Hi there! I’m Fei, welcome to I Heart Gantsilyo! I’m a proud wife to a wonderful husband who works abroad, homeschooling mom to our sweet 10-year-old son, and a joyful homemaker embracing this grace-filled season of life with creativity and heart.
I come from a family of craftsmen and art enthusiasts, but crochet has always been my passion hence the name of this blog, I Heart Gantsilyo. Gantsilyo is the Filipino word for crochet, which originated from the Spanish word ganchillo.
My love for crochet began when I was just 9 years old, taught by my great-grandmother long before YouTube or online tutorials existed. I learned by watching her hands work magic – creating doilies, curtains, and bedcovers, while I practiced chain stitches, worked in rounds, and proudly made my very first masterpiece: a coaster.
Growing up, crochet became my creative outlet and my love language. I would make small handmade gifts, experiment with patterns, and even sell crocheted coin purses around the neighborhood to earn extra baon (allowance). My sister and I once saved coins in a kawayan alkansya (bamboo coin bank) just so we could buy our own hooks and yarn. It’s a memory I still hold close and cherish, bringing joy each time I buy new supplies.
Life moved on and so did I, through school, full-time work, and eventually motherhood. But crochet was never far from my heart. When my son was born, and I began navigating the early years of motherhood, I rediscovered my creative side in a deeper, more personal way. Making toys, learning to knit, and creating handmade pieces for our home reminded me of who I am and what I love.
That’s how I Heart Gantsilyo began, as a quiet but brave step to document and share what I’ve learned. Here, I offer free crochet patterns (often with step-by-step photos), glimpses into our homeschooling journey, and reflections on homemaking, motherhood, and faith.
I hope this blog becomes a space that inspires you, whether you’re picking up your hook for the first time or coming back to it like an old friend. Let’s sprinkle life with handmade goodness and put more heart into gantsilyo, together.
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