Wow. As I sit and prepare for this entry, I’m really being taken aback by what my journey has looked like up until this point. From teaching myself to crochet in 2011 so I could create goodies for our infant daughter at the time, to selling items to friends and family, to opening an Etsy shop, to focusing on patterns versus finished items, to blogging. It’s been a whirlwind and I couldn’t be more thankful for each and every stage.
Recently I’ve had the incredible opportunity to connect and work with a phenomenal sister-duo photography team. Emily Cook (of Sarah and Emily Photography based out of Salem, OR) had previously contacted me in 2016 asking if I were open to working together and immediately after having a peek at their website, I instantly knew they would be a dream addition to my team. I mean, just LOOK at my last two shoots with them! Absolutely phenomenal duo who make the whole shooting experience easy, calm and far from stressed. Social media can be highly misleading, but I am SUPER awkward in front of the camera when being photographed by others. I always wonder if I look silly, if there is something in my teeth, what do I do with my hands, where do I look, all of those insecure thoughts. I am so beyond happy to have these two ladies who have that “eye” and can make some serious magic despite my anxiety! Okay, okay.. Enough fan-girling. Ha!
In the middle of our first shoot back in January, I had a really fantastic moment internally: I found what I truly loved. Creating outfits and seeing them modeled in a way I have only envisioned in my head was a true dream come true. I was so proud that day! Now, I have been writing patterns for a few years now. I’ve loved it! But I don’t think I love it in the same way as before.. I love coming up with new designs, sharing those designs with others, and seeing them find pride and confidence in themselves through crafts. That aspect of my job is WHY I do what I do. I didn’t grow up being that proud of myself nor having a real sense of self-worth, but through my journey, I’ve found multiple reasons to love myself and be proud of who I am. I want everyone to feel that!
But I also had another internal battle: I really don’t enjoy keeping pattern notes. Shh! Don't tell anyone! Lately, I’ve felt a bit of a creative block, a lack of motivation to crochet. After taking some time off from my hooks and focusing on other areas of my business and life, I realized that keeping notes and the process of pattern writing really dimmed my light. I love sharing these designs with everyone, but I have found that it really limits my creativity. I tested this theory in my most recent shoot. I created a burgundy crop top to pair with a metallic silver high-waisted skirt and didn’t keep notes. I made it up as I went, being as complicated as I wanted and even breaking some serious crochet “rules” because I knew I didn’t have to explain how to do it. You guys, I LOVE that piece so much. That’s when I made my decision:
Single pattern downloads from The Hook Nook will be on Etsy and Ravelry, however new shop releases will be limited. I really hope you don’t hate me! But do not fret! I still am offering FREE patterns in my blog posts on Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts Store blog, The Creative Spark, each month! So keep an eye out for those!
Moving forward, I plan on focusing on crochet inspiration. I love making. I love creating. I love getting these ideas out of my head and produced fully through. I am so excited to start blogging more and sharing more photos and stories with you!
I am so grateful for all your support while I have been on this journey! As a thank you, I have a special discount code so that you can purchase any patterns from my store! To get the discount code, sign up for my newsletter here. The newsletter will also alert you when the free patterns are released in the future!
So now a fun question: What do you want to see me blog about?! From crochet, to fashion, to life.. I’m really excited to share my interests with you. :)
xo,
Jessica
