Darin Made

12/17/2025

Teachers and school staff deserve the WORLD. While I can't offer that, I can use my skills to make these adorable zipper bags and stuff them with goodies!

These bags are the one gift I've crocheted for others that I see being used constantly. They are universally loved.

This year, we are making sure to give gifts to the foodservice team at Noah's school as well as his teachers. They have been amazing and make Noah a special meal every day so he can have hot lunch like his friends, despite his many food allergies.

If you're gifting teachers this year, I recommend also looking around to find support staff who might otherwise go unnoticed. I'd do it for the whole school if I could, but we were able to put together 10 bags.

Bag pattern by

Shoot me a message if you want details on putting them together!

11/13/2025

One thing I know for certain is that we all have skills we can offer to our communities.

It might not seem like you are doing much, but every single thing we can do to improve the lives of the people around us makes a huge impact.

This week, I made hats for Noah's teacher to give to students who forgot their own on a cold day, or don't have one at all.

I'm not sharing this for praise, but to encourage you to also look around for needs that you might be able to fill. All of these small acts have a mighty impact when combined.

What should I work on next?

09/08/2025

10 years of marriage to this guy.

We are celebrating with a trip to Traverse City.
🥰 Every time we are up here, we make a point to stop by because my amazing friend Kimi's family owns the orchard.

We had to take a selfie as proof. 🤣 Also, the pluots I got from them are incredible.

I love this guy. I'm glad we are here. We haven't had it easy, but we still have it good.

08/13/2025

I embroidered this rainbow on a sweatshirt for Noah last year. He has grown out of it. 😭

Back to school time is a wide range of emotions!

Excited to have a routine back and have Noah at school during the day.

Sad that he won't be home as much.

Terrified of gun violence at schools.

Proud of my big kid.

Obsessed with buying school supplies. (It's so much fun!)

Noah doesn't head back until after Labor Day, so we still have some time. How many shoe sizes do you think he'll go through in the next 3 weeks? 🤣😬🤞

07/21/2025

I recently saw a crocheted hand fan and HAD to try making my own. It's rare for me to crochet with thread, but I might have a new love. 😍

Pattern: Crown of Petals by .crochet

07/07/2025

A hot coffee and a library visit were definitely needed today!

Noah and I both completed the Summer of Wonder program at our library. He got to pick a free book, Pizza and Taco, of course, and I got a set of playing cards.

Libraries are such a gift to communities. We love

07/02/2025

Fiber arts are MAGIC.

Is this whimsical? Nope. My best work? Nope. Art? Nope.

But! My kiddo kept complaining about cold hands while eating popsicles. He's been sick all week and anything I can do to cheer him up is a win. See also: playing Minecraft for hours.

Isn't it incredible you can just make something out of a bit of yarn and a hook? Magic. 🪄

06/29/2025

06/14/2025

There's nothing like freshly picked Michigan strawberries from the farmer's market. 🍓🍓🍓

06/02/2025

Good morning from our happy little balcony. 🌞🌷

Does anyone else HAVE to "snap" a snap dragon every time they see one? 🫣

06/01/2025

My baby boy is 6 today! 🎉😭

I don't share his face on here, so his cake will have to do. He wanted a "surprise cake" and I think we nailed it!

Noah is kind, sensitive, fierce, colorful, and so smart. He is such a special kid, and we are so lucky to be his parents. 🥰

05/19/2025

Planting a container garden with this guy is my favorite yearly tradition. Our balcony is so bright and happy!