Small Stitches, Big Smiles: Inside McDalong Presents

Stuffed animals was my obsession as a child. Seeing a cute plushie anywhere could instantly brighten my day. That love never really went away as I grew up, though I did try to rein it in a little. 

One day while browsing the internet, today’s version of doom scrolling, I came across photos of crocheted dolls. I had done a bit of knitting before and knew what crochet was, but I had never imagined that people could make stuffed animals that way. I immediately started searching for tutorials, headed to the nearest craft store for a cheap skein of yarn and an equally cheap crochet hook (college budget realities), and gave it a try.

Before long, I was gifting plushies to friends and family whenever I had the chance. I started noticing something special: people didn’t just like receiving handmade plushies, they lit up when they got them.

Today, what began as a hobby has grown into a small business focused on helping people find thoughtful, unique gifts for any occasion.

Every plushie starts with yarn, and choosing the right yarn is one of the most important parts of the process. I look at texture, softness, durability, and weight (or thickness), since different yarns can change not only how a plush feels, but also how large or structured it turns out.

Some designs call for super soft, velvety yarn for that extra cuddly feel, while others need sturdier yarn to hold shape or highlight details. Color selection matters too, since I want each piece to feel playful, balanced, and gift-worthy.

I also decide how to finish the face of each plush. Some designs use safety eyes, which create a polished look, while others use embroidered eyes for a softer or more stylized expression. These little decisions all add up to the personality of the finished piece.

I’m also often asked whether I design my own patterns. I do have a few plushies that I’ve designed myself, but I also work with patterns created by other crochet designers. Using a mix of original designs and purchased patterns allows me to offer a wide range of characters and styles while still focusing on craftsmanship and quality in every piece I make.

I sell my plushies in a few different ways, and each one plays a different role in the business. 

Online and wholesale partnerships tend to focus on the designs I know people consistently love. These help create a dependable collection that customers can return to when they need a special, go-to gift.

Markets, on the other hand, are where I get to experiment. I’ll bring new characters, unusual color combinations, or one-of-a-kind pieces just to see what catches people’s attention. Watching how shoppers interact with different designs helps guide what I create next, and it keeps the process fun and creative.

That balance between dependable favorites and playful experimentation is one of my favorite parts of running a handmade business.

At the heart of it all, every plushie I make is meant to be more than just something cute to look at. I want each one to feel like a thoughtful gift, a comfort item, or a little bit of joy someone didn’t know they needed that day.

Running a handmade business means every stitch is done by hand, every color choice is intentional, and every finished piece carries a bit of the time and care that went into making it. That’s what makes handmade items feel different from something pulled off a store shelf.

I’m grateful to share my work with people who appreciate that difference and to be part of a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, and supporting small makers. Being able to connect with customers both in person and through spaces like The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania makes this work even more meaningful.