Conversations with Erin Fletcher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Fletcher.

Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
Up until about February of 2021, I didn’t know more than one crochet stitch and had only ever made a (slightly deformed) scarf or two. Then, knowing I was soon going to be an aunt to an adorable baby boy, I set about learning more than just the basics. I watched YouTube video tutorials on repeat. I learned to crochet granny squares. I tried new techniques, made mistakes, started over, and kept trying. 

Before learning to crochet, I had spent most of my free time writing. I was lucky enough to have my dreams come true when four of my young adult novels were published. Though I wasn’t writing much in 2021 anymore, I was still an avid reader. After finishing reading “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt, I wondered if I could crochet an octopus like the character in that book. I put my new crochet skills to work and made an adorable little octopus. Then, I crocheted a turtle after reading “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green. Then I crocheted a bee after reading “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult, and my small business, Crochet Hooks and Books, was born! 

Now, I combine my love of books with my love of crochet to create items inspired by books and gifts for readers. Not only do I crochet book sleeves and bookmarks, but also baby blankets to be paired with a book for a baby shower gift, cozy home decor items to accompany seasonal reads, and many different items inspired by the books I read. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I was an author, I was lucky enough to have a marketing team available to get the word about my books out there for me. With my crochet business, building an audience and marketing has been entirely up to me, which has been a challenge! Through some learning and hard work, I’m slowly growing my audience and have many repeat customers. Crocheting is still much more fun than marketing, though 🙂 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart from other crocheters is my focus on reading and books. As both an author and a former educator (I taught 5th grade for a few years), I am passionate about the power of reading and put that passion into my craft. For example, I crocheted summer reading kits for kids with a soft, ice-cream-themed book sleeve, an ice-cream plushie, and a matching bookmark. Then, I created an ice-cream-themed reading log for kids to track their progress as they read. I often give book recommendations for kids and adults and am always looking for new things to crochet for readers! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crochethooksandbooks.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crochethooksandbooks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091684215994