We caught up with Jess Carey one of our fabulous box 27 designers!
Hi! What are you up to today?
Hiiiii!!! Goodness, today is the culmination of a lot of things and has been a bit crazy! I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot with a good friend of mine this morning. I also went on a short little lunch date with my husband before heading out to my new retail shop to get some work done and am now spending some time with you!!!
What is your favourite type of project to crochet?
I am definitely a “mood” crocheter. I love making all kinds of things and may find myself in a certain groove with garments, or accessories, or amigurumi, or whatever it may be, but I also place priority on when I want to do something new or different. I’ve learned that I can get bored and stagnant doing the same kinds of things after awhile, so I just kinda make things that sounds good at the time. However, I ALWAYS prefer less-complicated designs because I love the mindless muscle memory more than intricate design.
Where’s your favourite place to crochet?
Ohhhhhhh gosh! This is a difficult question to answer. Honestly, the physical place of crocheting isn’t as important to me as the overall experience of my time while I crochet. My ideal creative situation would probably be in a clean space with gorgeous natural light with a playlist going. I’d have a glass of wine next to me, or some coffee – depending on the time of day. I might have my pet snake, Basilisk, draped around my neck enjoying my warmth and taking a little nap. Oh! I also definitely have some creamy cheesecake with raspberry coulis and lemon rind off to the side. And the simple knowledge that I’ve got some INCREDIBLE steak and veggies waiting for me for dinner.
Lol, I know this is very detailed, but I have to say that this would be my dream come true. Or sitting outside the cabin in eastern Oregon watching the deer walk by and the small fish leap out of the pond across from the deck while I weave in my last end.
….I’m running away with my imagination now..
Which of your crochet projects are you most proud of?
I would definitely have to say that my Nolan Top is the project I am most proud of. It is the first garment I ever made, and first one I ever designed. It was also featured as a kit for We Are Knitters, based out of Spain. This is the project that allowed me to realize that if I simply have an idea for something and am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to see it come to fruition, gifts beyond my imagination will be my reward for the risk. Choosing to listen to your inner self can lead to incredible opportunities you never knew were even reality.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced with your crochet?
This is a hard question, because other than relatable “frogging” of projects, or math miscounts, or gauge accidents… the hardest thing I think is just remembering that this is my PASSION. After this has all become a business, many times crocheting has become a “job” as opposed to an “outlet”. I have had to learn new boundaries for myself so that I can continue without feeling burnt out. Or, I have learned to ask for help when I feel overwhelmed, or even say “no” to certain things because I just mentally don’t have the mental bandwidth. I suppose my biggest challenge is also my biggest gift because the realization has helped me grow as an individual. I’m grateful for that.
What’s the best piece of crochet advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t let “rules” make you feel frustrated with your craft. Creativity is a personal form of self expression and you should fill your soul with moments of care and healing. Sure, technical tips are acceptable to create a certain kind of stitch, or project, but let yourself make mistakes and just simply be grateful for the time you are giving to yourself. This is YOUR time, take what you need and enjoy the journey.
It’s been a difficult year for many of us – what would you say to any crocheters out there who are having a hard time?
There will always be seasons of hardship in life, some more difficult than others. It’s important to remember that we aren’t the only person who faces challenges and have to choose to find a solution to the problem, or allow the heavy season to store its weight on you. Each day we are given the chance to make choices. We can choose to let the frustrations cause a filter in our perspective, or we can also choose to acknowledge the difficulty and use our resources and past experiences to find ways to live life alongside the issue instead. We cannot have rainbows without rain, or diamonds without pressure, or happiness without sadness. We cannot know the feeling of gratefulness unless we have also known the feeling of being without. You are in charge of your life, and your life is based on the choices you make. Choose you today and always.
Do you have any big crochet plans coming up?
Well, honestly yes! Since late February 2021, I have been working on my very first brick-and-mortar store (based in Oregon, USA) and I am so excited!! It’s been QUITE a rollercoaster of a journey, but I am even more thrilled to see what new things come to fruition from this risk. I’ve got alllllllllllll kinds of plans to continue to grow and expand and watch more dreams come true, but everything can only happen one thing at a time. I’m so proud of myself and hope you have the opportunity to come and visit!!
Where can people find out more about you?
I am most active on Instagram (@the.hook.nook), but you can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and my website – www.thehooknooklife.com
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