There’s something magical about creating with my hands—especially when the result takes the shape of a bear, a fox, or a mushroom. If you’ve explored my latest collection In the Woods, you might have noticed something different—not just in the animals themselves, but in how they’re made.

This launch is especially close to my heart because it’s the first time I’m sharing pieces made with a new crochet technique I’ve been quietly developing over the past few months. It’s been a long process of experimenting, adjusting, and occasionally undoing hours of work—but also one filled with discovery and excitement.

How It All Began

The idea started with a question that popped into my head one evening at my craft table: What if I could shape my stitches differently—enough to create not just patterns, but an actual creature? That single thought set off weeks of exploration. I wanted to go beyond decorative forms and see if I could build real character and dimension into each figure—something that looked like it lived and breathed in its own little world.

I lost count of how many times I had to unravel and redo pieces, but every attempt taught me something. Bit by bit, the technique started to take shape. I found ways to sculpt more subtle forms using the same cordonnet cotton thread and delicate glass beads that have always been part of my work.

A Glimpse into the Process

Every design begins as a sketch on my iPad, where I shape the concept and outline the creature’s form. From there, I create a detailed pattern that maps out bead placement and stitch sequence, acting as a precise guide for the crocheting stage.

Along the way, I make many versions of each design—experimenting with stitch placement, adjusting how each part curves or connects, and trying out different bead colors to see how they affect the expression and balance.

The changes may seem subtle, but each version taught me something new and brought me closer to the final piece.

Still Exploring

I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what this technique can do. I already have more ideas waiting—new creatures, more intricate forms, and maybe even some surprises. But for now, I’m just happy to finally share these with you.

If you’ve welcomed one of these new pieces into your home, thank you. I hope you see the little details I’ve tucked into each one—and that they bring a bit of wonder to your day, just as they did to mine while I was making them.

From behind my craft bench,
Ruth