What You Will Find at Stitches With Stories

I design cozy, approachable crochet patterns made with basic to intermediate stitches — warm, practical pieces you can carry with you, wear close, or welcome into your home. Each pattern is created to bring comfort, creativity, and a sense of calm to your days, with gentle photo tutorials to guide you stitch by stitch. Whether you’re new to crochet or have been making for years, you’ll find projects here that feel doable, joyful, and full of heart; pieces you can make your own and weave into your story.

About Me

Hi fellow crocheters! I’m Kathy, and I’ve been in love with yarn since I was about eight years old. My grandmother tried to teach me how to crochet but was unsuccessful. So, I bought myself a learn‑how book, a crochet hook, and a set of knitting needles — and taught myself both crafts. Although I enjoy knitting, crochet has always been my favorite. It’s fast, fun, and endlessly fascinating, with so many stitches and variations that I never run out of things to explore. Crochet has been a source of comfort and creativity throughout my life, and I’m grateful to share that joy with you.

My Journey

My current journey began about three years ago when I joined the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). Through the Guild, I completed their Master’s Program and earned the designation of Master Crocheter. Around the same time, the Craft Yarn Council hosted a yarn challenge, and through that experience I discovered how much I enjoyed designing patterns.

Shortly after, I decided it would be fun — and meaningful — to share my designs with others, and Stitches With Stories was born. All my patterns use basic to intermediate stitches and are meant to be approachable for any skill level. They’re cozy, practical, and fairly quick to make, with photo tutorials included for gentle guidance. My first pattern can be found here. 

 

How Stitches With Stories Came To Be

You might be wondering how I chose the name for my business. As I began designing, I realized that every piece had a story behind it — a gift for someone special, inspiration from a place I’d visited, or a personal connection that made the project meaningful. I wanted to share those stories with you, and I also wanted to hear yours.

Makers often tell me why they chose a particular pattern: “I’m making this for my granny; she’s so special to me.” “My husband has done so much for me — I wanted to make him something meaningful.” “My friend was going through a hard time, and I made this to cheer her up.”

These stories remind me why handmade items matter. They carry love, comfort, and connection — and that’s the heart of Stitches With Stories.

My Projects

While I love designing, I also enjoy crocheting projects that use a wide range of stitches, from simple basics to more advanced techniques. Exploring different textures and stitch patterns keeps me inspired and helps me grow as a designer. These projects reflect my creative journey; patterns are available for selected designs.

Pieces that reflect the stitches, styles, and stories that inspire my designs.

Flying discs I designed for Ronald McDonald House — joyful, colorful, and made with love. (Original designs – no patterns available)

Advanced stitches

A doily I crocheted to explore advanced stitches — a reminder of how much beauty lives in the details. Pattern by Zoya Matyushenko.

 

A simple, practical dishcloth — proof that even the most basic stitches can create something warm and useful. Available on Ravelry.

A small Tunisian tapestry piece where colorwork and texture come together stitch by stitch. Adapted to Tunisian from Annie’s Attic Autumn Dreams Wall Hanging found here.

Freeform crochet using basic and advanced stitches to create a planned design

A freeform crochet bag that celebrates creativity, play, and the joy of making without rules. (Personal project designed for fun.)

Behind The Scenes

When I’m not crocheting, I enjoy knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, and sewing. I also love cooking, and every Wednesday in our house is “Wild Wednesday,” when we try a brand‑new recipe — lately, I’ve been exploring Mediterranean cooking.

I live in a small town in Central Texas with my husband Dan, who is my photographer, computer assistant, and all‑around helper. I couldn’t do what I do without his support, and I’m grateful every day for the encouragement he brings to my creative life.

And  of course, there’s Cleo, my furry companion who is my mental health coach (her antics keeps me laughing),  quality control specialist (oh, does that yarn pull out easily from the center – just let me see) and my exercise coach (how far can I roll that ball of yarn or how many things can I kick off the work table before I’m caught ?).

Handmade has always meant more to me than just creating—it’s also about caring. A portion of each purchase is set aside to provide materials for handmade items that are donated to those in need, as well as to support charities. It’s a small way to extend comfort and kindness beyond what I make here.

If that speaks to you, I’d love for you to be part of this community.
Join me for new patterns, behind-the-scenes moments, and a quiet, creative space where we can make something meaningful—together.

You're Invited

Whether you’re here for patterns, inspiration, or simply a shared love of handmade creativity, I’d love for you to stay connected.

My Contact Form

If you ever have a question or just want to reach out, I’d always love to hear from you.