Leta Fajita Crafts

I’ve been hitting a slump lately. For those who don’t know, I was laid off from my full time job in May, and the job search has been a struggle. I wanted to lean into my creative side more while I looked for a new job. I released 3 patterns: the Summer Breeze Mesh Top, which did better than I anticipated, the Mushroom Lipbalm holder, which got all of 1 sale, and the granny stitch water bottle holder, also 1 sale.

For some reason, I hit a block while making the granny stitch water bottle holder, where I just couldn’t get myself to write, edit, photograph, post, ANYTHING. I had given up on in-person markets after losing money on almost all of them. I had burned out from YouTube, and ran out of motivation. I started designing another shirt, but with my motivation to create in such a fragile state, I put it down after a few attempts where the stitch counts didn’t add up.

Mixed in here is a very bipolar job market. The first job I had out of college was the highest paying I ever had. Unfortunately it was very high stress, and I didn’t have a life outside of work, so I took a pay cut of over $10k per year to work at my next job. After getting laid off, I struggled to even find jobs paying what I made there. It’s really frustrating to see wages go down as inflation, and your experiences go up.

Today, I finally had the idea for another pattern I wanted to start! I’ve made myself very busy trying to earn a certification to help with my job search, so I didn’t start the pattern when the idea popped into my head. After a day of studying, I’m scrolling Instagram and seeing several posts of designers work being stolen by AI. I’m also seeing several posts of people with “ideal” bodies. Skinny, smooth, wearing crop tops in small sizes that can be crocheted in 1/3 of the time it takes me to crochet anything. Because not only am I plus side, but I also can’t pull off tank tops, bikinis, open back tops, and so many of the things that trend in the summer. It really just gets me asking, can I actually do this? Is it worth it to try?

I honestly don’t know why I felt inclined to make this post. At my audience size, it’s unlikely that anyone is wondering where I am or what I’ve been up to. But in case you have, there’s the answer. At this point, I’m not going away, but I am making alternative plans that have me stepping back.

If anyone has any encouraging words, I could use them right now. Thank you for reading. ❤️

‼️‼️‼️Don’t get dehydrated this summer!!! Bring your water bottle on all your adventures with the granny stitch water bottle holder. Free video tutorial and printable PDF pattern are both in my bio 😊

The Granny Stitch Water Bottle Holder free tutorial is now available on YouTube!!! This is a perfect project for your weekend getaway, as it only requires one skein (200 yds) of yarn!! Plus, A written pattern is available for 25% on Etsy, link in comments 🫶🏽

https://youtu.be/wKv2zaCBlzY?is=t_IdNnyNm1nruUXC

Try This Easy Granny Stitch Water Bottle Holder! Crochet Tutorial for Medium - Advanced Beginners The Granny Stitch Water Bottle Holder is a perfect project for anyo...

The pattern is finally out!!! I’m not gonna lie, so much happened in my life that made writing this feel like a roller coaster, but I am so happy that I can finally put it out!

I worked with some amazing testers who helped to make this pattern a reality! Thank you to Cute And Corny Crochet, Diane Hundley, Jo Decker, Kathy Dodge, and Alexis Allman for testing!

All my patterns will be 25% off until 11:59 pm Saturday to celebrate this release, and a video tutorial will be uploaded to YouTube soon 🥳

Granny Stitch Water Bottle Holder and Wine Sleeve Crochet Pattern - Inspired by the Tulip Bag. - Etsy This Patterns & Blueprints item is sold by LetaFajitaCrafts. Ships from United States. Listed on Jun 30, 2026

Thank you so much to these people who tested my granny stitch water bottle holder pattern! Your versions turned out beautiful, and I can’t wait to share the pattern publicly! 🥰

.cr0chet

Check out my video tutorial for these cool shoelaces! No crochet experience required 😊

https://youtu.be/hX4Iyd2acjw?si=-azLu4jm9p8ybKtr

These DIY Shoelaces are fun and easy - No crochet experience required! These fun and easy DIY shoelaces are so cute, and only need a few e...

Don’t you love it when one project inspires another?

I realized the same technique I learned for the ties on this wine sleeve could probably be used as shoe laces - so I decided to try it - and now I’m OBSESSED!

I’m working on a tutorial so I can share these fun shoelaces with all my friends. The best part is that this project was so easy, you don’t even need prior crochet knowledge!

Make sure to keep an eye on my page if you, a friend, your kids, or anyone you know are looking for a fun afternoon DIY project!

(Just note that there are steps to this projects where your kids may need some supervision and help).

TESTER CALL 📣🧶

I am looking for a few people to test my water bottle holder pattern!
The test will begin Monday, June 8, and end Monday, June 15 (8 days).
Supplies needed will be: weight 4 yarn (approx 150-200 yards), 5mm hook, yarn needle.

Apply by filling out this Google form:

https://gformsapp.com/f/1bUChXJZXlwew4cfZ9W1hZG1JR11pA_okq18Ft7bfucQ/en/

Any skill level is welcome, as long as you are willing and able to provide feedback and quality photos!

POV: your water bottle holder can double as a wine sleeve (or sparkling grape juice sleeve for my non-drinking friends) 🤭