My Story
WHY Aliens?
Why Aliens?
My fascination with aliens began close to home in New York’s Hudson Valley. In 1980, while at a local drive-in with friends, I witnessed something in the sky that I still can’t explain. That experience stayed with me, opening my imagination to the mystery of the universe and the possibility that we may not be alone.
Aliens represent curiosity, connection, and a world without earthly boundaries. My Peace Alien pattern grew from that sense of wonder—and from my hope that, somewhere in this enormous universe, peace might be possible.
I’ve been drawn to unusual creatures and mysterious worlds for as long as I can remember. For me, it began with a movie many of us know well—Jaws. Rather than inspiring fear, it opened the door to a lifelong fascination with the ocean and the incredible animals living beneath its surface.
For more than 30 years, I’ve returned to Cape Cod to watch whales and reconnect with the water. The ocean remains a powerful source of peace and inspiration for me, but my imagination has never stayed in one place for long. Sharks and whales share space in my world with aliens, Bigfoot, pumpkins, and other curious characters inspired by nature, folklore, and the possibility that there is still so much left to discover.
Donna’s World of Wonder is where these interests come together through tapestry crochet. I transform the creatures, stories, and ideas that capture my imagination into bold, colorful patterns that makers can bring to life one stitch at a time.
My patterns are designed as creative starting points rather than strict rules. Crocheters can choose their own colors, yarns, materials, and finished projects, making each design uniquely theirs. A chart might become a wall hanging, pillow, bag, blanket square—or something I haven’t imagined yet.
This is more than a pattern collection. It is an invitation to stay curious, embrace the unexpected, and create a little world of wonder of your own.
WHY JAWS?
My connection to the ocean began with Jaws — a film that ignited curiosity in millions of people, including me. What started as fascination grew into a lifelong love for sharks and the vast, wild world beneath the waves.
As I learned more, I discovered something remarkable:
Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws, spent the rest of his life fighting to protect sharks.
He recognized the unintended fear the story created and dedicated his career to ocean conservation. Benchley often said:
“Sharks don’t need heroes; they need understanding.”
That mission resonates deeply with me.
The sharks we once feared are now some of the most threatened animals in our oceans. And the very film that inspired my childhood awe ultimately inspired a global movement to save them.
Contact Me
Let’s Chart a Course Together
Whether you’re curious about my ocean-inspired art, have a question about a project, or simply want to share your own sea story, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line below and let’s make a little wave together.