Tag Archives: mindfulness

Looking back on 2025/Moving forward

What can I say about 2025. 2025 has been a difficult year to say the least. On a personal as well as business level. Trying to get past all the negative things that are happening it seems on a daily basis and remembering the good can be difficult. But, I am choosing to try to focus on the things that bring me joy and are positive in my life. Nexusknits, my business is one of those things. Providing a handmade product for someone in person or online, Also helping someone learn a new craft like knit or crochet is also a joy for me. I know the effects this craft has on me and my friends. It is literally a lifeline for me.

I finished out the year attending three markets in person selling some of my products for the holidays. They weren’t bad. I did well at two out of three of them. Not as good as I hoped, but good. I have definitely seen the effects of our economy being at a struggle as it is. Being a small business owner as I am it has hurt my business for sure with what our current government has done. I am trying to adjust and hope for some positive changes in the new year.

There are going to be some changes. I am currently going through my studio and office area and getting rid of things that don’t bring me joy or feel that I am not going to get used in the near future. I am also going through the products that I sell online and evaluating what is selling and what isn’t. And what I decide to make new I am making with more intention. I am also trying some new things like utilizing more social media to increase sales by adding a TikTok shop as well. You will soon be able to get some products on there as well.

I will continue to have my shop on Etsy as that is the site most people think of still to buy handmade. Though, I would still like to encourage people to give Goimagine another look if you haven’t yet. It has only been around the internet for a few years but continues to increase its reach each year. I have my own site powered by them and you can find me there as well on their main site. Just look up nexus knits. One main goal for this new year is I hope to drive more traffic to my shop, nexusknits. Purchasing one of my products there versus on Etsy helps give something to charities in need that help children. In the coming months I will be doing some updates to my site and adding new things.

These are some of the goals for the new year. Personally I am also going to remember to take care of myself first both physically and mentally. Do you have goals or intentions that you would like to see happen in this new year? I would love to know. Til next time, be mindful and craft on.

Transition from maker to creator

As someone who has loved the fiber arts and crafts for years I have always looked to other people’s patterns and designs to make things. Admiring their work and always lately questioning myself on whether or why didn’t I come up with that. I look at myself as a creator I think still cause I am making the item out of yarn I have or have bought for it, even though I didn’t actually make the pattern itself.

But most recently as I reflect on my business of nexusknits which is all about making connections with my handmade items to people, I am at a point where I feel like I have built the skills in my craft and confident in my abilities to say I can do that. I can take the next step and create my own designs and patterns and truly be the creator in the full sense of the word. So what does that mean, going from handmade maker to creator. Let’s dive into it a bit more.

For many of us who knit or crochet, the journey starts with following someone else’s pattern, we browse Ravelry, Pinterest, or Etsy, to name a few, Download a beautiful design, gather our yarn, and start stitching away. It’s comforting to have every step laid out- and the security of knowing the finished project will look just like the picture.

I still love making designs from other people’s patterns, some of who I call friends. I just feel like I am ready to venture out and try making my own as well.

The shift in mindset

At first designing your own patterns can seem intimidating. Patterns have always been the guidebook, the safety net- without them, it’s easy to worry about making mistakes or getting it wrong. But the truth is, mistakes often lead to your best creative breakthroughs.

When you create your own patterns, you move from executing instructions to expressing ideas. You start thinking about:

Function – what do I want this piece to do? Is is decorative, wearable, or practical?

Aesthetic – which stitches, colors, and textures speak to my style?

Structure – How can I shape this fabric into the form I envision?

It’s no longer about duplicating someone else’s vision – it’s about building your own.

There’s a learning curve that comes with this. A trial and error I would say. I I initially started with a washcloth since I make so many and thought that would be safe to do. I had to take notes and write down my process, the stitches I used, the counts, measurements, what hook or knitting needles I used. Having them written down helped me to be able to go back and make it again. Also if I decide down the road that I might tweak it or add some things.

The Rewards of creating your own:

Creative freedom- no limits on stitches, shapes, or colors.

A unique voice – your work starts to carry a signature style that’s yours alone.

Skill growth – Designing forces you to understand the “why” behind every stitch.

The joy of Originality – That special pride when you look at your work and think, this came entirely from me.

Couple things I have been finding out as I dive into this next phase of my craft is start small, it’s ok to make mistakes and frog it out and start over. Everybody has. Document everything. Whether I decide to eventually look at publishing these patterns or not it is important to me to have it down. So what does it feel like to go from maker to designer.

The first time you hold something in your hands that exists only because you imagined it – not because you followed a pattern – it’s magic. And the best part? Once you take that leap, there’s no going back. You’ll start to see patterns everywhere. In nature, architecture, textiles, and realize you have the skills to bring them to life.

I started with a washcloth that is crochet since I have more confidence in my skills there. And like the magic of turning roving wool into yarn is with spinning, making your own pattern and creating it is like no their feeling. I’m working on a hat idea now. The nice thing with this craft is there is an endless amount of possibilities ahead. So I will leave with this, what inspires you to take a new leap in life? Til next time, be kind to yourself and craft on.

The True Value of Handmade Bags vs. Store-Bought: Why Choosing Handmade Matters

In a world where fast fashion and mass production dominate, choosing a handmade bag crafted from recycled yarn is more than just a purchase-it’s a meaningful investment. While store-bought bags made with recycled materials can be a step toward sustainability, there’s something truly special about owning a piece that’s been carefully made by hand. I make primarily crochet bags by hand, sometimes adding fabric on the inside sometimes not. I have some store bought bags but most of my personal bags I use are made by small businesses that were handcrafted. They have more value to me personally and I believe is better quality because the time was taken to inspect and craft each one. Here are some examples of why handmade bags hold a unique value that mass-produced items simply can’t match.

  1. A Story behind every stitch. A handmade bag isn’t just an accessory- it’s a story. Each loop of yarn reflects hours of care, skill, and creativity from the maker. The crafter often chooses the yarn, designs the pattern, and carefully handcrafts every detail. When you carry a handmade bag, you’re also carrying the story of the person who created it-something a factory-made product can never off.
  2. Quality over quantity. Store bought bags, even those made from recycled materials. are usually produced on a large scale. While they may look nice, they often lack the durability and attention to detail of handmade items. A crochet or knit bag made by hand is designed with love and much thought and meant to last, with reinforced stitches and unique construction methods that aren’t part of fast manufacturing.
  3. Supporting small makers and local artisans. When you buy a handmade bag, you’re supporting an individual like myself, or small business-not a big corporation. Your purchase helps artisans continue their craft, pay fair wages themselves, and reinvest in sustainable materials like recycled yarn. It’s an empowering cycle where your money directly supports creativity and small-scale entrepreneurship.
  4. Truly unique and one of a kind. No two handmade bags are ever exactly alike. Even when a maker uses the same pattern, variations in yarn color, such as the ones pictured above, texture, and stitch tension mean your bag is completely unique. In contrast, store bought bags are designed to look identical, with thousands of replicas on shelves worldwide. Owning a handmade bag means having something that’s yours and yours alone.
  5. Thoughtful Sustainability. Store bought recycled bags are a step toward eco-friendliness, but the mass-production process still consumes energy, packaging and resources. A handmade bag made with recycled yarn not only keeps materials out of landfills but is also crafted in small batches or as one-off pieces, meaning less waste, less over production, and a smaller environmental footprint.
  6. Emotional Connection and Longevity. Handmade bags often become heirloom pieces because they’re made to last and carry a deeper emotional connection. Knowing the time and heart put into your bag makes you more likely to care for it, repair it if needed, and cherish it for years to come. Store bought bags, on the other hand, can easily feel disposable.

Final Thoughts. Choosing a handmade bag over a store bought alternative is about more than just style- it’s a conscious choice to support artisans, embrace sustainability, and own something truly unique. Whether it’s a crochet lunch tote or a chic market bag, a handmade item crafted with recycled yarn tells a story of creativity, care, and eco-friendly values. Next time you’re shopping for a bag, consider going handmade-you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing in art, community and the planet.

Every stitch I put into my products whether it is bags or other things I carefully make them and take the time for them to be the best product I can. When I decide on what materials to use I try to be thoughtful and mindful in what materials they are.. Til next time, take care.

What does being creative mean?

How do you define the word creative. When you look up the word creative ai comes up with it refers to the ability to use imagination or original ideas to create something. It often involves thinking outside the box and coming up with new and innovative solutions, expressions, or products. Being creative means using your unique perspective and talents to produce something original and valuable.

That pretty much sums up what most people think creative means when they say to someone who makes crafts or art that they are very creative. I have been told that myself many times. And yes that is true to some extent. But I tend to agree with some folks that I have recently seen write that being creative is so much more than that. I have been told by my doctor that I have to change or adjust my diet for health. So I have become more creative lately with making meals and what I am eating because of the changes. Thinking outside the box or the norm of what I am used to. It has not been easy but I would say that that is another form of being creative as well.

Some people might say that if you are creative in some form that it should be easy for you to be that way in other forms. Maybe but not necessarily. I have seen some of my friends who are creative in ways that I cannot imagine to be. Like one person who sees scraps of metal and turns them into wonderful sculptures or characters.

Sloth made of metal scraps

You can be creative in many forms. Creativity can also be a form of strength and courage. To stand up and express your beliefs and things you feel strongly about. Also can give you a sense of courage.

My creativity in my life lately has been a force of calm and positive energy for me at a time that has brought on a lot of stress and negative energy. I am learning to lean into my creative strength to bring the positive vibes back in my life that bring me joy.

If you read this I would love for you to like it and comment what does creative mean to you? Would you consider yourself as being creative and what does that look like for you. I’d love to know.

Til next time, find your creative side.

The symphony of nature sounds

My side porch looking at chickadees

I live in Montana and the last couple of weeks were really cold and snowy here. Like we got 3 ft of snow at my place as you can see a little of it. The snow reaches up to the base of my porch right now. I write this s I’m sitting on my porch actually listening to the sounds of the chickadees talking and my neighbors trying to clear their driveway of the ice and snow and the water dripping off my roof on one side from the snow melting. It is almost fifty degrees here today and comparatively it was in the single digits last weekend at this time.

I am listening to all of these sounds all mixed together at the same time and am thinking it is not yet spring but today certainly is showing the signs that nature and people are ready for some spring and new life and hopefully some good news for a change. I know I certainly am. The signs of the chickadees being back bring me hope. I love listening to them especially in the morning. It just makes me smile. I need these sounds to make me stop and listen to the sounds and relish what they mean.

My craft of working with natural and synthetic fibers is another way that I can connect with nature and be in the moment and remind myself of some of the good things in life. These are thoughts for the day. Until next time. Be kind to yourself always and take a moment to listen to the outdoor sounds.

New years goals for 2025

Let me start by saying, 2024 was really hard. Mostly personally. My mental health to the most has been a challenge. Physically I have been dealing with some challenges there as well. I feel like all the things I wanted to accomplish for my business that year did not go through because I struggled to keep what I had going. Though I will say toward the end of the year I did have one of my best finishes.

So, with all of that said, what do I foresee for this new year of 2025. On my personal end, continue to put myself first. Continue my mental check in everyday. In the end if I’m not happy for myself, nobody else can make me happy.

As for my business, nexusknits, from today on I am vowing to do something everyday to improve myself and my business. Whether it be making product, or improving the site, or even just organizing my work space better to make it easier to work. Putting my business at a higher priority than I have this last year. I have some ideas for new products I want to introduce. One of them is a tribute to my grandmother who was a knitter and used to make us slippers every year. I have had requests over the years to sell slippers and just never got around to it. Couldn’t find the right pattern I liked or just kept putting it off. Whatever the reason it got pushed to the back burner. Long term goal for me is to get to a place that this is my sole job. Making things with my hands and sending it off to people or giving them in person at markets knowing someone likes your work enough to buy it is a thrill for me.

In closing, 2025 is going to be about doing what makes me happy most, continuing to be kind and respectful to everyone but those that bring me down are not getting a place at my mental table. I’m gonna continue to focus on the positive first in my life.

Do you have goals or resolutions you set each year? I’d love to hear it. Lastly, I am gonna try harder to check in with my blog posts this year as well and use this platform more. One step, one day at a time. Til next time, happy new year everyone and let’s hope for a peaceful one.