QOTW: What is your Maker New Years Resolution?

Hey makers, Kelly here with another Question of the Week. Between the launch of our 2017 Maker Meet Up event and the release of our first book MAKE: Volume 1, I'm sure you can imagine the hustle and bustle that has been going on over here at OML! But, I'm here to put a spark back on the blog page.

This week I'm here to talk about maker resolutions. Now, I know what you're going to say. Kelly, it's already mid March, New Years Resolutions should have been the December or January topic. Perhaps you're right, but what better time to touch on those changes you want to make then a couple of months after you've told yourself you're going to make those changes?

Ready to talk about those resolutions? Consider this a friendly reminder you've made them, OK? Ok. Let's go!

Although I have a long list of resolutions (don't we all), one I that think has been important for me, is stepping outside the box I  created for myself over the last few years. To challenge myself to grow my handmade business into something that is ME, something I can be proud of and say, yeah I did that.

Somewhere along the line, I got it in my head that my business should be a certain way. That there were specific materials I should be using because they seemed to be the popular choice, that some stitches and techniques were better than others, that various styles were off limits because so many others were making the same thing. The limitations I put on my creative process in an attempt to stay within these "guidelines" hindered my ability not only to create, but to grow as a maker and business owner. Last year I fell into a creative slump and didn't have the ambition to design new styles or pieces, but the pieces that already existed seemed "old" and "last year", because they were. I didn't put together a collection like I wanted to, nothing felt special, and I was in an all-around sad-sack maker state.

My handmade journey came up against many obstacles in 2016, particularly when I entered the handmade market scene in a new province after moving from Alberta back to hometown in Ontario. I couldn't figure out what people wanted; my bestsellers from the year before weren't popular now, customers wanted things I didn't have, and I didn't have items I was really excited about to begin with. By the end of the busy season, I felt pretty defeated - enter New Years Resolution!

A couple months into 2017, and I'm starting to regain my confidence, my enthusiasm, my ambition. I've taken a step back to really look at where this handmade journey has taken me, how I feel about it, what I want to change, and where I want to go. I'm working to tear down and rebuild everything I was unhappy with, everything I felt wasn't what I really want knitbrooks to be. Even if my new venture doesn't fit inside the "box" I used to think it should, that's OK. Who likes boxes anyway?

Let's see Maker New Years Resolutions from Jem of @jemarrowsmithknits, Chantal of @cloudsandyarn, Devin of @devinswick, and Leslie/Kelsey of @vermontknittingco!

What is your Maker New Years Resolution?

"My new year’s resolution as a maker? Make it happen! I’ve been knitting for over 10 years now but it’s only been in the last few years that I have dipped my toe in the world of knitting design. It's been slow progress so far but I love it! I enjoy every step from sketching the idea, swatching the stitch patterns, knitting the yarn into an actual tangible ‘thing’ and then writing up the whole process in the hope that other people will enjoy making it too. In 2016 I started posting on Instagram and engaging with the friendly, creative and crafty community who share my yarny passion. And it gave me confidence to start putting more of my own ideas out there. I still have a lot to learn, but in 2017 I’m going to stop daydreaming, put on my designer pants, take my ideas and find a way to make them happen!"

- Jem
@jemarrowsmithknits

"The beginning of a new year is always a time to look forward and think about future plans. I find knitting is a way to express myself creatively allowing me to unwind and consume my thoughts with the steady rhythm of rows and pattern distracting my overactive thoughts. Rather than having a list of “to do’s”, knitting is a form of art for me. It is never done out of compulsion but out of a need to enjoy the process of creating. I follow the leadings of my heart. Inspiration finds me in so many ways, a fresh bunch of flowers, the colours of a natural scene, beautiful images that inspire me and of course the abundance of patterns in the wonderful world of Ravelry. I hope the coming year allows me time to enjoy projects which uplift and refresh my being, for the true joy of knitting is in the process. Happy knitting folks."

- Chantal
@cloudsandyarn

"This year, I would like to teach someone to knit! I'm a big supporter of community over competition, and I believe it's such a great skill to be able to craft something with your own two hands. Knowing how to knit has blessed me like crazy! Even if it's just one person, even if it's just the basics, I plan on passing my knowledge of making to others in 2017. I also hope to learn a few new knitting techniques myself, drink less coffee (we'll see!), and make a sweater for each of my babies. Happy dreaming, maker friends!"

- Devin
@devinswick
thekindknitshop.etsy.com

"Our resolution for 2017 is to learn more and to push ourselves to take on a project that seems daunting. It always makes us feel good to complete what seems like an insurmountable project, like a massive blanket or an intricate sweater. And as always, we want to continue keeping people warm."

- Leslie & Kelsey
@vermontknittingco
vermontknittingco.etsy.com

What is your Maker New Years Resolution? How is it going so far? Tell us in the comments below, or tag us on our @ourmakerlife with #ourmakerlife with a picture of your maker life for a chance to be featured on our feed!  
​If you have a question in mind you would like to see answered by fellow makers, just send us a quick 'OML QOTW' email - we'd love to put together a QOTW with you.

Happy Making!
Kelly, OML dream teamer
@ourmakerlife
@knitbrooks

Kelly is the mind, body and soul behind @knitbrooks: handmade modern knitwear inspired by nature’s endless beauty. After completing a photojournalism program, Kelly used both knitting and crocheting as a way to relax after a long day working as a reporter/photographer. This hobby has since transformed into a way to combine her love of creating fashionable knitwear, with her passion for photography, a cozy lifestyle, and her awe and admiration of the untouched wilderness.