About

Hi, I’m Claire Olivia! I use she/her pronouns. I’m a crochet designer, author, and nerd. Life is more fun when you get excited about the little things.

I taught myself to crochet when I was 14 years old with the sole purpose of making stuffed animals, and almost a decade later, that’s still my favorite thing to make. I began designing professionally in 2012 and my work has been published in Crochetvolution, Crochet Spot, and KnitCrate. I graduated summa cum laude in 2020 from Portland State University with a B.A. in French and English. Now I’m a fiber artist and author.

I live with chronic mental and physical illness that keeps me mostly housebound. I have OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, depression, ADHD, dermatillomania/trichotillomania, and panic disorder. I had Covid in June 2022 (and a second round in March 2024) and now have Long Covid, which triggered Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and worsened my preexisting POTS. I was diagnosed in 2024 with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which causes, in my case, dysautonomia (POTS), digestive issues, abdominal migraines, GERD, fatigue, and muscle/joint pain.

Because of all these health issues, writing and reading books is how I experience the world. I’m passionate about ending the stigma around mental illness and helping others feel less alone in their struggles by sharing my own experience.

I am the author of several novels and poetry collections. My work was originally published by Gurt Dog Press, but I launched my own publishing company, Pigeon Press, and republished my work under my own imprint. My work has also been published in several anthologies and literary magazines. Check out the “Books” page for more information.

I love animals and have been a vegetarian since October 2012. My family kept chickens when I was a teenager and I will always treasure my time with my chicken friend Harriet. I even have a tattoo of her stripey feather. My dream is to have a flock of my own one day.

I’m bisexual and passionate about LGBTQ+ rights.

I married my best friend and love of my life in July 2021. We live in the Pacific Northwest USA with my emotional support cat Persephone.

Unfortunately for my yarn stash, I am allergic to wool.

Here’s a picture of me in my wedding dress, which also happens to be my dream ballgown. I figured I would never have the opportunity again, so I took it. And now I’m showing you. 🙂