Sock Dolls!: An Interview with Arlette Laan

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How did you get started making sock dolls?

I was always sewing and crocheting growing up and when I started doing shows and fairs with my photography I would introduce some of my dolls. People liked the dolls more than the photography but that particular doll design didn’t offer me many possibilities to be creative with shapes (it was based on a waldorf design). Then one Christmas an artist friend gave me a book on sock dolls (because she liked the photography in it) and once I discovered the possibilities of the sock material I was hooked.

What do you like most about having your own creative business? What do you find most challenging?

I like having my own business because I can set my own times, I can take months off to go travel, I get to do something I like (and also I don’t like people telling me what to do).

Ideally I would make all one of a kind pieces and be creative all the time so sometimes it’s a little challenging to make more of a design I’ve already made many of but I try to keep it interesting by using new sock colors and patterns. That’s also the reason I have several designs and when getting ready for a show I try to plan it so that I work on a different doll design every day.

What inspires you to create?

I really like putting colors and patterns together and seeing what comes out of it. I like the element of surprise. And I like challenging myself to come up with new ideas, something it’s hard but it’s very rewarding.

What do you think motivates others to buy handmade?

I think people enjoy the personal connection with the maker and the fact that the item is something special and not mass produced. Personally I’ve bought items because I liked the work and I wanted to support the artist so they could continue to do the work. Also, I’ve had a person buy a set of landscape coasters from me because they enjoyed talking with me and hearing about my travels and the coasters would remind them of that experience.

What is your favorite handmade item you have bought or received?

My beautiful wedding band made by Heather Wang. I love that it’s made by one of my best friends who worked with my husband to design something one of a kind just for me.

When you are not designing and creating handmade items, what do you like to do with your time?

I’m an avid long distance hiker. Before I started my business I hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Now my husband (who runs his own business as well) and I backpack in the winter months and last year I took August off as well. This year I ‘only’ took a ten day trip but next year it will definitely be a month again. ; ) When I’m home I’m totally consumed with making and selling and it’s challenging to fit a day hike in.

What is something people might not know about you?

I was born and raised in The Netherlands (not Canada). And I’ve hiked about 15,000 miles across the US and in Nepal, Patagonia, Japan, Switzerland, Ecuador, Jordan, Kenya. I’m consider myself pretty lucky to have had all these amazing experiences.

What is one piece of advice you would offer to others with their own creative business?

Don’t underestimate how much time it’s going to take you and don’t expect overnight success. It happens to some people but most of us put a few years in before figuring out what works and what doesn’t. So don’t get discouraged if at first you’re not making much profit.