Move over Labubu—handmade crochet toys are emerging as the next collectible craze. A new toy company, Happy Vanilla, is capitalizing on that trend with handmade crocheted toys on a commercial scale. (Read more → Forbes)

In a unique take on fundraising, crafters are crocheting oysters for adoption to support the conservation of the species. About 4,000 live oysters are being released into the ocean to increase their numbers, and the hope is crochet as many to find homes on land. (Read more → BBC)

Well, not us, but others. According to a survey of Good Housekeeping readers, only about 10% crochet regularly while only 16% of people can cast on and knit confidently. Some crafters, including a popular crocheter, are bucking the trend and passing on the skills. (Read more → GH)

Spinrite, the maker of Caron, Red Heart, Bernat and other brands, is hosting two tent sales at their NC and GA distribution locations. Shoppers can only purchase yarn in person and pay by debit or credit card. I see a road trip in my future! (Read more → CrochetCrowd)

Zero in on What Matters Most!

Now that Halloween’s behind us, it’s time to get real — Christmas is only 53 days away!

But don’t panic — there’s still plenty of time to make it magical (and handmade). We just need to start now.

If you’ve been reading Crochet Current a while, you might remember back in August when we talked about getting a head start on holiday crocheting.

And if you’re anything like me, you downloaded the Crochet Gift Planner, glanced at it, and thought, “That’s a problem for Later Me.”

Well… Later Me is Now Me and Now Me is panicking. 😅

I gave it some thought and here’s my plan to calm myself down and clear my head:

🧶 Step 1: Prioritize What Really Matters

It’s easy to lose sight of the reason for the season. I’m thinking about what’s actually important this season — both crochet-wise and life-wise.

I’m writing down everything that’s expected of me and that I expect of myself this holiday season.

Once it’s all written down, it’s easier to sort out what’s a must-do and what I can let go of this year —without (too much) guilt! Because let’s be honest, there’s always guilt!

✏️ Step 2: Make a Plan to Actually Use

My Crochet Gift Planner is helping to map it all out — gifts, décor, charity makes, even “for me” projects.

(If you don’t have a printer, you can edit it online using TinyWow or a PDF editor.)

I cut the pages into cards to help visualize, group and order the projects then laid them all out the table.

I matched patterns and yarn from my stash to the list and now I know what I need to start and finish each project. (See me at the tent sale this week!)

Step 3: Be Realistic and Stay Kind to Yourself

The secret weapon of stress-free holiday crocheting, I’ve discovered, is to plan well and promise less.

As my old boss used to say, “Under-promise and over-deliver instead of over-promise and under-deliver.”

We don’t have to crochet for everyone. Make what matters most for who matters most — with love, not panic.

Our Christmas-morning selves will thank us for every stitch that came with peace instead of pressure.

👉 Reply and tell me what project you’re starting with — I love seeing what everyone’s planning!

A curated selection of useful (mostly) crochet-related articles and tools I’ve come across recently for you to explore. All links have been vetted! 🧡

STITCH IN TIME

Shopping season means yarn deals galore — but are you really getting the best price?

Use our handy yarn cost calculator to compare yarn costs per yard to make sure you’re getting the best deal!

WEAVING IN THE ENDS

Thanks for reading, and if you’re in the U.S., don’t forget to vote on Tuesday if you haven’t already! ❤️🤍💙

See you next week for more crochet-y goodness,

—Michelle 🧡

P.S. Let me know if you enjoy my e-mails by sending a reply or forwarding to a friend!