Photo: Annika Metsla

Who I am

I am Mari-Liis – the heart behind lilleliis and an amigurumi enthusiast for more than 16 years.

I have crocheted hundreds of toys and written patterns that have been used by tens of thousands of makers around the world. Through my work I hope to make the world a little warmer and happier place.

I truly believe handmade toys carry a special kind of magic – the maker’s time, care and love become part of the toy. A toy made by a mother can make a child feel safe and deeply cared for.

How it all began

Music was my first passion. I played the piano from the age of six, and for many years it was a big part of my life. The journey from music to crafts happened almost like a dream.

My children were the starting point. Staying at home with them gave me both the time and the desire to create something with my hands. I tried sewing and knitting, until one winter evening I brought home a crochet hook and a book about crochet techniques. That moment changed everything. I discovered amigurumi and felt an immediate, unstoppable urge to create.

Making toys was love at first stitch. After my first shy attempts following online tutorials, I began designing my own patterns. This is how lilleliis was born.

Patterns and books

Since 2011 I have published amigurumi patterns on my website and in my online shop. Today they are available in more than fifteen languages.

Together with Meteoor Books publishing house I have released three pattern books:

Magical Amigurumi Toys (2016)

Cuddly Amigurumi Toys (2018)

Lovable Amigurumi Toys (2019)

The books are written in English, and have been translated into Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Hungarian and are enjoyed by crocheters around the world – from young mothers to grandmothers making toys for the next generation.

The story continues

This has been a wonderful journey. I am most grateful to my children – my greatest inspiration – and to my husband, who never minds that I still play with dolls.

And of course, thank you to everyone whose kind words and support have encouraged me to keep creating.

books

patterns

toys