Tag Archives: knitting

How I Got Monetized on Youtube as a Crafter

My road to Youtube monetization has been a lesson in patience and persistence. It took me five hundred sixty days to reach that milestone. And while it is a big accomplishment for me, I’m hoping it is just the beginning. In How I Got Monetized on Youtube as a Crafter, I’m sharing what worked, what didn’t work and how you can do it too.

Crafting Youtube channels are a very popular source of education and inspiration. I’ve learned so much from different channels and credit them with being able to finally improve my knitting skills. Before the days of Youtube, learning a new craft could be difficult. You either had to know someone who could teach you or have a great local library with the perfect book that explained each step perfectly.

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Knitted bunny with green cowl.

Jetkat Knitted Bunny Pattern Review and Toy-Making Pep Talk

In my Jetkat Knitted Bunny Pattern Review I share all about this challenging, but delightful project. There are definitely positives and negatives. I not only learned a few new knitting techniques, but I created a toy that I shall cherish forever.

You know the feelings….intimidation, frustration, indignation. But slowly those emotions begin to morph into hope, optimism and finally confidence. I regularly experience this combination of mental states while knitting or crocheting toys. And time and time again I’ve learned to never judge a project at the beginning.

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Little Cotton Rabbits Textured Dresses Review

In this review of the Little Cotton Rabbits Textured Dresses pattern, I’m sharing everything I love about it. Spoiler alert… there’s a lot of gushing. You will also get to see my newest fox, Fern, and the inspiration behind her.

Is it possible to love the Little Cotton Rabbits any more? I didn’t think so until I purchased the Textured Dresses pattern and fell hard. The simplicity and beauty of these patterns has captured my imagination as well as my heart.

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Favorite Knit & Crochet Projects for Easter

These knit & crochet projects for Easter are just about the cutest things I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Bunnies and carrots are symbolic of the season and I believe these patterns are the best of the best.

This Easter is going to look quite a bit different than every other one I’ve ever celebrated. I’ve come to accept that. But doggone it, I’m still going to enjoy one of my favorite holidays. I’m going to make deviled eggs, eat chocolate and put a big smile on my face. And these adorable knit & crochet Easter projects are sure to bring a smile to YOUR face.

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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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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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