The joy of workshops — creating, crafting, community, sharing ideas.
I truly love my life, even when things aren’t always so good.
I’m going to go way back… maybe 35 years or so. There was a yarn store I frequented almost every Saturday for years. It was my store — the only yarn store I would go to. Back then, I was working 5 days a week, raising many children, and free time was limited, but I always made time to be there. I have always loved being with other crafters. Yes, I know the term now is “makers,” but it’s the same thing to me — just a more formal name for people who love to create with their hands.
I made some very good friends in that store. There was a core group of us who became deeply connected. We still are. We know each other’s life stories — the joyful times and the very sad ones — all shared. We are always there for each other, sometimes with nothing more than a phone call.
Over the years, those circles grew. Friends through book clubs. Friends through the bridge club. My bridge group has literally watched me grow up — I was the baby of the group, and somehow, I still am, even though we’re all now 70+. We’ve lost friends. Some have lost spouses. But we remain connected. Group hugs are amazing.
I know I’ve strayed a bit — but really, we all have a thread that keeps us connected, even when very special friends move away.
And this is where workshops come in.
When we gather around a table to create something together, something shifts. Our minds slow down. Our hands stay busy, which gives our thoughts a place to rest. We laugh, we talk, we sit quietly side by side, and sometimes we share things we didn’t even realize we were carrying. There’s comfort in being with others who understand the rhythm of making — the mistakes, the do-overs, the patience it requires.
Workshops are good for our mental well-being because they remind us that we are not alone. They give us structure without pressure, purpose without expectation. They invite us to focus on the present moment — one stitch, one page, one idea at a time. Even on hard days, creating together can bring calm, connection, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to put into words.
I’ve loved knitting retreats too. My first one was over 30 years ago in Brenham, Texas, with Cheryl Oberle as the teacher. Oh, the stories we still tell. She later hosted retreats in Winter Park, Colorado, and I went with friends from my local yarn store. We always felt a little bad that the store owner couldn’t take time off to join us — after all, if it hadn’t been for her, we never would have met.
I’m grateful for my dear friend Karuna — she used to call me her sister. I still love her. I’ve also arranged knitting retreats through my own store, and yes, I attend. Everyone knows I’m not going to miss a party. I love being around all of you — you energize me and feed my creativity.
Then my daughter Tara introduced me to the world of journaling.
She created a monster.
Now I’m forming a whole new circle of friends with similar interests. Tara questioned why I was offering mini journaling workshops. Why not just stick with yarn? After all, that’s what I know best. Journaling was something I was just dabbling in — although I love the pens, I love the stickers, they make me happy, and I think I’m becoming more organized… though Julie and Dianne might say otherwise.
But here’s the thing. Journaling knitting projects isn’t new. I just made it more fun. Not just writing notes, but drawing, talking through mistakes, documenting failures, laughing about what went wrong and what we learned along the way. Mini memories. Stories. Process.
So when Tara asked me why, this was my answer:
I opened a yarn store because I love yarn and fiber. I love creating. I love meeting people. I love sharing a hobby that brings me joy and watching others discover that same happiness through knitting, crochet, and fiber. It makes me happy to see someone learn a new technique or finish a project.
And the reason I offer journaling workshops is simple — it makes me happy. I love seeing other people happy.
Anddddd… when I host a workshop, it gives me time to work on my journaling too.
Community. Creativity. Connection.
It’s always been about that.
If you feel drawn to sit at the table with us, we have many opportunities coming up through February. From spinning wheel classes and embroidery on knitting and tea towels, to needle punching, finger knitting, knitting with beads, and crochet basket and purse workshops. Our Sweater Club continues as a favorite gathering place as well. These are just a few of the ways we’ll be creating together — learning, sharing stories, making mistakes, and celebrating finished projects. Whether you come to try something new or simply to be in good company, you are always welcome.
