The Story of Wilkinson Wraps and Our Journey So Far

From Bed Rest to Business Success: How Crochet Changed My Life

If someone had told me eight years ago, that an injury would lead me down a path of creativity, entrepreneurship, and joy, I would have laughed it off. But here I am, the proud founder of Wilkinson Wraps, with a crochet journey that has enriched my life in ways I never imagined.

It all began in early 2017 when an injury left me on bed rest for the better part of 12 weeks. At first, I was frustrated and bored, missing the hustle and bustle of daily life. A few weeks before my injury , a friend showed me how to make a chain and to single crochet (double crochet in UK terms). This simple act of kindness sparked something creative within me. I decided to make the most of my time, while on bedrest by diving headfirst into the world of crochet.

As the weeks went by, I taught myself how to read crochet patterns and picture patterns. This took a lot of practicing, full of learning curves and mistakes. My starting projects were blankets—soft, comforting creations that I found soothing to make. But soon, I needed a challenge and decided to try my hand at amigurumi. The Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. A friend had a large collection of books dedicated to this subject, so i borrowed a few books. My first creation was a squishy peacock friend for a dear friend of mine, and seeing her joy filled me with a sense of accomplishment.

Word of my creations began to spread among friends and their children, and many encouraged me to sell my items. Despite their enthusiasm, I hesitated. I lacked confidence in my work and wasn't sure if anyone would actually buy my handmade treasures. However, in 2023, I decided to take the plunge and started selling my items in a local community enterprise. To my delight, sales were steady, and the positive feedback was overwhelming.

Feeling more confident by this success, I set up an Etsy shop and expanded my reach. The response was incredible. I found myself connecting with customers who appreciated the love and care I put into each piece. Encouraged by the increase of interest, I decided to make some Squishy friends who were a bit more out there and appealed to a different market. So I approached a local tattoo studio about selling my more quirky crochet toys. They embraced the idea, and soon, my creations were on the shelves of the studio. Bringing smiles to even more faces.

Now, eight years into my crochet adventures, I can honestly say that I enjoy it as much, if not more, than when I started. Each new project brings its own set of challenges and rewards. I enjoy the opportunity to push my creative boundaries. My journey with Wilkinson Wraps has been one of growth, resilience, and discovering the joy of sharing my passion with others.

Crochet has not only given me a creative outlet. It has also connected me with a supportive community of fellow crafters. Amazing customers who appreciate the art of handmade creations. As I look back on my journey, I'm grateful for the injury that led me to this fulfilling path and excited for what the future holds for Wilkinson Wraps.

Thank you for joining me on this journey so far. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me, and I can't wait to see where this adventure takes us next. Here's to many more years of crochet, creativity, and community! 🧶✨