Hudson Slouchy Beanie by Rebecca Ruiz Decker

Meet the Maker:

Name: Rebecca Ruiz Decker

What county do you live in?: Orange

Brief Biography: I had a photography business for 10 years that I became overly burnt out over. At the time, it felt like I had failed and I know I needed to stay creative everyday because I was born to be an artists and if I’m not creating it’s like I’m not breathing. So I chose crochet as something that would be challenging and occupy my mind from the failing thoughts I was having. Kind of a self prescribed therapy. I caught on right away. Started sharing my work with friends, family and social media. They started asking me to create for them. “Can you crochet me a… this ? Can you crochet me a … that? As the requests came in I heard a ring to it “crochet me a…” turned into Crochetmia, and so the journey began. I motivated by my own independent daughter and showing her to follow her dreams no matter how difficult the days may be and stay humble no matter how great they are. My inspiration comes from the colors, textures, music, people, food and heart of my island Puerto Rico and the changing seasons of the mountains, hills & valleys of the Hudson Valley itself.

What year did you start living/working in the Hudson Valley?: I was first generation born here.

Where or what are your favorite things to do in the Hudson Valley?: Visit wineries & cider houses. Participate and visit local markets and farm markets. I love to visit new coffee shops and try their specialty items and bring a friend or family to catch up on life with. I love exploring what’s right in my back yard and taking snapshots of what’s around me. There’s so much beauty here with the ever changing seasons.