Tag Archives: knitting

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

How to Grow on Instagram for Makers

As makers we have a tremendous opportunity to grow on Instagram. Having a larger presence can open doors that we never dreamed possible, but only if we are willing to work for it. At Blissdom I learned what to do and how to do it, and I’m sharing it all with you!

I underestimated the influence of Instagram for quite some time. I viewed it as a place to share what I was creating and to connect with other makers. While that is a noble use of that platform, I severely underestimated its potential. When a few unsolicited opportunities came my way unexpectedly, my eyes were opened. Instagram isn’t just a fluffy place to share photos of my cat (of course I do that too), it is a powerful vehicle to connect you to the world and all that it has to offer.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →