TL YARN CRAFTS PODCAST: The WIPs Are Taking Over + Why I Left Etsy (Season 4, Ep 1)

[@TLYarnCrafts]

Hi friends! Heads up - there is a scammer in the comments. Please do not download any apps or provide any money in exchange for a giveaway. I'll share the winners in a video later this week with specific details on how to claim any prizes you may have won.

[@rullademens]

Thank you for letting us know. I thought it looked a little fishy 🐟

[@ceciliacastle1021]

Thanks I know it was to good to be true lol

[@ceciliacastle1021]

And it didn’t follow what you said you where going to do

[@dtate001]

Thanks for the warning.

[@lindaamburgey3211]

Thanks for the heads up. People can be so mean.

[@cberger9447]

I’m a combat veteran with PTSD. Crochet projects help me stay focused on the present and not stuck in the past. Yarn is sometimes my life line.

[@Andrea-mt2bi]

amazing to hear how yarn can heal so may backgrounds. wishing you wellness and prosperity in the new year

[@maryksullivangreenlee8885]

Thank you for your service!

[@kdrinnin1]

Thank you for your service.

[@margaretsharp2464]

I love 🧶 crochet! I took it up again recently to help me relax from my stressful life! 😘

[@crochettay2092]

Thank you for your service.

[@ndpharmgirl9633]

Crochet saved my life. My Mom & Sister taught me how to crochet when I was 6 years old. Last year my Sister died suddenly & my Mom died 5 days later. So at age 50 I was left without 2 very important women in my life. Crochet has been my friend and my therapist. ❤

[@kitdonaldson523]

So sorry for your huge loss, glad you have something to do and remember them fondly.

[@ruthdavis1376]

I'm so sorry for your losses it's not easy when we lose a loved one I love crocheting I hope it is helping you at this time in your life

[@JJ-yn4cj]

So sorry for your loss ❤❤❤ just know you are not truly alone

[@homebodyhandmade]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how that feels having lost both my parents in 2021 at age 49. Later that year I found Toni's you tube and took up crochet and it has helped me deal w some of the emotional baggage. Keep on...know that you are not alone. Hugs.

[@cathyhall1338]

So very sorry for your losses. That is far too much to have to bear at once. Sending hugs.

[@elfrog98]

Someone told you that you weren't teaching anything?? You're becoming known as one of the greatest crochet teachers in existence 🤯 we are grateful for you

[@maryusa8526]

😮

[@livinginthenow]

Absolutely!! Whenever I talk to someone who is interested in learning to crochet, I always steer them toward Toni here on KZbin. She is also one of the few people giving a wide range of instruction on Tunisian crochet stitches. She's a real one-stop-shop for anyone interested in learning the craft.

[@elfrog98]

@@livinginthenow I send everyone here too, I totally agree!

[@leslieswope227]

Crochet allows me to distress and creatively show my family how much I love them

[@marshanotmarcia7433]

OMG your temp blanket just gave me a SCATHINGLY BRILLIANT IDEA!! I will do a blanket in 3 parts; Hubby’s year 1958, My year 1959, and our marriage year 1985! How much more romantic can a blanket get!!! If you do get to see this msg and think the idea is a good one, would you just give me a thumbs up? I’m usually pretty secure in my ideas, but knowing how seasoned you are at Temp blankets, it would go a long way towards my idea not being to ‘over’ enthusiastic…. Stay Safe and Thank You for everything you do for us!!

[@agataolejarczyk1496]

That's an amazing idea!!!

[@taylorkennedy2517]

I LOVE this idea! I might steal it for an anniversary gift for my parents 30th this year....

[@superm0m0f03]

Great idea,but please educate me on how and where I can get the daily temps from years gone by. I have been wanting to make a temperature blanket ever since I first heard of them years ago. Also if you don't mind, I want to borrow the idea & make gifts for my two granddaughters and other relatives to continue the tradition my great aunt Stella had started of making hand made gifts that say, "I love you, and want to give a part of me to you."

[@Tif541]

@@superm0m0f03 hey! Use weather underground!

[@tygerburning753]

@@superm0m0f03 I agree, weather underground has a great historical weather page. It should be pretty easy to find once you get to the main page.

[@tiayarns93]

Just gonna wait here with my tea. Don't mind me.

[@sandywiedenbauer3585]

I'll sit and have tea with you, if you don't mind😉

[@watchnomore]

Sipping my green tea with lemon as well

[@creatingwithkita8031]

Let me pull up my chair

[@Yours_sincerely_thedreamer]

Dear Toni, thank you for all of your videos. I have autism and discovering crochet has really changed my life. Because of my disability I have problems integrating myself in group settings. I get confused who speaks when and can`t process the information very well. It makes me very anxious and tired, so I spend most of my life alone. Crochet has changed that. Doing something repetitive, feeling the yarn running through my fingers, makes me comfortable and I have something to focus on. Only listening to the conversations like an audio book makes it possible for me to understand what is happening around me. Toni, I finally have friends. I got involved in local politics. I go out more. I am so so proud of myself. I might be known as the girl that crochets all the time, but honestly I do not mind. I am just so thankful to this craft that enabled social contacts for me. ❤

[@susanfisher4344]

Crochet is important to me because when my hands are busy, my mind can roam free. I find it so relaxing and meditative.

[@crazyhawk59]

Crochet helps me keep my head above water. I was recently diagnosed with a disease and it sometimes is more than I can cope with. I grab some yarn and a hook and the world smooths out and I feel better. Thank you for your positivity, encouragement, and your beautiful smile. Take care and stay warm.

[@cindymwright]

I work at a homeless shelter. We receive a lot of crocheted hats, scarves & blankets. It’s so generous!! If you know of any shelters near you with long term programs, donate yarn and hooks!! Our ladies love to crochet. They can make their own hats & blankets. One of our ladies is making hats for newborns at a local hospital. ❤❤

[@SocciStitches2018]

As someone who works in a high stress environment, crochet offers an escape for me. It gives me the opportunity to wind down and stop thinking about work. I lose myself in my projects and I love that I can create something with my own two hands. Thank you for always providing me with the inspiration and motivation!

[@crochethooked7796]

I taught myself to crochet when I was around 15. I love the idea of usable/wearable art. I'm awkward and anxious and crochet is very helpful for my mental health. This community has given me the opportunity to interact with others. Without all of you I would never speak to anyone outside of my own family. Crochet has made me feel less alone.

[@sylviamaxwell504]

You sweet heart, crochet will always give you comfort and we all care about you😘♥️

[@dolls4em782]

CrochetIing helps me Ground and find balance in the end of the day! Im trying to find a way to use it in everyday life and make just a little extra money but While i was pregnant it was a way for me to show love to my son before he was even born. I LOVE to CROCHET!!!

[@livinginthenow]

I find crocheting very soothing too. [Awkward and anxious are my middle names! 🤣🤣🤣] Somehow you don't find many people talking about that aspect of crocheting very often, and I don't know why. Something so good for our mental health shouldn't be kept a secret, imo.

[@julieduncan7284]

I learned to crochet before I learned how to read. I remember watching my mom crochet when I was very young being obsessed with the process. The way she manipulated the hook and yarn looked like magic. One day we were going on a road trip to Cape Cod and she taught me how to make a chain. She sat in the front seat of the car crocheting and I sat in the back seat making my chain. When we got to our destination I had made a chain that, in my mind, was a mile long and I was pretty proud. I’ve been crocheting on and off all my life. My interest and inspiration to create things fluctuates and I have lots of dry spells and then other times my crojo is on fire! Right now it’s on fire and I’m so glad to have TL yarn crafts to keep me focused and motivated!

[@teaganblue7318]

Crochet: Why craft is important to me? A sense of accomplishment, having a skill that others admire, being creative, a stress release, beauty, all the things and why not!

[@naomiamezquita631]

Girl, first I have to say your hair looks absolutely fabulous! Not that you never looked good before because you always do. I love the arts and crafts world. I always have since I was a little girl. I learned how to crochet when I was nine years old from my mom and my aunt. I’ve always crocheted all my life and now that I’ve hit the big 60, I not only crochet more than ever, but I have ventured into entering my projects in our state fairs and have come home with blue ribbons!! I’m so happy I could cry. Thank you so much Toni for always being with us making us feel warm and loved in this beautiful KZbin home you’ve created. God bless you always. ❤️❤️❤️

[@aerynwho4478]

I started to crochet after a brain injury from a car accident ended my teaching career. Crochet is meditative when I need it to be that. I can choose easy patterns when my brain is tired, or choose something more difficult to challenge myself. It gives me so much. Crochet has been an invaluable part of my life post-accident. ❤

[@binkie3366]

Oh wow I was confused for a minute cause I thought when did I write this comment? Cause word for word, this is me & my experience. I also crochet and knit to calm my brain or challenge it and Im also a former teacher who can't teach anymore cause of a brain injury from a car accident. Its astonishing how similar our stories are... Hope you're doing well & will find your way to more & more fun and easyness in your everyday live & adaptations you probably also have to learn to adapt ☺️💜

[@macymiller3417]

Actually same wow!

[@MarilyntCx]

After being diagnosed with a rare disease in college and not being able to trust my body, I was stuck creatively for a long time. Crochet calms my mind and allows me to make art with this new body. I always say I’m transitioning into a full grandma now :)

[@cindytwilliams]

When my grandma passed away in 2013, my mom remarked that there was no one left in the family who knew how to crochet. So I watched KZbin tutorials and learned to crochet and then later to knit. It is my passion and I love creating things, doing craft markets, and lately writing patterns.

[@libbyhartley7195]

I work as an RN in inpatient psych and crochet gives me a way to relax my mind and take my mind off a busy, stressful day. Plus, it is like a little reward every time I finish a stitch, cluster, row, section, and project! Crochet started as a hobby but has grown into so much more!

[@carolynmccalvin8862]

Crafts has always been part of my life since childhood. I learned to crochet from a schoolmate in the 6th grade who taught me the basic chain and single crochet stitches. I became obsessed with learning more. My mom was very supportive and always bought me beautiful craft kits for Christmas. My first project was an afghan kit for a multicolored chevron afghan. At that time, I couldn't read patterns so I made the kit into one big granny square afghan and gave it to her. She used and loved it until her departure from this life. I have so many stories of how crochet and other crafts have been a sheer delight in my life. I wanted to also express that your designs, books, and podcasts has uplifted and inspired me to adventure into new patterns, yarns, and tools. Thank you so very much for your positivity and inspiration. You are a blessing to the crochet and overall crafting community.❤

[@mmcwithey]

I learned crochet while working as a 911 dispatcher. It helped me get through some very difficult nights as well as make new friends. God is good and has moved me from 16 years of dispatching and ptsd, to being able to work from home and crochet for my family. It’s so relaxing and therapeutic and all 7 of my kids love to see the projects unfold. I note get to bond with my daughter over neat patterns as well. ❤ I’m so thankful I’ve found your channel!!

[@marygraves8007]

Crochet has become a tool to help me keep my stress and anxiety at bay. Being able to create soft cozy gifts for friends brings me such joy.

[@spotismycat]

Hello! Super long story short, after a lifetime of struggles, I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and crochet has immensely helped me cope with my symptoms. When I’m overwhelmed with the world, I can sit and focus on one of my many WIPs and make it all disappear for a while. It centers me and allows me to move forward with my troubles in a calm and more meaningful way. I love all of the makers I’ve found along the way too. Talk about inspiration! ❤

[@PinkyJapan]

Hey hey ADHD crochet club!! I'm in the same boat. Was diagnosed at age 35!

[@elfrog98]

Me too, age 42 this year. And I completely agree!!

[@tmwoltz226]

I'll be 49 next month and have MS. So I don't work outside the home and my kids are 16 & 18. So I crochet every day. I have lost count of my WIP's and UFO's. But I made a deal with my therapist that I would revisit and finish one project each month. 🤔🤞🤞🤞

[@ljtnc6012]

My adult daughter has anxiety and has recently started learning to crochet and found that it helps calm her. What a blessing!

[@ravelanone9462]

Me, too. Diagnosed 15 years ago in my 40s. Late 40s. 😆 Crochet is an enormous comfort--and results in lovely items to wear, use around the home, give as gifts, and contribute to charity.

[@jennywinter5399]

Crochet has allowed me to see that I can learn something new at my age. It has also been a lifesaver for my mental health. I love that I can meet people from all over the world that love crochet as much (or more) than me too!

[@bethgoodwin9493]

Thank you Thank you Thank you I discovered KZbin 3 years ago when I cleverly broke my ankle and so my crochet journey began. There are so many great people like yourself to learn from. I appreciate all of your time and wisdom. 🌟💚🌻

[@annadoney3124]

I taught myself how to crochet when I was 11 years old using KZbin videos. The very first thing I made was a baby hat for one of my teachers. I am now 23 and becoming a teacher myself. I have always been crafty and just recently fell in love with Tunisian crochet because of you, Toni. I also taught myself how to knit recently. The other day my 73 year old grandma asked me to teach her how to crochet. I am so thankful for this craft and what I have learned!

[@BethC458]

My mom was a crafter and taught me to craft and crochet when I was a child. I lost her at a young age. I crochet and craft to keep her love with me always. Congrats Toni!

[@Womenmatter2009]

❤

[@daisymira2609]

I started crocheting in middle school, I was a watercolor artist and I discovered fiber arts at 13 and now I'm a knitter as well. Crochet to me is something that I'm grateful to be able to have picked up and I have taught my grandma and my sister since teaching myself the craft. Crochet and knitting keeps my hands busy when I get really anxious and before I was able to keep my hands busy in yarn I would self harm, now I am proud to say I am 4 years clean and have plenty blankets, scarves, mittens, sweaters and amigurumi to fill the void 😊

[@yasimost]

After a terrible semester of college, I realized I needed to slow down. Crochet has been a lovely reminder to take time to myself and take a step back.

[@mkdice]

I crochet to connect to my past. I learned how to crochet from my Mom and Sister in law when I was young. Every time I pick up a hook, I am reminded of the love my family shared with me to get me started.

[@jdonaldson322]

Crochet is my therapy! When my company closed in 2017 and I was laid off at 7 months pregnant, I turned to the craft my late grandmother had taught me when I was little. I haven’t stopped crocheting ever since. It’s what I used to cope with losing a job I loved and working with coworkers who were like my family. I realized it’s what makes me most happy when things aren’t going as expected (Covid). Thank you Toni for teaching me Tunisian, I know that if my grandmother were here she’d love learning too and seeing all the beautiful things I have made.

[@hcc7772]

Crochet is not only my time to relax and crate something beautiful, but also my connection to my grandmothers. My grandmother taught me when I was around 6 years old. I can see pride in her eyes every time I show her a finished project. As she gets older, she can’t teach me like she used to. I’m so glad I found your channel. Thank you for helping me grow as a crafter over the years!

[@glorious5389]

Dear friend, now that I’m just retired, I have grabbed my CROCHET hooks back and started something I left 30 years ago, that is, my love for crochet. As a Cristian I decided to fill all my hours of crocheting praying, thanking Him, singing gospel songs of worship and just talking to the Lord to honor Him, as in everything I do. This way, I’m sure my life is going to be filled with prayer and joy. God bless you all. Hello from Barcelona.

[@Maria-hk3xk]

Crochet is the way I relax & express myself. I love to gift my finished projects, especially baby items, and have entered items in my state’s state fair for the past 6 years. Thank you so much for all you do for the maker community, and congrats on 500k!❤

[@cheryls3645]

Crochet is my relaxing time. It literally takes my mind off everything that is going on in the world. But it also helps me give back to those in need.

[@HotAmazon2020]

Since I work in both mental health and forensics, I rediscovered how soothing and calming crochet is. I love the days and nights I get to curl up in my chair with all my animals, just crocheting something. A blanket, a cardigan, a headband. It is so gentle and lets me decompress from sometimes very difficult days. I found your channel in 2022 and will have you on in the background, as you're so soothing and sweet. Thanks for building this community.

[@vivianyoungblood4489]

Good evening Toni! Crochet is important to me for a couple of reasons. My aunt taught me to crochet and knit at around 4 years old. Throughout the next 40 years I dipped and dabbled with crochet and knit. It was a way to stay connected with my aunt and share a common interest. In 2009 I was involved in a car accident and was no longer able to work. Crochet became my way of getting back to me. My brain slowly was able to understand and put together the mathematical aspects of crochet with everyday life. Nearly 15 years later my aunt and I still share that special bond AND I am grateful to say that I no longer have the anxiety that I experienced because of the brain injuries. I enjoy your videos 🧶 Keep ‘‘em coming! So thankful for you!🧶🥰

[@haleyamburgey2705]

A lady from work taught me to crochet about 4 months ago and I honestly had no idea how amazing this journey would be. Crochet is my way of decompressing after a long day of work. It feels so good to have a hobby that doesn’t focus around electronics as I am at a computer everyday. Not only did I gain crochet as a hobby, I also gained an amazing friend in the process.

[@Ziyanani]

if you Reddit try the r/crochet community there, gain more than one friend! its a wonderfully supportive place

[@saramcandrews67]

Craft keeps me grounded. Be it lettering, scrapbooking, crochet, knitting, woodburning. It helps me let out my creativity while learning new and amazing crafts. Thank you TL for providind such wonderful content and for the opportunity! Have a lovely day!

[@BrendaHarjala]

Crochet helps me with my grief. Making something with my hands is meditative, and gives me space to myself to grieve and let my thoughts run free. Your crochet patterns are perfect for this, and I absolutely love your work (and listening to your videos).

[@macker7541]

My mom taught me how to crochet when I was young and I’ve taught 5 of my 6 granddaughters how to crochet. It’s so relaxes my mind and spirit I pray it does the same for my granddaughters. Thank you for all you do! Much love and blessings 🙏🏻

[@MadelineMoran]

Congratulations on 500k! I had tried so many different types of craft and nothing really stuck until I tried crochet. My sister had a crochet hook that was included in a knitting kit by mistake that sat around for decades before I decided to pick it up and try it and now I’ll literally never go back. I started crocheting because I wanted to make Halloween decorations and was fighting with my sewing machine, so I learned how to crochet watching you and other KZbinrs and now it’s been almost two years which is the longest I’ve ever consistently worked on a hobby. And because of you and your great content, I’m going to be learning Tunisian crochet soon!

[@p.e.5336]

Crochet was introduced to me as a child, but failed to invest more time to truly learn. Now in my 30’s, crochet has become my personal time. Not only am I learning a new skill, but I can share my skills with others 😊 Thank you for sharing your love of this craft, Toni! It has encouraged me to keep learning ❤

[@brookes829]

For me, crochet is a creative outlet - color combinations, different textures, & fibers to produce a one of a kind piece of wearable or functional art. Teaching my daughter crochet has been so rewarding (and challenging!)…it’s fun to see what she gravitates towards in her projects.

[@laurielynch8703]

Crochet has been in my life for about 30 years but I didn’t learn to Tunisian crochet until I found you online. This craft enables me to create items for my family, joins me in a weekly meet up with friends and allows me to be able to teach others to crochet.

[@drew58103]

Crochet is important to me for so many reasons - it helps my anxiety and depression, and helps me feel closer to my community (crocheting sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness, welcoming a new baby into the world, making a sick friend a blanket).

[@brandysmith6349]

I am what is called a Grandma Baby on both sides and these two amazing women taught me everything from cooking to Crochet. With the skills that they have taught me I was able to keep them alive in the family and keep up the things that they would do for the family like make some fun crochet blanket for a new baby in the family or something for people to give to others as gifts. You are one of the 1st crochet craft people on here that have and continue to show me that there is and can be more to this love I have for crochet and that I can pass it on to more people and not let what these two amazing women gave me not die. Thank you from what you give to all of us on KZbin and to show young woman like me that this is something good.

[@johnsonjohnson2831]

The crochet community is so very relaxing, patient, and kind. What a great place to learn. You all are dynamite ❤

[@kathleenburke808]

My mother-in-law taught me to crochet over 30 years ago and During the pandemic I picked it up again. I had tried Tunisian crochet and then rediscovered it through your videos. I am hooked on Tunisian! Thank you for your instruction, encouragement and just being you!

[@brokenvetsfarm9667]

My Grandmother taught me how to crochet as a child. I didn’t appreciate for a very long time. I picked it back up while I was in the military a several years ago. Now it’s what I love to do in my spare time!

[@ewallace791]

That cozy collection is calling my name! 2023 is the year I'll be trying Tunisian crochet and I'm super thankful you are here to guide and teach me!

[@alexandra3804]

Crochet has been such a massive help for my mental health🙏🏻 These past three years have been so tough, between the pandemic, my partner’s health issues (multiple surgeries and complications ) and the cost of living. I don’t know where I would be without ❤️

[@hmmcminn7221]

I first learned to crochet over 40 years ago. I can’t believe I can even say that! The past time gives me space and quiet inside my head so desperately needed throughout my day. Taking up the craft again in my adulthood just blows my mind. The online resources are amazing. I know longer have to physically find another person to answer my questions or up my craft. Toni, you are such a light in this world!

[@emconnor4075]

Crochet has helped me through some challenging times in my life. It gives me some relaxation and has been my saviour from caring for my severely disabled child and my current journey through cancer treatment. I love that from yarn you really can create anything you set your mind to and let all your worries float away for a few hours.

[@chelsealeigh8650]

Crochet has become a way for me to connect with my ancestry and the women in my family. I sit at an antique table purchased by my maternal great great grandmother in the house my paternal great grandmother bought as a vacation house in the 50s to get away from the bustle of NYC. I sit with my aunt and practice this art that my grandmother taught us both as I weave our families stories into every peice I make. Sharing patterns and ideas is a favorite method of the women in my family to bond. Texting pictures of our Crochet to those of us who are across the country allow us to feel like we are all back at the table together again.

[@silvershademusic]

crochet has been there for me for years, at my highest and lowest and everything in between. i’ve struggled with severe depression, anxiety, psychosis and ptsd and crochet has done so so much to help with that and my adhd and autism i dont know where i’d be without this amazing art form

[@judyclem65]

30 years ago I made a special pink baby blanket with hearts on it for a lady who had given up getting pregnant after many heartbreaks. Her daughter still has the blanket to this day and I'm so grateful that my crochet craft was so treasured by her. Congratulations Toni for reaching this amazing milestone! Thanks to you I'm obsessed with Tunisian crochet again and have several projects on the go. Love you girl and wish you amazing things in 2023 😍!!

[@JMWithLove2023]

I work in a career that does not leave room for creativity. So, crafting: crochet, knitting, jewelry and sewing are my release. I found your channel a few days ago and absolutely loved that you spoke about praying. You bring such an encouragement which is a rare thing to find in a crafting channel. Thank you and I look forward to seeing more.

[@celticwintercomforts]

Toni it was so lovely to sit down and spend time with you! Life has been crazy and most things crochet fell by the wayside these last few months. The new year brought new energy and I'm finishing WIP's and meticulously planning new ones for 2023. Thank you for always being such a jot and bright spot in the craft community! Give Mr. Peanut and Sheba some love from me!

[@zr592]

I am a college student and during the first waves of pandemic I started to crochet again to support my mental and do something productive while watching my online lectures. It also remind me of my grandma, who taught me to crochet.

[@theknittingrev]

I just want to say, you have single-handedly brought my crojo back. I have not touched my crochet or knitting with any regularity or excitement in FOREVER. Well deserved on your 500K!! You are seriously amazing.

[@elysesmith5444]

My journey into fiber arts, including crochet, started after losing connections to other arts. But keeping my hands busy and creating with fiber for the past decade has fulfilled me in ways that other art forms haven't. Thank you so much for the work you do and all the light you share with this community!

[@cynbird12]

CROCHET is like a therapy session for me. It's my comfort at the end of a long day. A time where I can just gather my thoughts and talk to God. And when I complete a project, it gives me such a proud feeling and confidence.

[@tammyschniers569]

Crochet is so important to me because my momma taught me when I was 9 years old. I am now 57 and my momma and I do craft shows together every year!

[@FaithRichFidler]

Crochet has been a part of my family history, with my mom's mom, then my mom, now me ... and I teach people with mental health or addiction issues, to help them on their journey as well. I've been crocheting for over 40 years, and hope to add another 40, God willing and the creek don't rise. ;)

[@oliviabrantley8399]

Crochet helps me decompress. It helps me get out of a negative headspace and relax. I get so much joy sharing my projects with others and getting to say, “I made that with my hands!!” Lol. Thank you for inspiring me to try new projects. Congrats on reaching such an incredible milestone! You’ve earned it. ❤🎉

[@scoobi2089]

Hey Bestie! It's so amazing watching your crocheting journey and I hope you know how much of an inspiration you truly are. I started crocheting about 3 years ago and I've found that it really helps with my anxiety. Whether it comes in the form of yarn hauls from Joanns, or the look on people's faces when I give them something I worked so hard on, crochet has truly been a major help for me. Congrats again Toni, and here's to even more good things your way!

[@alekfelis]

Congratulations, Toni, for your well deserved success! I'm starting my third year of crocheting, and I'll be always grateful for your Crochet Academy, where I improved my skills! Also this year I'll gonna make a temperature blanket for a special year of my life, project inspired and crystallized by the excellent information in your emails workshop (thousand of thanks for it)! As well as sweater from knitting pattern but I'm translate it with crochet stitches, I was prepared that idea from a while, but your comments at the video about your sweater sleeves making process gave me extra confidence! I hope that you'll gonna organize another February CAL, because I would love to join at one!💖

[@Lauratwistingstitches]

Crochet to me is my only down time to relax. I’m a nurse with a busy and stressful career. When I sit down in the evening to crochet… I’m in my happy place.

[@Braverontheoutside]

I use crafting for my mental health; I’ve always got frustrated and crochet has been a life saver in an escape. The fact I get to have objects or clothes I love from it is a bonus

[@heathergreene3483]

I’ve been thinking about a 4 color palette for sun, rain, snow, and cloudy. I also live in Michigan and we have such defined seasons I think it just might work ok.

[@tiffanyjack6095]

That would be cool to do. I live in Michigan as well. I bet that blanket would be really pretty.

[@stephaniedelatorre3287]

When I had a heart attack (at only 43 years old), I needed to find something to keep my hands and mind occupied instead of smoking or eating. Crochet came to the rescue! I learned as a child at my gran's knee and I'd come back to it periodically throughout my life. But then, it stuck with me, and I've since learned to knit, spin, tat, and weave. Crochet is always my comfy craft. I really enjoy your channel!

[@alexandrae6900]

I think crochet is important to me because of how much it allows me to focus on what I'm hearing. If my hands aren't busy, my mind is all over the place!

[@rmw1899]

I love crochet because it lets me express my creativity, learn new skills in a low stakes, fun way, and make meaningful hand-made gifts for my friends and family. It also feels like a small way to take control over the objects I own by making things myself and opting out of cheaply made, factory produced goods.

[@lazyalocasia4271]

Crochet was something that I had picked up in during the Covid 19 lock down and it's what I poured myself into to keep my sanity and anxiety at bay.

[@lavenderafterglow]

I have adhd, & crochet has been one of my activities that I’ve maintained & enjoyed for longer than a few months. it’s been a couple years now, & although I’m reaching out to other fiber arts, crochet will always be my safe place to return. it helps me talk to new people, concentrate during work meetings, ground during hard emotional moments, & so much more.

[@karen2015]

My Mommom taught me how to crochet when I was 5 or 6 years old. She taught me how to knit when I was 10. If I do a little math, that tells me that I've been yarn crafting for nearly 50 years. I do a lot of other things, too - make my own clothes, play around with my Cricut, scrapbook and paper craft... but the thing that gives me real joy, quiets my soul, and connects me with all of my incredible female ancestors is breaking out a hook or needles and getting back to basics. I love the rhythm of making, the tricksy magic of matching yarn to patterns, the excitement of starting a new project, and the satisfaction of finishing something lovely.

[@QnKatapult]

I crochet to help carry on my Grandmother's legacy and to help with my depression. My Grandmother has a tradition of crocheting every new baby in the family a Teddy Bear blanket. My Grandmother is in her 80's now and I didn't want our family to lose this gift. So, while we all had time over lockdown, I made it my mission to learn crochet. However, in learning this craft I discovered it also helps with my depression. The feel of the yarn and the repetitive motion of the stitch is soothing. Almost like meditation.

[@raven1627]

As a crafter I've always wanted to keep my family's traditions going even if it means teaching myself because the teachers have passed on. When the pandemic hit i leaned very hard into crochet to feel the family bonds even if i couldn't see anyone and made the same blanket for my in laws and my mom. As restrictions were lifting i wanted to make something for my grandma that she could use in the nursing home and made her some lace bookmarks. She had two hanging on her wall and kept one in the prayer book she read every day until she passed in 2021. Knowing she was able to use something i made her after learning crochet from you and other makers made her transition more of a blessing and less grief filled. Thank you for being a soothing voice and amazing teacher Toni ❤️

[@grannyarkue9199]

Crochet is my best friend since I loss my husband my best friend in 2017 it’s a blessing for me thanks 🙏🏿 for the joy u show while speaking of this wonderful gift 🎁

[@kyleeshannon7141]

I have always been a Creative and my outlet started with drawing and painting. I learned to crochet in 2014 but it didn’t stick. About three years ago, I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety from a conglomeration of sad events over my life. I have struggled to maintain interest in crochet because sadness makes interests hard but I am grateful to have found your channel in fall last year (2022) to help inspire me to crochet again. The biggest reason I craft, besides helping my mental health, is getting to see the joy of people receiving an item I made just for them. It makes my mental health struggle seem a little more manageable knowing a dinosaur hat will be the favorite gift for years to come.

[@camillewhitfield375]

Crocheting was something I did as a teenager but stopped in college. But a co worker of mine reintroduced back into the crocheting doing a time in my life where in was in limbo because I was trying to get into nursing school . All of the yarn that she gifted me belong to her mother and MIL a who had both passed away from breast cancer and she was getting ready to start her second battle with the same cancer and all I could think of is that she was full of hope and joy for this craft because she was taught it by these two strong women . I too wanted to bring joy to myself with handmade crafts that would keep me warm during nursing school journey

[@debpaul8731]

Crochet is my connection with my deceased mom. She taught me to crochet when I was a teenage but I wasn't really interested at that point. I picked it up years later when I really needed something in my life to act as therapy for me. Crochet did that for me and continues to be my therapy and my connection to Mom. She was so excited when I started crocheting and we had a deep connection because of it, we could talk crochet for hours. Now that she is gone, I think of her the whole time I crochet and love that she gave me such a gift.

[@bridgettetaylor151]

Crochet is how I wind down and clear my head. Creating crochet items makes me feel happy!

[@TailSpinFarm]

My mother-in-love taught me to crochet over 30 years ago and I haven't stopped. Creating is a part of my everyday and it brings me joy!

[@marilyngitana6167]

Lung disease and respiratory issues has rendered me homebound. I was active but now crochet has filled a huge void and comforts me. Thank you for your video-I truly enjoyed it.

[@amandamholland]

Crochet has helped me so much with anxiety. The past year has been hard-I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had surgery to remove it. Crochet was an outlet for my stress, keeping my mind and hands busy through a scary time.

[@Stitched2theMACZ]

Crochet helped me when my I was pregnant with my youngest child. She had a mass on her brain that grew as she did. It helped my manage my fear and anxiety around one of the hardest times in my life. She’s fine now and the mass disappeared in its own days after she was born but crochet has continued to help me manage my stress and anxiety. I love your channel and the safe space you have created.

[@Lemetria35]

Crochet has changed my life. I love the fact that it multi-generational. It's great to create projects that personal to me. Thank you for all you do 🤗

[@nikkigrossman4244]

Hi Toni, congratulations on 500k! Crochet has been a huge part of my life-- my great grandmother taught me the basics when I was about 7 or 8 years old. Crochet kept me entertained through middle school and high school, and sane through the ups and downs of college and grad school. 2 years ago, after crocheting consistently for 15 years, I crocheted that same great grandmother a lap blanket that she was able to enjoy in her last few days on earth. It was a beautiful full-circle moment. I'll treasure the gift of the craft she's given me forever, and look for opportunities to share it with others!

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

Crochet is my life! It’s a sensual pleasure through touch and sight. It’s the first thing I look forward to everyday. Love creating for others and trying new things. ❤

[@MiaSmomof2]

I tried crochet years ago, but I rediscovered it back in September of 2021 when I lost a baby. I was depressed and could not find pleasure in any of my hobbies. One day was inspired to make a hat and it was just the small measure of joy I needed. The instant gratification from creating something beautiful with my hands helped me to start coming out of my depression. Now crochet is one of the great loves of my life.

[@gabrielcabrera2706]

Crafting is important to me because of my health. I'm not old, I'm just about to turn 23, but I've always been an extremely sickly child. My parents have told me many times about the first few years of my life and how they'd constantly wake up in the hospital while doctors tried to keep me alive. We moved to a different state with better Healthcare and I got slightly better. I picked up crochet after the health issues started up again when I was around 14 years old. It gave me something to do in the hospitals and on the trips to different towns to see specialists. I think crochet was what made me stay strong through all of it. I would crochet blankets, plushies, shawls, scarves, anything and everything I could. Even now, at 22 almost 23, I'm crocheting and using it as a tether whenever I'm stressed or going through minor colds.

[@hpettingill]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful videos Toni. I have never liked temperature blankets. I live in a cold drab town in Australia, but this year we had a warm sunny start to January and the idea popped into my head from nowhere... I need to a temperature blanket! After hours of searching for a pattern that inspired me and wasn't going to be gigantic, I am now looking forward the finding out the temperature every day. I didn't realise until you stated it... I have never been so aware of the weather before!

[@ewecreekcottage7411]

I just turned 58 my cousin 20+ years my senior taught me to crochet when I was 6 yrs old i proceeded to make 2 afghans single crochet stitch one purple one pink both variegated both lopsided and wonky but i was hooked - my Mother made giant continuous granny square afghans for all her children and grand children and great grand children and a couple years before she passed we were talking and she told me I was the one that I , ME taught HER how to crochet- brought me to tears just gobsmacked me I had no recollection of doing so- that conversation is one of my most treasured memories Yarn and crafting and crochet and now knitting are just so much of the fabric of who I am, of my soul and I am so grateful.

[@JLumen]

Crafting has always been important to me, a fun escape, a way to relax, a way to connect with people. A way to give the people I care about something from me. Last year I picked up crochet, it's really fun and helped my depression and ADHD symptoms. It's helped me make friends in my new town. Crochet has really help me discover my own self.

[@madalynnrice6054]

Crochet has become one of the most important things in my life. I started college during the pandemic and reached some of the lowest points of my life. Moving back to in-person schooling was overwhelming and I needed something that would be a comfort, so I decided to pick up crochet again. (I had learned how to chain, but that was it!) Now, crochet has been a vital activity I do in order to take a break - it's brought so much joy to me and I'm honored to be a part of this wonderful community! ❤

[@janicesing1584]

I crocheted as a teen and restarted during covid lock downs. Crochet got me through covid and you taught me how to crochet again. Now crochet is helping the transition into retirement.

[@adrianaquintero7828]

Crochet has saved my life. I deal with anxiety and depression and I found that crocheting helps me relax and takes me away from my issues, it’s a godsend.

[@PatriciaRyan-v4k]

Thoughts of crochet holds sweet memories of my grandma. I still remember her showing me how to do the chain stitch when I was a very young girl. I can still remember where I was when she first showed me. She was sitting at her special bench in a little area to the left of her kitchen. It was a small space she would sit at for hours restring beads for Sear's and May company. I made the longest chain stitch out or rainbow colored yarn that I think anyone had ever done! Excuse the expression but I was hooked! That was more that 50 years ago!!! I can hardly believe it!!! Crochet is something that's a very dear and forgotten craft that I will soon pick up again to enjoy along with the sweet memories.