Posted on April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 by My Fingers Fly — Leave a comment

How do you unwind after a demanding day? Crochet!

After a long, demanding day, it’s easy to feel mentally drained, overwhelmed, and in need of a reset. Whether you’ve been juggling work, family, or a never-ending to-do list, finding a simple way to unwind isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential.

And one of the most comforting, creative ways to relax? Crochet. 💛

🌿 Why Crochet Is the Perfect Way to Relax

There’s something incredibly soothing about picking up your hook and yarn after a stressful day. The repetitive motion, the soft texture, the quiet focus—it all works together to calm your mind.

Crochet gives you:

A break from screens 📱
A creative outlet 🎨
A sense of accomplishment ✔️
A moment that’s just for you

Even just 15–20 minutes can shift your entire mood.

🧘‍♀️ Crochet as a Form of Mindfulness

You don’t need a meditation app to feel grounded. Crochet naturally brings you into the present moment.

Counting stitches, watching your project grow, feeling the rhythm of each loop—it all encourages mindfulness without even trying. It’s a gentle way to slow down and let go of the day’s stress.

🕯️ Create Your Cozy Crochet Routine

Turn your crochet time into a relaxing ritual:

Put on your favorite show or calming music
Grab a soft blanket and your current project; maybe your current project is a soft blanket!
Make a cup of tea or coffee ☕

This small routine can become something you genuinely look forward to every evening.

Simple Projects for Stress-Free Stitching

After a long day, you don’t want something complicated. Choose projects that feel easy and comforting:

Repetitive stitch patterns such as granny squares

Small amigurumi projects like the Baby Hippo Keychain

Potholders or dishcloths

Giraffe Potholder

This is your no-pressure creative time.

💛 It’s Not About Perfection

Let’s be honest—sometimes you’ll miss a stitch, lose count, or have to frog a row. That’s okay.

Crochet isn’t about perfection—it’s about the process.

Every stitch is a reminder that you’re taking time for yourself, and that matters more than a flawless finish.

🌙 End Your Day with Something Meaningful

At the end of a demanding day, it’s easy to feel like you haven’t done enough. Crochet changes that.

Even if all you make is a few rows, you’ve created something with your own two hands. That’s powerful.

So tonight, instead of scrolling endlessly or stressing over tomorrow’s tasks, pick up your hook, grab your yarn, and unwind.

You deserve it.

💬 Let’s Chat!

How do you unwind after a long day?
Do you crochet, or do you have another favorite way to relax?

Tell me in the comments—I’d love to hear!

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Affiliate Links

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Select yarns are 4/$20.00

Posted on January 26, 2026 by My Fingers Fly — Leave a comment

What’s your favorite thing to cook?

Mexican food and Italian food are tied for my favorite types of food to cook.

Not just because it’s delicious (though it absolutely is), but because it’s food filled with tradition, memory, and heart.

I learned to cook Italian food many years ago when I worked as a waitress in an Italian restaurant. I married the pizzaman, and we opened our own restaurant. He made the pizzas, and I ran the kitchen.

Fast forward 20 years, the marriage fell apart, he disappeared from my life, and I moved on.

The next challenge was Mexican food. I met a man who taught me his favorites from his mother’s recipes. She would taste my attempts and critique them. Over the years, she taught me many Mexican recipes and even entrusted me with the family secret for making tamales.

As someone who has always loved to cook, learning new recipes has always been exciting.

I recently published a cookbook of the Mexican recipes I have learned over the last 25 years.

Gringa’s Guide to Homestyle Mexican Cooking by Lisa Ferrel, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

This is my first cookbook, but as much fun as it was, it may not be my last!

What about you?
What’s your favorite thing to cook, and what memories come with it?

Because the best meals aren’t just made with ingredients — they’re made with heart ❤️

Posted on November 20, 2025 by My Fingers Fly — Leave a comment

My Favorite Animals in Crochet: A Maker’s Guide to the Cutest Creatures

One of my favorite things about crochet is how easily a ball of yarn can turn into a tiny creature bursting with personality. Over the years I’ve stitched hundreds of amigurumi, ornaments, toys, and plushies—but a few animals always make their way back onto my hook. Today I’m sharing my favorite animals to crochet and why they keep inspiring new patterns again and again!

Bears — The Classic Comfort Creature

Whether it’s a polar bear ornament, a teddy for a baby gift, or a chunky winter plush, bears are endlessly versatile. They work beautifully in soft neutrals, and even simple shapes take on so much charm with the right embroidery on the face. A great go-to when I need a quick, cozy project.

polar bear gift bag — Polar Bear Gift Bag

polar bear butt ornament — Polar Bear Butt Ornament

teddy bear — Teddy Bear using Blanket Yarn

Dogs — Because Every Breed Has a Story

From dachshunds to beagles to Yorkies in tiny sweaters, dog patterns always make people smile. Each breed has its own silhouette and personality, which makes designing them extra fun. Long ears? Short legs? Curly tails? There’s always a new detail to play with.

Birds — Small, Colorful, and Perfect for Ornaments

Birds are my favorite quick makes. Penguins, partridges, chickens—they all work beautifully as holiday ornaments or little shelf sitters. Their simple shapes lend themselves well to bold color combinations, and they’re perfect for using up scraps.

penguin amigurumi — Baby Penguin Amigurumi

Reversible Partridge in a Pear Amigurumi

Farm Animals — Charming and Nostalgic

Chickens, cows, pigs, horses… farm animals always bring a sense of whimsy and childhood memories. They’re especially fun in seasonal themes—Easter bunnies, Christmas horses, or a spring goat wearing pajamas. They’re cute, recognizable, and always gift-worthy.

Easter bunny bobblehead crochet pattern — Bunny Bobblehead

horse Christmas stocking — Horse Stocking

Mythical Creatures — For When I Want to Play

Gargoyles, dragons, moose-that-aren’t-quite-moose—mythical or “almost real” creatures let me break the rules. I get to exaggerate features, add silly expressions, or stitch unexpected colors. These projects remind me why I love the creativity of crochet.

Crochet animals have a special way of capturing emotion with just a few stitches. Whether I’m making a realistic pet or a goofy imaginary friend, each one becomes its own little character. And honestly? I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of bringing these tiny yarn creatures to life.

Looking for even more adorable animal crochet patterns? Explore a growing collection of free designs bursting with personality—from tiny birds and playful puppies to whimsical woodland creatures. Perfect for quick gifts, stash-busting projects, and adding a little handmade charm to your day. Grab your hook and discover your next favorite critter!

Animals A to Z

National Child’s Day

Wrap your little ones in handmade coziness with this Child Sweater Crochet Bundle! Packed with adorable, easy-to-follow patterns, this collection lets you stitch up charming sweaters for every personality. Perfect for confident beginners and seasoned crocheters alike—create soft, stylish layers kids will love to wear (and you’ll love to make!).
Get this bundle of 10 cute child sweater crochet patterns for only $10.00 on Ravelry. No coupon needed.

https://www.ravelry.com/redeem/my-fingers-fly-designs?sale=402068

Posted on July 19, 2025 by My Fingers Fly — 7 Comments

🦕 If I Could Bring Back One Dinosaur… It Would Be the Triceratops!

Let’s face it — if dinosaurs could make a comeback, we’d all have some strong opinions on which one should return first. While T. rex gets all the blockbuster glory, I’d go in a different direction… I’d bring back the Triceratops.

🌿 The Gentle Giant with Style

With its three horns, massive frill, and beak-like mouth, the Triceratops is a true icon. But it wasn’t all about looks — this dino was an herbivore, meaning it probably spent its days munching on prehistoric plants and minding its own leafy business. No chasing jeeps or roaring for drama here — just cool, calm, and Cretaceous.

🏡 Imagine a Triceratops Today

Bringing back a Triceratops might sound like science fiction, but picture this:

Eco-friendly lawn mower — powered by plants and prehistoric charm
A new kind of therapy animal — calm, grounded, and great with kids (maybe)
Living history exhibit — no CGI needed when you’ve got the real deal
Farm-sized pet — perfect for dino-sized hugs (if you’re brave enough)

Let’s be honest… who wouldn’t want to see one of these gentle giants up close?

Crochet It Instead!

Okay, so bringing back real dinosaurs might be a stretch (and a scientific headache), but luckily, we can still celebrate them creatively. A crochet Triceratops plushie or wall hanging lets you enjoy the dino fun in soft, handmade form — no time machines required.

Whether you’re a dinosaur lover, a science nerd, or just have a thing for three-horned creatures, the Triceratops totally deserves its moment in the spotlight.

Which dinosaur would YOU bring back? Let me know in the comments — and bonus points if you’ve crocheted it!

Prehistoric Animals that Still Exist

alligator nap buddy — Crocodile/Alligator

Texas Horny Toad Crochet Pattern — Texas Horned Lizard

Posted on July 3, 2025 by My Fingers Fly — 2 Comments

Touchdowns & Tea: My Most Memorable Vacation to London

When I think back on my favorite vacation, one trip instantly comes to mind: London—where cobblestone streets, red double-decker buses, and Big Ben met… the NFL.

Yes, American football in the heart of England. It might sound like an odd pairing, but it made for one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Because “football” in Europe is our soccer, they call American football “NFL.”

The trip started with excitement as I landed in London and attended a breakfast buffet featuring American and English breakfast items hosted by the Hard Rock Cafe.

We toured the city in a double-decker bus, culminating in a ride on the London Eye, giving us a beautiful nighttime view of the entire city.

Day 2 of our London adventure included a tour of Westminster Abbey, The Royal Mews (stables), and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I have always loved poetry, so visiting Westminster Abbey has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is the first thing you see when stepping inside, and it is truly a magnificent site. (Unfortunately, no photos are allowed inside.) During World War I, an army chaplain saw a grave marked by a wooden cross, and he wanted to do something to honor this soldier and the many others who were not identified. He contacted the Dean of Westminster in 1920 about honoring these soldiers “amongst the kings.” Four unnamed soldiers were exhumed, placed in coffins draped in Union flags, and taken to a church in France. Brigadier L.J. Wyatt entered the chapel and placed his hand on one of the coffins. A tomb was built just inside the entrance of Westminster Abbey, and King George V personally chose one of his swords to cover the casket with the inscription “A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914–1918 for King and Country.” The soldier was interred on November 11, 1920 – now known as Remembrance Day. It is surrounded by red paper poppies and is truly a stirring site. It is the only tomb in the Abbey on which it is forbidden to walk. For State ceremonies, the red carpet is laid around the tomb so as not to disturb it. Royal brides lay their bouquets on the tomb at the end of their wedding ceremonies.

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

We then walked through the Green Park along the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk on the way to Buckingham Palace. This marker brought me to tears again – such a beautiful person, gone much too soon.

Buckingham Palace

You really have to see Buckingham Palace in person to comprehend its size – 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. This is the Queen’s primary residence and place of business. It is considered “The Office” by the Royal Family. Next week I’ll post about our tour of Windsor Castle, the Queen’s weekend residence and childhood home.

Changing of the Guard

Stunning! Spectacular!

Changing of the Guard (YouTube)

I was so looking forward to this tour, I had to make a little Royal Guard crochet pattern.

Toy Soldier Cuddler Pattern

The NFL International Series had brought two teams across the pond, and I was lucky enough to be in the stands to see my favorite team, the Houston Texans defeat the Jaguars. Seeing fans from around the world decked out in jerseys, waving flags, and cheering together was something special. The stadium atmosphere was electric—part sports event, part cultural fusion. British fans embraced the game with enthusiasm, and American fans (like me!) brought their traditions and team spirit along for the ride.

But the trip wasn’t just about football. London has a magic all its own. I explored historic landmarks like the Tower of London, strolled along the Thames River, took in the view from the London Eye, and even squeezed in a trip to Windsor Castle. The contrast between the roaring stadium and the serene elegance of London’s old-world charm made the trip feel perfectly balanced.

Combining my love of football with the thrill of international travel was something I hadn’t experienced before—but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If you ever get the chance to catch an NFL game in London, go. You’ll get a passport stamp, a great game, and a memory that sticks with you long after the final whistle.

Tag: dailyprompt