Creativity Takes Flight

Christine Smith learned how to crochet as a child through her 4-H program from her mother, who happened to be her 4-H leader. The love for the crochet in her family is truly generational, as her grandmother was the one who originally taught Christine’s mother how to crochet. About ten years ago, Christine had a couple of gifts that she wanted to make for people, and her love for crocheting took center stage. Her then boyfriend’s (now husband’s) mom was expecting, and she made her a big basket full of crochet baby goodies, and her talent for crocheting spread quickly by word of mouth. She then began making hats for co-workers, who suggested to her that she start selling her products. Shortly thereafter, Flying Hooks Crochet came to life. 

In 2018, Christine made her business official. Flying Hooks Crochet originally began by specializing in hats, but Christine realized quickly that hats don’t sell that much over the summer. She switched gears and focused instead on her baby products, like baby rattles and loveys. It was then that she began getting a lot of custom requests, and the business truly took off. 

Flying Hooks Crochet got its name in large part due to Christine’s ability to crochet “abnormally fast.” However, her husband was at the same time completing his commercial flying license, and she felt this was the perfect way to combine her speediness with his career. She loves that her business has actually ended up helping cover a portion of her husband’s flight school, and values that the name holds such important symbolism for them both. 

Christine finds much of her inspiration from seeing customers’ photos of their babies with their new handmade gifts. Seeing her products being used and loved is truly motivating for her. She loves being challenged by new custom orders and creating new patterns. She appreciates the unknown and the new creativity that comes every time she gets a new request. Christine also works closely with a pattern designer, and values collaborating with her as well. A lot of times her pattern maker will put out a new pattern and she’ll ask Christine to test it for her, which also helps keep Christine’s creative fire burning bright.

Christine originally discovered The York Merchant on social media, while searching for potential retail spaces to set up a physical shop. Previously, she had begun by selling on Etsy, and then at local craft shows. She lives in Lancaster County, where there were already a number of crochet shops, but was excited to open in York, where there is true growth potential for her niche. She was one of the first merchants to join the marketplace, and is excited to be a part of this burgeoning creative community from the ground up. 

To learn more about Flying Hooks Crochet and view more of Christine’s products, check out her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FlyingHooksCrochet