The Fickle HandCrafter`s Journal

This hat has quickly become a seasonal favorite—the kind of piece that makes winter outings even more special. Crocheted in the round, each color change brought with it a new stitch, adding layers of texture and interest. The mix of yarns and stitches gives the hat a playful, patchwork look that feels both cozy and full of character. What I love most is how it fits right into the holiday season. The long, slouchy style makes it perfect for bundling up on chilly evenings, and the mix of reds, greens, whites, and pops of color carries a festive charm. It’s the hat I reach for when heading out to enjoy the seasonal events and the magic of Christmas lights—warm, whimsical, and full of handmade spirit. This piece reminds me that crochet is as much about the journey as the finished item. Improvised, colorful, and textured, it’s proof that yarn scraps and creativity can come together to make something truly one-of-a-kind. Pattern: Magic circle  6 single crochet in magic circle...

​I finally finished my Hibernating Bear Blanket, and she turned out even cuter than I imagined! This was my second UFO (unfinished object) I completed thanks to the motivating event from Stitch Witch of Bedford. Va . Their "Winter Weather" challenge was just the push I needed to finish this project. The pattern is well written, coming together really quickly once i stayed with it. I recommend using a heavy weight yarn so the bear is cushy when laying on it.  The yarn i used was a 4. ​You can find the pattern for this adorable bear from Make and Do Crew on LoveCrafts: https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/p/hibernation-bear-blanket-rug-crochet-pattern-by-jess-coppom-make-do-crew ​#crochet #fiberart #bearblanket #finishedobject

​I fell in love with this yarn from my stash all over again. The beautiful textures and rich color combination feel just like a warm hug. This was such a quick and satisfying make—I simply worked in rows to my desired width and length. Then, I slip-stitched the sides, leaving an overlap at the back to create an opening for the pillow form. Using a half-double crochet stitch with this chunky yarn created a wonderfully cozy finished product.

I finally finished my second UFO (UnFinished Object)—a soft and cozy stocking cap. This one was extra fun because I made it up as I went, using yarn from my stash that, of course, no longer had a label. Whatever it is, it feels amazingly soft and almost a little luxurious, so it was perfect for a winter hat. I drafted the pattern myself, keeping it simple but practical: I started by chaining the length I needed and worked back and forth in rib stitch rows. Once it was the right size, I slip-stitched the ends together to form a tube. To shape the crown, I gathered the top tightly with yarn to close it off. For contrast, I attached an accent yarn and worked a few rounds of half double crochet. I finished it off with a row of single crochet in the main color. The final touch was my favorite part—a big, fluffy pom-pom for the top (because a pom-pom just makes a hat feel complete!). This project reminded me why I love stash-busting—it’s like turning mystery yarn into something cozy and wear...

I finally finished a long-standing UFO (UnFinished Object)—a large crochet tote designed to store blankets and cold-weather gear in the car. With our grandson living 10 hours away across the Appalachian Mountains, we’ve learned to be well-prepared for winter travel. This tote is now a trusty companion on those long, chilly drives. I used a self-drafted pattern, working single crochet stitches in the back loop to create a sturdy, textured fabric. The body of the tote is a large rectangle, which I slipstitched together along the sides for a seamless finish. For durability, I machine-sewed webbing to form strong handles that can handle the weight of bulky blakets. Materials: Lions Brand wool ease; 8 skeins Crochet hook size 8 Webbing 

January 2024 brought more than just a fresh calendar—it sparked a creative reckoning. My local yarn shop launched a challenge to finish our UFOs (UnFinished Objects), and I dove in headfirst. The idea of reconnecting with forgotten projects and joining a vibrant online community was too good to pass up. I began the search with curiosity and a touch of dread, not knowing what I’d uncover. Thirteen UFOs emerged from the shadows—tucked away in drawers, buried in baskets, and hidden in the mysterious depths of my craft closet. Each rediscovery brought a smile and a tactile joy as I ran my fingers over luxurious fibers, remembering the excitement that had once fueled each cast-on. With optimism (and maybe a little overconfidence), I submitted ten projects to the challenge, which ran from mid-January through the end of April. Plenty of time, I thought. And while life always has its surprises, I made solid progress—finishing six projects and reigniting my passion for the rest. More than just ...

I’ve never been able to choose just one creative path—I love them all. From fabric to paper, yarn to paint, I’m a creator of many things, master of none (and happily so). This space is my journal of experiments, lessons learned, and crafty adventures as I bounce from one project to the next. Like many makers, I’ve gathered my fair share of UFOs—Unfinished Objects. But to me, UFOs aren’t failures; they’re dreams in progress. Each one represents an idea sparked, a possibility explored, or a story waiting to be completed. Here, I’m setting myself the challenge of working through those dreams while still chasing new ones along the way. If you’ve ever found yourself surrounded by half-finished projects, brimming with inspiration, or simply in love with the joy of making—then you’ll feel right at home here. Let’s dream, create, and maybe even finish a few things together.