Have you always dreamed of knitting a sweater? But are you too intimidated to actually start one? Read on. I found myself in that spot about a year ago, decided to take the plunge anyway, and never looked back. The key?
Sooo, I’ve been thinking long and hard about this. I’ve wanted the perfect format for my blog for ages. Back in the merely-merel.nl days (the archives of which you’re highly recommended to check out if you wanna have a laugh) as well as now. I wanted to know exactly what kind of blogposts I was going to post. What to talk about. Which categories and labels to give them. How to style them. All that stuff. As you can guess from this blogpost’s title, that didn’t work out. Again, haha. So I’m embracing my ever-changing self and today I tell you all about my plans. Plus a little personal update related to my prepping for Gran Canaria!
It certainly has been way too long since the last time I wrote a blogpost, but what better way to celebrate my comeback than with 2016’s nine best Instagram pictures? I’m totally stealing Jess’s idea here, so in return I’m telling you to all go check out her ah-mazing work. Gahh! <3 That being said, those of you following around on IG know what my life has been all about (master thesis + graduating) and why I haven’t been posting earlier (too depressed due to all the changes in my life), but here I am, feeling better than everrr. And this post is going to celebrate 2016 and the beginning of 2017 — because for me, the new year has only started now.
To be honest, I didn’t get it myself at first: why on earth would someone sell super simple knitting patterns? Patterns that are so easy that you can make out the stitches used when looking at a picture of the finished piece? Who the hell would want to buy them? And where did you get the brutality to charge money for it? Well, I guess that was my old, little, ignorant me, because I totally get it now. And since I’m planning on selling simple knitting patterns myself, I’m gonna explain it to all of you in need of enlightenment. :’-D
Admittedly, starting a handmade shop for a modern audience (sorry grannies out there, I do love you too!) is harder than it initially seemed. I mean, the thought of making fashion items exactly corresponding to my own style is a lovely idea and all, but I can’t escape the fact that knitting / crochet are old-fashioned techniques and definitely are in danger to look so too. Therefore, I think it is extremely important to dive into my own wardrobe to see what modern elements I could possibly implement in my handmade designs to make them look like they just came off the runway.
Read MoreOn Instagram I told you I’ve started a Bullet Journal. And I’ve added to it, really sleezy da peezy, a capsule wardrobe spread, documenting all clothes I own. To afterwards decide which ones need to go. And which ones I still LACK (the fun part, muahaha)! Now I don’t wanna anticipate, but I think it’s about time to share my idea of the nine fashion items you need this Winter. At least I know I do.
It’s been a struggle, I’m not gonna lie. But I pride myself on having put together both a wardrobe and a yarn stash in overwhelmingly neutral color palettes. Black, white, grey, nude — repeat. Untill now. ‘Cause I’ve found myself a new addiction and it’s called olive green. Now Chain Twenty is not 1-2-3 gonna turn into rainbow unicorns, but beware for olive green in the FW16/17 collection. Here’s a little outfit sneak preview.
It seemed like a good idea to me to complement my (still future) handmade shop with a blog — the one you’re reading now, duh. 😉 A blog can provide inspiration, story telling, and trust building. And a fun excuse to snuggle up on the couch with coffee + chocochip cookies. Anyhow, from the story telling point of view, I’d like to spend this post telling you about the main purpose of Chain Twenty’s blog. Spreading the love for a cozy, minimalist, and modern lifestyle. Sounds good? I thought so!
As a proper list maker, I’m also with military precision keeping track of my wishlist. I love wishlists. Of course they come in handy for birthdays, the holiday season, or other festive occassions. However, they also help me restrain my own spending habits. And for someone with expensive hobbies like… yarn, that can be a pretty good thing. So, let me explain how I’m managing all of this, and show you what’s currently on my minimalist blogger wishlist!
Instagram is the #1 source of inspiration for me. And many times it’s also a big motivator, because it shows that the thing I wanna do (running a succesfull knitwear shop) is actually possible. Now isn’t that great? I already discovered many amazing makers’ accounts when I was still only using my personal / blog account @merelymerel. Below you’ll find the five knitting Instagram accounts that were a big deal important for me in finding the confidence to start one myself, resulting in @chaintwenty.
