Hi!

My name is Dedri and I would like to welcome you to Lookatwhatimade.

Before we talk about me, let’s talk about you quickly.

You are probably on this page because you are as passionate about crochet as I am (or as passionate about baking as I used to be).  Whether your joy is yarn or cakes, I would love for you to walk away from this site having accomplished something;  or to feel like a little child, running up to their mom or dad, squealing “Look at what I made!”  I do not think there is anything better for the soul than a sense of accomplishment, no matter how small the “victory”, that’s why almost everything on this site is presented as a step-by-step guide (with a few of my own “Look at what I made!” moments thrown in for good measure).

What started out as an ‘anything-I-can-make-or-bake-or-fake’ blog 10 years ago has turned into a full-on crochet fest.  Things have changed drastically!  The most notable change is probably the fact that I have acquired two side-kicks to help me run this site;  their names are Jenny, who helps me crochet and listens to my venting (you can read all about her HERE), and Jane, who helps me formulate my posts when I know what I want to say but not HOW I want to say it.  Jane has recently started her own blog, which you can find HERE.

Nowadays, the website focusses mainly on crochet tutorials and designs – which are, in the main, free for your enjoyment.  The main reason I offer my designs, tips and advice to you is that I am passionate about (and obsessed with) crochet.  I believe it is not only a craft, but a life-saving panacea.  It is my therapy and has kept me medication-free for more than 10 years (with one or two hiccups), and I firmly believe that it can help others too.

Kathryn Vercillo has written a wonderful book, ‘Crochet Saved my Life’ (available to buy on Amazon HERE), which contains a number of testimonials from people who have found crochet to be so much more than just a hobby.  You can read more about this book HERE.

My 2015 CAL (crochet-along), Sophie’s Universe, is a case in point.  I wanted people to feel amazing about their ability to create something so complex so easily, regardless of their skill level.  I have had such wonderful, inspiring feedback about the project, and have been encouraging people to share their experiences using #alongcamesophie and #sophiesuniversecal2015.  It is well worth taking a look at the pictures and testimonials; I am so proud of everyone who participated in this project.

And now…a little bit of history…

I am the proud mother of three gorgeous, whacky boys:  Pieter, Jaco, and Xander.  I am married to Christiaan, who is as handsome as he is funny – yes, really!  This funny, handsome man has allowed me to teach him to crochet (you can read all about that HERE) and often helps me finish parts of projects when I am working to a deadline (he can only do US dc, mind you).

Expecting Xander March 2012

I work as a radiotherapist at Charing Cross hospital.  On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I get to stay home with the boys.  I am now 33 38 years old, and often find myself wondering where the time has gone!

Uys Boys 2015 and Sophie’s Universe

I spend every possible moment surrounded by, and immersed in, crochet patterns and colourful yarn.

I wrote my first crochet book in 2014:  Amamani Puzzle Animals.  You can buy the book on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.  You can also read more about the Puzzle Animals HERE.

This book was recreated as a sewing version by Abby Glassenberg in 2015:  Sew & Play Puzzle Ball Animals.  You can buy it on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Since then, I have collaborated on 3 more books:

• Big Hook Rag Crochet (2015) – Available from Amazon.co.uk (UK version) and Amazon.com (US version)
• Crochet Therapy (2016) – Available from Amazon.co.uk (UK version) and Amazon.com (UK version)
• Bold Baby Crochet (2017) – Available from Amazon.co.uk (UK version)

I have also published a book for my most popular pattern, Sophie’s Universe (which is still available for free online as an 18-part crochet-along HERE).  You can read more about the Sophie’s Universe book HERE (including where you can buy a copy).

I am also an Official Scheepjeswol Blogger, which you can read more about HERE.

If you would like a non-invasive way to stay up to date with my site, consider subscribing to my Weekly Newsletter.

Alternatively, you can find me here:

• Facebook
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• Google+
• Pinterest
• Twitter
• Instagram

Depending on where you choose to follow me, my interaction will differ slightly.  My most “intimate” shares are probably on Instagram.  My most frequent shares are on Facebook.

Happy Hooking and God bless!