Hello everyone!!
I thought I’d reintroduce myself since its been about 2 years since I was last active. I took a loooooong break from crochet, after absolutely burning myself out, and I wanted to just share some thoughts–
There came a point where I was working two jobs, working on my bachelors, running a mid-size student organization, AND still selling crochet items at farmers markets. Looking back on it now, I really have no idea how I managed all that!
When I started selling my stuff back in 2022, I was really motivated, spending basically all of my free time crocheting. Even while in class, watching lectures at home, during meals… This lasted a surprisingly long time, as I kept it up for almost two years.
I realized around that time that I was carrying a lot of stress related to crochet. I originally started crocheting to help with my mental health, to help manage my anxiety and feel accomplished when finishing a project. Turning my hobby into a business seemed like a great idea at first (and it genuinely was, I have no regrets), but then it just became a chore. I was crocheting because i HAD to, not because I wanted to. Instead of realizing this and taking action at the time, I continued to push until I just straight up burned out.
Well… 2 years later I have decided it’s been long enough.
To put that time into perspective.. I’ve since graduated with my bachelors, traveled overseas for the first time (ALONE 
), gotten engaged, moved to a new city, and started a new job (that i absolutely LOVE). Really the only thing I haven’t done is gotten over my sometimes crippling fear of flying that made me want to crochet in the first place..
I started crocheting again, not amigurumi to sell, but things that I actually wanted to make, for myself. I made a Toad bucket hat to wear to universal studios, and am currently making a second one for my fiancee! I made some cat coasters to keep around my office, and even wrote up the pattern and posted it here.
Anyway.. all that to say:
I’m excited to rebuild my relationship to this beautiful hobby and continue to create. The bag of leftover plushies in my closet will soon be no more! They will get to live in a local women’s shelter and find new loving homes 
And if you’re currently dealing with burnout, let’s lean on each other! I’d love to hear anyone else’s story. It’s important to take care of ourselves and each other, and create safe spaces to practice the things that bring us joy.
Here’s to new beginnings!
