Yards of yarn and knitting needles have since turned into crocheting needles. Senior Lily Paddock started off her crochet journey by knitting, with the help of her great-grandma. When Covid hit, she decided to pick up crocheting and create a business called Lily Crafts A Lot. 

Covid had many horrible impacts, but with the positive of extra free time, this brought out everyone’s creative minds. 

Paddock used her free time to explore the art of how to crochet. “I learned to crochet by watching YouTube videos in my bedroom,” Paddock said.

While she does have the sentimental memories of learning how to knit with her great-grandma, she decided to expand her variety and learn how to do something new. 

“To me, it’s easier to create 3D things like stuffed animals with crochet than knit,” Paddock said. 

Paddock has also started to sell her crochet creations at the farmers market. Paddock got into selling her items at the farmers market just recently, and it is a fairly easy process. 

“I asked my neighbors who sell at the farmers market how they got in and they put me in contact with the woman who runs it,” Paddock said. “I filled out a form to apply and asked if the dates I wanted were available for me.” 

Although Paddock doesn’t want to pursue this as her main career, she plans on making the most of it. “I plan to start an Etsy within the next year,” Paddock said.

Paddock enjoys making positive impacts on her city. She has made 50 plus bumble bees for the library’s Bookmobile fundraiser and has come up with her idea of ‘Positive Potatoes.’  

“I just recently started making them but I can see many more positive cuties in my near future,” Paddock said

If you don’t have any plans on Saturday, go support Lily Crafts A Lot at the Palmer Commons. Even if you aren’t able to check her amazing creations out in person, follow her Instagram and TikTok, @lilycraftsalot 

Even if you are not sure if crocheting is for you, Paddock has some advice: “It’s worth it in the end when you have a final project to look back on. Start with something easy, a square maybe.”