Shop Sustainably at Swiggly Swoopa

Though I have been practicing the art of crocheting since the age of 13, my official Etsy shop was established in 2021. The journey began when one of my TikToks gained recognition, revealing the interest people had in purchasing my unique creations. Subsequently, I began developing patterns so people could hand create the items I sell.

My store places great emphasis on sustainable shopping. It is often misunderstood that crochet can only be done by hand, due to its intricate stitching patterns. You might be wondering about the source of crochet items seen at stores like Target and Forever 21. Unfortunately, the answer lies in the existence of sweatshops. These items are typically sold at significantly undervalued prices ranging from $10 to $30, with the majority of the profits benefiting the store rather than the creator. This practice is highly unfair, and my mission is to raise awareness about it.

Even within the Etsy community, I frequently come across stores that offer mass-produced crochet items, an immediate cause for concern. Many of these items claimed to be "crochet" are either not genuinely crocheted or may have been produced in a sweatshop.

Every single item available in my shop is not only handcrocheted, but I also design almost every piece. By this, I mean that I do not rely on pre-existing patterns. I personally create the stitching patterns and often design the entire item from scratch. Additionally, I offer hand-knit items that are crafted with the assistance of a sentro machine, as well as upcycled or printmade clothing.

When it comes to my printmade and upcycled clothing, all materials are sourced from local thrift stores. As part of my commitment to sustainability, I repurpose old materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. I hand-carve prints, which I then stamp onto plain t-shirts, giving them a new life. I also repurpose and transform old garments through cutting and re-sewing to create new items.

In summary, my shop aims not only to promote sustainable shopping practices but also to raise awareness among customers regarding their crochet purchases from large corporations.