Category Archives: crochet

10 Ways to Stop Pain from Crocheting and Knitting

Pain from crocheting and knitting is more common that I ever knew. Neglecting to address the problem doesn’t help, but I have actionable steps that will. From icing, to dry needling, to CBD oil, I’ve combined all the tricks that have helped me heal from serious tendinitis into one post.

I tried ignoring the pain for months. Pretending it wasn’t a big deal and wishing it would go away weren’t working for me anymore. When I finally walked through the door to my orthopedic doctor’s office I was in constant pain. I was so afraid that he would tell me I needed to stop crocheting and knitting. Thankfully he didn’t and I’m going to share the strategies he gave me (and a few of my own) that helped me to heal.

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Amigurumi Mistakes: Part 2

In Amigurumi Mistakes: Part 1 we dove headfirst into fascinating topics such as embroidering faces, counting stitching and stuffing body parts. If you missed that post you can check it out here. In Part 2 we are going to dive just as deep and focus on tension, yarn weight, color and seaming.

Amigurumi mistakes happen. Most can be corrected by practicing and perfecting techniques such as tension and seaming. Others are just a matter of personal choice like yarn weight and color preference.

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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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Reopening My Etsy Shop

My Etsy shop has been on vacation mode for almost a year. Fear and self doubt were the primary reasons for my hiatus, but I am determined to overcome that this year. I am reopening my Etsy shop, but things will be a little different (and hopefully a whole lot better) in 2020.

2019 was NOT my year for Etsy profits. In fact, I made one sale. That’s right folks, one whopping sale, and on the second to last day of the year. Now in my defense, I also wasn’t trying to sell for reasons I will explain in just a moment. But for 2020 I’m shifting my focus and reopening my Etsy shop.

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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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Simple Holiday Handmade Gift Tags

These simple holiday handmade gift tags will make gift giving extra special this Christmas season. Armed with a hot glue gun and a few materials you likely have on hand, you can create one of a kind tags for every occasion.

My mother-in-law taught me that packaging is part of the gift. She is a true southern belle and is an expert at making simple things beautiful. Elegant wrapping paper, gorgeous bows and handmade gift tags turn ordinary presents into special moments.

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Yarn Giveaway!

Who loves a giveaway? Meeeeeeee!! I am teaming up with Love Crafts Knitting to give one lucky winner 5 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino yarn! Eeeeeeek!! I am so excited, if you can’t tell! The yarn giveaway will run December 9 – 15th, 2019. The winner will be randomly selected, is open worldwide, and is in no way affiliated with Instagram or YouTube.

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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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