Why I Create Puzzle Books

In April 2020, when the world was grappling with the onset of Covid-19, everything changed. Like many others, I belonged to several crochet organizations, and our regular in-person meetings were suddenly canceled. The familiar camaraderie and inspiration we shared were replaced with a sense of isolation, and at that time, tools like Zoom hadn’t yet become common in our crafting circles.

To help bridge this gap and bring a spark of joy back into our community, I began writing and publishing a puzzle a day for one of my guilds. These puzzles were a simple way to connect us all during such uncertain times. I could never have imagined the impact it would have.

The feedback was incredible and deeply touching. One nurse, for example, shared how she would print off each day’s puzzle to bring to work, offering her colleagues a brief escape and a shared moment of joy during breaks and lunch. The puzzles became more than just word games; they were a reminder of connection, creativity, and hope in a challenging world.

Encouraged by this outpouring of support, I took the next step and decided to create craft-themed puzzle books. My goal was simple: to spark inspiration and offer a mental break for crafters without losing touch with what they love. We all need a break sometimes, and I wanted to give people a way to relax, recharge, and return to their projects feeling refreshed.

To date, I have published 6 books: 2 crochet puzzle books, 2 knitting puzzle books, 1 fiber word search book, and 1 sewing & quilting puzzle book. Each one is a labor of love, designed to blend the joy of crafting with the fun and challenge of puzzles.

What about you? Have you found joy, inspiration, or even just a moment of relaxation in a puzzle? I’d love to hear your story and how puzzles have played a role in your crafting journey!