Written by: Kristen Moore

Published on 01/22/23 | Updated on 01/26/24

Hi friend!

I’m Kristen! Crochet pattern designer and owner of Junebug & James.

Welcome to my corner of the internet!

Welcome to my brand new site, where I plan to share beginner crochet tips, crochet patterns, my favorite products, and so much more. My desire is for this space to be a relaxing and calming place to inspire and bring you further along in your own crochet journey.

But first, grab some coffee or tea, and I’ll tell you a little about my background and why I started Junebug and James.

I began crocheting at the young age of six, when my very patient mother took on the task of teaching me. I remember watching her make such beautiful items for our home; so to finally be at an age where I could learn how to make beautiful items myself, was the best feeling ever! I remember that glow of accomplishment after making my first scarf, which then led to scarf and hat sets, blankets, doilies, and so much more. The following several years of my life had me making gifts for friends and family whenever I could, and continuing to learn and perfect my skill set.

I always wanted to take my love of crocheting to the next level, but I couldn’t quite find where to start. I was the type of person who really needed that extra push out of my comfort zone – and to be honest, I still have to work on this sometimes. I’m a serious over-thinker and have spent way too much time focusing on all the ways things could go wrong, or being afraid my journey wouldn’t work out the way I wanted it to. Or that I just wouldn’t be good enough. I kept talking myself into waiting for the perfect moment, instead of just learning along the way; and seeing perceived “failures” as learning lessons instead.

I looked into opening an Etsy shop while I was in high school, but kept finding reason after reason to delay. My fears being the main one.

While my fears certainly kept me from jumping in years ago, I do believe God uses those moments to teach, grow, and lead us to where He wants us. I ended up finishing high school, starting college, and graduating five years later with a degree in Family and Child Development. I learned SO much during that time, and would never go back and change it. I met my husband, married right after college, and began my new life as a military spouse.

While I crocheted a bunch during high school and college (mostly amigurumi animals for friends and family, and baby hats for my sweet nieces), it ended up getting placed on the back burner for a couple of years after I got married and busy with a new job. I picked it up again during my first pregnancy, after I quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom. During that time, I found new patterns I loved, and then designed some as well.

I spent the next few years crocheting on and off - making baby blankets and hats for my daughter, and for my son not long after. During this time, my family got the super fun news that we would be moving to Alaska in the spring of 2021! There was a lot of excitement, and a little fear of the unknown. Our first Alaskan fall and winter crept upon us, which left my toddlers and me spending many days inside, avoiding the snowy roads and constant negative temperatures. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a beautiful experience and I really do enjoy the snow. But the snow with two toddlers (one that just learned how to walk), left us taking longer just to get ready to go outside than the time we actually spent outside. We still tried to make the best of it, and went out when we could, but I also found myself dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression during those darker months.

Meanwhile, during this time of experiencing our first Alaskan fall and winter, my world of crochet completely changed when I decided to simply search the word “crochet” on Instagram. To my delight and surprise, there was a wellspring of creative energy seeping through my phone screen as I scrolled. One of the first accounts I followed was Toni Lipsey’s TL Yarn Crafts. Her eye for stunning color combos and gorgeous Tunisian crochet texture had me incredibly captivated. After discovering Toni’s account, I started following other crochet and knitting accounts as well, until it was completely taking over my main feed. And I was totally okay with that. The combination of being joined with this new (to me) social media creative movement, and seeing so many others who were bringing their love of crochet to that next level, led me to the point where I couldn’t keep my creative energy to myself anymore.

That’s when Junebug and James was born. Honestly, the name came so naturally to me. It’s another reason why I knew this was the right step. My daughter’s nickname is Junebug after her middle name June, and my son’s middle name is James. I wanted something that included them because they’ve been such a huge part of beginning this journey for myself. They are my “why” and the reason I stepped out of my comfort zone in the first place.

I wanted them to see that if you love something, you shouldn’t be afraid of sharing that with the world. We all have something valuable to offer. I finally started posting the different projects I was working on, and then worked up the courage to open that shop on Etsy I always wanted. This last year has opened my eyes and life up to so many amazing opportunities and inspirations.

A few months after opening my shop on Etsy, I knew I wanted to begin sharing my designs as well. I had so many ideas and past creations I had designed bottled up - afraid of sharing them. I can excitedly say, I’m not letting that fear hold me back anymore! Now, I’m branching out even further by starting this blog, and jumping into new and creative ways I can share this gift God has blessed me with.

The goal of Junebug and James now, is to offer practical and beautiful crochet patterns that add a touch of beauty to your life, as well encouragement and guidance for the new crochet pattern designer. I hope you’ll stick with me through this journey and process and take something with you each time you visit - whether that be inspiration, a new skill, or maybe just a new friend.