Welcome, I’m Marilee.

When I was about nine years old, my mom showed me how to make a crocheted hexagon-shaped rug using popcorn stitches. This is the only thing she knew how to crochet. Well, I was hooked! After learning a few basic stitches, I dove in to teach myself as much as I could. I had a subscription to Annie’s Attic catalog and I would get so excited when a new one arrived each month in the mail to pour over the patterns and plan my trip to Ben Franklin to purchase yarn.

Many mistakes were made as I was learning and even now, I believe if I’m not making mistakes—I’m not learning. My mom proudly handed down her grandmother’s metal crochet hooks and I still use them today. It means a lot that I have this connection to my heritage. Many of my designs draw inspiration from my Scandinavian and German roots or from special moments spent with family.

Growing up I never strayed from a pattern, except of course in yarn choice, as I had to work with the limited amount available to me (pre-internet and living in a small town). I never checked gauge (now it’s a must!). It usually worked out as I made many blankets, but the few attempts at garments did not turn out so well. Fast forward to when my daughter was a toddler. I wanted to make her a cute airy summer top and couldn’t find a pattern I loved. So I used a well fitting swimsuit top as my guide and designed my first project. I sketched it out on graph paper and after lots of frogging (pulling out my work) and starting again, the end result was one we both loved!

Fast forward again to more recent years and now my kiddos are young adults and I am finding more me time. I have been spending more and more time crocheting and absolutely loving this return to one of my childhood passions. One big difference has been discovering Pinterest, Etsy, etc. and being absolutely blown away by the fabulous modern crochet items being made. And now I had a great local yarn shop as well as access to unlimited amounts of yarn through nearby craft chain stores and amazon.com. The excitement of a new project and the meditative experience of beginning with a single strand of yarn and turning it into something amazing is what keeps me so engaged with this craft.

More and more I find myself dreaming up projects I want to make and figuring out how to make them! Now I design crochet patterns that reflect a cozy lifestyle inspired by the simple pleasures in life and provide them here for free.

When not curled up with a ball of yarn, you can find me walking my dog, doing yoga, gathering with family or friends, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen or laughing with my kids as we watch our favorite show. I find ideas at home and wherever I go—and especially in nature, art, travel, my loved ones, yarn, and so much more. I am drawn to living a mindful, intentional life — crochet (knitting and crafting) are a huge part of that lifestyle. I’m so happy to be part of the creative makers community with you!