Say hello to Lilly (@lillygurumi)- our new Ribblr of the Week and the designer behind Lilly_gurumi 
Tell us a little about yourself
Hello! (๑’ᵕ’๑)⸝* My name is Lilly, the crocheter behind @lilly_gurumi! I am currently attending high school in Canada and trying to balance school life with crochet. My favorite thing to crochet so far are stuffed animals, especially pigs, ducks, capybaras, and honestly anything cute or related to food! Other than crocheting, I also love reading books, playing the piano, shopping for adorable stuffed animals and blindboxes, and trying out new food!
When did you start crafting and how?
Growing up as the “artsy kid,” I’ve always enjoyed doing all sorts of crafting, like drawing, making handmade cards, and clay creations. It has been a tradition of mine to mark down my family and friends’ birthdays to make sure I whip up an extra cute gift for them!
My first encounter with crochet was during late December 2022 when I came across a cute video of crocheted peas in a pod on social media! I found it super cute and I was determined to learn how to make my own, so I asked for yarn and a hook for Christmas… and ever since then, I’ve been crocheting non stop! Thanks to amazing YouTube tutorials, I managed to self learn basic stitches and made my first ever plushie, a frog called Freddie. I remember how I used to crochet only in the back loops instead of both loops, but I soon learned from my mistakes and managed to pull through! (no pun intended! 
)
And how did you start designing?
I started designing during the beginning of my obsession with crocheted pigs (don’t ask 
). I wanted to crochet a cute farmer pig but couldn’t find any pattern that matched my vision, which inspired me to design my first pattern—Piko the Farmer Pig! Designing the pattern was a huge milestone for me and I was extremely proud that I was able to make something completely of my own. Ever since designing my first pattern, I would sketch down ideas whenever they popped up and eagerly grab my hook and yarn to try it out whenever I can!
Do you have a favorite craft type and if so - why?
Crocheting is definitely my favourite craft type currently! Not only does it allow me to unleash my creativity, but it is also the perfect go-to de-stressor! There is just something endearing and therapeutic about the repetitive movements, embroidering little details, and watching my project come alive that brings a smile to my face every time I crochet. Without crochet, I honestly don’t know where I would be today!
What has been the most memorable project you worked on?
One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on is Ollie the Duck Painter! It was a gift to my younger sibling for Christmas, who is most likely the biggest duck fan to ever exist 
I had only less than a day to finish making Ollie, so I had to be extra quick. I even decided to take on the risk to design my own pattern instead of using an existing one, and happily it turned out just the way I wanted her to be! ( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ ) I was able to give it to her on time for Christmas, and I’m proud to say she was very happy with Ollie!
Something that made Ollie even more memorable was how I decided to make a companion for her—Ollie the Duck Traveler! This way, both ducks can accompany each other on their art dates and travels around the world together~ just like my sister and I!
What are you currently working on? Be honest - how many WIP do you have right now?
I’m currently working on Pudgy the Penguin by @Sleepyfoxtreasures (@sleepyfoxtreasures on IG), another pig (pattern by me!) and a duck in an eggshell! I have so many WIPs that I’ve lost count already 
Most of them are halfway done and only need to be sewn! They’re all probably looking at me from my storage box waiting for me to finish them up at this moment…
Which of your makes/designs are you most proud of?
Ahhh this is a hard question! 
I love all of my makes equally, but the one I am most proud of right now is rocking horse by Marisa (@mariibun on IG). It was my first time crocheting hair, and assembling the final pieces was quite challenging, but the process was as smooth and satisfying as it could be—especially when I added the final 
touches for additional fanciness—and I absolutely love how magical she turned out!
Another one of my proudest makes is definitely my Dundun chicken legs in a bucket! The process of designing and making this pattern was quite difficult and there were many adjustments I had to make along the way, but at the end it turned out the way I wanted it to be! And after all, what could possibly go wrong with some yummy crispy chicken? 
What is your usual process of designing?
When designing, I first sketch out my idea on paper and sometimes look for inspirations that I could add to improve it. I find that this part usually takes the longest time as I am someone VERY indecisive who tends to overthink. After that, I choose the colors and yarn I’ll use and start crocheting!
What inspires you to create/design?
There are so many things in life that inspire me to create—my family, friends, school, the books I read, and the stuffed animals I see when shopping! I find that even the food I eat plays a major role in my designs as well, and oftentimes I like crocheting food+animal combos, like my chicken legs in a bucket, piggy tang yuans, and piggy baozi (all of my favorite foods!)
My mood also greatly influences what I create! When I’m feeling super ambitious and optimistic, I go for more challenging patterns that require more details, sewing and time. When I’m feeling more in the blues and overwhelmed, I go for an easier project that takes less time, like this teeny capybara over here!
Any favorite song, book or movie you would like to recommend?
A book I would like to recommend is definitely the Harry Potter series… if you haven’t read it yet, please do! (you won’t regret it!) Other than that, I would also recommend Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, which is perfect for those looking for a coming-of-age story with a rollercoaster of emotions, guaranteed to make you shed some tears, as well as The Call of The Wild by Jack London, which is perfect for those who love dogs!
What is your favorite feature on Ribblr?
My favorite feature on Ribblr is definitely how I can cross out a round once I’m finished with it! It’s super helpful as it keeps me on track of my progress, and I no longer have to take the effort to count back my rounds to figure out where I am! I also love how you can post threads sharing announcements or thoughts with other creators as it creates a tight-knitted, heart-felt community that makes Ribblr so much more than just a platform for patterns!
Where can others find you?
I am mostly active on Instagram, but you can also find me on Pinterest and TikTok! My username is @lilly_gurumi on all of my socials!
Instagram (lilly ‧₊˚❀༉ (@lilly_gurumi) • Instagram photos and videos): @lilly_gurumi
Pinterest (https://pin.it/1HHsFjGac): @lilly_gurumi
TikTok (TikTok - Make Your Day): @lilly_gurumi
Would you like to shout anyone out on Ribblr?
This is definitely the hardest question yet because I have just so many favorite designers that are unique in their individual way!
Some of my favorites are @DepotetoCrochet (@depoteto.crochet on IG), @ellscrochett (@ells.crochet on IG), @Sleepyfoxtreasures (@sleepyfoxtreasures on IG), @siphs (@siphs.studio on IG), @crochetingclowns (@crochetingbirds on IG), and @windrisescrochet (@windrises.crochet on IG). My favourite pattern right now is Bartholomew Bear by @crochetingclowns! It’s super customizable and the bear’s shape is just on point!
Thanks so much for being here this week Lilly, it’s a pleasure reading about you!
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so happy to hear that 
congrats on ROTW