My crochet journey began when I was about ten years old, when my Grandmother Gypsy showed me how to make a chain and single crochet stitches. I made a small (and I mean small) blanket for my dolls that was very triangular in shape. Who knew you had to actually count your stitches! My Grandmother used to make beautiful and elaborate crochet dresses for my American Girl Dolls. Watching her work magic out of her hook was when I first fell in love with crochet.
Even though I had a love and awe of crochet it didn’t hold my attention at age ten and throughout my school years. It really wasn’t until I had my third crotch goblin that I’d pick up yarn and hook again.
Twenty-four and pregnant, I decided I wanted to make something for my soon to be born baby girl. I knew I did not want to make a blanket, ain’t nobody got time for that. Also, let’s be honest, I knew I would never finish it. Clothes never even crossed my mind, but I kept seeing little stuffed animals on my Pinterest feed. Okay. Now that I can definitely try – and try I did! It was infuriating! I decided to start out by making a little Pokemon for practice before making my little lady something.
A lot of frogging, cursing, non-stop determination and a full work day later…. I had a keychain sized likeness of a bulbasaur. Now there are a few things we don’t talk about in this house. We don’t talk about fight club, we don’t talk about Bruno, and we definitely don’t talk about wonky bulbasaur! He became my pin cushion and still is to this day. That same night I started my daughter’s unicorn which looks like it is related to eeyore in a dismal kind of way. I’m pretty sure all four of its legs are different sizes, its horn is hanging on literally by a thread, and its head has been reattached twice.
That year I continued to push myself in my newish hobby and rekindled a past love. I made ten plushies that year for my nephews and nieces (and of course myself). After seeing the pure joy it brought them, needless to say, I was hooked and became addicted to bringing that joy to others!
Now I’m creating my own patterns and growing a little business. Thank you for your support in making my dreams come true. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of you!
With much love,
Your friendly neighborhood HookMaster Jessie
