Made in Indiana: The Sweetgum Spot
Photo credit: Sweetgum Spot
Rooted in a family of makers, Katie Brandt started The Sweetgum Spot, a business that reflects her childhood roots including the tree in her backyard. As an only child, Brandt filled the sibling void by spending time with her grandparents and climbing the sweetgum tree in her backyard.
The maker’s tradition began with Brandt’s great-grandmother, who made all her own clothes, including knitted pieces that look as if they were done by machine. Brandt’s grandmother would show her the knitted pieces growing up, and one day when Brandt was bored, her grandmother gave her a crochet hook and some yarn.
Photo credit: Sweetgum Spot
But Brandt wasn’t hooked until she was in graduate school, and crocheting became stress relief during difficult moments and joy during happy ones. When her grandmother passed away, it became her duty to carry on the maker’s tradition.
“It means the world to me that my business is carrying on a tradition that has lasted for generations,” Brandt says.
Now a third-generation maker, she fills her shop with crochet goodies, from holiday decor, headbands and more to patterns for other makers to enjoy.
To learn more and check out the online shop, visit sweetgumspot.com.
Note: This product was featured as a giveaway in our Fall 2022 issue. The giveaway has now ended. Thanks to all who participated.
Photo credit: Sweetgum Spot
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My Indiana Home is produced for Indiana Farm Bureau members. Our mission is to connect you with the food you eat, the Indiana farmers who grow it and a rural lifestyle that is uniquely Hoosier.
Lynnette Engle
August 22, 2022 at 7:45 pm
I’ve wanted to try an air plant for a while now, and the crochet baskets are so cute!!
Cindy Pergrem
August 23, 2022 at 7:15 am
I’ve always been intrigued by air plants. I love your story about your special times with your grandma, learning to crochet, carrying on that art and the sweet gum tree. We, too, have a sweet gum tree in our backyard.
Tanya Yoder
August 23, 2022 at 9:32 pm
don’t have any air plants. yet
Janice Bailey
August 24, 2022 at 11:50 am
Would love to try my luck with raising a sweet gum tree.
Sandy
August 24, 2022 at 9:48 pm
I like air plants and I think your crocheted hangers are really cute 😊
Jan Dager
August 25, 2022 at 12:37 pm
These are so cute!! I would give it to my granddaughter, a fellow plant lover and crafter.
Sharon Hootman
August 26, 2022 at 1:31 pm
These are really cute. A neat additional decoration.
Evie Ushman
August 27, 2022 at 4:14 pm
I am interested in purchasing these for gifts…. 💲??
NANCY CUTFORTH
September 4, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Can’t seem to find where I fill out to win one of these cute things.
CForrester
September 6, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Loved reading about your passion and strong family roots. Our fingers are crossed that a sweet little air plant is in our future.