Taking Inventory (metaphorically…)

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I just took this photo five minutes ago. My craft room has been a hot mess since the beginning of December. I mean, it could be worse, but for me, this is pretty bad. I also left out the part where there are now a bunch of boxes in the dining room, too…

I really do not like the site of cardboard boxes. The plastic bags don’t help either. The big problem is that I have all this stuff, but there’s nowhere to put it. This frustration sends my anxiety through the roof, and then I just have to walk away and re-focus my energy on the projects and deadlines I have in the meantime.

I basically closed my Etsy shop this month to help me catch up, and while it has definitely helped, I still feel behind and in a frenzy. This constant, mentally-manic feeling has made me re-think a lot of things about my business and how to make everything run as smoothly and smartly as possible.

But while I’m thinking about that, I’ve always been curious: what drew you to my blog? What keeps you reading here? Are you only here to see crochet-related posts? Are you un-interested in crochet and just more interested in random life-style stuff? Are you only here for Bibi?

Lemme know! While I’ve always stressed the importance to me of blogging for me, I’m definitely interested in how I can blog for you! Let’s clean this place up! (metaphorically… I have to deliver a project by Tuesday, write a new pattern by the end of the month, Β draw some new graphics for another top secret collab, and crochet a scarf sample for a different top secret collab…)

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93 Comments on “Taking Inventory (metaphorically…)”

  • Lola Lee

    says:

    I read your blog because it helps me get through the craziness of my day. I also work from home with yarn, but in a different way. I make dolls. It took me 2 years to perfect the pattern but so far it has been a fun journey. I think it is important to know on those frustrating days that there is someone else out there who gets it and can still make creating fun!!!

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      I feel you! Sometimes I have secret whine-fests with another small-business-owner who you’d never thought was having trouble, too. I think it’s good for us to keep a positive attitude and outlook, but it’s also nice to get real within the inner circle!

  • Denise T.

    says:

    Oooooo I love all the yarn you have in your craft room. I definitely understand about the hot mess. Taming the stash is a lifelong struggle I think. And as for your blog, I love everything your write. It’s light and fun, and since I only dabble in crochet once in a while, it gives me a peek into the world of crochet design.

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thanks, Denise! Yeah, I’m always like, “This year is the year I only make projects using my stash!” But it’s just not realistic if you have very specific projects to make, which seems to be the case for me most of the time! πŸ˜›

  • Holly R.

    says:

    This sounds super-creepy, but I was drawn to you first, then your art. I am still, quite possibly the suckiest crochet girl on earth! I love reading about real life stuff, I love buying handmade and I love telling people about you when they complement some cute Twinkie item that I’m wearing! Hope that helps! =^.^=

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Aw thank you so much! It helps a lot!! Sometimes I feel like too much crochet-blogging turns way the non-crocheters, and then that not enough crochet-blogging turns away the crocheters. Maybe I Shouldn’t worry about it, but I always wonder! πŸ™‚

  • MZ

    says:

    This may sound like such a cop out answer, but I really like everything you post! I like seeing your creative crochet posts, your craft space, cool things you go out and do, how your business grows, and of course Bibi. Your life just seems so colourful, albeit stressful at times.

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Even the cop out answer is helpful!!!! That means I Just don’t have to worry about it! πŸ˜› Thank you!

  • Jen Lund

    says:

    I read your blog because I am the same way & it helps to know Im not the only one.
    I should take a picture of my studio & send it to you. Im a glass artist so my studio in no way looks as cute as yours even with the boxes. Mine is filled with oxy tanks & anythin non flamable.
    When I am getting ready for a show or big order I can get really focused & anxious. I try to call it artistic fuel πŸ™‚

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      I am running out of artistic fuels!!!!! πŸ™‚ Thank you for your comment!!!! xo

  • Alicia

    says:

    I found out about you through your book (which I discovered while I was randomly searching through crochet books on Amazon) and since then I’ve been hooked (haha!). I check your blog a couple of times a week and have made quite a few purchases in your Etsy shop. As for what I ‘want’ from you…I LOVE the free patterns and I’m waiting patiently for you to announce your next book…AND…I want to be a crochet elf!

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Email me with photos of your work!! πŸ™‚ I’m not always looking for new crochet elves, but sometimes I need extra help πŸ™‚ twinkie at twinkiechan dot com!

  • Crystal

    says:

    of course I’d answer ( I don’t work )
    I’d say I stumbled here because of: about 2yrs ago now I decided to revisit knitting and crochet after I “had a breakdown” and needed to do something since I no longer work on my actual skills of painting and drawing. I really am not conventional so seeing the colors,the chaos, the creative things you were making which are simple to people who already crochet but challenging to new people πŸ™‚ worked for me. I like the breaks from the crochet posts with seeing someone else have a “manic ” life. I relate to overall the blog on a whole in one way or another and it’s therapeutic. It would suck if it ended but I enjoy it and apparently lots of others do too. I have a friend on Facebook who likes you because I reported your stuff on my page so she crochets for her daughter. So since my post is becoming much like my rambling thoughts I’m going to stop and say time to crochet and be happy. And that it’s fun to visit here and the fact that you actually talk to everyone on your blog ( and I’m sure that’s not easy) as most crochet blogs are no longer up to date and never get responses SUCKS. So once again thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be you ( that’s what it seems your hinting at in this post) and just being the things you are and sharing them. Sorry if this post comes across weird

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Don’t worry about being weird! I appreciate it your feedback!

      I am not at all planning to stop blogging. I love blogging and connecting with you guys. I’m mostly planning to make changes in the Etsy shop. Here, well, I’m just curious, since I’ve never asked before! πŸ˜›

  • Crystal

    says:

    reposted not reported darn autocorrect

  • Color was what drew me! Your patterns and creations were so different and fun compared to what I had seen as I started to learn to crochet. I started to follow your blog as a fan of your work and style and now, as I begin my own crochet side-business, I appreciate it as inspiration for what is possible in this realm.

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thank you, Sarah! All the best of luck with your side business, too!

  • Jamie

    says:

    Because I am your brother…

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      AHAhahahah πŸ˜› Best answer!! I knew Dad kept up with the blog, but I didn’t really know that you did, too!

  • Michelle

    says:

    What first drew me to your blog was your very different, very creative food crochet. The way you manipulate the yarn into the yummy goodies you make is very inspirational! I love reading everything on your blog because everything is so colorful and fun and happy… My suggestion, keep your blog about you. Dont make your blog like those others out there that cater to the readers and lose all the pizazz. BTW, I would kill for that crafty area… bags, boxes and all AND really wish I had the balls to have pink hair too πŸ™‚

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Michelle! Yeah, I don’t intend to ever really change how I approach my blog, but I just wanted to check in and see if, like, the crochet-people were bored cuz I don’t talk about crochet enough, or vicey versa. But so far it doesn’t seem that way.

      Pink hair IS fun, but is totally a lot of upkeep!!!!! I actually like having black hair, but it’s so flat and limp when I don’t bleach/color it!

  • debbs

    says:

    I’ve been following you since your early ebay days and tried bidding on a scarf. Also met you long long ago when I still lived in Cali. It’s great following you because in one way or another I can relate to the creative chaos in one way or another and it’s great to see other peoples creative spaces. Oh! and following the adventures of Bibi! Can’t beat that!

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      I keep forgetting to re-post Instagram photos of bibi for those not following me on Instagram!!! :-O

  • Vanessa Cottoncandy

    says:

    I told u before and I will tell you again!!! You were the reason why I started to crochet and it became an important part of my life!! I’m looking forward to see new projects and cute pieces of yours.
    Aaand because you are such a sweet person, I’m happy to read about your personal life as well. …………..Makes me feel a bit like a stalker…but who cares πŸ˜‰

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thanks, Vanessa!! Hey, the world of blogging is just a whole bunch of stalkers stalking each other. No shame!! I prefer to think of it as SHARING ;).

  • ANGELA

    says:

    i’m here completely for the crochet aspect. bought an autographed copy of the food pattern book from powell’s in portland, or and loved the designs. it’s great inspiration for myself and my dreams of profiting from my ability to crochet. i love focusing more on the geeky aspect of it. everyone has a geek side and it’s fun to see how people embrace it.

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Hi, Angela! Yes, the geek culture has definitely collided with the craft culture in a big way! I find that I personally don’t lean toward what seems to be the geekier side of things, but it’s always fun to see how different crafters interpret popular culture.

  • Hanana the Banana

    says:

    I was shown your blog when someone I know posted a link to one of your posts which had the strawberry folder pattern. I then went through every page in wonder and slight envy! I like the balance that you have on the blog. I predominantly follow for the things you crochet (which I adore) but I also love the snippets from your life! I’d love to have a job like yours, I just don’t know how realistic it is for me, which is why I’m so interested. x

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Aw, you are a fairly new reader then! Hello! Yeah, I don’t know how realistic it is for me, either :P, which is why I am trying so hard to make my licensed brand successful. It’s really hard to make a living off crochet, as far as I’m concerned!

  • Cicely

    says:

    I follow you and read your blog because you just plain ole inspire me! <3

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Dawwwww!!!!!! xoxoxo

  • Kimmi

    says:

    I love reading your blog because I love seeing someone living a colorful lifestyle and seeing the process of you making your dreams come true over the years is really inspiring! Plus we have similar style and I am obsessed with all things FOOD WITH FACES.

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      PUT A FACE ON IT!!!

  • Yasmine

    says:

    I love everything you blog about!! Also, I agree with Crystal; I do like that fact that you take time to read peoples comments and reply to them.
    I have a really hectic study life and I love reading something something not at all science-maths related; it very therapeutic!!
    In a nutshell, I love what you do and I’m always interested to see what you are up to! Keep at it!

    xoxo

    Yasmine =]

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thank you, Yasmine!!!
      I feel the same way about bad television :P. It let’s my brain rest! Hehehehe
      xoxo

  • Katie

    says:

    Ironically enough, I’m actually giving a mini lecture to the undergrad students in my painting seminar class I’m in this semester about blogging and social media about what makes a good blog. Personally from my observations I’ve found that a mixture of showcasing work, a sneak peak into your personal life, a behind the scenes look into the processes of your work, and talking about what’s going on in your field always brings people coming back for more and you have that in spades! Just keep doing what you are doing. There is no real mixture of what works best when but I’m drawn into everything people do.

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thank you, Katie!! I just feel like I may have been letting down the people who came here for crochet projects and inspiration, because I haven’t been posting photos of that as much since I”m usually so busy working on stuff I can’t share yet. But I”m happy that others are still happy to read along. It’s comforting! πŸ™‚

  • Anna

    says:

    To be honest I like a bit of everything – a bit of crochet one day and a bit of day-to-day stuff the next. And I especially like seeing other people’s craft rooms!!
    Anna x

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      I need someone to come over and help me re-organize!!! EEP!

  • Julie H.

    says:

    I started reading your blog after getting a pair of your sushi gloves at Japan LA. Then I was looking at other people’s photos of the Sanrio event in Santa Monica because I went there and saw so many fun people so I started following your blog.

    I like seeing what you create and the events you go to and just all the fun you and your friends have. I hope sometime there will be an event up here in the Portland area like the ones you attend. Pickings are kind of slim since I moved here.

    Good luck with everything you have going on!

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thanks for sharing your story with me, Julie!! I think it’s really cool that you saw old school Yummy You! gloves first!

      Fun events like that are hard to find here in SF, too. The culture is just so different!

  • Janice Ogata

    says:

    I started following you a long, long time ago… I was intrigued by your food scarves and I was attracted to all the bright colors you like to work with. I myself thought about doing what you do, but you got there 1st!!! So I’ve been trying to think of something unique and original to knit and crochet. (I didn’t want to copy you) I enjoy reading your blog because YOU are YOU. Please don’t change it because you think it needs to be a certain way or more appealing to readers. When YOU are being true to yourself that’s what makes us want to read your blog. You are unique and colorful and that’s what makes it fun to follow you!!!!

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Thanks, Janice! well, sometimes when you’re like, “I haven’t blogged for a while. What the heck should I blog about?” it helps to know what you’re readers like!

      As for finding your niche, I think it’s ok to take your time. My old boss at my office job used to always encourage me to sell my crafts, but at the time, I didn’t feel like I had anything new to offer the craft world. I was gluing cereal to picture frames and covering them in resin at the time, heheh, and other random little sewing projects just for gifts. I think it’s nice to bring things thoughtfully to market!

  • gabby

    says:

    I follow you for the color palette!

  • Jeanmarie

    says:

    As a crocheter, I love your one-of-a-kind creativity. And it’s always cool to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of very creative people who seem to make the most out of life!

  • natazia

    says:

    I read whatev ya post. whether its about crotchet stuff or not. whatever is written by you im sooo there. I too have trouble organizin my workspace. when its clean theres no creating goin on. when its a mess im super inspired and am whippin up newness. i very much feel your real life posts and hearin about all the cool upcomin stuff you have goin on.

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      “Clean” for me is also relative, as I still like to be able to SEE all my supplies! :P. I just need to get everything out of boxes and bags! πŸ˜›

      Thanks for your comment! πŸ™‚ xoxo

  • Kelli Hynes

    says:

    Hi Twinkie, I stumbled across you websearching for crochet stuff, I have been crocheting since I was 8, but sewing is my main bag. I think your crochet, your gorgeous tattoo’s (i’m jealous), your hair, all that stuff put together makes you, and I love it when you blog about it all. Keep up the good work, I adore you crochet funny stuff, like bacon πŸ™‚

  • Nicole

    says:

    I found your scarves through shanalogic and then your blog, I just love everything about it. The random posts, the free patterns, AND Bibi πŸ˜€ Honestly, your just a huge inspiration to me and I look up to you. You’ve made so many accomplishments and I hope that one day I can reach my goals just like you did…and no matter what you blog about, I’ll be more than happy to read it πŸ™‚ You’re posts brighten up my day! Thank you :3

    • TwinkieChan

      says:

      Nicole, you are the sweetest!!!! THanks so much for following along on my weird adventures!!!! xoxo

  • Connie

    says:

    Hi Twinkie. One day I ran a search for cute, unique scarfs and your website appeared. It was so colorful and fun that I lost a good portion of that day just browsing through your designs and enjoying every single one. I crochet animal themed hats that I sell at a consignment shop. Although my projects are not food related I still find your creativity, use of color and burst of fun very inspiring. You have made some amazing art!

  • Tracy

    says:

    I follow you for crochet. I just started crocheting about a year ago I was given your book right after and was totally inspired. This was the kind of stuff I wanted.to make. I’m no good at designingmy own patterns and always have to be working on something cute so I’m always excited to see that you share one of your amazing patterns.

  • I read your blog because I love seeing your creative journey, your progress along the way. Being a textile artist myself, I am fascinated with other textile artists, what makes them tick, and in your case, what made them become so successful!

    You’re so inspirational!

  • Stephanie

    says:

    I follow your blog mainly for the crochet posts, but also because you seem to have so much fun and have such a friendly and candid writing style – that makes it fun to read, too! I love seeing what you make, hearing about your process, and seeing the occasional piece that you have to re-make a few times to get it just right (like the gummy bears). It reminds me that it’s totally normal for even excellent crocheters to have to frog their work from time to time!

    You’re actually the reason I started crocheting. I admired your food scarves for years and years but couldn’t afford them. I kept saying “if only i could crochet…” Then when I heard you were going to publish a pattern book, I was over the moon! I taught myself to crochet just so I could make your patterns, and the first thing I ever crocheted was the cookie scarf! Some of the cookies look a bit like ovals (I wasn’t perfect at reading patterns at first), but it’s still one of my favorite things I’ve made. Crochet brings me so much happiness and is a great stress-reliever after a long day of classes. So, I read your blog both out of appreciation for you helping me find a hobby that brings me so much joy, and because I love to get inspiration for future projects. Plus I love to see what you’re up to and, of course, see all the cute Bibi photos!

  • Dawna

    says:

    I first encountered your amazing work at the Sanrio show where you made those awesome character scarves. I wish I could have bought one but they were both already purchased. I’ve been admiring your work and talent since then. I knit and crochet more common-looking scarves but I am inspired by your work. Don’t be discouraged and keep up the great work. I hope one day I can find the time to figure out how you made the Sanrio scarf. I really enjoy your craft-related blogs.

  • Sharon

    says:

    I found your blog after I bought your book and got curious and googled you. No, I’m not a stalker, just nosy lol!

  • Jewel

    says:

    Your craft room gives me life. I love when you show pictures of it and we get to see all the colors, the yarn, and the sneak peeks of little projects. I am an avid crocheter and looking at your blot gives me inspiration to try new patterns and come up with new projects. And the quirkiness of the blog keeps me coming back. πŸ™‚

  • Forget about where to put all this yarn. put all this yarn balls on the floor and then dive in. Swim, relax, take a nap. Everything will be easier them!
    I really love how unique you are! Everything will be ok, and I wish I was closer to come and help you tidy this awesome room (after the yarn bath of course!)

  • Cheri Jackson

    says:

    Hi Twinkie Chan! Your blog is the only one I really read anymore (between two jobs and going back to school). I love checking in each week to see whats up. It’s great to see your new exciting projects, and tiny glimpses of your life are always fun. It’s cool to know we aren’t the only ones who have yarn explosions and burn cookies. I also like your WIWT posts. It is so wonderful that Yummy You! is back online. People always ask me where I got my scarf, heart tote, cupcake wallet, etc. I feel like I should be handing out your business cards πŸ˜€ Keep up the good work!

  • Autumn

    says:

    I check your blog because I LOVE the photos and I like that you are down to earth. I prefer to read the blogs that are run by cool ladies to show little snippets of their daily lives and anything exciting they have going on. This sounds totally cheesy, but it is kind of like catching up with a friend and hanging out at their house for a bit. I prefer that over the much more marketing focused, slick, fashion blogs where you can tell they are being careful to write in a way that simply attracts the most readers and sponsors. Those feel obvious and contrived to me.

    I really like the craft photos you post, though I do no crochet or knit and have virtually no interest in starting. I just like seeing what crafty things people come up with and I dig your style.

  • tin

    says:

    i’m here for your crazyness =D and i’m waiting for a pattern on the octopus cozy πŸ˜› no, seriously, i like your style of writing very much and i probably like the lifestyle posts most and the random ones πŸ˜€

  • Maria

    says:

    Twinkie, I first found you through your book which was spectacular! This got me interested in more of your work. I love your blog and your posts on FB. You are unique in many ways. You are inspirational in crocheting but also in allowing others to see that you are able to be your true self, which is creative, uplifting and real. Much luck to you. Keep doing what you love. I know it is not always easy. You are much appreciated by many!
    Maria

  • cam

    says:

    Hey Twinkie,
    I encountered your blog through crochet and I keep reading because it’s extremely funny.
    I love to read about Manda, Hairy and Bibi.
    I love to read about your creations and all the process behind them.
    And I love to read about all the shows.
    Reading about Craft Wars was very funny too (and the fact that even if I’m not living in the US I found it funny shows how great you are at story telling).
    Please do not change a bit of your blog!

  • Gabby

    says:

    I am here for all of the above!! I love seeing your crochet stuff, your random lifestyle, and of course Bibi!! πŸ™‚ Your blog is really random, and funny!! I love all the super funny random photos that you take, and I especially like the funny pictures that you edit. I also love the blogs of you talking about what you wear!! Your outfits are always so adorbs! Even though your craft room has a bunch of boxes in them, it still looks beautiful with all the beautiful colors! I can’t wait to try crocheting the strawberry folder, Twinkie don’t ever ever ever change your blog! It is AMAZING~

  • Nita Doherty

    says:

    I love your patterns. They are so creative and bring a smile to my face. I’ve made many of them, but I love the cookie scarf because it is so simple. I also get a kick out of you. You seem so down to earth, while having all these projects going. I would be crazy trying to do so much.

    I am an old lady and have been crocheting from a young age. I am so glad people like you have put new energy and joy into crochet.

    I like reading your blog and finding out what you are up to. I liked seeing your craft room. I’m happy that it’s not perfect. Perfect is no fun!

    You seem so like your patterns, cute and different!

  • yvonne

    says:

    I saw two of your scarves at Stitches West two years ago. They were hanging up in the area by the new crochet and knitting books. I didn’t see your book there but was intrigued by the eggs and bacon scarf and the grapefruit scarf πŸ™‚ Your tag was on the scarf and when I came home I googled it and voila! There you were. I loved your amazing attention to detail and the fun, whimsical nature of your designs. I’m a newby crocheter but love that your art is so fresh and colorful and FUN! Hope you continue to have much success! And, thank you for making a special Etsy request for me back in early December!!!!

  • I have been following you ever since I saw your pizza scarf (and around that time, I think I also saw you in ‘Inked.’) I adored your website when I first landed there and loved seeing your crochet creations. But I also truly appreciate how FUNNY and amazing you are. You’re a smart cookie. You put a smile on my face. I enjoy reading IT ALL and that’s what keeps me coming back.

  • Nicole

    says:

    I was initially drawn to the fun stuff you made. I love it! Then when I started selling my knitwear, I continued following as inspiration. I follow a few popular knit and crochet artists just for motivation, showing me that it IS possible to make a living from yarn.
    I would go through sometimes and read a few of your posts when I needed a kick in the keister to start knitting.

  • Sarah

    says:

    Your energy, creativity your personality… all of the above! You are endless and random. You always have something nice to say to people like me that are constant pests. You perked my interest and I have pushed myself outside my box because of you! I prolly would have never taught myself to crochet if it wasn’t for your quirkiness and insight that crochet is not all granny squares!

  • KittyArr

    says:

    Hi Twinkie Chan!!
    I follow you because I just love the way you are! You say everything you don’t sugar coat anything! I love that you just put whatever you think or have going on on your blog. Like some other blogs they have like a everyday schedule theme I get bored about that. And yours it like Boom in your face yarn explosion rainbow bomb. blog! I love it! Your So Funny, #1 why I follow you!!!!. I really don’t remember how I came to your blog? Cuz I know I didn’t know how to crochet at all when I started following you… My co-worker showed me and then I bought your book. Your just Awesome Twinkie Chan I wish I was your friend lol! I look up to you!

  • B

    says:

    I am so jealous of the amount of yarn you have! Like, SO jealous! I dream of having a room like this someday when I’m done living with housemates.

    • B

      says:

      And I am here because you inspire me. I actually first started noticing you when I used to lurk on fashion groups on Livejournal, and then discovered that you crochet awesome things, AND THEN discovered you have an awesome website and blog I could follow regularly! I definitely lurked for a long time before saying anything though.

      I don’t think I would have tried selling my crocheted things if I hadn’t ever found your blog. You inspire me so much all the time πŸ™‚

  • tara wurster

    says:

    I read because I love everything about you!! You are so stinking cute!! And I love to see how your life inspires your crochet work. I wonder if you have ever made foodie Baby things? I have always wanted a giant strawberry hooded blanket to wrap my nephew in!! Or a piazza pull over sweater! That would be so much yummy cuteness!

  • Carmen

    says:

    Re: questions… All of the above! I especially like seeing crochet projects and behind the scenes business stuff. It’s very inspiring to see how your run your business and how far your business has come!

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