Refreshing Business in Crochet

ScannedImageIt is so refreshing to realize that there are many supportive and encouraging people in the world, even in the world of business. I am sure that this experience is not limited to just crochet and its related industries, but it is the experience I had last week at the Knit & Crochet Show in San Diego, CA last week that will leave a lasting impression.

DSCF1001

Designing Vashti booth with Vashti Braha and Kristin Lynn at the Knit & Crochet Show in San Diego (June 23-26, 2015)

My friend, Vashti Braha of Designing Vashti, was putting together a booth for this convention to make a public debut of her yarn, Lotus. There is much that goes into putting a show booth together, more than the average consumer realizes when they go shopping. During the time and planning, and figuring costs of materials and shipping, I was also speaking with another good friend to me, Lisa Souza of Lisa Souza Knitwear & Dyeworks. Lisa has been selling her yarn and working convention booths for nearly 30 years, and generously offered her suggestions and was even generous enough to share material for the booth set up, supplying all the grids that created the Designing Vashti booth.

Now just that would have been generous enough, one small yarn company aiding another in selling their product, but then there was more. Tulip, the needle and hook company from Japan, also needed some display material, and Designing Vashti shared her supply with them to help better display the product; and then when Tulip was unable to accept credit cards Vashti offered to assist them.

DSCF1007

businesses working together, supporting each other, Designing Vashti and Tulip, with all grid displays from Lisa Souza Yarns

It may not seem like much, but to me it is a breath of fresh air to see that these small businesses are open and willing to assist other small businesses, I know they already be friends of mine, but the fact that I respect the business practices they display endears me to them even more.

So if you are looking for some great yarns, or crochet products, please consider supporting these ladies that offer support to others.

Crochet Love Spans Time

ScannedImageThere are so many hidden wonders hiding in almost plain sight. I received a “Christmas in July” gift, even though it really was not intended that way.

I arrived home the other day to find my aunt at my doorstep leaving a box. She informed me that she was visiting some other family and that they were clean things out of their home and had several crochet patterns, so my aunt thought I could make them a good home. I definitely will. DSCF0993

Upon opening the box I found publications from the early 1900’s with a wide variety of needle arts, as well as magazines from the 50’s through 90’s all featuring crochet. You can tell there was a concerted effort to find new and innovative techniques, as well as a fabulous collection of edging patterns.

You never know what you may find in an attic, a storage unit, or under the stairs. The love of crochet can be found in many places, I am fortunate that I have people in my life that realize that this love can continue in the hearts of others by finding them a new home. I just have to find more time in the day to explore all that I have received. They are so inspiring and show just how much the world and dimension of crochet has changed in its daily applications.

This will be a gift that keeps on giving!

One April Anniversary, A Thank You

ScannedImageChanging points in my life can happen at any time, however I can name quite a few that mark my life in large ways that occur in the last week of March and the first week in April. So in a sense it is a time of anniversaries of sorts for me.

Actually it was there years ago tomorrow that I left my job of 12 years to begin working in crochet full time. Okay, it is really more like part time with juggling the household, but it was still a large life change.

I cannot say that I bravely walked into this decision and had astounding amounts of work that would warrant my change of employment. As a matter of fact, if things had not occurred the way they had, I would probably still be working my job and designing crochet on the side still today. However, like many things in life, I was faced with a choice.

ScannedImage

I have often felt tied to my desk in my old job…funny that was with yarn too.

I had worked part time for my employer for 8 years (the prior 4 years were full time, but after my son was born I transitioned to a part time position to attempt to balance my home/work life). I knew that this status of part time would mean that I was likely to give up any chance of promoting, and my wages would probably not change in a great amount of time, but it was my choice. So on a fateful afternoon 3 years ago, I received a call from my boss. She wanted to inform me that the director was rescinding my part time status and that I was being given a four week notice that my status would be changed to full time.

I was again faced with a choice, and this one offered me very little opportunity to have a balanced life. The decision was finalized a short time later when I picked my daughter up from kindergarten. I told her that there might be some changes, as I might have to go to work more. I remember her sitting on my lap, she looked up and me shaking her head. She said, “Mom, I’m sorry. You’re going to have to quit your job. I like it when you pick me up from school.” I don’t know if 3 years later that same response would be given, but I knew I had to set the priorities that truly mattered, my family.

After crunching the numbers and having the support of my husband, I gave my notice. My last day of work was April 5th, a day after my first published design & article came out on newsstands in Crochet! Magazine. So, I made the plunge. I work longer hours and am more critical of my work than I was prior, but I have a new challenge and hold more of my life in my hands. I may not put in the hours of 9 to 5 anymore, as my work is juggled between commitments and contracts. I may work late hours and spend less hours actually talking to people (and I typically am a pretty social person, so this is a significant adjustment), but I have a balance. The family budget is tighter, and we do not have many shinning things, but it all feels right. I sometimes do miss my old job, at least my co-workers and the satisfaction of knowing that I made a difference in the life of someone in my community. My current satisfaction is measured differently now.

So, on this anniversary, I would like to say, Thank you. Thank you to those that have made me face choices, and those that have supported me through those decisions. Mostly, thank you to those that support me today. Thank you for reading my ramblings, for supporting my designs. Thank you for buying my patterns, and supporting the publications that feature my work. Thank you to those that believe in me even when I have times that I do not believe in myself. I hope that through my journey you are encouraged in your own, on whatever path it might be.

Some of my Tips to Conquer Crochet Procrastination

ScannedImageSo when I do not enjoy something I procrastinate…I think that is true for many. This explains many of my UFO (Un-Finished Objects). When reviewing what makes these projects unfinished, many of them become finish work, or simply patterns that just began to bore me. But I have found some techniques that actually allow me to get these projects done.

A few years ago I have a sweater that had several color changes. I was using a variety of yarns that I had won in a raffle, I began working it up and finished the sleeves, and began the front…then I put it down and it haunt me from across the room. I felt pressure to finish it, of course self imposed, yet I had no desire to pick up the hook, I wanted to work something else…anything else. So how did I finally manage to get it finished, I created a support group.

DSCF0743.1

My Support Group Sweater. With the support of my friends I finally finished this sweater that was beginning to haunt me.

I set up an informal support system at my workplace, I had co-worker hold me accountable to goals I set for myself. It is kind of like having someone holding you accountable during a diet (which is how I returned the support they gave me), I would set a goal of completing so many rows a week, and then during lunch once a week, we would all get together and discuss how are goals were coming along, and set new ones. This is how I finally finished the sweater…6 weeks of goal setting to get to the end. I admit it feels like quite an accomplishment.

For projects that may not need as much goal setting to get finished I have found another trick, I bring projects that are not on my favorite list to knitting and crocheting events and gatherings. Why you might ask, because I enjoy the company and then usually don’t mind the work as much. It is not the focus of my attention, I can weave in ends and work on patterns that I no longer have much interest in while talking to friends, enjoying some snacks and beverage, as well as admiring the beautiful work of others. Hours can pass and I can get much accomplished, and not even realize it.

It seems funny how the support of others can improve my work, and actually get my UFO’s to a state of completion. I guess this is just another point in my life that shows that the Village makes the difference.