Written by CraftyMomof3

I am a mom of three. One of my favorite things to do “pre-babies” was mindlessly wander around any craft or stationary supply store I could find- for hours at a time. I would buy things that I had no purpose for because they were cute!

We recently moved and I actually found a box of those things. The love of cute and shiny trinkets has apparently been passed down a generation because my nine year old ripped into the box like there was no tomorrow. Needless to say, all the items have been used during craft time with her friends.

I had my first child at 20 years old. As each baby was born I matured and so did my craft aspirations. I have been crocheting since I was nine years old. In my teen years I gave it up for a while because I couldn’t find the time or thought it was out-dated. When I was pregnant for the first time I had a lot of time on my hands- #1 because I was young and all my friends were partying! #2 My husband at the time, was working two jobs. I decided I wanted to make something that was from the heart and special for my son. I bought a book and realized that it was just like riding a bicycle! I was whipping out blankets in no time! My son still has it today and he’s 12 years old. At that time I was all about blankets and scarves. Simple and easy.

After my daughter was born (she’s the second) I discovered scrap-booking. I was immediately hooked. Any piece of paper or picture I had eventually found it’s way into my scrapbook. I formed a little scrapbook group and we had parties with great food and margaritas! Again I was in the craft stores looking for all those great scrapbook treasures. I still love to do it, but can’t seem to find the time anymore.

My third child’s birth (second daughter) brought me back to my first love, crochet. There were many complications with her birth and I was essentially bedridden for quite a few months. There is only so much TV you can watch. Since she was a preemie born in November, she needed warm things. I “re-learned” how to do a bubble stitch and made her this great hooded blanket with Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft. Back before she was born while I was searching for scrapbook items I came upon this great yarn called Sugar & Cream. When I was bedridden I started making potholders and head scarfs for my daughter. It was also great for ponchos and purses. I honestly don’t like to use any other yarn anymore. Cotton is great. All the other brands carry cotton yarn too which is great when you’re looking for other colors. It’s unbelievable how many different things you can make with this yarn! It doesn’t shrink and it keeps it shape. I have learned how to do so many things that I was never able to learn with acrylic yarn.

I am back cruising the stores on Saturday and Sunday, coupons in hand, looking for great colors. I have started making my own patterns now. I created a pattern for grill mitts/potholders that have been tested in my kitchen. You can not burn yourself on them and trust me, if you could I would have. My new projects are making sweeper covers (like Swiffers,etc). I found a basic pattern and have thrown a few spins on it. There are great sites to find patterns and network with other Crafters. Two for crochet that I was referred to recently are Ravelry and CrochetMe.

Up next in my evolution is kids jewelry. My daughter has an unusual name and can never find personalized items for herself and has requested that I make some for her. Wish me luck!

You can visit my website here, also be sure to check out my web store!