Pig Loves Mouse

You know the feeling when you hear a certain startup chime or see a specific pixelated logo, and suddenly you’re ten years old again?

For me, video games were never just about high scores. They were worlds I lived in. I remember sitting in front of the screen, completely lost in the adventure, wishing I could somehow reach through the screen and bring those characters home with me.

That’s actually how I ended up with a crochet YouTube channel, PigLovesMouse. It wasn’t all like that, though. I actually did reviews and drawing videos before getting bored one day and deciding to make Sackboy. It turns out I didn’t need to reach through the screen – I just needed some yarn and a bit of patience to bring them into the real world.

The Little Guy Who Changed Everything

I wanted to share a quick story for those who might be new. I noticed a few newer subscribers since I restarted my YouTube channel, and I wanted to talk about the moment things really ‘clicked’ for me. It all started with LittleBigPlanet. Admittedly, never having played the game at the time, I fell in love with the character, Sackboy. The second I saw him, I thought to myself, ‘I know I can make him.’

Before Sackboy, I did dabble in mini plushies, but the second LittleBigPlanet came into the picture, I was obsessed. He was the spark that jump-started my whole internet presence. Once I figured out how to crochet a Sackboy, I realized he was the perfect ‘blank canvas.’ Suddenly, I was merging all my favorite worlds. I started making a 300 inspired sackboy and Ico and L Lawliet followed soon after. The possibilities were endless. I even made Ezio Auditore, Kratos, Ash Ketchum, Mario, Luigi, Sonic and Link. There were also those lesser known creations that were so much fun making. It was the first time I realized that my love for these stories and my love for crochet weren’t separate hobbies – they were two parts of the same creative heart.

Why I Love What We as Crocheters Do

There’s something about the process of turning a character into a three dimensional plush. When we crochet a character, it just comes to life and they’re no longer stuck behind the screen or in a book. We’re no longer just following a pattern or freehanding a doll:

• We’re making memories tangible. A digital save file can be lost, but a handmade doll stays on your shelf or nightstand. It’s a physical piece of your childhood you can actually hold.
• We’re “filling in” the pixels. Especially with older games, our imaginations did so much work. When you’re stitching a Sackboy, you’re finally giving a permanent shape to those memories.
• It’s a bridge between generations. One of my favorite things is seeing someone recognize a character I’ve made and watching their face light up with that same “I remember this!” glow.

What’s On Your Mind?

With the busyness of life and the difficulties that come with trying to “make it” on YouTube, I’m always fueled by the love of the art of crochet. Being able to make anything I want come to life is what keeps me excited, even on the days when I feel discouraged or feel like I want to just quit.

But I’m curious – what about you? Was there a specific game or character that made you want to start creating things? Even if you aren’t a crafter, I’d love to know which game hold that special “home” feeling for you.

But I’m curious—what about you? Was there a specific game or character that made you want to start creating things? Even if you aren’t a crafter, I’d love to know which games hold that special “home” feeling for you.

Hit reply and let me know! I love hearing your stories—they honestly make my day. I hope you’re all having a great week!

Happy stitching, Nikki | Pig Loves Mouse