From Crochet Hippos to Times Square: My Unexpected Maker Moment
Crochet isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle, a way to express creativity, and a reminder that handmade work has the power to connect us in surprising ways. In today’s blog, I’m sharing a story that took me all the way back to 2014, long before I had an Etsy shop, before I started designing crochet patterns, and before I began teaching courses.
This story is about one crocheted hippo, a random “yes,” and an unforgettable moment when my handmade work showed up on a giant digital screen in Times Square, New York City.
It’s not a tutorial or a guide—it’s a reminder of the beauty of saying yes to opportunities, the power of handmade, and the legacy we leave behind when we share our creativity with others.
And before we dive in, I’ve got something exciting to share: my brand-new Crochet Lifestyle Collection—a curated line of mugs, sweatshirts, wall art, and gifts designed especially for yarn lovers and crocheters who want to show off their maker identity. You can check it out anytime at marcymade.co.
The Day My Crochet Hippo Landed in Times Square
In June 2014, Michaels—the craft store we all know and love—posted a simple message on Twitter:
📸 “Submit a photo of your handmade work. We have a big surprise coming Tuesday morning.”
It didn’t say much. No explanation. No details. Just curiosity.
Like hundreds of other makers, I thought: Why not? I snapped a photo of one of my crocheted hippos, hit submit, and went about my day.
A few days later, my inbox lit up with a message that nearly made me fall out of my chair:
🎉 “Tune into the Times Square livestream tomorrow morning—your photos are going to be featured.”
Featured where? On a massive billboard in New York City.
Suddenly, this little crocheted hippo that I made for fun was about to tower over Times Square. Michaels did this to celebrate going public.
The Waiting Game
The next morning, I pulled up the livestream on my computer at work. I kept it minimized into a small square in the corner of my screen while I pretended to focus on my daily tasks. My heart was pounding as I watched photo after photo flash across the billboard.
Minutes stretched into an hour. I kept glancing up, straining my eyes every time a new handmade item appeared.
And then it happened.
My crocheted hippo appeared—larger than life—on a Times Square screen.
For just a few seconds, my little handmade creation shined under the biggest spotlight imaginable.
Why That Hippo Still Matters
I managed to grab a screenshot, grainy and imperfect, but it’s still one of my favorite mementos. Not because of where it was—but because of what it represented.
That blurry screenshot reminded me of something important:
- The things we make with our hands matter.
- Creativity deserves to be seen.
- You never know where your “yes” might lead.
At the time, I wasn’t building a crochet business. I wasn’t designing crochet patterns, building a funnel, or running Facebook ads. I was just a crocheter with a hobby who decided to share my work.
And that simple act turned into something bigger than I could have imagined.
🎧 Choose your listening platform and hear the podcast episode.
Lessons From a Hippo in Times Square
Looking back now, that moment taught me lessons that still guide me as a crochet designer and entrepreneur.
1. Small Opportunities Can Lead to Big Moments
Submitting one photo felt insignificant, but it became a memory I’ll treasure forever. Sometimes the smallest steps—posting a project on Instagram, entering a crochet-along (CAL), or sharing a handmade gift—create ripple effects you can’t predict.
2. Your Work Deserves to Be Seen
How often do we tell ourselves, “This isn’t good enough,” or “No one will care”? That hippo was far from perfect, but it still ended up on one of the world’s largest stages. Perfection isn’t the point—visibility is.
3. Creativity Leaves a Legacy
Every time we pick up a crochet hook, we’re doing more than making stitches. We’re creating memories, heirlooms, and even time capsules for future generations.
Why I Started This Podcast
Part of the reason I began my podcast, Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, is to capture these stories—not just about crochet, but about creativity, resilience, and intentional living.
I wanted to create a library of episodes that my children could one day listen to when I’m no longer here. It’s about legacy.
When my kids hit play years from now, I don’t want them to just hear stories about crochet patterns and yarn. I want them to hear the laughter, the struggles, the lessons, and the hope that carried me through these years.
That’s the beauty of recording these episodes. They aren’t just content—they’re time capsules.
Crochet Is More Than a Hobby—It’s an Identity
Crocheters know this truth: crochet isn’t just something you do. It’s part of who you are.
That’s why I created the Crochet Lifestyle Collection. It’s not just merch—it’s a way to wear, sip from, and decorate with pieces that reflect your love for yarn and handmade life.
Imagine sipping your morning coffee from a mug that proudly says “Hooked,” or cozying up in a sweatshirt that celebrates your craft. These little reminders turn everyday routines into celebrations of creativity.
👉 Check out the Crochet Lifestyle Collection here
Encouragement for Makers
So, what’s the takeaway from a hippo in Times Square?
- Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel small.
- Keep sharing your crochet projects—you never know who might see them.
- Remember that your handmade work is valuable and meaningful.
Crochet connects us—to ourselves, to others, and sometimes, even to the bright lights of New York City.
Join the Conversation
Now I’d love to hear from you.
Have you ever had your own “hippo moment”—a time when your handmade work surprised you, found an unexpected spotlight, or touched someone’s life in a way you didn’t anticipate?
Share your story with me on Instagram @SimplyHooked1. I’d love to celebrate it with you.
And if this story inspired you, please share it with another maker. Because sometimes, all it takes is one small yes to open the door to something unforgettable.
Final Thoughts: Keep Crocheting, Keep Dreaming
From a blurry screenshot in 2014 to a thriving crochet business today, my journey has been filled with unexpected twists. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Your creativity is worth sharing. Your handmade work matters. And your next “hippo moment” might be closer than you think.
So keep stitching, keep showing up, and keep dreaming. Because sometimes, a crochet hook and a little yarn can take you all the way to Times Square.
About the Author
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
