New here? Here is a little introduction to why I write these blogs each month:
Back in 2024, I decided to share my latest monthly yarn haul, but with a twist. It was not about showing off new yarn; it was part of a journey to embrace a more intentional, minimalist lifestyle.
Cutting back on my yarn addiction one skein at a time…
Hopefully, I will build a little library of months when I didn’t buy anything, I simply used what I had in my stash.
And maybe, inspire someone else to do the same.
My Haul This Month:
October has been such a beautiful month for crocheting, as I find myself snug in my content season. I truly adore the Autumn months. September marked the start of slowing down, and by the time October arrived, my mindset was well and truly snug as a bug.
A few years ago, I made a very conscious decision to live seasonally, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health and happiness. Essentially, this means aligning my daily habits, routines, food choices and energy levels with the natural rhythms of the year, rather than forcing myself to maintain the same pace all year round. Humans, just like plants and animals, go through natural shifts. Winter might call for slowing down, reflection and rest, while summer brings higher energy, social activity and outward growth.
Instead of treating every month the same and relying on my mind and body to keep pushing through, I now see this as a little act of self-love. Giving myself permission to rest, slow down and become the happy little crochet hermit I am.
I’ve sold a few pieces on Etsy recently, which has made me do a little happy dance! It means I’ve been able to put a few orders in for three new granny square blankets.
So, it’s been a bit of a big purchasing month, but everything has been very intentional. I’ve selected two new granny square blankets, one just for fun and one to work on as new patterns to write up. I’ve also treated myself to some extra balls of yarn for making hats and scarves for my loved ones.
Let’s do a deep dive into what I bought.
All my favourites: Stylecraft Chunky, Yarnsmiths Lagoon DK, Yarnsmiths Create DK, Yarnsmiths Merion Tweed Aran and Scheepjes Chunky Monkey.
What I made:
A beautiful pink and green granny square blanket. Lagoon yarn is so very beautiful. Each time I use it, I am reminded it is one of my favourites ever.
The Merino yarn and Chunky Monkey were for hats and scarves. I have not used the Yarnsmiths Merino Tweed before, and I must admit I was so impressed.
Some of the Stylecraft Chunky yarns were added to an old scrappy blanket so I could finally complete it.
Lastly, a Stylecraft Chunky granny is still a work in progress, so I am carrying this forward into November with me.
I must be honest here and admit I am not really enjoying this make. The colourway is very similar to another one of mine called Huggable Hattie. I love the combination; it seems too close in colours,so feels a bit of a wasted order…. silly me! Hopefully, as it grows, the difference will shine through.
Other Dopamine Yarn Hauls
(Gifted or Commissions)
None this month.
Conclusion
I’m so happy with my Etsy sales this month, and I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to buy some new yarn.
There is so much joy in the whole process. The joy of browsing yarn on the Wool Warehouse website, the excitement of it arriving in its little organza bag, and then the happiness of actually being able to sit down and crochet. Then, if I’m lucky enough and it sells on Etsy, there’s the added joy of knowing that something I’ve made is now making someone else happy. It’s such a lovely little cycle of happiness.
Someone recently asked me how I can consider myself a hobby crocheter rather than a small business. They were quite shocked when I explained the process and genuinely hadn’t realised just how much goes into it, including the cost of yarn and materials. It got me thinking that perhaps this is something I’ll write up as a blog, to help enlighten others and give a little insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
Slow craft hobbies are a labour of love rather than a profit machine. I am just happy to be able to recoup the cost of yarn in a sale and then buy new yarn.
Best of all, my youngest son absolutely loves his merino wool hat, and my beautiful Polish friend loves the red scarf I made for her. Those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
As soon as I posted the pink and green blanket, it sold within the hour, so November’s yarn order is already in the post and on its way!
And finally… I haven’t bought anything I didn’t actually need, so I think I deserve a little gold star for that!
Here’s to celebrating the small wins, every single day.
Love & healing hugs
Leave a Reply