable. Also, I can’t stand to do only one thing at a time. If I watch TV without knitting or crocheting, I feel lazy.

I started crocheting at a young age, 8 or 9, when my grandmother would watch my sister and me during the summers. Every day she would make us spend a half hour playing the piano or crocheting. I never liked the piano, so I always chose crochet.

When I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, I saw the cutest knit bunny hat and I knew I had to learn how to knit. I brought that picture to my local yarn store and handed it to the woman behind the counter. I told her I needed to make this hat but I’ve never knit before. She ran around the store gathering everything I needed and I went home and had that hat done within a few days. My daughter is now twelve years old and I knit or crochet constantly. Everywhere I go, my knitting bag goes. Soccer practice, doctor’s appointments, lunch breaks at my “real” job. Everywhere.

What is your favorite product or piece you’ve made lately?

My favorite product at the moment is my crocheted cactus. It’s so quirky and silly and even though I loved it, it surprised me how many other people loved it too.

What sorts of things are inspiring you right now? Where do you look for inspiration?

Much of my inspiration comes from my family. I have two girls who are always giving me ideas. They come up with some crazy ideas or color combinations and then I tweak it into something I would want to wear.