Today we’d like to introduce you to Josie Weethee
Josie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in 2012, which affected my right hand and arm. My therapists advised me to use my affected hand and arm as much as possible to help prevent flare-ups. I chose crochet as an outlet to achieve this and discovered joy in the creativity of the craft.
At first, I only crocheted gifts for my family—usually for Christmas or baby showers when a new niece or nephew arrived. It wasn’t until 2020, during lockdown, that I had plenty of time to refine my skills and decided to start selling my creations.
In January 2021, I registered my business and began selling through word of mouth to family and friends. Then, in 2022, I created a crochet Mothman plush pattern as a tribute to my hometown of Point Pleasant, WV. After my sister shared a video of it with the family who founded and organizes the Mothman Festival, my small business began gaining traction.
Selling at the Mothman Festival each year and through the locally owned shop “Counterpoint” gave me the confidence to keep growing. More recently, I’ve expanded my business beyond selling finished crochet items to also writing and selling my own patterns.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting and running a small business is never an easy road. Time management is a huge struggle for me. I’m currently a full-time student working toward my bachelor’s degree, I work a full-time job, and I have a to make time for family. Finding the time to juggle all of that while marketing my work and improving my craft is no small feat.
In today’s world, everything revolves around social media and keeping up with the latest trends. Unfortunately, I find it challenging to put myself out there and create content that resonates with a broad audience. To help with this, I pattern test for other crafters. This is a process where designers have others (testers) make a project using a draft pattern and provide feedback on the pattern’s clarity, accuracy, helping designers identify and correct issues before releasing the final pattern. Once it’s released the testers get recognized which not only helps me gain new followers but also showcases the flexibility of my skills.
Beyond that, my biggest challenge is often myself. My health makes it difficult to complete tasks quickly, and unlike many crafters I see on social media, I need long breaks. Something that might take others a few hours can take me days. This also makes it hard to put myself out there and pursue bigger opportunities because I constantly worry that I won’t be able to keep up with demand.
Despite these challenges, I remain passionate about what I do. Every stitch, every creation, and every sale reminds me why I started in the first place—not just as a way to manage my condition, but as a way to share something meaningful with others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There are many different types of crochet and I’m most drawn to crochet amigurumi. Amigurumi is a Japanese art form of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed toys.
Unlike traditional crochet projects like blankets or scarves, amigurumi requires precision in shaping, stitching, and assembling tiny parts. Crafters must ensure even stitches, proper stuffing, and well-placed details to give their pieces personality and durability.
I design characters, creatures, and objects that reflect my unique artistic vision. Whether it’s a classic teddy bear, a mythical Mothman, or a custom pop-culture piece, every creation carries a piece of the my personality.
I’m most proud of the joy that I bring to each and every person that purchases my art. Each amigurumi piece has a story—whether it’s a gift for a loved one, a custom commission, or a personal project inspired by a passion. I don’t just create toys; I bring meaningful characters and memories to life.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Interestingly, my favorite type of crochet is a Japanese style called Amigurumi, which feels fitting because I have long dreamed of living in Japan. My fascination with the country began during my culinary school days when I studied Japanese cuisine. That passion deepened over the years, eventually leading me to apply to Soka University in Tokyo. I was accepted, but unfortunately, the pandemic prevented me from attending.
Despite this setback, I continue to study the Japanese language and hope to put it to use once I graduate from college. My goal is to apply for jobs in Japan as an ELL teacher, allowing me to immerse myself in the culture that has inspired me for so long.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://Offthehookcrochetbyjosie.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthehookcrochetbyjosie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josie.weethee?mibextid=hIlR13
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@othcbyjosie
Image Credits
wooleytunes(piccalo pattern), donebydonielleco(michael myers pattern) allfromjade (bear pattern) lunacrochet(triceratops)
