I started this website without a clear direction, I just knew that I wanted to crochet and share my work.
I eventually figured out I would rather focus on designing and writing patterns and sharing my designs than on trying to keep up with an issue of supply and demand. At that point I thought that’s all I really needed to figure out.
Life has since dealt me many ups and downs and I haven’t been as active as I would like to be. I’ve noticed that most of my activity has been more social media-based and that’s not really for me. Trying to harness more likes and followers is absolutely exhausting and to be honest, it’s not for me. If anything the stress is impeding my best work and my best self.
I want to start doing weekly check-ins. Inviting you into my life and what I’m doing, because a lot of stuff I do doesn’t end up on social media. And it doesn’t end up on the website because I’ve been worried about writing and sharing my real self. Now I know, that’s where I want to be.
I have also had the realization that I’ve been too concerned about “seeming professional.” Now yes. I have a certain level of professionalism that is just me, but being anxious about what I post and what others might think, letting my anxiety get to me, that’s not ok and I’m ready to just let go and be myself in this.
So yes, you will see the rough around the edges, the struggle, the stress, but also the success and passion. That is what I want. It’s been hard for me up to this point to be raw with this project of running my own business. But now I will be pushing myself to, until I’m comfortable being myself and letting others see me.
I have a few designers to thank actually, for helping me to get to this point. The number one inspiration for just letting go of the bullshit and trying to seem like a perfect, always happy and successful person behind it all and just be myself is Crystal from Bag O Day Crochet.
She is incredibly talented and inspiring. She lives in a small town just a few hours north of me and has worked so hard for her great success. She is always herself and we love her for it. She doesn’t let the negativity get to her and instead gives back to her community constantly! And in big ways! If you guys have not checked her out yet you absolutely should!
Crystal primarily focuses on YouTube so be sure to check out her channel there too and subscribe to help her out!
So yes this is my huge shout out to Crystal! Thank you for being such an inspiration! I love your work, as well as your personality and loving spirit!
Since it is Halloween, I would like to wish everyone the best and share something I’ve made that has made it to social media but not here.
My niece who happens to be one of the cutest babies I have ever seen, (I’m not biased at all) had her very first Halloween! Her momma ordered a Cheshire cat costume and I’m thrilled that I was able to deliver this piece!
The Cheshire Cat costume features a button-up cardigan with furry ears. Paired with a pair of pants with an adjustable drawstring and a button on the back of the pants. The button is to accommodate for the detachable tail! The tail was handmade and brushed out. It has a loop at the very top so that it can attach securely to the button on the back of the pants.
I may take the time in 2020 to write the pattern for multiple sizes.
Now, last night I sat down and set some pretty hefty goals for myself and the next 60 days or so. Actually 55 to be precise. Believe it or not there are only 55 days remaining until Christmas!
I made a list of things that I would like to make for the people in my life as well as for home decor for my small family, as last year we were not able to celebrate properly.
After making the list and counting the items on it I decided to set a countdown on my homepage on my phone to try and help motivate me and keep me in check. The number of projects that I have to get finished in relation to amount of days I have remaining…. I will need to be challenging myself everyday to remain highly productive.
I honestly don’t even have a solid number of projects I hope to finish, but… I will soon and I’ll do my best to make it happen. In this time I’m also running a small pattern testing group to release another pattern by the end of the year!
I did set goals for myself in 2019, I’ve since shifted some, but one I’ve almost achieved and I’m pretty proud. One of my goals was to publish at least 5 patterns. I’ve almost got 4 now! So even if that’s what it ends up being, 4 out of 5 isn’t bad, especially considering how hard this year has been.
I’m in this for the long haul, I’ll tell you that much. I came in like a firecracker, but as we all know those don’t last. So this is me stepping back and changing things up to be more sustainable and focused.
I hope you guys will continue to follow my journey. I’m already pretty thrilled I have so many people in my corner already.
Until next time!
Shara Edwards
sharebearcrochet.wordpress.com 