Introduction

My Story

Hi, my name is Lexi. I am the creator of S and L Handmade and the maker behind all of the products and website you see before you. For as long as I can remember, I have had the urge to make things. Something that was all me and my imagination. When I was little I was obsessed with trying to make my own toys and clothes. After giving up on sewing, I thought my dreams were lost, until I got crochet hooks and some yarn for Christmas. Ever since then I have been obsessed with crocheting. I started with amigurumi (stuffed animals) and have started branching off into some home decor and clothing.

Learning to Crochet

January of 2021 I sat down to watch some YouTube videos to learn how to crochet. After learning some basic stitches I immediately moved on to amigurumi projects, which proved to be quite challenging for my limited experience. Even though the first couple of projects didn’t turn out the best, I became obsessed with crocheting. It quickly became a release for my stress from school, work, and life. It is simple, rhythmic, and soothing. Soon, I found myself constantly carrying around my hooks and yarn (seriously, ask my friends).

Creativity

I also view creativity as a characteristic we get from our heavenly Father. He created everything in the universe including you and me. Us creating things is a small emulation of our Father creating us and everything we know. Knowing this influences everything that I make: we are fearfully and wonderfully made therefore everything I make should be created with the same values in mind. I know that what I make will never be comparable to what God makes, but I can devote all of my effort and diligence into my creations.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” - Psalm 139: 13-14

One of my first projects was this little stress ball

The Story behind S and L Handmade

As I explained, I love making things; however, I was not alone on my crafting journey. My older sister Savannah often helped me with my crafts and gave me new ideas. While I was trying to make a stuffed animal, she was trying to make something for one of our real animals. Savannah has a deep love for animals, especially her horses and dogs. A couple of years ago, Savannah asked me to sew a bandana that would slide on her dog’s collar so she didn’t have to tie it around her neck. After a couple of different prototypes, I figured out a good way and began sewing more in different colors. Soon she had friends asking her where she got them and she explained our journey. She then wanted to take it one step further and figure out how to make her own collars. She found a way to do that and started selling them on Instagram. However, we needed a name. So S and L (Savannah and Lexi) was born.

Sadly, I moved to Colorado while she stayed in Oklahoma and running a small business from different states was a little harder than we bargained for so we decided to split. I kept the S and L name and she now owns and runs Deer and Hound Company which makes dog collars, leashes, and harnesses.

Even though we aren’t partnering anymore I still love the name because it means so much to me. The name means family and love. It is the essence of everything I make and strive to leave in the world. Love.

Lexi (on the left) and Savannah (on the right)

Featuring Sugar, Della, and Brax (left to right)