Made with you in mind: Local business owner puts heart, soul in items

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Some say the best gifts are not the most expensive but the ones made by hand, with love, thought and care.

Local crochet artist Julia Baldonado, owner of Interwoven by Design, first began crocheting as a hobby in 2012.

"I've always crocheted on and off throughout the years, a little fun project here and there, like gifts and things like that," Baldonado said.

She told ValleyCentral that after many years of crocheting as a hobby, she built a crocheting business and set up her first pop-up in February 2024 with Brownsville Pop-Ups while still attending college.

However, coming up with a unique name for her business was challenging. Baldonado told ValleyCentral that while on a family vacation, a family member came up with "Entre Tejidos al Gusto," which when translated in English, means Interwoven by Design.

Her business features a multitude of crocheted creations, from clothing to plushies and even plants.

^{Courtesy of: Julia Baldonado}

"I go through a lot of different phases of making different things, such as different patterns. Right now, plants have been my favorite thing to make, and I have found some color schemes and patterns that I really like put together," she said.

She added that these types of plants can be used as little trinkets for desks, key chains, car hangers, bag charms, lip gloss, hand sanitizer holders, and come in different patterns.

When her customers ask for custom orders, Baldonado said she makes sure she gets every detail right. She added that she loves her small business and even though she has other responsibilities, such as school, this is something she can take anywhere to complete her task.

"All I need is my yarn that I'm going to be using, my occasional stitch marker and anything is going to help keep my place," Baldonado said.

Baldonado told ValleyCentral that while it is difficult for her to mass-produce, she is grateful for all her success over the past year.

"My family helps set up my pop-ups, and I have my sister as my graphic designer for our social media posts. However, I create all the crochets, so it is hard to keep up with everything and mass produce," she said.

She adds that she sews every piece by hand and keeps safety in mind, especially for children.

"I stopped using the safety eyes because it is a safety concern for little kids, if they are going to be messing with, they'll come out, and they could choke," Baldonado said. "Everything is made 100% with love, a little bit of stress, and unique in its own way."

Interwoven by Design will be featured at the ShopTeen Market pop-up shot from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, at the Venezzia Venue.

Orders can be requested through social media on her Instagram @Interwoven_by_Design.