About Me

Meet The Maker

Hi! I'm Amy, the creator behind curiouspapaya. Ever since I was young, I've loved arts and crafts. It was only a matter of time before I stumbled upon crocheting! I remember the very first time I laid eyes on a crocheted plushie. It was an adorable Kirby doll made by my childhood friend (we were in early high school at the time).

Amigurumi, or the Japanese art of crocheting small plushies, quickly became my obsession. I found it amazing that you could turn a ball of yarn into anything imaginable with just a simple hook. 

I first learned how to crochet in 2018 through watching Youtube tutorials and following written patterns. It wasn't until the pandemic hit that I decided to take a break from teaching and to raise my baby. Doing so also allowed me to dive deeper into developing my brand. I first started out making commissions for people and soon discovered how fun designing was. 

Although I enjoy making a variety of things, I find that creating things that resound with my Asian American heritage is especially meaningful to me. Sharing about the foods, holidays, and traditions I grew up with through the art of amigurumi has been fulfilling - and it brings me joy when others can enjoy it as well.

Designing and running this small business truly brings me joy. I never thought that I would get to be creative and to design my own patterns for a living. I feel so blessed to be living out this dream! My first amigurumi book, "Amigurumi Critters", has been a long-time project I've poured my heart and soul into. 

I'd love to connect with you! Feel free to drop a hello on Instagram or reach out to my email, curiouspapaya@gmail.com, with any questions/collab inquiries.

Much love,
Amy

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FEATURES

Amy's designs have been featured in notable publications such as Simply Crochet Magazine and Crochet Society. She has also had the pleasure of collaborating with notable brands in the fiber arts community such as Michael's Arts and Crafts, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Clover Needlecrafts, and more.

2024

  • Cider Mill Publishing (Harper Collins) - Author of "Amigurumi Books"
  • Premier Yarns - Lunar New Year Dragon Design, featured guest on Instagram LIVE
  • Simply Crochet Magazine - selected for #grannysquareday, ft. design: Cereal Bowl
  • Clover Needlecraft - 4th year designing patterns for the Clover blog, Instagram LIVE host
  • Fairfield Poly-fil - Video content collaboration
  • Club Crochet - Featured guest designer for Space and Dino kits
  • Sewing Box Magazine - Christmas Festival Amigurumi, ft. design: Little Christmas Girl

2023

  • The Sewing Box Magazine - Festival Amigurumi, The Goose Who Laid The Golden Egg
  • Inside Crochet Magazine, Issue 160 - Kiki the Pool Bunny
  • Simply Crochet Magazine - #grannysquareday2023, 3D Donut and 3d Fried Egg
  • Fairfield Poly-fil - Video content collaboration
  • Jo-Ann Minority Grant Recipient - Selected as one of twenty applicants to receive a $5000 grant to support our businesses
  • Simply Crochet Magazine - Hook to Hook challenge winner, Sloth Pals
  • Clover Needlecrafts - Monthly Blog designer

2022

  • Michael's Arts and Crafts - Video content collaboration, ft. designs: Giant Spider, Giant Pencil, Giant Penguins, and Dress Up Snowman
  • Crochet Society Box 36 - Lex the Lion
  • The Sewing Box Magazine - Festival Amigurumi, Amelie the Weiner Dog
  • Clover Needlecrafts - Monthly Blog designer

2021

  • Crochet Now Magazine - Issue 76, ft. design: Hummingbird
  • Clover Needlecrafts - Monthly Blog designer
  • Woobles Collaboration - ft. design: Axolotl
  • Spruce Crafts article - ft. design: Giant Bee