I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around how fast the last year has gone by. So many things have changed as we’ve adjusted to having our newest little member in our family.
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| Photo by the amazing Brandie of Brandie Grant Photography |
Now that our little baby is over a year old, I’ve been working hard to get back to my making while still juggling homeschooling 2 children (3 next year!!), running our home and caring for all the littles.
There are a lot of balls being juggled constantly, but I seriously wouldn’t want a different life. (I’ve worked full time with three kids before and it is not something I would willingly revisit, at this point in our life. I would rather do with less and be with my littles, than have a bigger income and be without them. Disclaimer: I know this is not necessarily an option or the right fit for everyone. It’s just what works for us.)
So, let’s see – what have I been up to this past year? (I may have knit a few socks and made a few quilts.)
Just before we were pregnant with Atticus, I began to dabble with yarn dyeing. Once pregnant though, the smell of dyeing and making in general was just something I couldn’t do while battling nausea and exhaustion. I was in survival mode. Thankfully, the desire to craft and make, and the ability to dye yarn came back after his birth. (Thank GOODNESS!)
In the last year, I’ve resumed playing with yarn and I am slowly developing my yarn business. I tend to be self-critical, so I’m constantly reminding myself that building a successful (sustainable!) home business takes time, hard work and patience. And I’m learning to trust my gut and not question or doubt myself as much.
My favorite part is the color. I absolutely love getting inspired by a photo or a fabric and planning a color of yarn that would work for that perfect project. It’s the same reason I quilt and play with fabric.
Honestly, the fact that people want to buy the yarn is just icing on the cake. (You can find my shop here.)
I’ve finished knitting my first sweater using yarn I dyed myself. Being involved in every step of the creative process, from picking the colors and watching them fade into each other while knitting was so magical.
Pattern: So Faded by Andrea Mowry.
Colors (top to bottom): Caribbean Blue, Video Killed the Radio Star, Huckleberry Memory, Bella, Sweet Dreams.
Pattern: So Faded by Andrea Mowry.
Colors (top to bottom): Caribbean Blue, Video Killed the Radio Star, Huckleberry Memory, Bella, Sweet Dreams.
I’ve also released my first knitting pattern, for DK weight socks on Ravelry.
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| Simply Socks DK |
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I have a thing for making project bags and pouches as well. I love making and having beautiful pouches to store my knitting.
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| I had new labels printed! |
Out of necessity and the inability to find the perfect sweater size project bag, I am now making a large sweater knitting bag pattern. (More info to come soon!)
I have all sorts of things planned for the near future. Some are fun and quite new to me. But I’m so excited. I just wanted to say Hi and touch base. It’s been a while.
xo,
Jade
You are amazing ��
I agree with Larisa…how you managed to do all that you’ve done in the past year is mind blowing. You rock, Jade! ��
Way to go! What a nice balance you’ve tried to find with family and finances. Glad you have kept sight of the important things. Your yarn is such beautiful eye candy, your bags are just luscious! Keep up the good work.
I am constantly blown away by all the things you accomplish! You really are amazing and talented.
You make the prettiest makes ever!! Thanks for inspiring us all.
Where do I get the pattern for the fox on your bag?