Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas!

Chicagoland is known for its fabulous fashion style and prominent local fashion designer, the fabulous Barbara Bates. She has been creating stunning custom designs for many in Chicagoland and abroad with exquisite fabric, setting the atmosphere on fire with her unique designs. However, Golden Divas, another diva on the horizon, is captivating the locals here in Chicago. This diva is the ‘The Crochet Queen,’ I dubbed her the ‘Barbara Bates’ of Crocheting because, just like B&B, she is working her craft with stunning one-of-a-kind chic designs that will make you feel like the world is your runway every time you step out the door. Ladies, let me share a quick backstory with you of how we met. Have you ever met someone with who you instantly clicked? As of late, I have been meeting the most beautiful amazing people who are transparent, kind, very talented, sweet, and yes, crazy and fun. I am bringing this newfound friend to Club Fifty ‘Circle of Sisterhood’ who instills all those adjectives. Her personality lights up a room, and she has a knack to make you feel like you have been friends all of your lives (and you just met 15 minutes ago).

Now, that’s the type of person everyone needs in their lives, that genuine person that will make you laugh, listen to you and have your back. You know that ‘Ride N Die’ chick! At least that’s how I see her. ‘Picture this,’ in the words of the great Sophia Petrillo (played by Estelle Getty) from The Golden Girls, two gals meet at a mutual friend’s event, click and connect over fashion, and the rest is history. The start of a beautiful friendship. That’s it. It’s that’s simple! Now, ladies, this Golden Diva has introduced me to new possibilities in the fashion world by stitching yarn together. Yes, you read that right yarn. I respect any woman who can create masterpieces from the ancient meditative skill of stitching yarn together by crocheting. Golden Divas, crocheting is no longer your grandma’s handy needlework; it has taken on its transformation over the years. If you’re not familiar with crocheting, here’s a brief description of it.

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THE WORD CROCHET COMES FROM THE FRENCH WORD ‘CROCHE,’ MEANING HOOK, AND YOU’RE ABOUT TO GET HOOKED TO ALL OF HER AMAZING DESIGNS (NO PUN INTENDED).

Crocheting requires the use of a hook, which comes in a range of sizes. You make loops with the hook to create the essential crochet stitches, such as the single, double, and treble stitch. The initial loop is a slip knot that is followed by a chain. Unlike knitting, crochet stitches resemble a chain of small knots. Therefore, you can create several slip knots and chains for your project. Without further ado, let me introduce you to ‘The Crochet Queen,’ Shirlene McCreary, the lady who knows how to knot some things up with (1) hook, colorful yarn, and a million ideas to make you look FABULOUS!!

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**MEET SHIRLENE MCCREARY**
My name is **Shirlene McCreary**, the entrepreneur behind ‘Personality Stitches.‘ I am a divorced mother of two adult children. My daughter is an administrator for a corporate organization and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. My son is an entrepreneur as well and owns a barbershop. I have nine grandchildren, and they call me ‘G-Mama!’
I was introduced to crocheting early by my oldest sister. However, I didn’t take it seriously until years later. After taking early retirement from a company, I worked at for 25 years. Finally, I decided to pick up my crocheting needle. Unbeknownst to me, it would become therapeutic and a passion. I even enjoy thinking outside of the box with my creations.

In 2003 ‘Personality stitches’ was born. I do everything freestyle without patterns. I’ve been asked to put patterns with my designs, but it puts me in a box and limits my creativity; therefore, all my creations are not exactly alike. But, frankly, I like it that way, and my passion for the craft and customer base is pleasing!

WELCOME TO CLUB FIFTY SHIRLENE!

Golden Diva Interview Questions

C50: Shirlene, tell us how you got started in the classic skill of crocheting?

SH: My older sister taught me how to crochet in high school, but I never was interested in the craft.

C50: Is your passion for fashion in crocheting a business or a hobby?

SH: It’s more so a hobby for me. Although, I have secured some faithful customers.

C50: Crocheting is a method of creative expression. Is it hard to learn?

SH: The craft of learning to crochet for me was easy to understand; however, when I learned I wasn’t interested, it is easy to learn (for me).

C50: What is the difference between knitting and crocheting?

SH: I know you use (2) needles and only (1) for crocheting with knitting.

C50: Crocheting is a meditative skill that offers many benefits, one being relaxation; Shirlene, how many times during the week do you crochet?

SH: Crocheting is a meditative skill and very relaxing for me. Depending on my customers, I crochet on average of 3x’s a week, and then I will sit down.

C50: What is the most challenging piece of clothing have you’ve designed?

SH: I have a customer who challenges me all the time. It was a dress I made for her it came out quite beautiful.

C50: What is the process for creating clothes for a customer? How do you bring their vision to life of creating that special garment stitched together with yarn?

SH: To create a design for a customer, I have to see them, take their height, size, and style or swagger to get a feel for their personality.

C50: Shirlene, what excites you about this string-based craft? How fulfilling is it to create something for others?

SH: The excitement about putting yarn together to create a piece is like a kid in a candy store and to design out of my head because I don’t read patterns is exhilarating. Freestyle which I will say, is a gift from God.

C50: I’ve seen how you turned a piece of yarn into something beautiful that people can wear; your one-of-a-kind designs are unique! But are your tailored pieces expensive to purchase?

SH: My prices are reasonable; however, when you want something that is made to your liking, custom made it can cost a little more.

C50: It is a known fact that knitting and crocheting come with many benefits; another one is that it helps the brain create and maintain the neural pathways that keep the mind and memory sharp. With that being said, have you ever thought about teaching crocheting to others to learn?

SH: No. I would not be a good teacher to teach crocheting; with that being said, I do not read patterns.

Bonus Question

C50: Shirlene, how can they contact you if someone wanted that special outfit explicitly made for them?

SM: You can reach me by email at mccreary349@gmail.com or phone (708) 208-8123

There you have it Golden Divas, the ‘Crochet Queen’ has officially been welcomed to Club Fifty. Check her out if you are looking for something different and fabulous, her creations are simply divine!!

Shirlene McCreary

MEET SHIRLENE MCCREARY