#fiberarts — Public Fediverse posts

After the recent knitting marathon I decided to put away my knitting needles for at least a week. But there is always crochet hooks as an alternative.

So I dug out this leftover sock yarn Granny square blanket. It's now about 16x11 squares and I think 16 is enough length but I want to add a 12th column for more width. And there's plenty of leftovers to make the 18 squares for that size.

And then this needs a border. Black? Grey?

#crochet @crochet #GrannySquare #fiberarts #solarpunk

After the recent knitting marathon I decided to put away my knitting needles for at least a week. But there is always crochet hooks as an alternative.

So I dug out this leftover sock yarn Granny square blanket. It's now about 16x11 squares and I think 16 is enough length but I want to add a 12th column for more width. And there's plenty of leftovers to make the 18 squares for that size.

And then this needs a border. Black? Grey?

#crochet @crochet #GrannySquare #fiberarts #solarpunk

After the recent knitting marathon I decided to put away my knitting needles for at least a week. But there is always crochet hooks as an alternative.

So I dug out this leftover sock yarn Granny square blanket. It's now about 16x11 squares and I think 16 is enough length but I want to add a 12th column for more width. And there's plenty of leftovers to make the 18 squares for that size.

And then this needs a border. Black? Grey?

#crochet @crochet #GrannySquare #fiberarts #solarpunk

After the recent knitting marathon I decided to put away my knitting needles for at least a week. But there is always crochet hooks as an alternative.

So I dug out this leftover sock yarn Granny square blanket. It's now about 16x11 squares and I think 16 is enough length but I want to add a 12th column for more width. And there's plenty of leftovers to make the 18 squares for that size.

And then this needs a border. Black? Grey?

#crochet @crochet #GrannySquare #fiberarts #solarpunk

After the recent knitting marathon I decided to put away my knitting needles for at least a week. But there is always crochet hooks as an alternative.

So I dug out this leftover sock yarn Granny square blanket. It's now about 16x11 squares and I think 16 is enough length but I want to add a 12th column for more width. And there's plenty of leftovers to make the 18 squares for that size.

And then this needs a border. Black? Grey?

#crochet @crochet #GrannySquare #fiberarts #solarpunk

@fiberarts @knitting

So one final picture - my son and me both wearing our cardigans.

I changed the background and the faces for privacy reasons.

Both jackets are the same width, on the left one the sleeves are longer and the right one has an a-line from bottom to the underarms.

And the right one has been with for three winters already.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

So one final picture - my son and me both wearing our cardigans.

I changed the background and the faces for privacy reasons.

Both jackets are the same width, on the left one the sleeves are longer and the right one has an a-line from bottom to the underarms.

And the right one has been with for three winters already.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

So one final picture - my son and me both wearing our cardigans.

I changed the background and the faces for privacy reasons.

Both jackets are the same width, on the left one the sleeves are longer and the right one has an a-line from bottom to the underarms.

And the right one has been with for three winters already.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

So one final picture - my son and me both wearing our cardigans.

I changed the background and the faces for privacy reasons.

Both jackets are the same width, on the left one the sleeves are longer and the right one has an a-line from bottom to the underarms.

And the right one has been with for three winters already.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

So one final picture - my son and me both wearing our cardigans.

I changed the background and the faces for privacy reasons.

Both jackets are the same width, on the left one the sleeves are longer and the right one has an a-line from bottom to the underarms.

And the right one has been with for three winters already.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

Pre washing versus post washing - with this yarn really isn't optional, as it still retains some spinning oil. It's not super soft now (the sheep it came from are kept to keep the river banks of the Rhine stable, wool quality is an afterthought). It reminds me of old wool blankets - great to keep you warm but you might want to keep a layer between your skin and the fabric.

#wool #fiberarts #knitting

@fiberarts @knitting

Pre washing versus post washing - with this yarn really isn't optional, as it still retains some spinning oil. It's not super soft now (the sheep it came from are kept to keep the river banks of the Rhine stable, wool quality is an afterthought). It reminds me of old wool blankets - great to keep you warm but you might want to keep a layer between your skin and the fabric.

#wool #fiberarts #knitting

@fiberarts @knitting

Pre washing versus post washing - with this yarn really isn't optional, as it still retains some spinning oil. It's not super soft now (the sheep it came from are kept to keep the river banks of the Rhine stable, wool quality is an afterthought). It reminds me of old wool blankets - great to keep you warm but you might want to keep a layer between your skin and the fabric.

#wool #fiberarts #knitting

@fiberarts @knitting

Pre washing versus post washing - with this yarn really isn't optional, as it still retains some spinning oil. It's not super soft now (the sheep it came from are kept to keep the river banks of the Rhine stable, wool quality is an afterthought). It reminds me of old wool blankets - great to keep you warm but you might want to keep a layer between your skin and the fabric.

#wool #fiberarts #knitting

@fiberarts @knitting

Pre washing versus post washing - with this yarn really isn't optional, as it still retains some spinning oil. It's not super soft now (the sheep it came from are kept to keep the river banks of the Rhine stable, wool quality is an afterthought). It reminds me of old wool blankets - great to keep you warm but you might want to keep a layer between your skin and the fabric.

#wool #fiberarts #knitting

@fiberarts @knitting

Washed, dried, buttons sewn on.

The topmost button is probably too high to choose it comfortably. One of the risks when you work the button holes as you go. But my son says it's ok.

Sadly the weather is against me, so no good outside pictures. I had to rush to get this one and it will only reside 2 more hours here, so no other chance. But it fits really well, you'll just have to believe me.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

Washed, dried, buttons sewn on.

The topmost button is probably too high to choose it comfortably. One of the risks when you work the button holes as you go. But my son says it's ok.

Sadly the weather is against me, so no good outside pictures. I had to rush to get this one and it will only reside 2 more hours here, so no other chance. But it fits really well, you'll just have to believe me.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

Washed, dried, buttons sewn on.

The topmost button is probably too high to choose it comfortably. One of the risks when you work the button holes as you go. But my son says it's ok.

Sadly the weather is against me, so no good outside pictures. I had to rush to get this one and it will only reside 2 more hours here, so no other chance. But it fits really well, you'll just have to believe me.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

Washed, dried, buttons sewn on.

The topmost button is probably too high to choose it comfortably. One of the risks when you work the button holes as you go. But my son says it's ok.

Sadly the weather is against me, so no good outside pictures. I had to rush to get this one and it will only reside 2 more hours here, so no other chance. But it fits really well, you'll just have to believe me.

#knitting #fiberarts

@fiberarts @knitting

Washed, dried, buttons sewn on.

The topmost button is probably too high to choose it comfortably. One of the risks when you work the button holes as you go. But my son says it's ok.

Sadly the weather is against me, so no good outside pictures. I had to rush to get this one and it will only reside 2 more hours here, so no other chance. But it fits really well, you'll just have to believe me.

#knitting #fiberarts

I Moved from America to Morocco and This Changed My Crochet Business

There are moments in life when everything changes so suddenly that you almost do not recognize your own life anymore.

For me, moving from America to Morocco was one of those moments.

When I first packed up my crochet hooks, yarn, cameras, computers, and the life I had spent decades building in the United States, I honestly did not know what would happen to my crochet business. I did not know if people would still follow my work. I did not know if I would still feel inspired to design. I did not know if I would even be able to find yarn I liked using.

What I did know was this:

I needed a change.

After spending most of my life in America, everything had started to feel rushed, loud, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Day after day felt like survival mode. Even creativity, the thing that once brought me peace, started feeling buried underneath stress, responsibilities, and constant pressure.

Crochet had always been more than yarn and stitches to me.

It was comfort.

It was therapy.

It was memory.

It was the one thing that stayed with me through every stage of life, going all the way back to childhood when I first learned how to crochet and make little outfits for Barbie dolls. Back then, I had no idea those tiny stitches would eventually become a business, a creative outlet, and a connection to thousands of people around the world.

Then came Morocco.

And somehow, slowly, quietly, everything began to change.

Slowing Down Changed My Creativity

One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Morocco was that life moved differently.

People sit longer.

Talk longer.

Drink coffee slower.

Families gather more.

Stores close in the afternoon.

The nights feel alive.

There is a rhythm here that is difficult to explain unless you experience it yourself.

For the first time in years, I felt my mind slowing down.

And strangely enough, that changed the way I designed crochet patterns.

In America, I often felt pressure to constantly produce:

• more patterns
• more content
• more videos
• more posts
• more engagement

Everything felt tied to algorithms, numbers, deadlines, and burnout.

But in Morocco, I started reconnecting with why I loved crochet in the first place.

I started paying attention to textures again.

Colors again.

Details again.

I began designing more intentionally instead of just trying to “keep up.”

And honestly, I think people noticed the difference.

Morocco Reignited My Inspiration

Morocco is full of texture, color, geometry, and artistry.

You see it everywhere:

• in the tile work
• in the architecture
• in the markets
• in the fabrics
• in the desert landscapes
• in the old doors
• in the handmade goods

Even ordinary things here often feel artistic.

As someone who designs crochet patterns, being surrounded by that kind of visual inspiration changes you creatively.

Some of my recent crochet ideas, color choices, and textures absolutely came from simply living here and observing everyday life around me.

Even the natural light feels different when I photograph my work now.

Warmer.

Softer.

More alive.

The Challenges Nobody Sees

Of course, moving overseas also came with challenges.

A lot of them.

Finding crochet supplies was not always easy at first. Yarn brands I used for years in America suddenly were not available anymore. Simple things became complicated. Shipping costs were shocking. Learning where to buy materials in a completely different country took time.

There were language barriers.

Cultural adjustments.

Moments of homesickness.

Moments where I questioned whether I had made the right decision at all.

Building a creative business while adjusting to life in another country is not glamorous the way social media sometimes makes it look.

There were days I felt completely overwhelmed.

But there was also something beautiful happening underneath all of that uncertainty.

I was rebuilding creatively from the ground up.

Crochet Became Personal Again

Somewhere along the way, crochet stopped feeling like a race again.

It became personal.

Peaceful.

Meaningful.

I started creating things because I genuinely loved them, not because I thought they would perform well online.

Ironically, I think that authenticity actually helped my business grow stronger.

People can feel when something is real.

They can feel when creativity comes from passion instead of pressure.

And I think moving to Morocco helped me rediscover that part of myself.

The Internet Made the World Feel Smaller

One of the most unexpected parts of this journey has been realizing how connected creativity really is.

Even while living thousands of miles away from America, I still wake up every day connected to crocheters from all over the world through:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• my blog
• pattern sales
• messages and comments

It reminds me that creativity has no borders.

A crochet pattern designed in Morocco can end up being stitched together in Texas, Canada, Australia, Germany, or South Africa by someone I may never meet.

That still amazes me.

This Move Changed More Than My Business

At the end of the day, moving from America to Morocco changed far more than just my crochet business.

It changed my pace.

My perspective.

My priorities.

My creativity.

And maybe most importantly, it reminded me that sometimes we need to step completely outside of our old environment to rediscover who we are.

Crochet followed me across an ocean.

And somehow, through all the uncertainty and change, it became home again.

#RiverheadNY - Long Island #FleeceAndFiber Fair at #Hallockville #MuseumFarm

May 16 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Avenue
Riverhead NY

Admission is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

"Hallockville Museum Farm will host its annual Long Island Fleece & Fiber Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inviting visitors to experience the full journey of fiber – from raw fleece to finished textile — at its historic North Fork campus.

"A longtime spring tradition, the festival brings the cycle of fiber to life through live sheep and llama shearing with Long Island Yarn and Farm, #spinning, and #weaving demonstrations, along with a #marketplace featuring more than two dozen regional #FiberArtists and #Artisans.

"A major highlight this year is the appearance of nationally recognized #knitting expert Patty Lyons, who will lead two special sessions focused on practical techniques and problem solving for knitters. Additional hands-on workshops include an introduction to weaving with the #PaumanokWeavers, where participants can create their own scarf; a flat #NeedleFelted farm landscape workshop led by Shamma Murphy; and #BasketWeaving with Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas using #NaturalMaterials such as #silk, #seagrass, and #wool. Advance registration is required for workshops.

"In addition to demonstrations and workshops, visitors can explore a variety of family-friendly activities, including a children’s #craft area, agricultural displays, and opportunities to meet the farm’s animals. Attendees are welcome to bring their #FiberArts projects to work amongst like-minded creators.

" 'The Fleece & Fiber Festival connects people directly to the traditions that shaped life on the #NorthFork,' said Executive Director Heather Johnson. 'It’s a chance to see, touch, and learn skills that were once part of everyday life here and that continue to inspire #makers today.'

"The festival also features live music by the Old Time Jam, local food vendors, and a bake sale hosted by Hallockville Bakers."

FMI:
https://www.eastendbeacon.com/event/long-island-fleece-fiber-fair-at-hallockville-museum-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #NYEvents #BuildingCommunity #FiberArts #FiberArtists

#RiverheadNY - Long Island #FleeceAndFiber Fair at #Hallockville #MuseumFarm

May 16 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Avenue
Riverhead NY

Admission is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

"Hallockville Museum Farm will host its annual Long Island Fleece & Fiber Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inviting visitors to experience the full journey of fiber – from raw fleece to finished textile — at its historic North Fork campus.

"A longtime spring tradition, the festival brings the cycle of fiber to life through live sheep and llama shearing with Long Island Yarn and Farm, #spinning, and #weaving demonstrations, along with a #marketplace featuring more than two dozen regional #FiberArtists and #Artisans.

"A major highlight this year is the appearance of nationally recognized #knitting expert Patty Lyons, who will lead two special sessions focused on practical techniques and problem solving for knitters. Additional hands-on workshops include an introduction to weaving with the #PaumanokWeavers, where participants can create their own scarf; a flat #NeedleFelted farm landscape workshop led by Shamma Murphy; and #BasketWeaving with Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas using #NaturalMaterials such as #silk, #seagrass, and #wool. Advance registration is required for workshops.

"In addition to demonstrations and workshops, visitors can explore a variety of family-friendly activities, including a children’s #craft area, agricultural displays, and opportunities to meet the farm’s animals. Attendees are welcome to bring their #FiberArts projects to work amongst like-minded creators.

" 'The Fleece & Fiber Festival connects people directly to the traditions that shaped life on the #NorthFork,' said Executive Director Heather Johnson. 'It’s a chance to see, touch, and learn skills that were once part of everyday life here and that continue to inspire #makers today.'

"The festival also features live music by the Old Time Jam, local food vendors, and a bake sale hosted by Hallockville Bakers."

FMI:
https://www.eastendbeacon.com/event/long-island-fleece-fiber-fair-at-hallockville-museum-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #NYEvents #BuildingCommunity #FiberArts #FiberArtists

#RiverheadNY - Long Island #FleeceAndFiber Fair at #Hallockville #MuseumFarm

May 16 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Avenue
Riverhead NY

Admission is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

"Hallockville Museum Farm will host its annual Long Island Fleece & Fiber Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inviting visitors to experience the full journey of fiber – from raw fleece to finished textile — at its historic North Fork campus.

"A longtime spring tradition, the festival brings the cycle of fiber to life through live sheep and llama shearing with Long Island Yarn and Farm, #spinning, and #weaving demonstrations, along with a #marketplace featuring more than two dozen regional #FiberArtists and #Artisans.

"A major highlight this year is the appearance of nationally recognized #knitting expert Patty Lyons, who will lead two special sessions focused on practical techniques and problem solving for knitters. Additional hands-on workshops include an introduction to weaving with the #PaumanokWeavers, where participants can create their own scarf; a flat #NeedleFelted farm landscape workshop led by Shamma Murphy; and #BasketWeaving with Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas using #NaturalMaterials such as #silk, #seagrass, and #wool. Advance registration is required for workshops.

"In addition to demonstrations and workshops, visitors can explore a variety of family-friendly activities, including a children’s #craft area, agricultural displays, and opportunities to meet the farm’s animals. Attendees are welcome to bring their #FiberArts projects to work amongst like-minded creators.

" 'The Fleece & Fiber Festival connects people directly to the traditions that shaped life on the #NorthFork,' said Executive Director Heather Johnson. 'It’s a chance to see, touch, and learn skills that were once part of everyday life here and that continue to inspire #makers today.'

"The festival also features live music by the Old Time Jam, local food vendors, and a bake sale hosted by Hallockville Bakers."

FMI:
https://www.eastendbeacon.com/event/long-island-fleece-fiber-fair-at-hallockville-museum-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #NYEvents #BuildingCommunity #FiberArts #FiberArtists

#RiverheadNY - Long Island #FleeceAndFiber Fair at #Hallockville #MuseumFarm

May 16 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Avenue
Riverhead NY

Admission is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

"Hallockville Museum Farm will host its annual Long Island Fleece & Fiber Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inviting visitors to experience the full journey of fiber – from raw fleece to finished textile — at its historic North Fork campus.

"A longtime spring tradition, the festival brings the cycle of fiber to life through live sheep and llama shearing with Long Island Yarn and Farm, #spinning, and #weaving demonstrations, along with a #marketplace featuring more than two dozen regional #FiberArtists and #Artisans.

"A major highlight this year is the appearance of nationally recognized #knitting expert Patty Lyons, who will lead two special sessions focused on practical techniques and problem solving for knitters. Additional hands-on workshops include an introduction to weaving with the #PaumanokWeavers, where participants can create their own scarf; a flat #NeedleFelted farm landscape workshop led by Shamma Murphy; and #BasketWeaving with Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas using #NaturalMaterials such as #silk, #seagrass, and #wool. Advance registration is required for workshops.

"In addition to demonstrations and workshops, visitors can explore a variety of family-friendly activities, including a children’s #craft area, agricultural displays, and opportunities to meet the farm’s animals. Attendees are welcome to bring their #FiberArts projects to work amongst like-minded creators.

" 'The Fleece & Fiber Festival connects people directly to the traditions that shaped life on the #NorthFork,' said Executive Director Heather Johnson. 'It’s a chance to see, touch, and learn skills that were once part of everyday life here and that continue to inspire #makers today.'

"The festival also features live music by the Old Time Jam, local food vendors, and a bake sale hosted by Hallockville Bakers."

FMI:
https://www.eastendbeacon.com/event/long-island-fleece-fiber-fair-at-hallockville-museum-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #NYEvents #BuildingCommunity #FiberArts #FiberArtists

#RiverheadNY - Long Island #FleeceAndFiber Fair at #Hallockville #MuseumFarm

May 16 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Avenue
Riverhead NY

Admission is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

"Hallockville Museum Farm will host its annual Long Island Fleece & Fiber Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inviting visitors to experience the full journey of fiber – from raw fleece to finished textile — at its historic North Fork campus.

"A longtime spring tradition, the festival brings the cycle of fiber to life through live sheep and llama shearing with Long Island Yarn and Farm, #spinning, and #weaving demonstrations, along with a #marketplace featuring more than two dozen regional #FiberArtists and #Artisans.

"A major highlight this year is the appearance of nationally recognized #knitting expert Patty Lyons, who will lead two special sessions focused on practical techniques and problem solving for knitters. Additional hands-on workshops include an introduction to weaving with the #PaumanokWeavers, where participants can create their own scarf; a flat #NeedleFelted farm landscape workshop led by Shamma Murphy; and #BasketWeaving with Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas using #NaturalMaterials such as #silk, #seagrass, and #wool. Advance registration is required for workshops.

"In addition to demonstrations and workshops, visitors can explore a variety of family-friendly activities, including a children’s #craft area, agricultural displays, and opportunities to meet the farm’s animals. Attendees are welcome to bring their #FiberArts projects to work amongst like-minded creators.

" 'The Fleece & Fiber Festival connects people directly to the traditions that shaped life on the #NorthFork,' said Executive Director Heather Johnson. 'It’s a chance to see, touch, and learn skills that were once part of everyday life here and that continue to inspire #makers today.'

"The festival also features live music by the Old Time Jam, local food vendors, and a bake sale hosted by Hallockville Bakers."

FMI:
https://www.eastendbeacon.com/event/long-island-fleece-fiber-fair-at-hallockville-museum-farm/

#SolarPunkSunday #NYEvents #BuildingCommunity #FiberArts #FiberArtists