Category Archives: Amigurumi

Amigurumi Mistakes: Part 1

Amigurumi is the art of knitting and crocheting toys. In order to make the best stuffed animals and dolls, you need patience and a little skill. But there are amigurumi mistakes you will want to avoid so that your pieces are as cute as the hours you put into creating them.

It’s no secret that I adore amigurumi. It doesn’t matter if they are knitted or crocheted, I love making them. My journey began in December of 2017 with a Youtube tutorial from Wooly Wonders Crochet. From the moment I finished that awkward and technically troublesome bunny, I’ve been hooked.

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Action Plan for Knitters & Crocheters

Planning is a tool makers can use to become more productive, stay motivated and feel less stressed. This new action plan for knitters & crocheters has helped me organize what needs to be done and how to do it.

My love for planning began in middle school. I had this cute little calendar from the Hallmark store and I wrote in it every single day. Without fail, I detailed all my important appointments like getting on the school bus and making friendship bracelets with my best friend, Katie. I even began documenting my crushes and the outfits I wore each day.

As I matured I continued using a planner throughout high school, college and into life as a wife and momma. I found that planning made my tasks seem less overwhelming and a little more manageable.

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Knitting a Vintage Nurse Bunny

Nursing is one of the MOST under appreciated professions. Knitting a vintage nurse bunny makes such a unique gift or a wonderful addition to your own handmade toy collection. This is my interpretation of the original idea from the talented Suzanne from Suzy Marie Knits and with her permission I’m showing you how I made mine.

Have you ever stumbled upon a project and knew in that instant that you HAD to make it and exactly who it would be for? That’s exactly what happened when I saw Suzy Marie Knit‘s vintage nurse bunny on her Instagram account. If you haven’t seen her amazing work you definitely need to check her out. She has a gift for creativity and whimsy that regularly inspires me by her beautiful creations.

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Handmade Toys for Christmas

This season is all about handmade toys for Christmas. It took months of planning and focus. But don’t be fooled into thinking I’m an elf stuck in Santa’s sweatshop. To make up for all the work I put into this year’s gifts, I outsourced a lot of other things I traditionally do. I am also sharing a fun handmade fail from Christmas past.

This is the Christmas I will tell my grandchildren about. I will likely embellish the story a bit. The tale will go a little something like this:

Dear sweet little grandchildren, way back in 2019 I orchestrated a most glorious handmade Christmas (now by this point in my life I will have an English accent). I went out into the rolling hills and found a pristine lamb. It graciously offered me its wool knowing the honorable way it would be used. After shearing the sweet little sheep, I spun the wool and knitted up hundreds of handmade toys for Christmas for everyone in our quaint little village.

Can you imagine their delight at my story? No? Neither can I. They will most likely respond with, “Grandma, you’re telling lies.” At that point I will abandon my storytelling and grab a spiked eggnog.

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Must Have Amigurumi Books

Amigurumi books are a steal. If you take into consideration the price of individual patterns on Ravelry and Etsy, books are a bargain. I’m sharing my favorite, must have amigurumi books that every enthusiast should have in their library.

I love books. There is something special about holding them in your hands and flipping back and forth through their pages. I like the way they smell and how they fit in your hands. My amigurumi books are written in, have smudges on the pages and are well worn. To me, that’s a sign of a good book. It looks used. It reminds me of my favorite cookbooks that are covered in sauce stains and dog ears.

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Craft Room Makeover: Before and After

A craft room makeover can be a daunting process, but with a little planning it can become your dream space. I’m sharing the before, during and after process of my own craft room makeover and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

Now don’t judge me. This is a little embarrassing. I am so excited to share my brand new craft room makeover with you all, but I need to be honest. It didn’t always look presentable. This poor room has been a dumping ground for quite some time. While I’m super excited how it all turned out, I thought it was more honest (and helpful) to share the before shots as well, not just the after.

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#WhyIMake

Becoming a maker has transformed my life in so many positive ways. What began as a way to deal with stress turned into my path to prove to myself that I was more than just a mom. Finally the connections I have made within the maker community continue to inspire and challenge me to be a better person. #whyimake

When I read the email from LoveCrafts.com I teared up a little. They are hosting a blogger award and sent out an email to explain how to enter and what the qualifications are. They have asked bloggers to answer the question “Why Do You Make?” #whyimake

First of all, I have no delusions of grandeur going on here. There are so many amazing craft bloggers out there and I don’t think for one itty bitty second that I’ll make the short list. My little blog is a tremendous joy of mine, but it is very much a hobby. However, the question has been on my heart ever since. I knew I needed to write about it. Maybe it will be just for me or maybe you will see a little of yourself in my story.

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Knitted Bunny Giveaway!

I am hosting a worldwide giveaway on Instagram from November 8th – 12th, 2019. The winner will receive a bunny hand knit by me in a winter holiday inspired dress. Anyone can enter! I will announce the lucky prizewinner at 8:00 a.m. EST on November 13th on Instagram!

My two year anniversary on Instagram is on November 13th and to celebrate I’m having a giveaway! Woohoo! I am seriously so excited to commemorate this occasion with all of you.

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Knitting a Bunny & Glamping in the Smokies

I can’t think of a better way to spend a fall weekend than knitting a bunny in the mountains of North Carolina. Squishy yarn, gooey s’mores, and colorful trees set the scene for a wonderful weekend getaway.

When I booked our glamping trip to the Pisgah National Forest back in August, I had no idea how much we were going to need to get away. At that time I couldn’t have anticipated the rollercoaster we would be on for much of the fall. Thankfully things have calmed down and spending just a few days in the mountains was just what I needed to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

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Amigurumi Book Recommendation

Sweet Crochet Friends is sure to be a new favorite amigurumi resource. In this amigurumi book recommendation I share the project I crocheted and all the adorable details.

Have you ever been in awe of someone’s talent, like really really impressed? This is exactly how I feel about the wonderfully talented Khuc Cay. I was beyond honored when she asked if I would like to preview her new amigurumi book, Sweet Crochet Friends

I’ve been a big fan of Khuc Cay’s amigurumi designs for quite some time. The first one I ever crocheted was her Kitsu the Fox pattern. His detailed face and unique clothing made him one of my favorite amigurumi projects ever.

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