Happy Friday, Everyone!
With only a few days left of October, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the month and the goals I set at the start of it. I'm curious how much I managed to achieve between then and now.
If you had goals for October too, reflect along with me. I would enjoy the company.
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Life
October was my first month back with my blog and shop. Even though my shop is still closed, I'm hopeful it will do well when it reopens. I've been testing a couple of stitchcraft-related products over the past month, and it's given me feedback on how to improve them before they become available in my store. Having products that not only look nice but also function well is important to me.
My product list has been evaluated, too. I have a wide range of items. That's not necessarily bad, but it may not be best for me if it keeps me scatter-brained and leaving projects unfinished. I can't have a successful shop if I'm not making stock, right? I can't have a shop at all without it.
I may need to let go of a few niches...
The blog has been a great help with focusing my interests, actually. I'm starting to see a topic trend with what I like writing about and sharing with you: gardening, local events, and yarn-related projects. These weekly posts have been shaping my voice and building my confidence since I'm able to share with y'all what I'm doing without feeling pressured to sell. Some posts will eventually be geared toward sales, but I'm not worried about that right now. I'm embracing the "show and tell" aspect with Finished Object Reveal posts and Weekend Recap.
To help grow my social skills, I joined Knitty Natty's membership, Love In Stitches.
Posting to a community chat is a whole other beast compared to blogging. It takes a different level of composure that I do not have yet. I've piped up a few times on discord, but I put my foot in my mouth just as many times and became a bumbling mess among what I perceive as seasoned, well-to-do members. I doubt they've judged me for it, but those incidents have scared me back into my shell.
Despite my fear of socializing, it's been fun to lurk in the discord. Many members have their own shops or blogs that they post about in the designated chat tab. Some have vlogs and podcasts on YouTube, some have hand-dyed yarn businesses-- it's a treat to see how different perspectives share their love of stitch-crafting and fiber. Perhaps I'll post my blog there...
Gardening
I'm happy to report I got my fall gardening list done! The Peony-Wannabe Tulips were planted, the Spirea centered, and I located the Bleeding Hearts in the back garden bed. Those were not transplanted, but they're safe until spring when I can move them to our front porch bed along with a newly-identified perennial.
This mystery plant had been a clump of leaves throughout spring and summer with no signs it was going to produce anything. I thought it was just weeds and was considering it for compost when, in September, it finally flowered to reveal pretty purple petals and a name: tis an Italian Aster, folks! My fiancé used Google Lens to identify it for me (not affiliated or sponsored). Thank goodness for that app, otherwise a perennial with a lovely bloom for fall would've been worm food.
My sweetheart helped a lot with mowing, edging, brush-hauling, and cleaning the garage this season, too. Without him, the yard would've been overgrown chaos since I was laser-focused on the garden beds most days. I made a few bald spots in the yard with my brush piles, but those can be reseeded in spring. Everything else is in good shape for winter.
Crafting
Guess what?
I made the trendy ghost pillow!
I made him from a Dollar General hand towel and a yard of terrycloth fabric from Joann's.
He only made it to the porch for the last week and a half of October, but he made it! I wish I made a smaller one to sit in the bathroom, but maybe I can do that next year with the remnants.
Sadly, Jed the Ceramic Ghost did not gain any tealight friends. I bought the clay but never sculpted ghosties from it. I have a new plan for the clay though, so it won't go to waste. But Jed will have to be a lonely ghost a year more.
Knit & Crochet
From My Needles:
A Knit Highland Cattle Chrysanthemum Critter (complete!): See its post here
Yarn Cozy Lite by Knitty Natty (1/2 complete): I'm working on these in preparation for a couple DK-weight patterns I'd like to cast on. Unfortunately, the small needle size hurts my hands so I need to take a break before I start the second. I plan to over-dye the finished cozies with a turquoise/teal RIT dye I have. I'm not sure if the yarn will take the color, but I'm willing to try!
From My Hook:
Crochet Baby Bats: One made for practice. I'll definitely put these guys on my "To Make" list for next year's Halloween shop update.
Crochet Scarecrow Doll Protoype (incomplete): I haven't felt motivated to work on her since she's at a stage that needs pattern-making and sewing more than crocheting now. Making doll clothes is daunting for me, so we're stuck in limbo for now.
Final Thoughts for October
I'm encouraged by my progress. I've done well with posting weekly on my blog, keeping my garden schedule, and crossing a few WIPs off my list to make room for November. It's helped me feel accomplished and motivated.
I need to work on socializing within the Love In Stitches community as well as through my own social media, but overall, I think October was a good start for me. I'm excited to share what I've planned for November with you guys. I'll be diving into new techniques with a couple projects *cough*socks*cough* and possibly starting Christmas stitching. I'm taking the last days of Spooky Season to sort it out. Til then, have a safe weekend and Happy Halloween!
What are you most proud of doing this month? Let me know in the comments below.
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