Washington crochet artist makes big splash on national level
Cheryl Hopper sits in her art studio in her Washington home.
After placing second with “My Awakening” in the nonprofessional design contest at the Crochet Guild of America’s national convention, Cheryl Hopper also won the People Choice’s Award.
Cheryl Hopper’s wallhanging, “Lilies,” was published in the International Freedom Fiberart Guild’s book, “Pattern In Nature.” It also was accepted in the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh Membership Exhibition.
Cheryl Hopper crocheted a free-form purse.
A crocheted “painting” by Cheryl Hopper
Cheryl Hopper displays a blue marlin that she crocheted.
Cheryl Hopper isn’t one to follow the rules – at least when it comes to her craft.
And that carefree attitude has paid off dearly for the 69-year-old retired Washington businesswoman.
Earlier this summer, Hopper placed second in the nonprofessional design contest at the Crochet Guild of America’s National Convention in Chicago.
Even more impressive?
Her free-form piece, which she appropriately called “My Awakening,” also was selected the People’s Choice Award winner by crochet enthusiasts from throughout the United States.
“I’m very humbled,” Hopper said. “Everybody there loves crocheting. I didn’t know I was at that level because the only people I talk to about it are online.”
Hopper was 9 years old when her grandmother taught her how to crochet. She also tried to teach Hopper how to knit, too, “but I did it backward,” said Hopper, noting that she sat across from – and not beside – her grandmother during those lessons.
But Hopper didn’t have much time to crochet after she and her husband, John, were married. She was too busy raising seven children and operating her own construction company.
So, Hopper promised herself that when she she retired, she would devote as much time as possible to her creative self – and she has, painting landscapes and crocheting afghans.
Then, about a year ago, she discovered what turned out to be a jewel of a book, “Bullions & Beyond: Tips and Techniques for the Crochet Bullion Stitch,” by Prudence Mapstone.
Mapstone resides in Australia, where free-form fiber art is gaining in popularity, especially among men. Hopper messaged Mapstone, who was very encouraging and told Hopper that she would be “waiting to hear what you win.”
Hopper said only about one-half of 1 percent of people who crochet do free-form fiber art.
“A lot of people still think of it as an old lady’s hobby and not an art form,” Hopper said. “It’s not something a lot of crocheters knows exists. You pick up some yarn, and you pick up a crochet needle. There are no patterns and no rules. I loved it.”
Hopper said “My Awakening” explains perfectly her journey into the world of free-form fiber arts.
“I waited all those years to do this,” Hopper said. “It’s just like the ocean. Everything is working up from the bottom. There is so much going on below the surface, and I have so many beautiful ideas coming forth and rising to be captured and expressed through art.”
Hopper begins each free-form project by deciding what colors she would like to use, then puts them in a bowl and lets her ideas percolate as she decides how she would arrange them in a painting.
“I’m confident enough to go my own way,” Hopper said. “I like different and unsual textures. I like color and texture.”
Hopper tries to spend at least four hours a day in her second-floor home art studio working on various projects. She has created crocheted paintings, noting that, “I don’t know anybody around here who does this type of free-form,” and, as a member of Zonta Club of Washington County, she makes twiddle mits for Alzheimer’s patients. Inside the twiddle mits, also known as “mufflers,” there are different shapes, textures and buttons with which patients can fiddle and touch.
“I have a lot of energy,” Hopper said. “With seven kids, I had to have a lot of energy.”
Hopper also likes to crochet small swatches whenever she has a spare moment, especially as a passenger in a vehicle, eventually assembling the pieces, much like a puzzle, into a fine work of art.
“Once you figure out what you are doing, you can crochet walkways and paths,” Hopper said.
Another one of Hopper’s pieces, “Lilies,” was accepted in the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh Membership Exhibition and also was published in the 2017 International Free-Form Fiberart Guild’s “Pattern In Nature.”
In the text that accompaned the photograph in “Pattern In Nature,” Hopper wrote, “The beautiful distinctive lilies were my inspiration for this piece. They are unique in shape and stunning to behold. You can get lost in them.”
Reflecting on the past year of her life, Hopper said, “It’s amazing when you think of it. If I had not picked up that tiny book … It was just a matter of finding that book and just doing it.”
Cheryl Hopper would like to share her passion for free-form fiber art with groups in Washington and Greene counties and start a local chapter of the Crochet Guild of America. To schedule Hopper as a guest speak, send an email to worldhopperchery@aol.com.