About Pat (Meme)

Hello,

I'm known as Meme to my nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. I retired from office administration work after several years and went on to owning a women's clothing consignment shop for three years which I sold later. I've sold real estate, worked in retail sales, sang with the Sweet Adelines for five years and since retiring, kept busy in some part time jobs including taking census for the United States Census Bureau a couple of years ago. I began crocheting about two years ago. We were expecting our first great grandbaby and I wanted to make a handmade crocheted baby blanket but knew absolutely nothing about how to even go about it. I didn't have anyone to teach me how....I have to say here though, my grandmother "tried" to teach me knitting and crochet when I was a teenager, but I just couldn't get the hang of it then.

I've always had an interest in some sort of sewing. I've made clothing for myself, blue jean purses in the 70's; I've done embroidery, cross stitch and various other crafts. My goal for years was to make a quilt which I finally accomplished about 10 years ago. I can usually accomplish anything when I put my mind to it so I was sure I could learn to crochet. Thank goodness for the internet and YouTube and all the wonderful talented crocheters out there who have posted "how to" videos and created easy patterns for downloading. That's how I started learning this craft and I'm loving it!! I started with baby blankets then moved on to afghans; I learned to make beanies, headbands, scarves and hats for family and for donating to the cancer care center where I was treated for breast cancer six years ago. I recently moved on to the stuffed plushy animals about a year ago and believe I have found my niche. My friends and family have encouraged me to set up shop to sell these little critters, so here we are. I hope you place an order so you can enjoy my little menagerie of PAWs as much as I loved making them.

Thank you for visiting my site.

Patricia A Wright

My Process

I have developed and refined my plushie process over the past couple of years. After deciding what plushie I want to make, I search various sites on the internet until I find the pattern I like. Most of my patterns are purchased as digital downloads from Etsy sellers, yarn suppliers and YouTube. Once I've printed and studied the pattern, I check my supplies and place orders for materials. If the pattern includes a direction or stitch I'm not familiar with, I either contact the pattern designer or watch instructional YouTube videos. I'm always learning new stitches and new ways of construction.

When I have gathered all my supplies together I begin the crocheting; I follow the pattern closely but will deviate occasionally when its appropriate. The plushies are crocheted in individual parts then sewn together. Each part is filled individually with polyester fiber fill. I use nylon stockings inside each part to help keep small fibers from working through any possible loose stitches. This is especially helpful when using darker yarns because the fiber fill is almost always white. Safety eyes and noses along with some embroidery create the facial expressions and some finishing touches.

For the final details, I add satin ribbons for bows, buttons for belly buttons, and a tag indicating my item is hand made with love. Finally, I get to name the plushie and add its name tag.

The time involved from start to finish varies with each plushie. Lucas the Lion required 40 hours, Bernice the Bunny took about 12 hours and Elvis the Elephant took 30 hours. The number of hours depends on the size and steps involved; I do not take any shortcuts. I want all my PAWs to be well made even if it involves some extra stitches so they will hold up under thousands of cuddles and hours of play time.

Thank you so much!