LostInBrittany's blog

Leitner Boxes: When 3D Printing Gets Useful

2025-12-28T00:00:00Z

Sometimes the best projects are the ones that help your family

My 3D printer has been sitting idle for a while now. Not broken, not forgotten – just... waiting. Between work and life, I hadn't found a project that sparked that creative itch. Until this Christmas holiday, when my son mentioned his upcoming English exam and a pile of irregular verbs to memorize.

The long road here

I've been into 3D modeling and printing for more than 15 years now. It started with a very specific goal: printing custom Blood Bowl figurines. Back then, owning a printer wasn't really an option, so I used Shapeways – uploading my designs and receiving them in the mail weeks later. The anticipation was part of the magic.

Eventually, I got my hands on an Ultimaker. No tutorials, no safety net – just trial, error, and a lot of failed prints. But with each failure came understanding, and slowly, I learned the craft.

Some years ago, just before the pandemic, I bought an Ender 3 v2. That printer saw a lot of action – mostly printing Playmobil accessories and vehicles for the kids. Little cars, tiny furniture, custom pieces that brought their imaginative play to life.

But these last couple of years? The printer gathered dust. Too busy, too distracted, too many other priorities.

Enter the Leitner box

For those unfamiliar, a Leitner box is a brilliantly simple learning system. You organize flashcards into compartments based on how well you know them. Cards you struggle with stay in the first compartment and get reviewed frequently. As you master them, they graduate to later compartments with longer review intervals. It's spaced repetition made tangible.

My son had already prepared index cards with irregular verbs. He just needed the box system to make the learning method work. And suddenly, I had my project.

OpenSCAD and 15 hours of printing

I fired up OpenSCAD – my modeling tool of choice – and started designing. The beauty of parametric modeling is that you can adjust compartment sizes, wall thickness, and dimensions until everything just works.

Fifteen hours later, the Ender 3 v2 delivered. The box came out perfectly – sturdy compartments, smooth walls, everything fitting together as designed.

The best reward

The look on my son's face when he saw it? Worth every minute of design and printing time.

But then my wife looked at it. "This is really useful," she said. "Can you print two more? All three kids should have one."

And just like that, my printer is back in business. Not printing toys or novelties – printing tools that help my family learn and grow.

Sometimes the best projects aren't the most complex or the most impressive. They're the ones that solve a real problem for the people you care about.

What's next?

The Ender 3 v2 is back on active duty. I'm already thinking about what other useful things I can design and print. After years of printing fun accessories, it feels good to create something genuinely practical.

Plus, I have two more Leitner boxes to print. My printer and I have work to do.

What projects brought your maker tools back to life? I'd love to hear about useful things you've designed for your family!

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany

Christmas Santa Hat: Transforming Everyday into Festive

2025-11-10T00:00:00Z

When Christmas spirit meets creative problem-solving

You know that moment when you're looking around your space thinking about Christmas decorations, and instead of buying more stuff, your brain goes: "What if I could transform what I already have?"

Enter the tiny Santa hat. Because apparently, my solution to seasonal decorating is to crochet accessories for my Funko Pops.

The transformation idea

After making the Christmas napkin ring, I was feeling pretty confident about festive colors. But instead of making another standalone decoration, I had a different thought: what if I could turn my wife's Rey Funko Pop into a Christmas decoration just by adding a tiny hat?

Suddenly, Rey from Star Wars becomes a seasonal display piece. Magic? No. Yarn-magic? Absolutely.

The technical challenge

Sure, I'd already done 3D crochet with the Halloween pumpkin, but this was different. This had to actually fit something specific. Suddenly I'm dealing with precise measurements, careful shaping, and the eternal question: "Is this actually hat-shaped, or am I just making a red cone with delusions of grandeur?"

But there's something deeply satisfying about watching a flat circle slowly transform into something hat-shaped. Even when you're not entirely sure it's going to work until the very last stitch.

The Christmas spirit

There's something about making a Santa hat that just screams "I'm really committing to this whole Christmas thing." It's not subtle. It's not understated. It's pure, unapologetic holiday joy in yarn form.

But more than that, there's something brilliant about the concept: instead of making more decorations to store, I'm making accessories that transform existing things into seasonal joy. Rey gets to be festive for a few weeks, then goes back to being her regular Jedi self.

What's next?

The hat turned out better than I dared hope – it fits Rey perfectly! And now I'm looking at all the other possibilities: more tiny accessories for plushes and toys around the house, maybe some proper tree decorations, or who knows what else.

I'm really enjoying this crochet journey – there's something addictive about turning yarn into exactly what you envision. My yarn stash is looking at me with what I can only describe as nervous anticipation.

The joy of seasonal making

There's something special about making things that are tied to a specific time of year. This hat will live in a box for eleven months, but for that one magical month, it'll be pure joy. And honestly, that feels like a pretty good trade-off.

What seasonal projects have you tackled? I'm always curious about what drives people to make things they'll only use for a few weeks a year!

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany

Christmas Napkin Ring: The Holiday Evolution

2025-11-03T00:00:00Z

When good ideas get festive

Remember when I mentioned making Christmas napkin rings in my Halloween post? Well, I couldn't wait until December – the first one is already off the hook!

From Halloween to Christmas

The technique remains beautifully unchanged: wooden curtain ring foundation, single crochet base, double crochet ruffles, and a contrasting border. But oh, what a difference the colors make!

Where the Halloween version was all spooky orange and dramatic black, this Christmas iteration is pure holiday warmth – rich red ruffles with a deep green border that just screams "festive dinner table."

The magic of seasonal adaptation

There's something deeply satisfying about taking a technique you've mastered and watching it transform with nothing more than a color change. Same hands, same movements, same basic structure – but the personality shifts completely.

The Halloween ring whispered "autumn mystery." This Christmas version practically sings "holiday joy."

Early Christmas crafting

I know it's only early November, but there's something wonderful about getting a head start on holiday making. No rush, no pressure – just the quiet satisfaction of creating something beautiful while the idea is fresh and the enthusiasm is high.

Plus, now I have a whole month to decide if I really want to make five more, or if one perfect sample is enough to satisfy the creative itch.

The technique that keeps giving

This has to be one of my favorite discoveries this year – finding a simple technique that's endlessly adaptable. Halloween colors, Christmas colors... Easter pastels are probably next, followed by summer brights.

It's like having a reliable recipe that works with whatever ingredients you have on hand. The foundation stays the same, but the flavors can change with the seasons.

What techniques have you found that adapt beautifully to different occasions? I'm always looking for new ways to repurpose successful projects!

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany

Goblintober Warband Complete: A Month of Creative Chaos

2025-11-01T00:00:00Z

Thirty-one days, one complete warband

November 1st feels like the perfect moment to step back and marvel at what October brought: a complete goblin warband, born from the daily discipline of the Goblintober challenge.

The Challenge Complete

What started as a creative experiment became a month-long journey of character design, storytelling, and artistic growth. Thirty-one days, thirty-one unique goblin miniatures, each with their own personality, role, and backstory.

From the humble Spear Guard on day 1 to the mighty Chieftain on day 30, every single goblin found their place in this chaotic, lovable warband.

More Than Just Miniatures

Looking at this calendar view, what strikes me most isn't just the artistic progression (though that's definitely there), but the storytelling that emerged. Each goblin isn't just a miniature – they're a character with purpose:

The Coward who guards the rear with tactical retreats
The Engineer whose contraptions may or may not explode
The Beastmistress with her raptor pack
The Quartermaster who knows where everything is (and holds grudges)

The Daily Grind

Honestly? Some days were great – ideas just flowed and the goblin practically drew itself. Other days I stared at blank paper wondering what the hell I'd gotten myself into.

But there's something oddly satisfying about the "one goblin per day" rule. It stopped me from overthinking (my usual creative killer) and just forced me to... make something. Anything. Even if it was wonky.

Community and Connection

What made this challenge even more special was sharing it as it happened. Each day's goblin went out into the world (on Instagram, other social media, and paper miniature communities like Cardboard Warriors...) connecting with other creators, TTRPG enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciated the daily dose of goblin chaos.

The response was incredible – people following along, suggesting character types, cheering me on with comments and encouragement. What started as a solo creative challenge became something that brought joy to others too.

The Warband Lives On

Now that November has arrived, this isn't an ending – it's a beginning. The Goblintober Warband Set will soon be available as a complete collection, ready to bring chaos to tabletops everywhere.

But more than that, this goblin warband has taught me about the power of daily creative practice, the joy of constraint-based creativity, and the magic that happens when you commit to showing up every single day.

Looking Forward

As I move on from daily goblin creation to other creative pursuits (more paper miniatures, my ongoing crochet journey, and whatever else catches my wonderfully scattered attention) I carry with me the lessons of Goblintober: consistency beats perfection, constraints fuel creativity, and there's always room for a little more chaos in the world.

The warband is complete, but the creative journey continues.

What daily creative challenges have shaped your artistic practice? I'd love to hear about your own creative discipline experiments!

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany

The complete Goblintober Warband Set will be available soon from Korrigan Press. Follow updates on Instagram @lostinbrittany for release announcements.

Goblintober: the second half of the month

2025-10-31T00:00:00Z

Goblintober is complete! The final 16 days brought us specialists, leaders, and chaos-bringers to round out our goblin warband. Here's the second half of the challenge:

Day 16: The Skirmisher

Armed with a throwing axe and nerves of… well, something close to steel, this goblin dances on the edge of danger. Get too close, and you'll find out just how accurate those throws really are.

Day 17: The Engineer

When the warband needs something to explode, collapse, or (occasionally) work, they call The Engineer.

Reckless and determined, she is the mastermind behind every rickety siege engine, unstable bomb, and mysteriously sparking contraption on the battlefield.

Sure, not everything survives the testing phase, but as The Engineer always says: "If it didn't blow up, it wasn't goblin-made!"

Day 18: The Veteran

Scars, dents, and more stories than teeth... the Veteran has seen it all. Gruff, grumpy, and proud of every wound, he's the kind of goblin who's survived more battles than most even remember. When he talks, the others listen… mostly because he's louder.

Day 19: The Hunter

Not all goblins rely on sharp sticks and loud screams — some prefer a more precise approach. The Hunter trades the bow for black powder, stalking prey with steady aim and a wicked grin.

Silent, patient, and smelling faintly of gunpowder, he brings a bit of sophistication (and a lot of smoke) to the warband.

Day 20: The Tunnel Fighter

When the battle moves underground, the warband calls The Tunnel Fighter. She's fearless in the dark, or maybe just too stubborn to notice the danger.

She knows every twist, every echo, every shadow... Down there, in the claustrophobic tunnels, she's in her element… and the enemies aren't.

Day 21: The Bomb Thrower

Some goblins sneak, some stab — and then there's The Bomb Thrower, who believes every problem can be solved with a loud enough explosion.

Armed with a pouch full of homemade bombs and absolutely no sense of self-preservation, he's the warband's most dangerous weapon… mostly to everyone nearby.

Day 22: The Quartermaster

Every warband needs someone who knows where the loot is, who owes who, and which tent the spare crossbows are in. Meet The Quartermaster, keeper of supplies, keys, and grudges.

He might not fight on the front lines, but without him, the warband would be starving, lost, and out of arrows by noon. Respect the Quartermaster… or find your rations "accidentally misplaced."

Day 23: The Scavenger

Need a replacement spear, spare armor, or a lantern that "fell off a cart"? The Scavenger is your goblin. Resourceful, cunning, and always one step ahead of the looters, she can find (or "acquire") anything the warband needs.

If it's rare, dangerous, or definitely someone else's, she'll get it. Eventually.

Day 24: The Heavy

Every warband needs a walking wall of muscle, or in this case, a lumbering one. The Heavy is one and a half times the size of the rest, with half the brains and twice the drool.

With an unshakable enthusiasm for smashing things, he's simple, loyal, and absolutely devastating in a straight line. Just… don't ask him to turn quickly.

Day 25: The Captain

Every warband needs someone to shout orders, take credit for victories, and pretend the chaos is all part of the plan. With a loud voice, and a surprising knack for not dying first, The Captain keeps the warband pointed (mostly) in the right direction.

Is it leadership or luck? Hard to tell, but the goblins follow him anyway.

Day 26: The Beastmistress

Some goblins fight with steel, others with fangs and claws. The Beastmistress commands her raptor pack with a mix of instinct, courage, and a few well-timed snacks.

While the rest of the warband charges, she and her scaly companions strike from the flanks, fast and precise.

Day 27: The Flail Fighter

Pure chaos on two legs, meet The Flail Fighter! He charges into battle swinging twin spiked flails with no concern for aim, safety, or common sense.

He's unpredictable, unstoppable, and occasionally a bigger threat to his own warband than the enemy, but spirits are always high when he's around.

Day 28: The Coward

Every warband has one: the goblin who's definitely guarding the rear. The Coward may not be brave, but he's a master of tactical retreats, dramatic yelps, and finding very important cover positions.

He rarely wins fights… but he always survives them.

Day 29: The Riches Carrier

When the looting's done, someone has to haul the spoils... and The Riches Carrier is (un)lucky enough to do it. Always grinning, always running, and definitely not planning to share, he's the fastest goblin in the warband when treasure's involved!

Day 30: The Chieftain

The heart, voice, and iron fist of the warband, The Chieftain leads with equal parts fury and cunning. One of the first goblins I ever drew for this project, she's finally claiming her rightful place at the head of the horde. Strong, scarred, and utterly fearless.

The Complete Collection

Goblintober is complete! All 30 unique goblin miniatures have been created, from the lowly Spear-Guard to the mighty Chieftain. The complete Goblintober Warband Set will be available in the coming days as a printable PDF from Korrigan Press.

Stay tuned for the release announcement! Follow updates on Instagram at @lostinbrittany or check back at Korrigan Press.

Thanks for following along on this month-long creative journey. May your dice roll high and your goblins cause maximum mayhem!

Originally published at Korrigan Press

From Scrunchie to Napkin Ring: Scaling Up Success

2025-10-29T00:00:00Z

When a good idea gets bigger

Sometimes the best projects come from asking "what if I made this... but different?" After the success of my daughter's Halloween scrunchie, I had a lightbulb moment: what if I used the same technique but on something rigid instead of stretchy?

The evolution of an idea

The scrunchie technique was so satisfying – that simple progression of single crochet foundation, double crochet ruffles, and single crochet border. But instead of wrapping around a stretchy hair elastic, what if I wrapped around something solid and rigid?

Enter the wooden curtain ring.

Same technique, different canvas

The process was beautifully familiar:

The foundation: Single crochet all around the wooden curtain ring to create the base
The ruffles: Double crochets in that same gloriously Halloweenesque orange – creating that lovely textured fullness
The finishing touch: Single crochets in black to frame everything with perfect seasonal contrast

It's amazing how the same basic technique translates so well to a completely different material and purpose.

From hair accessory to table decoration

The result? A fancy napkin ring that's absolutely perfect for Halloween table settings. The orange and black color scheme screams autumn festivities, and the ruffled texture adds just the right amount of elegance without being fussy.

There's something deeply satisfying about taking a technique you've mastered and finding new applications for it. It's like discovering that your favorite recipe works just as well doubled – familiar comfort with fresh possibilities.

Christmas is coming...

I'm already plotting the next iteration: six napkin rings in red, green, and white for Christmas! The same technique, but with festive holiday colors. I can already picture them around the Christmas dinner table, adding that handmade touch that makes celebrations feel more personal.

The beauty of crochet is how one successful project can spawn so many others. Master a technique, then let your imagination run wild with all the ways you can adapt it.

The joy of practical beauty

What I love most about this project is how it bridges the gap between craft and function. It's not just pretty – it's useful. Every time we set the table for a special meal, these little rings will add a touch of handmade warmth to the occasion.

And honestly, there's something particularly satisfying about making things that enhance daily life. Not every project needs to be a showpiece; sometimes the best makes are the ones that quietly improve the ordinary moments.

What techniques have you successfully scaled up or adapted? I'd love to hear about your creative evolutions!

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany

Halloween Scrunchie: A Quick Gift for My Daughter

2025-10-27T00:00:00Z

When Instagram inspiration meets parental love

Sometimes the best projects are the ones that make someone else smile. This little Halloween scrunchie started with a scroll through Instagram and ended with a very happy daughter.

Instagram inspiration strikes

I was browsing through my feed when I stumbled across this adorable scrunchie pattern and immediately thought of my daughter. She absolutely loves accessories, and with Halloween just around the corner, it seemed like the perfect little project.

The timing couldn't have been better – a quick, satisfying make that would be both seasonal and practical.

The making process

The construction was beautifully simple:

Started with the foundation: I asked my daughter for one of her elastic hair ties to use as the base
First round: Single crochet all around the elastic to create the foundation
Second round: Double crochets in a gloriously Halloweenesque orange yarn – this creates the lovely ruffled texture
Final round: Single crochets in black to frame everything with that perfect spooky contrast

The whole thing took maybe 60 minutes from start to finish. Sometimes the best projects are the quick ones that don't overthink themselves.

Perfect Halloween colors

That orange and black color combination is just chef's kiss for Halloween. The orange gives it that pumpkin-patch warmth, while the black border adds just the right amount of gothic drama. It's festive without being over-the-top – perfect for a teenager who wants to acknowledge the season without looking like she's wearing a costume.

The joy of making for others

There's something particularly satisfying about making something specifically for someone you love. Every stitch carried the thought of her wearing it, and seeing her face light up when I handed it over was worth more than any complicated project I could have spent hours on.

She's already planning what she'll wear it with for Halloween, and honestly, that enthusiasm is the best reward any maker could ask for.

Quick projects, big impact

This little scrunchie is a perfect reminder that not every crochet project needs to be an epic undertaking. Sometimes an hour make that brings joy to someone else is exactly what the craft is all about.

Plus, now I'm eyeing up more hair accessory patterns. I have a feeling this won't be the last scrunchie to come off my hook...

What's your favorite quick project to make for loved ones? I'd love to hear about your go-to gifts!

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany

Goblintober: the first half of the month

2025-10-26T00:00:00Z

Goblintober is halfway done! The first 15 days have brought us a diverse collection of goblins, from frontline fighters to mystical shamans. Here's a look at what's been created so far:

Day 1: The Spear-Guard

The Spear-Guard may hold the line for this foundational warband member designed to maintain defensive positions. Spear and shield at the ready, this is the first line of goblin defense.

Day 2: The Grunt

The Spear-Guard may hold the line, but every warband needs some muscle—or at least, some willing meat shields!

Meet The Grunt, your standard, sword-wielding, slightly disgruntled goblin footsoldier. He's the backbone (and probably the first casualty) of the warband.

Day 3: The Archer

Look who's back! Today's draw is The Archer. We saw an early version of this sharpshooter (well, goblin sharp, anyway) when I was first sketching out the warband, but he's officially inking his spot on the roster now.

Gotta keep those front-line Grunts covered!

Day 4: The Scout

Every warband needs eyes on the horizon — and feet that move faster than the rest. Meet The Scout, light on gear, lighter on patience, and always three steps ahead (or hiding behind a rock).

While the Grunts march and the Archers aim, the Scout sneaks, spies, and occasionally "finds" treasure that definitely wasn't there a minute ago.

Day 5: The Duelist

You might recognize this fierce goblin as she was the very first member of the warband I revealed a while back. Now she officially claims her spot as The Duelist, blades drawn and ready for any challenger brave (or foolish) enough to face her one-on-one.

Fast, fearless, and twice as stabby, she lives for the thrill of close combat... and the bragging rights that come with it.

Day 6: The Hornblower

Every warband needs someone loud enough to turn a skirmish into a spectacle... and that's where the Hornblower comes in.

Armed with a battered horn and a drum slung on his back, he keeps the rhythm of battle (and occasionally startles his own troops). Subtlety isn't his strong suit, but volume definitely is.

Day 7: The Slinger

Ranged weapons aren't just for fancy archers, some goblins prefer the classic approach: a sling, a stone, and a wicked grin.

Meet The Slinger, quick on his feet and deadly accurate (well, mostly). He's the kind of goblin who can turn a handful of pebbles into a real problem for anyone on the other side of the battlefield.

Day 8: The Halberd-Bearer

Yeah, I know, the prompt said Pike-Bearer. But let's be honest: pikes are great for disciplined, tightly-formed armies… and goblins aren't exactly known for their discipline.

You'll never see a goblin hold formation like a Spanish Tercio. They're a warband, not an army! So instead, this fierce fighter wields a trusty halberd: shorter, more chaotic, and perfectly suited for the messy kind of battle goblins actually enjoy.

Day 9: The Standard-Bearer

Every warband needs someone bold (or foolish) enough to carry the banner into battle... and this goblin volunteered!

Armed with nothing but pride and a big stick, The Standard-Bearer keeps morale high and the flag higher. The banner itself? Hand-painted with something resembling a goblin face, equal parts terrifying and endearing, like most things in goblin culture.

Day 10: The Shaman

When steel and chaos aren't enough, the warband calls on The Shaman. Wise (by goblin standards) and more than a little unhinged, this elder channels wild magic through a staff topped with a glowing crystal that hums, crackles, and occasionally explodes.

The Shaman claims to hear the voices of ancient goblin spirits... though it's unclear if those spirits are actually guiding the warband or just encouraging more mayhem.

Day 11: The Rider

Some goblins prefer to fight on foot. Others, like The Rider, know that a warband looks far more terrifying when charging into battle on the back of a snarling beast.

Armed with a spear and an attitude, this goblin thunders across the battlefield atop a warboar : fast, feral, and completely uncontrollable (just like its rider).

Day 12: The Trapper

Not every goblin wins a fight with brute strength, some prefer patience, cunning, and a well-placed snare. Meet The Trapper, master of pits, nets, and "creative" improvised hazards.

He's the kind of goblin who disappears before a battle starts, only to reappear after it's over, proudly claiming every fallen foe as his work. Whether it's spikes, ropes, or a suspiciously loose plank, The Trapper always has something nasty waiting underfoot.

Day 13: The Recruit

Every warband needs fresh blood, and today, we welcome The Recruit!

Armed with a too-big club, an oversized backpack, and boundless enthusiasm, she's ready (if not exactly prepared) for her first battle.

Give her a few skirmishes and she'll either become a veteran… or a very loud legend.

Day 14: The Lookout

Every warband needs someone who can spot danger before it arrives... or at least shout loud enough when it does!

Whether it's enemy scouts, tasty livestock, or an incoming avalanche, he's the first to see it... and the first to run back yelling about it.

Day 15: The Berserk

The Berserk believes that subtlety is for elves and armor is for cowards. Fueled by pure rage (and probably a suspicious stew), he charges headfirst into battle.

You don't command a Berserk, you just point him in a direction and hope it's the enemy's.

What's Next?

The second half of Goblintober is already underway! Stay tuned for more goblins as the warband continues to grow. Follow the daily updates on Instagram at @lostinbrittany.

By the end of the month, all 31 goblins will be collected into the Goblintober Warband Set, available as a printable PDF from Korrigan Press.

Originally published at Korrigan Press

Freehand Pumpkin: My Pattern-Free Adventure

2025-10-25T00:00:00Z

When you wing it and it actually works

Sometimes the best projects happen when you throw the pattern out the window and just... go for it.

Meet my latest amigurumi: a little Halloween pumpkin that exists purely because I had some orange yarn, a vague idea, and absolutely no plan whatsoever.

The art of freehand crochet

This is what's called freehand crochet (or freestyle/intuitive crochet, depending on who you ask) – the delightfully chaotic practice of making it up as you go along. No pattern, no counting, just yarn, hook, and whatever your hands decide feels right.

I started with a magic circle, thinking "pumpkins are round-ish, right?" Then I just kept going:

Increase until it feels pumpkin-sized ✓
Add some texture by working in ridges ✓
Stuff it when it looks pumpkin-shaped ✓
Make a little green stem because pumpkins have those ✓
Embroider a face because why not ✓

The joy of winging it

There's something incredibly liberating about freehand crochet. No stress about following instructions perfectly, no counting stitches obsessively, no frogging because you missed a decrease three rows back. Just pure, meditative making.

Sure, it's wonky. The proportions are definitely "artistic." The face is charmingly asymmetrical. But it's mine in a way that following someone else's pattern never quite achieves.

Halloween timing

The fact that I finished this little guy just in time for Halloween feels like perfect serendipity. He's now sitting on my desk, bringing a bit of seasonal cheer to my workspace with his slightly lopsided grin.

Next up: maybe a freehand ghost? Or perhaps I'll finally attempt to follow an actual pattern like a responsible crocheter.

But probably not. Freehand is too much fun.

What's your favorite way to create without a plan? I'd love to hear about your own improvisational adventures!

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany

Hooked on Crochet

2025-10-22T00:00:00Z

My latest yarn adventure

I have a confession: I'm completely hooked on crochet. And yes, that pun is absolutely intended.

I've always loved manual work – there's something deeply soothing about creating something with your hands. Some years ago, I taught myself basket weaving, which I absolutely love, but it takes up quite a bit of space, so I don't do it as often as I'd like.

The false start

A while back, a friend tried to teach me crochet. I was in awe of amigurumi – those adorable little crocheted creatures – and she assured me it was easy. But I think my head was too deep in my last burnout at the time, and I just couldn't find the motivation to really learn. The hooks and yarn sat there, mocking me with their potential.

The train journey breakthrough

Then, some weeks ago, I had a three-hour train journey with no internet. Before the trip, I grabbed my crochet supplies, some yarn, and loaded a crochet book onto my Kindle. I decided that this time, I was really going to learn to crochet.

My first project was meant to be a simple rectangle – a long chain followed by some single-crochet rows. The result? Well, let's just say the sides weren't parallel at all, and the tension was anything but uniform. It looked more like a wonky trapezoid that had been through some kind of textile accident.

But you know what? I was hooked. (There's that pun again.)

The addiction begins

Since then, I've been carrying my crochet kit with me almost everywhere. When I have idle time – waiting for a meeting to start, sitting in a café, or just relaxing at home – instead of automatically reaching for my smartphone, I reach for my hook and yarn.

It's become my new mindfulness practice. There's something incredibly meditative about the repetitive motions, the rhythm of the stitches, the gradual emergence of something from nothing more than a continuous strand of yarn.

Learning the magic

I've been steadily working my way through the fundamentals:

The magic circle (which really does feel magical when you first get it right)
Increases and decreases (the secret to shaping)
Crocheting in the round to create spheres
And finally, my first amigurumi

That first amigurumi? It's objectively ugly. The proportions are off, the stitches are uneven, and it has a distinctly wonky charm. But I absolutely love it. It represents hours of learning, of muscle memory developing, of that satisfying moment when your hands finally understand what your brain has been trying to tell them.

Why I love it

What I love most about crochet is its portability and immediacy. Unlike basket weaving, which requires space and setup, I can crochet anywhere. On trains, in waiting rooms, while watching TV, during video calls (camera off, obviously). It's productive procrastination at its finest.

There's also something wonderfully analog about it in our increasingly digital world. No batteries, no updates, no notifications – just yarn, hook, and the ancient human satisfaction of making something useful and beautiful with your hands.

Yarn adventures ahead

So yes, I'll definitely be using this blog to document my yarn adventures. Expect posts about projects (both successful and spectacularly failed), techniques I'm learning, and probably way too many photos of wonky amigurumi creatures.

Because sometimes the best obsessions are the ones that keep your hands busy and your mind calm, one stitch at a time.

What manual crafts have captured your attention lately? I'd love to hear about your own analog adventures in the comments.

Cheers,

Horacio Gonzalez - LostInBrittany