Hi! I’m Jayna Grassel, the founder and owner of JJCrochet. I recently graduated from a small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship… a an unofficial minoring in crochet. I rarely cry, bake at least three times a week, and don’t like hugs, though I’m learning. My favorite Bible passages are Psalm 139 and Romans 8. I am saved by grace.
During the day, I work at an interactive marketing company in Cleveland doing search engine optimization and pay per chick advertising. (Translation: Web stuff on Google). By night, I crochet.
My ideal life would consist of mornings working, afternoons napping, and nights crocheting or designing. I want to live a life of purpose (who doesn’t?) and am trying to coordinate that with my love of crochet. When I’m not crocheting or dreaming up new designs, I like to laugh.
I’m 22.75 years old and have been crocheting since I was 8 sooo that gives me… close to 15 years of experience (had to do the math there). I used to make things from patterns until I couldn’t find any crochet patterns I liked.
Since then, I’ve made my own patterns up – both crochet and knit. It’s amazing how each crocheted or knitted hat I make is an one-of-a-kind, uniquely designed work of art created especially for someone out there.
At last count, I was 1 stitch away from becoming the world’s fastest crocheter (Lisa Gentry currently holds the record at 28 treble crochet stitches in one minute). One day, I would like to break that record.
I’m blessed to have one father, one mother, one brother, one sister, and too many friends to count. I’m the middle child which arguably makes me the best, smartest, and prettiest.
Thanks for stopping by and poking around my blog. Feel free to e-mail me with any suggestions, questions, inquiries, or fun facts you’d like to share. I love meeting new people and I’d love to meet YOU.
JJ, love your designs and have made your cowl as a gift for my son’s girlfriend. Curious to see you are located in Western PA- I live in Clearfield county. I’ve been crocheting since I was 16 yrs old -with, hum, 42 yrs experience. LOL. Crochet has become a wonderful outlet for me too!
Jayna, I really enjoy looking at your projects and patterns, they are all beautiful! I heard about your website from some friends of mine, knitting and crocheting are my passions too. God bless, I know you will do great with your business!
Thanks for the encouragement, Lauren! It’s great to meet a fellow crocheter and knitter. I’m hoping to post more free patterns in the near future. Any requests?
I would love to see maybe another cardigan pattern or something similar, even if it’s not free. Your designs are always unique and great!
Jayna,
So happy to have found your blog… nice to find a fellow Christian who is also a crocheter!~
Today found the beautiful cowl pattern, which is JUST what I was searching for– I have a friend with a birthday who I was going to make a cowl for, and couldn’t find one with a bulkier yarn. Yours is perfect! Thanks, Jayna!
Jayna – Thanks for the free patterns on your blog! Making the chunky cowl right now for myself.
Psalm 139 is probably my favorite passage also. God bless and keep up the good work!
Hi Jayna, I met you once in Delmont, Pa at the Apple Festival, it was I think last year actually, wow the years are flying by so fast, but it was rainy and cool and we came over from my inlaws in Ford City, PA. My daughter got a hat from you with a butterfly brooch, and wanted many many more but we had to stop at 1 that day. Since then I have been trying to teach myself to crochet, and recently came across your blog and also you on facebook, and I am so glad I did, such lovely patterns and great ideas. Working on a chunky cowl now, didn’t have a full skein of yarn so mine is not as thick as yours but wanted to see if I could do it before I went out and bought more yarn. I will post a pic when I am done, my daughter who is now 14 says she loves it but we will see lol (she might just be being nice ya know how teenagers can be haha). Well best get back to it, again so very nice to be able to find you and your lovely patterns.
Be Blessed,
Angie Shernock
new crochet fanatic…
Hi Angie! I’m so glad your daughter has been enjoying her hat – hearing about other people getting use out of my work is my favorite part about crocheting. I am so glad you wrote! If you’re in the area this weekend, I’d love to see your cowl – I’m sure it’s great and your daughter will love it. (I have a teenage sister so I know EXACTLY what you mean, ha). We’re expecting a cool weekend this year at the Apple ‘n Arts Festival, but stop by if you can!
What size would be for a 8 year old??? yarn and needle?? Love the hat
I just found your blog while searching for coffee cozy patterns. Your pattern is by far the cutest I found. I read a bunch of your posts and love your blog! The amount you crochet is inspirational. I can’t believe all the hats you made for the craft show! Nice work! I’m excited to try so many of your patterns.
Your work is gorgeous!
Im a crochet lover and I want to be your friend . It will be nice to see all your projects
I wandered around and found your site…Can you please share your gorgeous gray cowl pattern? I LOVE it! Thanks! Julie [email protected]
I adore this cowl! Very pretty. I have made these in the past and I love how versatile they are. Can be use as a hooded scarf!!! Thank you!
Thanks, Julie – You can find the gray cowl pattern here: http://jjcrochet.com/blog/free-chunky-crochet-cowl-pattern/
Before sewing my cowl together, I put a twist in the one I was wearing in my profile picture, but it’s the same one. Have fun!
Really appreciate you for actually showing this blog write-up.Really appreciate it! Neat.
i have a question…in your profile pic, do you have the pattern to what you are wearing around your neck? i think it is absolutely adorable and would love to make one for myself. also, i have been looking around for a really cute newsboy crocheted hat and have been unable to find the exact one. i dont care too much for the slouch look and i have seen ones that are more fitted. do you happen to have a pattern for that or know where i might be able to find one?
Hi T.Chapman,
I actually bought the scarf I’m wearing at a local shop – it’s not crocheted at all! I wish I had made it because it’s lovely, but sadly it’s some type of lacey work. In terms of the newsboy hat, I offer this crochet newsboy hat pattern. Is that the style you had in mind? Thanks for your comments!