Thursday, December 7, 2023

Hello Old Blog

 I'm doing it.  I am diving back into a blogging practice. For the past few years I have been much more of a consumer than a producer of social media content. I am going to resist the urge to reflect on the past and just focus on the present. 

What is present day me up to?  Well, I'm pretty excited because I am going through my own creative renaissance.  For the first time in my life, I have a proper studio and not just a small room hidden away in my home.  This space is a dream come true. Everyday when I gaze upon the Great Wall of Yarn, the proper name I have given to my stash, I feel pure joy.

I am also feeling very inspired. I love that crochet is going through its own renaissance and I have been voraciously consuming the content of so many talented creators on YouTube. It is both exciting when your favorite art form has become insanely popular and a little intimidating. Even after decades of crocheting and designing, I could not help but wonder if there is a place for me among so many others. 

Of course I think there is room for everyone and we each have our own interesting perspective to offer. Still, I had to figure out what I want my contribution to be going forward. I feel like there are already people crushing it in terms of teaching the basics. What I have decided to do is to simply put my crochet patterns out there on video because it is how we all love to learn. I also like the idea of having my designs on film and free for all to enjoy if they choose.  My resolution for the new year is to get started on this path.

I have so many ideas for updating old projects and for new ones. I also enjoy following trends and pondering how I could make crocheted versions of the styles and accessories I love. Case in point, I was in Anthropologie and was so drawn to the Sherpa Crossbody Sling. It's furry and fun and versatile. I like that it looks great as a shoulder bag, but can also be worn as a shorter, crossbody bag. I love being hands free when I am out and about, so I love a good crosbody bag. 

All this being said, the price tag of Anthropologie's bag is a pretty big ouchy and it's also just fun to see if you can dup a thing. To the left is my prototype made up in a boucle, but I have finally found the perfect fur yarn, so I am excited to get back to work and finalize my design. Yes, there will be a pattern and eventually a video too. Yay!

Did I just "yay" myself? Sorry, I'm excited. Right now I am doing what I suspect everyone else is doing. I am Decembering it up with decorating, gift making, and holiday baking. I will see you soon with more from the studio. I have much to figure out in terms of making videos. I have never really leaned in hard to this medium aside from some simple companion videos for patterns. It's time to modernize my tech and develop my process. Oh my! Help?!