on a cusp of a new year

Most people see the end of a year as an opportunity to revisit, reevaluate, and reflect on the year past. I am not most people. Today is the eve of a new year: the proverbial blank sheet waiting to be filled with anything we can imagine. I love dreaming. In dreams, like in a new…

You are wonderful

Since I sent out an appeal to help me keep believing in the goodness of humanity in my newsletter 4 weeks ago, through your purchases of the Help Ukraine crochet pattern bundle you have helped me to raise, to date, $750 dollars. Click to view the donation receipt and the sales report, if you wish….

crochet pattern collection: bottle carriers

Pattern Release Day! Coupon code for 30% off valid on Tuesday and Wednesday ONLY is at the bottom of the post! I wish I had a witty anecdote to introduce this pattern release. I don’t. So instead of beating around the bush and going down the memory lane from my first wine bottle carrier almost…

handmade crochet baskets

In all the hustle of changing from the holiday routine back to Month 10 of home learning (not to mention the disturbing events in Washington DC this past Wednesday), I was still somehow able to tap a magical source of inspiration, motivation, and determination. Not only that: I have somehow found the time to crochet….

thinking aloud: thank you

Even if I wanted to, I know that being angry at 2020 wouldn’t be fair. It was a rollercoaster of a year in which highs were barely scraping the former normal, yet the overwhelming feeling in my heart is that of gratitude.

snowflake 2020, free jakigu.com crochet pattern collection

It’s that time of the year again! December 1, also known as the first official day of Christmas season in our house. Here, on the blog, you may know it as the day I release the annual free crochet snowflake pattern. It’s hardly an exaggeration that 2020 has been very skimpy on treats and little…

2020 crochet gift guide

Do you need a break? A project that will allow your mind to pleasantly wander? Do you crave basics? Simplicity? Repetition? If so, I think you’ll like the patterns in the 2020 crochet gift guide. I am deliberately including projects that are timeless, yet quick and easy to make. Each pattern should take an intermediate…

new pattern release: tiny jute bowl

This tiny jute bowl perfectly represents my feelings about what modern, minimal crochet should be. It’s simple, timeless, made with natural materials, and above all; practical. Isn’t it just adorable?

work in progress: all things jute

As strange as it feels typing it in the heat and humidity of early August, the summer break is over. My son just started Kindergarten  and took to the new environment like a fish to the sea. After getting over this bittersweet motherhood moment, I excitedly welcome several hours of uninterrupted work time each day….

pattern preview: crochet basket with chevron detail

Now available on jakigu.com and in my Etsy shop: PDF crochet pattern for this adorable basket with grey chevron detail. As a reader of my blog, you are welcome to use coupon code PATDESIAT309 for a 50% discount on this newest addition to my pattern collection (only valid on jakigu.com). What can you expect?

pattern preview: crochet handbag

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have already noticed a crochet handbag or two on my timeline. They are colorful, quick and easy to make, an oh-so-versatile. A perfect handmade gift idea! The pattern for this lovely crochet clutch with bias flap is available in my jakigu.com store as well as in my Etsy…

things to make and do in 2018

My mind is filled with countless crochet ideas, and my fingers are busy hooking the yarn as fast as they can; yet I seem to be barely making a dent in my ever-growing project to-do list. Once again I find myself wishing a day had 48 hours. At least. Though I have been designing crochet…

work in progress: coiled crochet & wayuu

Taking crochet basket making to the next level. Staying true to my choice of natural fibers but adding a splash of color to my designs. I know I repeat myself but I love coiled crochet. Crocheting over a coil makes baskets incredibly sturdy, and therefore durable. Nothing makes me more sad than a crocheted basket…

work in progress: mystery crochet project

This crochet project has been on my mind for almost 4 years. Don’t worry! It does not take that long to finish it. You know how life is. You make a plan, and life makes you change it. Dozen times over. In fact, this is quite a simple crochet project, requiring only the knowledge of…

work in progress: coiled crochet basket

I am so in love with the basket I am working on right now – I just had to share a snapshot with you! Worked similarly as traditional coiled baskets, this one is crocheted with cotton and contrast acrylic over jute coil. What an amazing structural strength that jute lends to this basket! If I described my round and…

work in progress: square stacking baskets

You asked for it, and I started working on a square version of my round stacking baskets a while ago. ********** UPDATE The pattern for a set of three stacking square baskets in my Jute and Cotton Series is finished and available right here on jakigu.com and in my Etsy shop. ********** I didn’t expect how much…

work in progress: jute and cotton crochet basket

My obsession with jute and cotton continues. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and to my eye, (almost) anything made with soft brown jute and creamy ecru cotton looks stunning. This basket is a true yin and yang creation. ********** UPDATE And the pattern for this lovely basket (three, actually – it’s…