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Etsy Feature – Trying To Turn Passion Into A Business

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Meet Candy from BlueEyedStyle . This is her story, THIS is the reason why we should be support small handmade businesses during this time, actually anytime.  You never know someones back story.  Please read her story and take at look at ther Etsy store. Maybe you need a gift for a loved one or you need to treat yourself. Maybe you are planning for Christmas and Aunt Mae needs a new shawl?

As a busy wife and mother of 3, I was never, ever at loose ends. In fact as any mother knows, when you have a husband and children, you rarely have a moment to yourself. So when my world imploded after finding out about my husband’s infidelity, and then our subsequent divorce I was left completely shattered.

Perhaps not a very uncommon story. Going from having a family of 5 down to only having my children every second week was hard enough, but then, unfortunately, things got so much worse. Even though we had a mediated childcare agreement, my ex husband decided to keep the children. And even worse, I became a victim of what is called Parental Alienation ‘. This is where one parent works to undermine the relationship between the other parent and the children.

Now, after many years I am still struggling to rebuild my relationships with my children. It is slow and difficult and painful and confusing for them as well. This is something that is so painful to experience that even now after a decade it can reduce me to a pile on the floor.

I’ve always been crafty, but after my world imploded, I was unable to do many of the things I used to. But finally, I picked up my crochet hook- and I have seriously never put it down. It is what comforts me day after day, and it enables me to have the creative outlet that I need. I have many other passions and things I love to do- but because of circumstances can’t always do them. But crochet keeps me sane. I decided to really focus my efforts on my Etsy store, hoping to turn my passion into a business.

It is SO wonderful and heartening when someone receives something I’ve made and sends me a glowing review. It buoys my heart a little more each time. It is a slow go though sometimes, but I’m working at not being discouraged and pushing through my fears and worries. Hopefully one day everything will all come back together again. Just one stitch at a time I guess…

https://BlueEyedStyle.etsy.com

Have you read?

The Miffy Crochet Book Review: 16 Sweet Projects for Bunny Lovers

Some characters need elaborate outfits and a whole collection of accessories to be recognisable. Miffy manages it with two long ears and the simplest little face. There is something rather lovely about that, especially when you’re looking for crochet projects that feel sweet without being overly fussy.

The Miffy Crochet Book brings that familiar storybook charm to a collection of handmade toys, decorations and home accessories. If you have a Miffy fan in the family, or you’re rather fond of the little bunny yourself, this is a crochet book worth a closer look.

What appeals to me is the possibility of making several coordinating gifts from one collection. A bunny is lovely on its own, but a bunny with a matching blanket? That is how a small project quietly becomes an entire gift basket.

What Is The Miffy Crochet Book?

Created by crochet designer Kimberley Zwaans, with designs based on Dick Bruna’s illustrations, this official Miffy crochet book is published by Search Press.

The 128-page paperback contains 16 projects, with a mixture of smaller makes and larger pieces. You can find The Miffy Crochet Book at Knit Picks.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More Than a Miffy Bunny Crochet Pattern

The collection includes Miffy and friends as amigurumi toys, alongside projects such as a blanket, motif cushion and moon-and-stars mobile.

There is also a birthday theme, with a crochet cake, placemats, bunting and a crown. That gives the book an appeal beyond toy making, particularly if you enjoy creating decorations that can come out again for family celebrations.

I like that mixture. Sometimes you want a small character project with a face to embroider. Other times, a larger piece of crochet is exactly what you want beside your chair for the evening.

The collection uses seven yarn shades, which gives it a cohesive feel. You will still need to check the quantities and requirements for each project before shopping. Seven colours does not necessarily mean seven balls, much as our yarn budgets might wish otherwise.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

The publisher describes the book as beginner-friendly and says it includes illustrated guidance for the key stitches. There are also projects offering more challenge.

My practical advice is to choose your first make by the techniques involved, rather than simply picking the smallest item. Small amigurumi pieces can require quite a bit of counting, shaping and careful assembly.

If working in the round is still new territory, our magic ring crochet tutorials for beginners are useful preparation. You can also build confidence with these easy crochet projects that start with a magic loop.

Before starting, check the book’s stitch terminology, recommended yarn and hook size. Those details matter more than choosing a colour that happens to look lovely in the basket.

The Appeal, and What to Consider

For me, the strongest selling point is the coordinated theme. This would be particularly appealing for crocheters who love Miffy, enjoy character projects or want several related handmade gift ideas.

The narrower theme is also something to consider before buying. If you prefer a crochet book packed with different animals and styles, this collection may feel too specific. Its appeal depends on how much you enjoy Miffy’s simple, recognisable world.

Simple faces also deserve careful finishing. A tiny change in eye placement or the angle of an ear can alter a character’s expression, so I would allow time for pinning and checking before sewing everything permanently.

If you would like a separate bunny project to try first, our free kawaii bunny crochet pattern on CraftBits offers another option. It is a different pattern, rather than an extract from this book.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

I would put The Miffy Crochet Book on the shortlist for a crocheter who enjoys nostalgic characters and likes the idea of making a coordinated collection.

The combination of toys, home accessories and celebration projects gives those 16 designs several different uses. You could choose one special make or gradually work towards a whole Miffy-themed gift.

That is the charm for me: familiar, cheerful designs with room to make something personal. Just decide which project you’re starting before buying the yarn. Otherwise, “one little bunny” has a habit of acquiring a blanket, bunting and its own birthday party.