OctoKnot Studio

I’ve already got a head start for Christmas 2024. 😁
I wanted something taller to put on my shelves for holiday decoration. I will probably still go back and make an antler for Max, probably using air dry clay so he can be as festive as the Grinch.

The pattern calls for sport weight yarn. I used medium/worsted weight for a larger finished product.

I used the wire suggested for stability, but his head is still pretty wobbly. I don’t think it’ll be a problem. IfI I were to make them again, I’d probably use a foam curler rod for his spine, with wire for his extremities.

I’m looking forward to putting him on my Christmas shelf next year!

Pattern: Christmas Thief
Designer: Tatiana Kostochenkova of Crochet Friends Labb
Yarns: I Love This Cotton

One of my favorite things to gift is someone’s most loved character whether that’s an animal, a video game personality, super hero, or monster. I had my spies figure out that Shiny Charizard is a beloved Pokémon for this friend who has provided transportation for my marching band son since midsummer.

When they say black yarn is just harder to work with, it’s true. So much harder to see the stitch definition. But the result was worth it.

I also learned a new technique for making eyes. Rather than layering several colors of felt, I used acrylic craft paint directly on the felt. I absolutely LOVE the result and will be using it from now on.

Pattern: Shiny Charizard (free pattern)
Designer: Ana Amelia aka MiaHandCrafter
Yarns: Red Heart Super Saver

I feel a little bad posting projects that I am only gifting and will never sell because of copyrights. But I do love sharing the creativity and skill of the artists that create these fantastic patterns!

My Jumbo Mario was meant to be finished before Halloween and our Trunk or Treat. I allowed for plenty of time and things were going well. I bought all the yarn the pattern called for. And then with about a dozen rounds left of his hat, I ran out of red yarn.

It took weeks of stalking my local store and their online counterpart before I was finally able to snag one more skein of red and finish him up in about an hour.

Pattern: Super Mario Crochet Pattern (and it’s a great pattern!)
Designer:
Yarns: Himalayan Dolphin Baby, Bernat Blanket, Loops & Threads Chenille Home Slim, Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles

I have the Jumbo Luigi project kitted and ready to go as well, but I suspect that I’ll need a second ball of green and that’s been out of stock too. 🤪

I will never have enough octopi. Octopods. Octopuses? 🐙

The original, phenomenal pattern calls for jumbo yarn, but that’s the beauty of different yarns. You make your stuff whatever size you want. With worsted yarn my sea creature is much more portable.

Pattern: Realistic Octopus
Designer: Elena Saw via Etsy
Yarns: Red Heart Super Saver

When your loved one has plenty of real houseplants, you make a low-maintenance one! And look at how cute he is!

I’ve used wire in several of my projects this year, and while it can be a pain to incorporate, the effects are so fun! This little snake plant has wire worked around all the edges of its leaves, making very vertical, well-shaped points. And the pattern does a great job of taking you through step by step.

Pattern: Amigurumi Snake Plant (free pattern)
Designer: Lauren Espy of A Menagerie of Stitches
Yarns: I Love This Cotton

I love how this little guy turned out. I wish I’d chosen different yarn, just because sometimes my hands get tired keeping the stitches right so the stuffing doesn’t show thru.
My 18 and 13 year old girls think he’s adorable, so I’m pretty sure I my eight year old nephew will like it.

Tiny Bowser for my nephew’s birthday.
Pattern: Bowser & Yoshi
Designer: Erin Kim/Vin Crafty
Yarns: assorted acrylics from my stash

My eldest daughter sent me a photo of this pattern a few months ago and half joked that she wanted one for Christmas. I write down wishes during the year so I get to choose gifts that I know my people like.

By the time Christmas rolled around, she had completely forgotten about it and laughed. It’s probably not the strangest thing I’ve ever made, but it is comically unique!

Pattern: Lacanto “the Catfish”
Designer: Susana Rodriguez via Ravelry
Yarns: I Love This Yarn and Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek

The last eleven weeks have been full of discomfort and frustration. Two surgeries and a myriad of medical tests and though all signs point to a full recovery, it’s been a rough one.

It’s the simple things that have me feeling grateful. Simple things can have big impact.

Friends and family that have freely given their time. Delicious meals, shoveled driveways, visits, rides for kids, messages, texts, hugs and prayers.

My husband and kids being willing to step up and help, whether it’s putting on my socks, refilling water bottles or housekeeping tasks.

Forgiveness and understanding when I’m not able to participate.

People to record and photograph events.

Being able to sleep in my bed again most nights.

Ice packs.

Online shopping.

People following promptings.

Timers and alarm clocks.

Quiet moments with my family.

Comfy pants.

Things to keep my hands busy, and books to listen to.

Real food after a liquid diet.

Progress.

A simplified holiday season that just might be one of my favorite years to date.

Feeling the holiday spirit.

Laughing.

Zoom church.

Extended family gatherings.

Recliners.

Technology to keep in touch with loved ones.

Old photos and reminiscing.

Simple journaling.

Music in my home.

Family photos.

My Heavenly Father and my faith.

I am so blessed

Today is the day! It’s LaytonFest day!

LaytonFest: Friday, July 21st 5-9pm at Layton Commons Park
Vendors, food trucks, entertainment

I am so excited and a little bit nervous. Nervousited. Very nervousited, but it think it’s going to be epic!

I have run out of time to highlight everything I’m bringing with me, so please feast your eyes on this marvelous medley of merchandise that’s coming with me. My kids did a pretty great job taking all these photos for me 😍

There is also a large selection of clearance items that aren’t pictured, including baby blankets, booties, hats and plushies!

Over the next few weeks, anything that comes back home with me will be listed online.

See you tonight!

Please excuse my video/audio skills 😂 Im a bit behind on the latest options and I’m in a rush today!

*some items are display only