by Mallory Moad

When you hear the word, “crochet,” what comes to mind? Is it lacy doilies on your grandmother’s dresser? If you’re of a certain age, it could be a colorful vest made from granny squares or a toilet paper cover in the form of a poodle. Baby booties, anyone?

I’m happy to say this form of needlework has evolved and is no longer relegated to the powder room or the feet of infants. Just ask Aileen Robinson.

It all started with a little red plastic hook. Taught to crochet at the age of nine by a family friend, Aileen (pronounced A-leen, not Eye-leen) soon became proficient. What was the first thing she learned to make? “Barbie clothing!” she happily exclaims. “Lots of tube dresses for Barbies.” She never really stopped and has since turned this craft into a source of income. Crochet is her superpower.

Even though she has been crocheting for most of her life, becoming a crochet superstar was never really on Aileen’s agenda. Born in San Diego, she and her brother had an upbringing that might not be viewed as ideal by some. But with open minds and hearts, what others see as unfortunate circumstances can become adventures.

When she was four years old, Aileen and her parents moved to Los Angeles, living in UCLA family student housing while her dad attended school and mom worked as a hairdresser from home. The residents were a diverse, influential group. “I had neighbor friends in the building that had come from all over the world so their parents could attend UCLA.”

Temporarily without a vehicle, walking, roller skates, bikes, and public transportation got everyone where they needed to be. Far from being an inconvenience, this mode of commuting presented opportunities they might not have had, had they been traveling by car. “We made friends with Mrs. Thomas, a homeless woman we always passed on the way to elementary school.”

Eventually, a 1967 VW bus came into their lives. Lacking back seats, it was the source of another story. “My brother and I would lie on the floor in the back on blankets and pillows with one long seat belt strapped across us.” It was during this time that Aileen’s entrepreneurial skills became apparent. “I worked as a hairdresser myself for my friends’ Barbies. I charged them a quarter each.”

During the summer between sixth and seventh grade, the family moved to the Central Valley. Time passed and Aileen eventually enrolled at CSUF, majoring in graphic design. But music had always been her passion (she began taking violin lessons when she was 11 and was frequently involved in concert choir and chamber singers in high school). After a year, she switched her emphasis to vocal performance. After graduating in 2006, she landed a number of performance-related jobs in various Southern California locations, including working as an extra on television productions. “My favorite brag is that I’m in an episode of The Office,” she says with a laugh.

Crocheting was always with her during this journey. One of the more portable art forms – nothing more than a hook and a ball of yarn – it’s a productive way to use extra time, especially during long waits on the set of a TV show. Her colleagues noticed and soon began ordering hand-crafted items. “It was really great being able to crochet and make some extra money while waiting around with truly nothing better to do anyway.”

It was when she started working full-time at a bank that the interest in her work really took off. “My coworkers would see me crocheting on my breaks and quickly had me filling up a notepad with a continuous list of orders.”

Aileen opened her first Etsy shop in August 2011, where she sold scarves and vests with intricate designs. After taking a short break in 2021, she reopened her shop and is now offering a wider selection of unique and unusual items. In addition to beanies and vests, charming and beautiful, in their own right, you will also find dolls. “The first doll I made was for my niece,” Aileen explains. “She’s African American and her mom was saying that dolls with brown skin are such a rare find.” Noticing the lack of diversity on Etsy at the time, Aileen photographed the finished product, posted it in her shop, and she quickly began getting orders.

One of Aileen’s best-selling dolls is made in the image of a very famous, easily identifiable individual. “I’ve sold 250 Bernie Sanders dolls just on Etsy. That’s not counting the many I sold in person when I was fundraising for his campaigns.” She also takes special requests, such as characters from books and movies. She has even created custom figures from children’s drawings and photos of people and pets.

Something that is fast becoming Aileen’s signature piece is a lovely, body-defining vest. Colorfully exquisite, it’s embellished with long fringe made from repurposed silk scarves, creating a boho/gypsy look. Although Aileen models different variations herself on social media, this would look just as gorgeous on a self-confident man with fearless fashion sensibility (think Harry Styles or Billy Porter).

Another in-demand item is the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The deity of the light-hearted parody faith, Pastafarianism (Google it – it’s fun), it’s available in several sizes including a Christmas tree topper. You can also get an accompanying hat in the shape of a colander, complete with a decorative noodle.

Aileen has two clever, creative, and inspiring kids: daughter, Matilda (age 12) and son, Prior (age 11). When asked what she likes about being a successful crochet artist and work-at-home mom, Aileen had difficulty picking just one positive aspect. “The fact that I can do what I do around any other important things in my life is great. I never have to have wasted time.” She doesn’t have to deal with a demanding boss or unreasonable dress code. But it all comes down to family. “Ultimately, the best part about what I do is that I can be ever-present for my kids. I can always bring them that project they forgot or come pick them up from school if they feel sick. And they genuinely seem to love seeing me create things. They are pretty great cheerleaders.”

From Barbie dresses to fashion statements, to kids and Flying Spaghetti Monsters (with a stop in show business along the way), it’s been a fun trip that continues to unwind, just like a ball of yarn.

My name is Mallory Moad and I believe the difference between adventure and a bad time is your vantage point.

To see more photos and videos of Aileen Robinson’s work, visit her on her Facebook page, Leen Green Bean, or on Instagram @AileenSoprano. Aileen’s Etsy shop is open for your Christmas shopping pleasure at LeenGreenBean.Etsy.com.

Mallory Moad is a visual/performance artist, vocalist in the jazz band Scats on The Sly and a proud Central San Joaquin Valley native.