The Crochet Pumpkin That Started It All: In Memory of Melanie Ham

Every so often, someone comes along who changes the way we see our craft, and for me, that person was Melanie Ham.

I still remember the moment I stumbled across her crochet pumpkin tutorial on YouTube. My friend had already shown me the basics-how to chain, how to single crochet, but it was Melanie’s voice, clear instructions, and genuine enthusiasm that made me fall in love with crochet. That little pumpkin became the first real project I ever finished, and I can still remember how proud I felt sewing it closed and adding the stem. I gave that first pumpkin to my friend who got me interested in crochet. I was so excited to give it to her and she was so surprised when I did. And it was made possible because Melanie made it feel possible.

Melanie had a gift for teaching. Her tutorials were simple without being simplified, detailed without being intimidating. Whether she was showing you how to make a blanket, a basket, or that iconic pumpkin, she spoke like a friend sitting next to you on the couch, cheering you on every step of the way.

If you’d like to revisit the project that started my crochet journey, you can find Melanie’s Crochet Pumpkin Tutorial on YouTube. It’s as timeless as ever.

Even now, years after her passing, her influence continues to ripple through the fiber arts community. So many crocheters, myself included, learned our first stitches, finished our first projects, and discovered our creative voices because of her. She reminded us that handmade things are about more than yarn and hooks; they’re about love, patience, and connection.

I’m endlessly grateful for the spark she gave me. Every project I finish, every video I make, every conversation I have with another maker carries a little piece of that first moment-me, my yarn, and a YouTube tutorial that made me believe I could do this.

Thank you, Melanie, for helping so many of us find our way into this beautiful craft. You are missed, remembered, and celebrated with every stitch. Watch the tribute video created by Melanie's husband HERE.

How I Modified A Hexagon Cardi for Mid & Plus Size

Hexagon Cardigan Modifications Hey yarn lovers! If you're a midsize or plus-size crocheter looking for ways to customize your hexagon cardigan for a more flattering and comfortable fit, I’ve got some great tips for you. I recently finished my second hexagon cardi and made a few modifications that helped me feel more confident wearing it. Here’s what I learned! The Inspiration Behind My Second Hexagon Cardi A while back, I made a basic hexagon cardigan using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. While I loved the pattern and even won a blue ribbon at my county fair, I wasn’t sure I would actually wear it. It felt a bit too boxy and oversized for my liking. This time, I decided to use Herrschners Witches Brew yarn for a fun Halloween-inspired version. Get the yarn HERE . Since I wanted to ensure I would love wearing it, I made a few tweaks to improve the fit and feel. Key Modifications for a Better Fit 1. Adjusting the Shoulder Fit Instead of making the panels overly large, I measured my sho...

Don't Panic! Here's An Alternative Yarn

Perfect Replacement for Big Twist If you’ve been a fan of yarn brands like Big Twist and K&C but are now worried about finding suitable replacements, I have great news for you! While these brands may not be as easily accessible as before, there’s a fantastic alternative that offers an incredible variety of yarns at competitive prices— Herrschners . Why Herrschners? Herrschners is a well-known name in the crafting world, and while they have only one physical location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, they ship nationwide and even internationally! Whether you’ve shopped from them before or are completely new to their selection, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the yarns you love from Joann’s can be found through Herrschners, often at similar or even better prices. Exploring Herrschners Yarn Selection Herrschners offers an extensive range of yarns, including well-known brands like Premier, Lion Brand, Yarnspirations, and Red Heart. They also carry their own house brands, which can ...

New to Hobby Lobby? Here’s What You Need to Know About Shopping for Yarn

If you're new to shopping for yarn at Hobby Lobby, let me help you avoid some rookie mistakes. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and today I’m breaking it all down so you can shop like a seasoned pro, especially when those big clearance sales roll around! Start with the Weekly Sale Schedule First things first: Hobby Lobby runs on a weekly rotating sale schedule . That means every week, different departments go on sale. The yarn section, is it's own department. When it’s that department’s turn, all the yarn will be 30% off. Here’s the catch: that sale only lasts a week, and the schedule rotates every other week. So if you’re walking into the store when yarn isn’t on sale, it has switched to a fabric sale week. I advise checking online before shopping and planning accordingly. Hobby Lobby’s Yarn Brands Hobby Lobby carries a few big-name brands, like Lion Brand, but the real stars of the show are their private label yarns. These are exclusive to Hobby Lobby and in...

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