Hi, I'm Kimberly, a professional art enthusiast.
My journey in the world of creativity has been a colorful tapestry of experiences and adventures. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts, I've had the privilege of studying in Rome, Italy, and Washington State.
These experiences opened up new horizons for me and helped me learn lots of different artistic techniques. This set me up for a rewarding career in what I call "soft arts." I'm especially into crochet and embroidery.
Let's go back to where my crochet journey began. When I was just a little kid, I used to sneak sips of my mom's coffee and secretly play with her special yarn collection. Back then, I didn't know that my early interest in coffee and yarn would turn into something I'd love my whole life.
As the years went by, I spent a lot of my free time coming up with new crochet patterns and projects to keep myself busy and happy.
In 2023, I did something big in my artistic adventure by starting my own crafts blog. It's like my online canvas where I show off my fancy designs and give people a peek into my creative world. My blog shows how much I love being creative and how I want to share it with everyone.
Life can get pretty busy for all of us, and I have lots of roles, like being a wife and mom. But in the middle of all that chaos, I've found a way to relax. I sit down with a homemade cup of matcha boba tea and my special yarn.
These quiet moments are like my safe place, where I can take a break and feel better. I hope that when people visit my blog, they can feel that same kind of relaxation through the slow, creative crafts I love.
I've been lucky to get awards and recognition for my crochet skills. But my proudest moment was when I made a big cube-shaped coral reef as a college project. It was made with latch hook and crochet pieces, and it was on display in an art show called "Prism." It felt like a huge achievement in the world of art.
I've been crocheting for two decades, and it's been a labor of love. The things I create with my hands show how creative and passionate I am.
When people ask what inspires me to make crochet projects, I sometimes joke and say, "Money." But what really gets me going is the happiness of being creative. I like making things for my family, like my husband and child, and that adds a personal touch to my creations.
What You’ll Find on The Caffeinated Snail
- Trusted and Unique Crochet Patterns and Tutorials: Each pattern you find here has been carefully tested by me. I've often made the same thing many times, with lots of trial and error, pulling out rows, and tweaking things until it's just right. I want you to succeed, so I include step-by-step photos and do my best to explain each step in the pattern. That way, you can get it right the very first time you try.
- Tips, Techniques, and Advice: I also want you to learn and become a pro at crocheting. That's why I make sure to give you tips, tricks, and advice with every pattern. I'll tell you which yarns to use, which hooks are best, and which techniques you'll need. And if you ever have questions or feel stuck, don't hesitate to ask in the comments or on social media. I'm here to help you through it.
- Product Reviews and Suggestions: Sometimes, the world of crochet and crafts can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. That's why I also provide reviews and suggestions for products. Not all hooks or yarns are the same, and not all patterns work with the same tools. With every pattern, I'll link you to the exact products and tools I use. I might even explain why a certain product is needed and offer alternatives if the pattern allows for it. That way, you won't have to guess, and you can make informed choices.
More About Kim and the Blog
I was introduced to crocheting at a young age, around 8, by my mother. I dabbled in crochet on and off for many years, and it became a craft that I grew to love and cherish over time.
One of the aspects I find most enjoyable about crocheting is how it keeps my hands busy. I've always had the need to be engaged in something, and crocheting offers the perfect solution. It's a craft that I can easily pursue while binge-watching my favorite TV shows, making it a relaxing and productive way to unwind.
Both following crochet patterns and crafting my own designs have their merits, but there's a special satisfaction in creating something entirely unique from scratch. Designing my own crochet pieces allows me to tap into my creativity and see my ideas come to life, which is a truly fulfilling experience.
My favorite yarn to work with is worsted weight, and I have a particular fondness for Caron's One Pound skeins. These skeins are a top choice for me because of their generous size. Having a large amount of yarn on hand is not only convenient but also ensures that I won't run out in the middle of a project. Caron's quality and color options make it a reliable and enjoyable choice for my crochet endeavors.
One of my most cherished crochet memories and perhaps my proudest crocheting achievement occurred during my college years. I embarked on a remarkable project, crafting a large cube-shaped coral reef using a combination of latch hook and crochet pieces. This project, while time-consuming and challenging, was incredibly rewarding and fun to create. It took me months of dedicated work to bring this intricate piece to life. The feeling of accomplishment and the joy I derived from completing such a unique and artistic project is a memory that I hold close to my heart.
A Fun Fact About Me
I don't just crochet. I am a skilled artist when it comes to many different crafts. I draw, paint, and embroider. I also love working with clay and pottery as well as needle felting. In my off-time, I enjoy hiking and foraging for mushrooms as well as watching TV with my husband. My favorite TV shows include The Great British Bake Off and animes like Demon Slayer, Fruits Basket and The Apothecary Diaries.
My Work
Shown here is a collage of some of my favorite past crafts and works of art. From a painted pinata to a crocheted recreation of Van Goh's Sunflowers painting.
My Favorite Patterns
How Can I Assist You?
- Beginners and How-To
- Clothing Patterns
- Home Decor Patterns
- Plushie Toys Patterns
- Gift Guides
- or check out All Patterns for more inspiration!
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Check out my Contact Us page for more details on how to get in touch with me.