Hi There / Hi-Di-Hi

I'm Marja Hermes, residing in Berkel en Rodenrijs, the Netherlands, and I'm the creative force behind Pixel 2 Mix - Homemade Crafts.

Work

For years, I worked as a senior buyer at a distributor (Five 4 U BV) of computers and accessories, mainly from Adobe, Apple, and Hewlett Packard. I grew with the company, which started with 12 employees and grew into a major player in the market. Due to a reorganization, my position eventually became redundant. I saw this as an opportunity to start my own business. One door closed, and another door opened.

Genesis of Pixel 2 Mix - Homemade Crafts

As a buyer, I was involved in all aspects of the business: from purchasing and sales to administration and logistics. So, the idea of starting my own venture quickly becomes in my mind.

Of course, a business needs a name. Initially, I wanted to use the name "Maison d'Hermes," but many advised against it, as the fashion house 'Hermes' might pose a challenge, even though 'Hermes' is genuinely my own last name.

On a beach in Greece, I had a eureka moment. Crochet stitches are like points/pixels that can be mixed together. And so, Pixel 2 Mix –Homemade Crafts- was born.

Crocheting

A few years ago, I discovered that crocheting had become trendy again, so I picked it up once more.

Apparently, I've been able to crochet since elementary school. My mother has always been an enthusiastic crocheter and knitter, so I've always been surrounded by crafting. It turned out I already knew all the basic stitches.

Through YouTube tutorials on different crochet stitches and recalling the handicraft lessons from school, I thought, "I should be able to do this too." I started working on it and began crocheting all sorts of things to master various stitches.

Crocheting proved to be incredibly relaxing and soothing for me. Initially, I made a lot of stuffed amigurumi animals using patterns I found online, but something was missing.

"Why crochet only stuffed animals that kids can only look at? Why not make something they can play with too?"

So, I began by refining the Amigurumi crochet technique. Eventually, I discovered the (Mini) Corner 2 Corner crochet technique. I was instantly captivated by it. In the style of the Hi-Di-Hi collection, I started designing pillows and (Play) blankets. These are now available as crochet patterns and even as crochet kits for the pillows.

Inspiration

Having traveled extensively around the world, I enjoy designing "All around the world" themed cuddly toys. I started working on these and received such wonderful feedback that I began offering them as crochet patterns, crochet boxes, and Ready-made stuffed Handmade Crocheted toys.

You can dive into the Crochet World as well

Feel free to browse my website and embark on your crocheting journey, creating stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, and more.

Wishing you lots of crocheting fun, joy and enjoyment. If you have questions, don't hesitate to drop me an email – I'm there to help you.

Big Warm Crochet Hugs,

Pixel 2 Mix -Homemade Crafts-

Marja Hermes