My name is Frances and I’m the owner of a small business called Crochet & Cuddles Too. Twenty years ago, I learned how to crochet from my wonderful, patient mother and have been working hard at it ever since. 

Though I started with a simple double crochet stitch and mainly dabbled in scarves of all colors for much of my adolescence, I have since delved into amigurumi characters such as Gandalf the Gray, Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen, various wildlife such as turtles and triceratops, hanging plants and succulents. I also enjoy making toys for my daughter like sourdough bread slices, cups and bowls, and fried eggs that also double as flying frisbees. A particular passion of mine is creating wearable art, such as unique beanies, berets and scarves. Something I plan to dive into before this year ends is making shawls, ponchos, socks and mittens. Lately I have been exploring natural fibers for my art, such as cotton and wool yarns. One day I hope to have a garden full of flax that I will prepare and turn into my own yarn using a spinning wheel. That dream might have to wait a few years, but in the meantime, I will keep stitching away and spending a little too much at Hobby Lobby. I also enjoy other pursuits such as ballet and contemporary dance performance and choreography, sewing, writing short stories, learning the Spanish language to help my daughter and future children grow up connected to their Colombian culture,

Frances welcomes others to connect with her and follow her creative journey on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest under Crochet & Cuddles Too, or by reaching out via Gmail.

Contact Information: @crochetcuddlestoo, pinterest.com/CrochetAndCuddlesToo/ Facebook.com/Crochetcuddlestoo Crochetcuddlestoo@gmail.com

In addition to my small business, I work with a nonprofit organization that serves women and families in the communities of Warren and Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County in Pennsylvania. The organization provides material resources, emotional support, and medical services—all free of charge and without the need for insurance.

These services include pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, as well as referrals for STI testing and adoption. Over the past 26 years, the nonprofit has served thousands of families, offering compassionate care and guidance.

The organization also operates a maternity home for women who have chosen to raise their children but need a safe and supportive place to live while working toward independence. Beneath the maternity home, the first floor houses a daycare facility, where families in need can access childcare and preschool programs, with tuition assistance and subsidies available for those who qualify.

To learn more about the organization’s work, visit lifechoicesonline.org and grandmashouse.us