How it all started
“Verily, with hardship comes ease.” (Quran 94:6)
God never gives us more than we can handle. I am a firm believer in what path my life has taken, I was meant to be on this journey. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease 10 years ago. My disease was so progressive and on the cusp of colon cancer; I had to undergo a hand-assisted laproscopic total proctocolectomy with a temporary ileostomy and a J-pouch in 2008. I lived with an ileostomy for some time while my J-pouch healed and had my takedown surgery in February 2009. However, my J-pouch failed, and in November 2010, I underwent another surgery to have a temporary ileostomy for a year in hopes that my J-pouch would heal, but that never happened. I had to have another surgery in September 2011 to make my ileostomy permanent and remove my J-pouch and affected intestine. I now live with a permanent ileostomy. In May 2015, I had to have another surgery to remove approximately 30 centimeters of small intestine in a resection surgery along with a relocation of my ostomy due to a prolapse. Severe complications set in with an internal infection, a subQ leak from my stoma and other issues which nearly cost me my life. More recently, I underwent another surgery to remove the anal area because an abscess had formed internally causing a very critical situation. The doctors felt that removing this area, it would prevent further complications down the line. My medical story keeps writing itself and it never gets easier, but a positive attitude and a life of purpose helps me get through the hardest days. Crochet has been a lifeline.
Crochet Life
I began crocheting to pass the time during all the numerous hospital stays I had endured through my journey with Crohn’s disease. Soon this hobby took on a life of its own and I began to crochet as a form of therapy. I love to pick up a hook and start creating. Creating things helps me feel accomplished. I started a mini shop, called YARNutopia, to sell some of my crocheted creations in 2012. A portion of each sale is donated to research to find a cure for inflammatory bowel diseases, a disease that has affected me personally.
Everyone has to deal with the hand they have been dealt. I am no exception to that rule. I just feel that out of something negative, it was vital for me to turn it into something positive, and for me to not allow this disease to take from me more than it already has. I really wish I could do more in my life, but hospital stays and surgeries have stalled some of the progress that I would see my life taking. Being able to crochet and build awareness through my craft is the detour my life took when this disease tried to put some roadblocks in my way. I am extremely thankful that I found this outlet, and I feel better that I am able to give back in this way.
Click here to view my latest Health Update
Recent Blog Posts
FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Hanging Planter Basket - In the recent past, I have become quite the plant enthusiast. In keeping with my new passion, I am always on the lookout for new plants and ways to showcase them. I saw these hanging baskets pop up on my plant pages, and I knew it would be something that I could make myself. This […]
FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Seat Belt Shoulder Strap Cover - Drive down the road in style with this boho seat belt strap cover! It’s a perfect cheery looking accessory just in time for spring!! This was a great project to use up some scrap yarn from my stash. Don’t want to cover that seat belt strap!? Don’t worry! This video still offers you a 3D […] FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Seat Belt Shoulder Strap Cover - Drive down the road in style with this boho seat belt strap cover! It’s a perfect cheery looking accessory just in time for spring!! This was a great project to use up some scrap yarn from my stash. Don’t want to cover that seat belt strap!? Don’t worry! This video still offers you a 3D […]
How to Make: Rice Crispy Peep Treats - It’s that time of year when those Peep Treats appear on the store shelves. They brightly shine among the Easter candy. Yes, they are festive. Yes, they remind us of a certain holiday. Yes, they are almost an Easter Basket staple. But, ARE THEY a fan favorite? Peeps get a bit of a bad rap. […]
Mandarin Duck Sighting on Milwaukee Lakeshore, WI - I was hearing about sightings of a rare Mandarin Duck that was making his appearance on Milwaukee’s lakeshore. Chatter of various sightings were coming from many of my birding and wildlife groups. Could it be true? Soon, photos started to pop up in those same groups and I knew we needed to head down to […]
FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Winter Fur Snood - Grab your hook and your Lion Brand Yarns “Feels Like Butta” and “Go for Faux.” Now you have everything you need to make my winter fur snood! ‘Tis the season for cold temps, snow days, and crisp winds. What better way to stay warm and cozy than a fashionable snood? What is a snood you […] FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Winter Fur Snood - Grab your hook and your Lion Brand Yarns “Feels Like Butta” and “Go for Faux.” Now you have everything you need to make my winter fur snood! ‘Tis the season for cold temps, snow days, and crisp winds. What better way to stay warm and cozy than a fashionable snood? What is a snood you […]
How to make: 4-ingredient no-knead artisan bread in cast iron Dutch oven - Here is a simple step-by-step recipe that is sure to wow your guests at any dinner party or satisfy the most insatiable craving for homemade bread you have EVER had! Trust me when I say, when you make your very own loaf, you won’t want to stop at just one! You will be a bread […]
FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Evergreen Ski Hat - Nasir has been growing and changing SO MUCH! Therapy has been working wonders, and in the past several months, he has found so many new words and skills. The holidays went pretty well, and he had a lot of fun participating in all the activities. Because of his high energy, we decided to outfit him […] FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Evergreen Ski Hat - Nasir has been growing and changing SO MUCH! Therapy has been working wonders, and in the past several months, he has found so many new words and skills. The holidays went pretty well, and he had a lot of fun participating in all the activities. Because of his high energy, we decided to outfit him […]
FREE Crochet Video Tutorial: Cuddle Up Baby Blanket - When a good friend is having a baby girl, one must use their skills and create a luxurious way to welcome her into the world. Join me as I share the free crochet pattern and video tutorial for The Cuddle Up Baby Blanket below. I used Vel-Luxe yarn by Lion Brand Yarn and I LOVE […] FREE Written Crochet Pattern: Cuddle Up Baby Blanket - When a good friend is having a baby girl, one must use their skills and create a luxurious way to welcome her into the world. Join me as I share the free crochet pattern and video tutorial for The Cuddle Up Baby Blanket below. I used Vel-Luxe yarn by Lion Brand Yarn and I LOVE […]
What did I just watch? - I just finished watching the Netflix series The Watcher and sat reeling from it. My very first thought was “What did I just watch?!” It was so baffling it made my head spin! I know it was based on a true story, so I spent a half hour just going down the rabbit hole of […]Click here to see additional blog posts!