- 2 days ago
I want to make a blog about crocheting and knitting - but not ONLY crocheting and knitting, ya know? I've been looking at other crochet content creators and their whole blog is just free patterns. No personal stories, no other topics but crocheting (or knitting). Is that the only thing their visitors want? Conversely, cooking websites have 10 page essays before you get to the actual instructions. All of this to say I'm still trying to figure out how much of my life will be told online.
As the title implies, I want to use my hobby to make me some extra cash to buy more yarn. Only fair, tbh. Would anyone be interested in buying my crafts in these trying times? Maybe if you know more about me and what I'm working on...?
I used to pay a lot of money for this website to be an ecommerce site but i made exactly two sales, so it had to be downgraded to a fancy, poorly-run blog. I could always re-start my Etsy shop but they take such a big chunk out...I'll figure something out. Don't worry about it.
I'm always two clicks away from re-starting my tumblr blog because I just like the layout options and I see some crazy talented artists run their whole online presence on tumblr. That means it must be good luck. But that's dumb, I can just to that here. Right?
Anyway, it's once again that time of year where I wallow in self-pity that I'm not yet a famous artist or at least making a some extra cash from my art. I feel like a lot of my freelance work is primarily tech-support. But if all my art is still in my head, I'm not going to sell it to anyone. With that in mind, I've made a loose plan to get myself back on track. I'm hoping within a year I will make a good dent in my self-loathing and make progress with my art goals. My first habit-goal is to be 1% better everyday. In some way. It doesn't matter how, so long as I don't miss more than one day in a row. And part of this goal is to use this blog like a tumblr. In the off chance someone is actually reading this, please come back and see if I am indeed posting about my progress. I will also be posting on instagram (but just the good stuff). And everything else goes here :)
- Sep 16, 2024
And I'll tell you why. I've been knitting and crocheting almost every day, and I've never been more content with my life. I'm giving myself a break from the side-hustle thoughts. I'm tired of always thinking of how I could monetize my hobbies - my joy. Now it's just for me, and who cares if I have 20 unfinished projects and too much yarn? I'm so excited when I sit down and get better at my crochet and knitting skills.
I've also stopped creating drawing/painting projects— stuff I've been thinking about nonstop but never do and then beat myself up about not doing. I've also been reading more books. A group of ladies at work started a book club, and at first, I didn't think about joining, but now I'm all in, and it's a lot of fun. Also letting go of the guilt of not finishing a book. If it was good, I would finish it. I'm not wasting my last 40-50ish years on this earth not reading because I think I need to finish another book first.
Current crochet project:
The Velma Sweater I love color block sweaters and this one has endless options. I'm using Lion Brand "Feels like Butta" that my mom gave me. The torso will be a light gray/off white and the sleeves will be light purple and mint green.
Current knitting project:
Ok too many pick from but I'll start with the first stranded/fair isle color work sweater.
The Wave Sweater Surprised that this one caught my eye but IG has a lot of knitting influencers that inform me of cool projects. Like the Velma sweater, this one has a lot of color combo opportunities. I'm using Lion Brand "Heartland" that I've had in my stash for years. Excited to finally find a project I want to use it for.
Books I'm reading (and may not finish?)
The Pisces by Melissa Broder. This woman is a poet and it shows in her work. Beautiful, thought-provoking prose. But I'm at a point in the book where the main character is neglecting her sister's dog she is caring for and I'm seeing a lot of foreshadowing that is making me upset. I want to read all of it but I need a break for a bit to process that this dog is just fictional.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart. Literally just started this morning as a way to distract myself from The Pisces but it pulls you in quickly. Excited to keep reading. This book got a lot of praise online and seems to be on track to be the next "it" fantasy book.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. This month's book club pick. Very cute, very rom-com. It's nice to read about characters you actually like and are rooting for.
- Mar 21, 2024
And I'm still struggling to see a difference stylistically in my sketchbook. But it's forcing me to have those uncomfortable conversations with myself about what my end goals are. In the beginning it's about showing up and doing the work. It's ok if the work is just a small amount of time right now, but eventually I will have to dedicate more time to improving my craft. And what is that craft? I kind of know...I want to draw without hesitating and just make filling the page effortless instead of something scary. And that's supposed to lead to...money somehow? Getting the cash in my pocket is the part that makes me want to take a nap.
I listened to a podcast interview with Adam Ming, a guy who decided to give up his career as a start-up cofounder and focus on being an children's book illustrator. He draws for four hours a day, and in two years he reached his goal. But that's a lot of time to dedicate to a goal without any formal training. Similar to an olympic athlete, it's about being able to get through the boring parts of practice and still come back the next day for more. Because change happens with repetition.
Is my goal to be a children's book illustrator? Not right now, but maybe later? What do I want to focus on right now? These are questions for the next 75 days that I hope come into focus.
