Gimpy Hooker with a Twist of Lyme

Cute "Lyme" pic from Neen Crochet

Just a quick update - we may have found what's causing (or at least exacerbating) my gimpy-ness. I'm putting this out there to both hopefully inform anyone who also struggles with a mystery disease, and account for any big lapses in posting.

A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with both Lyme Disease and Bartonella (another tick born disease). This is after having my first POTS episode 11 years ago, and a slew of chronic syndrome diagnosis and no answers. I wrote about my current health situation and the diagnosis journey in detail on my other blog HERE for anyone that wants more detail.

It's going to be an interesting ride from here on out - and to cope, I'll only be selling things that are ready to ship, no more "made to order" crochet, jewelry, or stitch markers. Everything in my shops is ready to go and already made. I'll be focusing on patterns and creating things for fun while I start this long treatment process. I hope to post lots of pretty pictures of new crochet creations, and fun free (and paid) patterns.

Next pattern in the Que!

I urge anyone that has mystery illness stuff going on to get tested! I have been misdiagnosed and left to get progressively worse for over a decade, and I was bitten by my first tick (that we know of) at the age of 12 - so who really knows how long this has been going on?

Cheers and healthy well wishes!
---Claire



 

Flowers and Rhinestone and Buttons, Oh my!

Wooden buttons in fun prints!

I'm so excited to have all this sparkly and colorful stuff stocked for The Gimpy Hooker shop! 

Here are some pictures of what just came in:

Super sparkly pearl rhinestones

HUGE polka dot chiffon flowers *swoon*

Bold Rosette rhinestones, 8 colors

LAUNCH CONTEST - Yarn, Stitch Marker, Fabric Flowers, Necklace & More!

Starts at midnight tonight! 

To celebrate the launch of The Gimpy Hooker Shop on Etsy, we are have a BIG giveaway!!! Two winners, two prizes! And since Valentine's Days is fast approaching, it is love themed!

(contest closed, winners announced!)
 

ERASABLE Stitch Markers and Sets - Preview!

Erasable backside, "Accio Hook" on the font!

THE OFFICIAL GIMPY HOOKER SHOP LAUNCHES ON ETSY NEXT WEEK!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE - these are so fun to make!

In our new Gimpy Hooker Shop on Etsy, there will be a line of custom themed and beaded stitch markers for both crochet and (gasp!) knitting. The clasps are big enough, so work for both.

Plus - I developed a line of ERASABLE stitch/project markers that are not on the market anywhere. Using household stuff, you can record hook size, row, pattern name, whatever will fit - and then wipe it clean over and over! Guaranteed to work or money back! SO EXCITED! Did I mention I'm excited????  Here are a few samples of what's coming...

Winter Is Coming/Game of Thrones Set

The Men's Crochet Scarf Blues & Holiday Gifts

Overlay sc striping! Made for my Dad. Used Homespun and Caron Simply Soft.

I had tons of fun this Christmas creating scarves for the guys in my life (and a few clients!) and other random crochet stuff for family, friends, and clients.





Everything for the guys ended up blue! Not on purpose, just ended up that way. I "made" (or, rather he played along) my husband model this scarf created for my brother. This is what happened:

 He was a good sport (kind of), and after about 30 pictures I finally got a decent one:

FREE CROCHET PATTERN: Easy and FAST Toddler "Cotton Candy" Slipper Tutorial

These cute tootsies belong to my daughter, sporting her new Cotton Candy Slippers! I accidentally made the first pair too small, so ended up with sizing for toddler girls both 4/5 and 6/7.

Download a PDF to print from Ravelry HERE.

 

Holy Hooking Batman! New Crochet and Jewelry

Vintage glass and Swarovski Peacock inspired earrings

I have been a busy, busy bee. In the midst of ANOTHER surgery (port removal from my chest) and holiday madness I'm finding great comfort in crocheting and making jewelry, and decided some re-branding was in order for my shop, along with a slow going website overhaul.

My hands are also starting to function semi-well again! Yay for working hands! When already in a wheelchair, the thought of losing hand and arm function is pretty scary.

Anyhoooooo..........thought I'd share some pretty pics of new designs! If a pattern was used, I link to it. The others are my own, added to the long list of patterns I'm slowly compiling to publish, many of which will be FREE! I also am learning metal stamping, which makes jewelry creation that much cooler. Adding a favorite movie quote, initials, or verse to something is really fun!

Tutorial by Nastazia, chain Sashay infinity scarf (LOVE).