Featured Maker: Laura of Sassy Chikkin Crochets

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Laura, the crochet artist behind Sassy Chikkin Crochets! Laura has been a maker for most of her life but has found crochet her absolute favorite. She fell in love with the idea that a simple piece of yarn could create endless possibilities. Through a series of questions, we got to know Laura and a bit more about her Oklahoma-based business.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Laura Parker, and I have been a maker for almost 30 years! I have been married to my husband Jared for 19 years (next year, Hawaii!!), who is a Youth and Worship pastor. We have three amazing children: Caleb, 16, a Junior in high school; Bennett, 14, a Freshman in high school; and Aurora, 12, a 7th grader. We also have a sweet 3-year-old beagle named Luna and a feisty kitten named Minerva. Between church, band, piano practice, school functions, volunteering, and my part-time job, I can always be found with my first love…crochet!

Is there a story behind your shop name?

When my children were little, my sister would call each one her chickens. Once we started doing craft shows together, we searched for the perfect name for our business. After many laughter-filled brainstorming sessions, the Sassy Chikkin was hatched (with sassy spelling!).

How did you get started crocheting?

I began crocheting when I was around 12 years old. My first project was a baby blanket that ended up shaped like an hourglass. I went on to make baby clothes for my niece that year and fell in love with taking some simple string and turning it into a beautiful and functional piece that would be treasured.

Is this your full-time business?

While crocheting feels like a full-time business, I also have a part-time job outside the home. I am an Administrative Assistant at our local Pregnancy Resource Center. It is a position filled with purpose to come alongside young new mothers and show them love with a listening ear, a kind smile, and practical gifts like free diapers.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I am a part of many crochet groups on Facebook and Instagram. When I have time, I also love perusing Pinterest. I have curated my shop to have home decor items, so inspiration will usually strike when I am decorating my home and see the need for something!

Where do you create?

I have been blessed to have a “craft room/office” of my own in our home. I have scrapbooking supplies set up for the one day when I may find the time to do that, but that side of the office usually ends up being my shipping area when orders get crazy! The other side is very much an office with a computer and desk. I have a yarn/inventory wall that runs the room’s length. My favorite part of my space is the rainbow yarn wall that I made and my husband helped to hang. All of my leftover yarn balls will eventually end up there. It is a practical, ever-changing work of art! I also have a beautiful grey wingback chair and ottoman that I love to curl up in while I crochet. I usually have a cozy blanket, a cup of coffee, and an audiobook going in my ear.

What does your day typically look like?

I am usually up fairly early and start my French press coffee immediately! Once the kids leave for school, I give the house 15-minute increments: 15 minutes in the kitchen, 15 minutes in the laundry, and 15 minutes on the rest. Setting a timer allows me not to feel overwhelmed in taking care of the house and also allows me to “work” on creating sooner rather than wading through never-ending house chores. It also eliminates any guilt that I should do housework instead of making it!

Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?

I am a list maker! So, in the Summer and early Fall, I know my busy season is right around the corner, so I list all the products I need to make to be successful. And then I usually make all of those lists again, lol! I will start with top-priority items, my bestsellers, and then I usually choose whatever I am in the mood to work on. Whether that be a certain color I’m feeling that day or the texture of the yarn that I want to work with, I go with what feels good for that day. That only changes if I have orders that need to be done and out!

Do you have a favorite product?

I Love This Cotton from Hobby Lobby is my go-to cotton yarn for most of my makes! My new Kitchen Towel Hangers are my new favorite make right now. These I designed myself and have been one of my biggest sellers at in-person shows! People seem to love them, and they make great gifts! I make many of my products in this cotton because it is not only soft but feels so durable for use in the home.

My most popular product to date is my Farmhouse Pumpkin Set. This set consists of a large Ivory pumpkin, a medium-sized Ivory Tweed pumpkin in a different texture, and a small mustard-colored pumpkin. This listing went absolutely crazy, and I have made hundreds of sets over the past couple of years!

Why did you choose goimagine?

I love the idea that Goimagine is giving back and not just trying to make a profit. All of the profit go to children, which, as a mom and youth pastor’s wife, is very important to me. We should all try to do our part to spread love and kindness in whatever capacity.

Is there anything else that makes your shop unique?

I designed most of the items in my shop myself. I choose each color carefully to reflect a specific palette and hand-make each and every item. So when you receive one of my makes, you know that it was in my hands and prayed over so that you would find peace and joy in bringing this item into your home.

Where can we find Sassy Chikkin Crochets?

Shop: goimagine.com/sassychikkincrochets

Instagram: @sassycrochetmom
Facebook: SassyChikkinCrochets
Pinterest: @sassychikkincrochets