DIYthing

We at DIYthing had the chance to catch up with designer Brian Bergmann recently to find out about his “Hand Turned Crochet Hooks.”

DIYthing: How did this love for designing crochet hooks begin?

Brian: It began as a challenge from my wife, Anne, who asked if I could make her a wooden crochet hook.
As I love to create things with different materials (Metal, Wood and More…) this was the
first time in a long time that I returned to woodturning. By turning wooden needlework items I found it quite relaxing and rewarding as well as challenging at times.

DIYthing: Is there a particular wood that you use and why?

Brian: I started turning crochet hooks with Black Walnut and now have an inventory of 27 different woods I use for various needlework items: 5 domestic and 22 exotic hardwoods. Each wood is chosen for their color, texture and their turning and finishing qualities. The process of revealing their natural beauty is especially rewarding. I use no dyes or stains on any of my items as I can’t improve on Mother Nature.

DIYthing: Can you describe the process and how long does it take to make one hook?

Brian: As long as it takes till I am satisfied which is usually 3 hours for a “plain” turned hook:

on up to 10 hours and more for a highly turned and decorated insert hook:

A bone specialty hook: 19 separate pieces to the design (seen and unseen):

I start with seasoned wood that I cut into blanks as for the millimeter size needed. It is then put into a lathe for the turning where I use various tools to make the turned design. A captive ring (or not) has to be added at this point. When I am satisfied with the design I start the finishing process with various sandpapers, polishing and sealing. I use various tools and files; a lot of touch, feel and see; and “elbow juice”. This polishing and finishing require about half the total time in making an item.

DIYthing: How has the internet helped you as an artist?
It’s amazing! BrainsBarn crochet hooks and other needlework items have gone from local to worldwide! What an adventure it is…and continues to be! BrainsBarn is known for high-end custom work…buyers have sent in jewelry items, puppy teeth, special beads, etc.

Above: Puppy teeth from a favorite dog encased in a glass vial

Above: A grandfather’s special pipe stem…

DIYthing: I noticed you are a machinist by trade, has this played a part in your designs?

Brian: Absolutely! I am used to working within “aerospace tolerances” and so this is carried over to my turning of needlework items. Since I do many decorated hooks using many pieces, the structural fit of many of the components is necessary for the strength and integrity of the item. The design conceals this technology as it should; it becomes a balancing act between form and function. The design is what I enjoy the most…the “machinist’s challenge” to conceal the structure.

So if you are settling in for winter and decide you want a special hook for you crochet projects you should check out BrainsBarn

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