Hey guys! In my previous post, I mentioned how I had been having some maker struggles and haven’t been feeling as creatively inspired as much as I’d like to be. I also had mentioned how I tested my theory about feeling uninspired by pattern writing with the creation of this crop top. I wanted to make something knowing that I was not going to write the pattern, no matter what. I allowed myself to mentally prepare for this, honestly. Sometimes I feel guilty not sharing patterns for everything I make because I love how much it inspires each of you to make new things! But it has taken its toll on me.
When I make new designs, I don’t enjoy pre-planning them. I usually give myself a type of item (in this case I wanted to make a crop top) and then see what happens. My mind runs a million miles a minute, with all things. I seriously cannot keep up. Ha! If you know me in real life, you’ve seen my mind basically just short circuit. Numerous times. In a matter of what feels like minutes. I totally forget what I’m talking about in the middle of a sentence. When I have a conversation with you, you really actually have to keep up with seven different things I’m trying to tell you. I’m sure it’s not really that bad, but it sure feels like it sometimes! Believe me, I can write much more fluently than I can actually speak. ;)
This is how my mind works when designing new pieces. I start making it with one goal image in my mind. As I start to progress on the piece, I either decide something isn’t going to work the way I thought it would, or I change my mind and don’t like it or even just decide I want to do something I randomly think of and like better. I’m sure this crop top was four different things before it actually ended up being what it finally is (No, I’m not interested in pre-planning them for efficiency. ;) I’m just ready to do “me”). I think this is why I don’t like keeping notes for patterns - I change my mind so often in the middle of creating a piece, and sometimes even want to do things that are complicated for me to explain, that keeping notes is just simply time consuming and frustrating for me.
Additionally, I’m a mom with young children and it seems as though the times I am able to actually crochet are when they are in bed for the night. When crocheting for a pattern, I’m needing to take moments to photograph different stages of the project and when I can realistically only crochet at night, it’s difficult to do this with pretty lighting. #thestruggle
So, from now on, I am beyond thrilled to just, simply, be a maker. I love crochet, a lot. This is no surprise. But what *might* be a surprise, is that I also really love to get crafty. I love a good DIY, a craft to do with my kids and even bake (maybe.. I really don’t actually enjoy cooking but a really good photo of something with cheese is a good indication that I’d probably try it. Or chocolate. That, too.).. I’m so excited to expand my blog to include these other areas of “Jessica” that has remained hidden because I’ve remained focused on just one craft for the past 5-5.5 years.
In celebration of this new chapter, I have officially called this “test” top The Jessica. My first “solo” design and something that really released a floodgate of creativity and inspiration in me. I am truly thrilled to let go of self-made expectations and allow myself to continue my path on discovering more about who I am and what I’m capable of doing. Thank you to each of you who choose to follow along and find out along with me. :) Be ready for many more blog posts in relation to fashion, DIY, baking, kids crafts and so much more!
Raise your glasses and let us cheers to new beginnings and allowing yourself to allow yourself to make your dreams actually come true. Let go of the things that prohibit and stall you to make room for new accomplishments. Want to join me on this journey?! Tell me! I’m so thrilled for everyone to love themselves and finding ways to feel proud of who they are and what all that they can do. <3
xo,
Jessica
