Hey, Crochet Spotters! Today I am excited to introduce you to one of my favorite crocheters and designers, Twinkie Chan! Twinkie Chan is a celebrated crochet designer who has created her niche by crocheting all things delicious and wearable! If you see someone wearing a pizza scarf, it’s most likely her design.

I’ve been following Twinkie since 2010 and I’ve learned that there are many exciting aspects to her career. She has been a successful seller on eBay, Etsy, and at craft fairs. She’s authored a popular pattern book and has another one in the works. She did a series of patterns for Michael’s and is currently featured on the website as a “Celebrity Crafter.” No doubt, all of this success is due to talent, focus, a lot of hard work.

One of the things I most admire about her is her focus within a well-defined niche. She’s really intent on creating adorable, food-related, crocheted wearables and items for adults. While that may perhaps sound somewhat limiting, it’s amazing to see how creative she gets within that category. One of the more surprising and certainly delightful works she has shared on her blog is a crocheted painting.
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Ever get lost in thought while dipping and diving through all of the beautiful inspiration on Pinterest? You have? 🙂 Of course you have! This post is inspired by the never-ending stream of visual stimulation that is Pinterest.

For whatever reason, my Pinterest feed is exploding with tons of gift wrapping ideas right now. There also seems to be a trend with giving food items like cookies, cupcakes, and candies. Well, I am fully in favor of that! Since I feel the need to put my own stamp on things, I decided to combine (what else?) Crochet and Candy!!

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The seasons have turned, snow has begun to fall, the stores are already decked out in their Christmas splendor… Doesn’t it just fill your heart with excitement? These signals tell us it is time to nest. It’s time to connect with family and friends. It’s time to make everything warmer with crochet.

Have you planned your Christmas decorations and gift wrapping yet? Crochet can and SHOULD be a part of that! Why? Because it can be! The wonderful ritual of decking the halls, trimming the tree, and wrapping the gifts is made all the warmer with crochet. I’ve put together a round up of versatile and adorable Christmas ornaments for you to enjoy!

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When I was interviewing for my teaching job in Mexico, the principal scheduled our meeting at about 10:30 A.M. As I walked across the campus to get to her office, I passed the kindergarten playground and the air was filled with the joyful squeals of laughter and happy chatter as the children ran and played. They were princesses, sailors, police officers, mamas and daddies. They were big blue whales, lions, puppies, & duckies.

I was sure the principal must have scheduled me right then on purpose. Who doesn’t delight in the sheer joy of children at play? It was a very happy time.
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Hey there, Crochet Spotters! Is it just me, or is life a whirlwind of activity for you, too? I LOVED reading your responses to my recent post How Much Do You Crochet? and those responses have informed this post!

Although the high holidays just ended and Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, the perennial question, “What are you crocheting for the winter holidays?” has come up! As well it should! And I’m going to be very, very realistic this year. Not everything needs to be handmade, and it really is the thought that counts!

Having said that, let’s put some thought and some handmade into this gift-giving extravaganza. This year Haunukkah runs from December 16 through December 24, meaning (YAY!) we have more time this year! Christmas, is (of course) on December 25, as always.

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Well, the seasons are changing and fall is definitely in full swing here in the United States. For those of us in South Florida that means sunny skies, mid-70’s, and snowbirds. My friends up north tell me this year the fall foliage is gorgeous! And those lucky people are probably wearing sweaters and cute legwarmers already!

I have to tell you, having made the move to a warm (Mexico) then even warmer (Florida) climate, these subtle seasonal changes are barely perceptible to my northern-bred body, but even so, the longer you stay somewhere, the more you become in tune with those tiny shifts. This year, I actually noticed a change in weather! In these climates, the holidays become even more important indicators of seasonal changes.
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The inspiration for this post was my own personal reflections about my relationship with crochet. Crochet is a wonderful craft and since it’s portable, people may do it more often than some of the other crafts. However, I would like to get an idea of how often you, Crochet Spotters, actually crochet.
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Double crochet. Double crochet. Finish off. Balloons fall from the ceiling and everyone around you erupts with applause. Wait. That’s not the way your last crochet project ended? Hm. After all the time, care, and concentration we put into our work, sometimes it seems like we should have a celebration! And when you think about all of the resources that went into your project before you even knew you would make it, like the hook you use, the yarn, the patterns… Actually, the patterns have much more to them than the designer. Technical Editors and editors tweak the patterns before publication. Speaking of publication, what about our wonderful websites and magazines that post crochet patterns so that we can have them? Don’t all of those people deserve an award as well?

Well, actually, there is an award system created by crocheters for crocheters! It’s called the Flaming Hook of Justice, or “Flamie” Award. The awards began as a conversation thread in the Crochet Liberation Front Ravelry forum and grew into a well respected measure of recognition in the crochet industry.
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Nothing, and I mean nothing is better than sleeping in on a lazy Saturday morning, padding into the kitchen, brewing a fresh pot of coffee, and enjoying it on the couch with your crochet, sunlight streaming through the window. Add a favorite podcast, album, or movie into the mix and you’re approaching nirvana. Am I right, Crochet Spotters?

While luxuries such as these can feel like pipe dreams some weeks, let’s remember that it is up to us to create our own special moments and sanctuaries of relaxation. Although the scene described above may not be possible very often, we can take the flavorful components of coffee and crochet with us almost every day and combine them to make a “coffee & crochet moment.”
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I love the idea of crocheting appliques because they are quick and satisfying. I have seen a number of them on different items for babies and children. They look great on everything from onesies to sweaters to jumpers! Appliques can also be a great way to spruce up a tote bag. It is a wonderful way to add a quick, handmade touch to birthday or holiday gift.
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