Crochet designer and blogger at The Loopy Lamb, Ashley Parker, tells Bored Panda that she got into crocheting as a way to cope with postpartum depression and anxiety after having her first child.

“I initially began with loom knitting, but I felt limited by the types of projects I could create. That led me to pick up crochet, and I’ve never looked back.”

What she enjoys most about this craft, or rather art, is how limitless it is. “Since you can place your crochet hook almost anywhere in a piece, the creative possibilities are endless—it’s amazing how a simple hook and yarn can transform into something extraordinary.”

Her passion for crocheting led her to create a blog called The Loopy Lamb in 2018. On it, she shares her crocheting projects, free crochet patterns, tips, and techniques for anyone interested in such a hobby and even offers yarn, book, and product reviews. It’s truly an encompassing place for any crochet enthusiasts looking for inspiration or ways to improve their craft. 

“Crochet started out as a way to relieve stress and anxiety but soon became a passion for me. Once I started to design my own projects, I couldn’t stop. I just fell in love with it. Now I share my passion for creating here on my blog with you. Outside of crochet, I love birds of prey, baking and reading,” she wrote on her website.

However, as with most things, crocheting also comes with its own unique challenges. For Ashley, the most difficult thing is balancing creative freedom with clarity in pattern writing. “Crochet allows for endless possibilities, but the lack of standardization across patterns can be tough, especially for beginners. I’ve learned how important it is to design with both creativity and accessibility in mind, ensuring my patterns are easy to follow while still being unique.”

When asked about her favorite project, she told us that her Seth the Sloth design holds a special place in her heart. “The pattern, which is available for free on my blog, was one of the first times I experimented with combining two different yarn weights to emphasize specific features in a toy.”

“I used fur yarn,” she continued, “which made the sloth extra soft and cuddly—and nearly impossible to tell it was crocheted at all! It’s a great example of how basic stitches, like the single crochet, can be transformed into something truly unique when paired with an unexpected yarn choice. Sloths are one of my favorite animals, so he’s extra special to me,” Ashley fondly shared.

Lastly, we couldn’t let Ashley go without asking for some advice for those who might be interested in starting to crochet. “My best advice is to be patient with yourself,” she said.

“No one’s first projects look perfect, and that’s okay! It takes time, practice, and persistence to build your skills. I’d also recommend learning how to read a crochet pattern early on. While video tutorials are fantastic, many patterns don’t include them. Limiting yourself to videos could mean missing out on an incredible range of projects and designs.”