Tag: handmade gifts

  • Variation on a theme

    Variation on a theme

    In a previous blog, I shared a pattern I wrote for a quick crochet project: a sunglasses pouch. That post resulted in a special request for the same item in a yarn I had used to make a virus shawl. Luckily, I did have a little yarn left so I was able to make 2…

  • A different kind of yarn excursion

    A different kind of yarn excursion

    One challenge for those of us who like to knit and crochet (and sew, quilt or engage in other crafting) is the sedentary nature of these activities. To combat this I take time every day to walk or bike so that I can stay healthy and enjoy many more years of knitting and crocheting. This…

  • Thoughts after yarn-crawling

    Thoughts after yarn-crawling

    After finishing my 3rd yarn crawl ever, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the process along with some personal insights, and more. Back in 2021, the only crawls I had ever heard of were Pub crawls, and by the time I learned about those I was too old to be interested. When…

  • Sunglasses pouch

    Sunglasses pouch

    I recently watched a YouTube video on how to make a sunglasses case/pouch and it reminded me of other patterns I have seen over the years. As often happens with ALL of us who knit or crochet for any length of time, I wanted to make edits here and changes there. I ended up with…

  • Caring for Mother Earth

    Caring for Mother Earth

    One weekend I realized that I had blown through disposable makeup remover cloths at a rate that was a bit disturbing. I had to admit that I was addicted to the EASE of use and quick work they make of my makeup at the end of a long day, but I could not shake my…

  • A grandmother’s legacy

    A grandmother’s legacy

    When I was a senior in high school, and preparing to spend my last Summer at home before entering the United States Navy on active duty, my grandmother asked me what I wanted for graduation. I asked her to crochet me an afghan/blanket that I would take with me when I went away.. Crocheted blanket –…

  • Good deeds & yarn

    Good deeds & yarn

    Most of us that crochet or knit probably don’t think a lot about how our yarn habit might help us out of a jam. This blog post highlights how being generous with our time and talent can pay dividends, and maybe even protect us from potentially negative circumstances! A couple years ago, a colleague of…

  • Cord Keepers (or tamers)

    Cord Keepers (or tamers)

    I recently attended a professional conference where I came home with a small bag of business-themed giveaways. One of these was a branded piece of rubber or nylon with a snap. Its purpose is to help contain cords that accompany all of our electronics. Driving back from that event, I thought about how to replicate…

  • New normals: adventures in yarn

    New normals: adventures in yarn

    I originally wrote this back in the midst of the pandemic. The life lessons seem timeless, and worth sharing again. The pandemic brought a lot of “new” things into many of our lives. Some were scary and frightening, while others were pleasant and even welcome! As part of my own journey, I have decided to…