Samara Lesage

A Pair of Scissors and Some Yarn

2014 was the year everything really started for me. I started college in February for a BA in Media Arts and Animation at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division. My dad was the one that paid my entry fee so I could get in! He was very excited that I found a school that would advance my skills as an artist. I absolutely loved these classes, and it confirmed that I wanted to do art for my career long term. Not only did school work keep me busy, but any spare time I had, I committed to doing bigger art projects that I had never really dared to do before. I know it sounds silly, but crocheting was my idea of intimidation because I had never done more than a chain stitch before. I remember mom teaching me a chain stitch when I was a toddler, and I'd make a row of chain stitches so long it could lap our house...at least that's how I remember it! To teach myself stitches and patterns, I turned to the trusty DIY videos on YouTube. The very first hat I ever made was a cute Hello Kitty beanie with braids. And, yes, I still have it! As artsy as I was, I didn't have a lot of art stuff, yet. Just a lot of paper, a bunch of crayons and pencils, and a pair of safety scissors. My mom also had some old metal crochet hooks that had been forgotten over time and tucked away in a drawer. I loved doing crochet projects, and wanted to be even more daring and try to sell my work at events. I did some research and started setting everything up to officially start my business in July 2014. Crocheted themed hats and toys and accessories were getting pumped out for some upcoming events, and friends and family were booking Christmas commissions already.