Hey there! I’m Melissa, and I make things. I was first bitten by the craft bug as a child in the ’80s, and I have been crafting ever since. I began my blogging adventure in 2006 when I first learned to crochet from a craft blog on the internet. I found myself sucked into the world of craft blogs and just had to start one of my own.
I started Crafting with Cat Hair in 2006 to showcase some of my craft and DIY projects. I never imagined that it would lead me to run my own online handmade business and be published in several craft publications, including Interweave. It is totally a dream come true!
Several years ago, I fell away from blogging and crafting after I lost my 13-year-old cat, Drusilla (who was the original inspiration for this blog), to kidney failure and my decade-long job in publishing to downsizing. But after many hours of blood, sweat, and tears, many tears, I finally found a new career and a hunger to craft and blog again.
What Do I Craft?
Over the years I have taught myself a hodgepodge of craft mediums. Through trial and error, I discovered my love of fiber art. I primarily make items by crocheting, hand sewing, and cross-stitching, but I do dabble in other crafty ventures as the inspiration moves me. I have also tried many DIY projects, but I am no Bob Vila.
Where do I get my inspiration? Besides the obvious craft blogs and Pinterest answers, I find inspiration in a variety of ways: library books, vintage magazines, and photographs, but most often, I find it in pop culture. Music, movies, and TV inspire me every day, especially retro pop culture. I am a child of the ’80s, so I am greatly inspired by the sights and sounds of the ’70s and ’80s.
My mission is quite simple: Sparking your creativity by providing ideas, tutorials, and resources while helping you live an inspired and Creative Life without spending a ton of money.
What Is The Goal Of Crafting With Cat Hair?
First and foremost, this blog is meant to be a fun, clean, and stress-free environment for you and me, which is why I have decided to remove the comment feature from this blog. Visit the contact page if you would like to contact me.
Most of the projects and tutorials are simple and inexpensive, and the resources I list are largely free. So with these resources and very little money, you will be creating your own fun and heartfelt handmade projects in no time.
For each project, I will include the following:
- Experience level
- Cost level
- Link to the original pattern/designer
- My thoughts on the project
- Mini mixtape playlist
If you have a pattern that you would like for me to craft and feature on my blog, please fill out the contact form on my contact page with the name of the pattern, the designer, and a current link to the pattern. If it is something that I feel would fit well with my blog, I’ll add it to my to-make list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you come up with your blog name?
My blog was named due to my first fur baby, Drusilla (she crossed the rainbow bridge in March 2017). Her black hair was always ending up in all of my craft projects, so I thought it was a very appropriate name. I adopted a second fur baby, Daphne (she crossed the rainbow bridge in October 2021), who was a Ragdoll and had even more hair than Drusilla. I have since adopted Violet, a sweet Torbico (calico/tabby) girl.
I love all animals, especially cats, and am very passionate about animal welfare, so I try to not use any animal fiber or products. I do have some yarn in my stash that is a wool blend that was gifted to me, but I really try to only purchase and craft with acrylic, cotton, and synthetic yarns. To read about some of my favorite yarn and craft supplies check out the Resources tab on the top of the blog. I will never recommend something that I don’t like and use myself.
Do you really craft with cat hair? Did you write that book?
In 2013, a book was released using the same name as my blog. It caused quite a headache for my little craft blog and caused me to take a break from blogging for several years. But just so you know, I am not affiliated with that project in any way. And, no. I do not literally craft with cat hair, at least not intentionally. My motto is: into every craft a little cat hair must fall.