Our Story

Our story begins with humble roots. In 1984, my grandmother taught me how to crochet simple pot holders and coasters, a skill passed down to her by her own mother. From that moment, my passion for crochet was born. At just 8 years old, I was eager to learn a new, creative skill, and soon I was hooked! Over the years, I progressed from crafting basic pot holders and coasters to making blankets, shawls, scarves—you name it, I’ve probably crocheted it!

In the late '90s, I dreamt of turning my crochet hobby into a business. However, I quickly realized that making afghans wasn’t going to be a profitable venture. The time and effort required to create these pieces often outweighed any financial gain. So, I decided to keep crocheting as a beloved hobby instead.

As I continued to crochet, I found myself wishing for a hook that could easily navigate tight stitches while still allowing for precise, detailed work. Traditional crochet hooks, like the inline and tapered styles that have been around since the 1930s, were reliable staples but didn’t quite meet all my needs. Inline hooks feature a pointed head, a sharp, long hook, and a straight throat, making them perfect for piercing tough materials like zippers. On the other hand, tapered hooks have a rounder head, a shorter, blunter hook, and a curved throat, resembling a shepherd’s staff—ideal for smoother, flowing stitches, which is the hook that the majority of crocheters prefer.

There is, however, a third type of hook that’s rarely talked about or seen: the hybrid hook. This unique design combines the best of both worlds—a pointed head with a short, blunt, rounder hook. The challenge has always been that the tapered hook's narrow, curved throat makes it impossible to craft from resin, as it would easily snap due to the curvature of the throat. We also discovered that the newer styles of resin hooks tend to twist easily in your hands, which can make crocheting frustrating and difficult.

But we discovered a solution! By utilizing the straight, sturdy structure of an inline hook and adding strategically placed "dimples" on either side of the throat, we managed to recreate the yarn-grabbing capability of a tapered hook in a new, durable resin form. This innovation allows the yarn to stay securely on the hook. We also carved the front of the hook to make it shorter and rounder to easily control the yarn, as well as adding a thumb rest to prevent the hook from twisting while you work on your WIP, transforming your crocheting experience.

Our signature hybrid crochet hooks are truly a game-changer—an entirely new type of hook that you won’t find anywhere else. Exclusively available at Josephine, these hooks blend functionality and innovation to bring joy and ease to your crocheting. Try one today and let the hook's unique dimples put a smile on your face!

meet the owner

Hi! I'm Lisa

I’ve owned several businesses over the years, but none of them were things I was truly passionate about. I worked as a bookkeeper for 25 years, and after two unsuccessful bookkeeping ventures, I decided to retire. Knowing that crochet has always been my true passion, I realized I needed to find a way to make a living doing what I love. I had given up on the idea of starting a crochet business over 20 years ago.

However, that spark was reignited in 2023, when I was told that it is possible to be successful, earn a decent living, and pursue what I genuinely enjoy. As a devout Christian, I immediately brought this decision to God, not wanting to risk it being a fleeting idea. God's response to me was clear: "I have reopened and placed a reemerging dream in your heart! This is a new opportunity for you to live in the way I have called you to be."

FAQs

Will the Nebula colors be restocked?

Definitely! All of our Nebula colors are part of our permanent collection, and we regularly restock them whenever they run low.

How should I care for the products?

Resin crochet hooks and knitting needles are durable, but they require proper care to ensure their longevity. Here's a set of care instructions to help you maintain them:

1. Cleaning

  • Wipe regularly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your resin hooks and needles after each use. This helps remove oils and dirt that can accumulate from handling.
  • Mild soap and water: If the hooks or needles become dirty, gently wash them with mild soap and warm water. Avoid soaking them for too long. Dry them immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots or damage.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners, alcohol, or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or dull the resin surface.

2. Storage

  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Store your resin tools in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme heat can cause the resin to soften or warp, while cold temperatures can make it brittle.
  • Organize carefully: Use a case, pouch, or designated storage area to keep your hooks and needles organized and protected from dust, scratches, and accidental damage.
  • Lay flat or upright: When storing, keep them either flat or upright in a container to avoid bending or warping over time.

3. Handling

  • Handle gently: Although resin is relatively strong, avoid dropping your hooks and needles on hard surfaces to prevent chipping or cracking.
  • Avoid bending: Resin can be flexible to a certain degree, but bending it too much can cause stress fractures or breaks.

4. Maintenance

  • Polish occasionally: If your hooks or needles start to look dull, you can gently buff them with a soft microfiber cloth or apply a small amount of mineral oil to restore their shine.
  • Inspect regularly: Check for any cracks, chips, or warping, and stop using any damaged tools to prevent further wear or potential injury.

5. Environmental Factors

  • Keep away from heat sources: Do not leave your resin crochet hooks or knitting needles near radiators, stoves, or in hot cars as the resin can become soft and lose its shape.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight: Over time, sunlight can cause resin to yellow or become brittle, so it's best to store your tools in a shaded area.

By following these care instructions, you can keep your resin crochet hooks and knitting needles in great condition for many years!

Blemished Products

Blemished resin products are high-quality items with minor cosmetic imperfections such as small scratches, air bubbles, slight discoloration, or irregular surface textures. These imperfections are purely aesthetic and do not impact the functionality or durability of the item. Due to these cosmetic flaws, blemished products are offered at a **deep discount** off the regular retail price, providing excellent value for customers seeking fully functional items at a reduced cost. Please note that no additional discounts will be applied beyond the already discounted price.

No Return or Exchange Policy:

All sales of blemished resin products are final. No returns, exchanges, or refunds will be accepted due to the acknowledged cosmetic imperfections. By purchasing a blemished product, you agree to accept the aesthetic flaws as part of the item’s discounted value.

In the event that a blemished product is damaged or broken during shipping, we will replace the item with another of equivalent value. To qualify for a replacement, please contact us within 7 days of receiving the item and provide photos of the damage. Replacements are only available for shipping-related damage; no further refunds, returns, or exchanges will be offered.

Why Josephine Hybrid Hooks Differ from Inline and Tapered Hooks?

Josephine hybrid crochet hooks offer a unique combination of design elements inspired by Susan Bates hooks and engineered to provide the best of both inline and tapered hook structures. Here’s how they stand out:

  • Inspired by Susan Bates Hooks:

    Josephine hybrid hooks take inspiration from the beloved Susan Bates inline hooks, known for their reliable performance. By incorporating elements of this classic design, the Josephine hooks offer a familiar feel with improved modern enhancements.
  • Utilizing Inline Hook Structure:

    Designed with the structural integrity of inline hooks in mind, Josephine hybrids ensure better stitch consistency. The inline shape offers more control over stitch size and placement, reducing the chances of accidentally splitting the yarn or losing control over loops.
  • Dimples for Yarn Gripping:

    What sets Josephine hybrid hooks apart is the addition of dimples along the shaft. These dimples make it easier to grab and guide the yarn, preventing slippage during use. This feature is particularly helpful when crocheting with slick or smooth yarns.
  • Thumb Rest for Stability:

    Unlike most resin hooks, Josephine hybrid hooks include a thumb rest to help prevent twisting during crochet work. This ergonomic feature improves comfort and provides better control, allowing for longer crochet sessions with less hand strain.
  • Shorter, Rounder, Blunter Hook for Accuracy:

    The hook on the Josephine hybrid is shorter, rounder, and blunter than what’s typically found on either inline or tapered hooks. This allows for greater crochet accuracy by enabling stitches to smoothly slip off the hook without snagging.
  • Pointy Head/Tip for Tight Stitches:

    The pointy head or tip of the Josephine hybrid hook makes it especially suited for working through tight or intricate stitches. The sharp tip provides precision, allowing for easy insertion into snug spaces without damaging the yarn.

By combining the strengths of the inline hook with innovative features like dimples and ergonomic designs, Josephine hybrid hooks offer crocheters a more controlled, accurate, and comfortable crochet experience.

How are resin crochet hooks made?

The creation of resin crochet hooks is a detailed, handcrafted process that reflects over 17 years of design refinement and innovation. We designed these hooks through a process of trial and error, perfecting every aspect to ensure both functionality and comfort for crocheters.

The process begins with the hand-carving of the original approved hooks, a key step where the producer painstakingly sculpts each hook based on the finalized design. These hand-carved hooks represent the exact specifications we’ve worked to develop, ensuring the unique features like the dimples, thumb rest, and carefully shaped head are incorporated.

Once the approved hooks are ready, molds are created from these originals. High-quality resin is then poured into these molds, capturing every intricate detail of the hand-carved prototypes. After the resin has set, the hooks are carefully removed, sanded, and polished by hand to ensure a smooth, flawless surface.

This handcrafted approach ensures that each resin crochet hook is a product of artistry and precision, embodying years of dedication and a commitment to excellence. The result is a high-performing crochet tool that offers both beauty and durability for crocheters of all levels.

Please note that the colors of resin products shown in photographs on our website may not exactly match the colors you receive. While Josephine strives to produce as consistent of a product as possible, slight variations in color may occur from batch to batch due to the handcrafted nature of our resin hooks. These subtle differences are part of the unique charm of each piece.

What about pre-orders?

Pre-orders allow you to reserve your resin crochet hooks or other products before they are officially available. By placing a pre-order, you ensure that your item will be secured and shipped to you once production is completed and inventory becomes available. Pre-ordering gives you the advantage of getting the latest products as soon as they are released.

Please note that estimated shipping times for pre-orders may vary depending on production schedules. Payment is processed at the time of order, and updates will be provided regarding the production and shipment timeline. Pre-ordered items are subject to the same quality standards and care as regular orders.

Why don't I see products related to Halloween or Pride?

As a Christian company, we are dedicated to upholding our faith and values in every aspect of our business. For this reason, we do not sell products related to LGBTQ+ themes, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, elves, or Halloween. These decisions reflect our commitment to offering items that align with our Christian beliefs. We focus on providing products that encourage creativity and reflect the values we hold dear, and we appreciate your understanding and support as we remain faithful to our convictions.

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