From Granny Squares to Twisted by the Sea: My Crochet Journey

Welcome to my very first blog post!
Here’s a little look at how it all began and how Twisted by the Sea came to life.

It all began while I was working in a care home. Some of the residents had started making blankets to send to an orphanage in Africa, and their enthusiasm was contagious. It took me right back to childhood, when my Mom first taught me the basics of knitting and crochet. Over the years I’d picked it up again while raising my own children, but eventually, due to health reasons, I gave it up and even sold all my supplies.

When the residents began their project, I wanted to join in – but I needed a refresher. So off to YouTube I went, feeling like a complete beginner again. Before long, I was hooked (quite literally!) and started with traditional granny squares. The pile grew quickly, and so did my confidence.

Soon, I was learning new stitches, experimenting with different styles, and—of course—building up a yarn stash. I found myself counting down the hours at work until I could pick up my hook in the evening. Crochet had truly become my escape and my passion.

Before long, I began to sell a few makes locally and decided to try the world of online selling. In 2018, I opened my first shop on Folksy, followed shortly by Etsy, under the name Crochet and I Handmade. Back then, I had no idea how much there was to learn. I assumed you just listed something and it would sell! After three years, I’d made only seven Etsy sales and one on Folksy—but I kept going, selling bits and pieces to friends and neighbours.

Then, in 2021, another health setback meant I had more time at home. Instead of giving up, I decided to learn everything I could about running an online shop. I joined a few Etsy support groups on Facebook and began to understand what things like “niche” and “SEO” actually meant. Slowly but surely, things started to click—and so did the sales.

Today, I sell through my own website, as well as Etsy, Folksy, and The British Craft House. My crochet patterns are also available on Ravelry and LoveCrafts.

This year, 2025, has been a turning point. Two of my designs became best-sellers on Etsy, and I took a huge leap—leaving my day job as we moved from Shropshire to the East Coast. With the move came a new beginning and a new name: Twisted by the Sea.

It’s been quite a journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me.

Thanks for reading — and if you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll just buy one more ball of yarn,” then you’re definitely in the right place! 🧶