Gigglefits Boutique

Hi, I’m April, the hands behind Giggle Fits Boutique.

My crochet journey began in elementary school when my mom showed me how to make a simple chain stitch. For a long time that was all I knew, but curiosity eventually took over. I started experimenting with ways to make that chain grow and soon I was creating little squares that I proudly called washcloths.

When my son was born in 1991, I bought a small booklet and taught myself how to make a “mile a minute” baby blanket. It wasn’t perfect, but he loved that blanket, and it became one of my earliest reminders that handmade items carry a warmth that store bought items never quite replicate.

Crochet has followed me through many seasons of life. I would sometimes set it aside for a while, then return eager to learn something new. Around 2012 I became interested in making hats. By that time my stitches had become uniform and consistent, and people began buying the pieces I made. That encouragement pushed me to try new patterns and continue growing my skill set.

One of my first original designs came during my years helping my daughters with Girl Scouts. Cookie season happens in February, and selling cookies outdoors meant we were often freezing. I designed a green ear warmer with removable crocheted cookies clipped onto it so the girls could stay warm while still showing their Girl Scout spirit. That pattern quickly became popular and brought in more orders than I ever expected. It became my first pattern design.

For many years my crochet work was seasonal, beginning each August as I filled the colder months with hats, scarves, fingerless gloves, and ear warmers. In recent years I’ve expanded my skills and now enjoy creating many different pieces including handbags, sweaters, ponchos, cardigans, halter tops, amigurumi toys, newborn items, plant holders, and home goods.

One of my favorite parts of crocheting actually begins before I start a project. I love yarn shopping. Sometimes I buy yarn simply because I’m drawn to the texture or color without knowing what it will become. Watching a strand of yarn transform into something wearable or useful is always exciting.

For a long time I preferred smaller projects like hats because I could finish them in just a couple of hours and feel accomplished. I could often make several in a single day. Larger garments once felt intimidating, but recently I’ve found great joy in creating wearable pieces customized in color and size. Seeing something I crocheted turn into a piece of clothing that fits perfectly still amazes me.

The name Giggle Fits came about somewhat accidentally. A friend convinced me to join her at a craft fair and needed a business name quickly for the application. Under pressure to come up with something on the spot, I blurted out “Giggle Fits Crochet.” The name stuck, and over time it evolved into Giggle Fits Boutique as I expanded into handmade jewelry and other creative items.

Crochet has also helped support my family over the years. I manage my daughters’ band, The Burney Sisters, and the flexibility of crochet allows me to create items for our merch table and generate income when we’re off the road or raising funds for new projects. As an independent band, every bit of creative support helps.

What makes crochet so special to me is that it truly cannot be mass produced. While knitting machines exist, crochet must still be done by hand. Every stitch is created one at a time by a real person.

Living with rheumatoid arthritis has made that reality even more meaningful. I feel incredibly fortunate that my hands still allow me to create these pieces. Every stitch carries the love I have for this art and appreciation for the ability to continue doing it.

Like any craft, crochet requires patience and persistence. I have unraveled many hours of work when something didn’t feel quite right. Years ago I would have been frustrated by that. Now I see it as part of the learning process and an opportunity to make the piece better.

Every item from Giggle Fits Boutique is made by hand with care, creativity, and a deep love for fiber arts.

Thank you for supporting handmade art and the joy of creativity.

April Shafer
Creator of Giggle Fits Boutique