2015 is for giving

Jan 1, 2015

Man, 2014 sure did kick everyone's butts, didn't it?! I feel like half the people in my Instagram feed gave 2014 the middle finger on its way out the door - so much heartache, struggle, and strife fell during those 365 days.

But now it's 2015, and today is for looking forwards, for making plans, and for kicking off our goals right! For me, this means getting my first hat off the needles and for sharing a super fun thing.

Last year was all about simple for me, and while I think I did a decent job of letting simple seep into every stitch of my life, I also know there's still so much more to do. And so, for 2015, I'll be continuing my simple journey by focusing on GIVING. Giving of my time, giving hugs, giving away hats, and giving away patterns.

Last night, I started going through all the patterns on my blog (you can see most of them in the sidebar) and sharing them in full here on the blog. My goal is to have every single one of my patterns available for free by the end of the weekend.

You read that right, EVERY SINGLE PATTERN FREE.

I'll be working on some pattern collaborations in 2015, and I'm excited for some of those patterns to be available for purchase, but I decided about a month ago that I wanted the patterns I shared here on the blog to be free. And then I sat with the idea for as long as I could stand, to see if it was a fleeting thing, or if it was something that I truly wanted to do. And it definitely is something I truly want to do.

All those years ago in 2009, when I started knitting hats and giving them away like crazy, I shared everything for free. And then, a few years ago, I got caught up in the idea that I could not only make hats and give them away, but that it could become my job. I could make a living doing this! And while it's been fun exploring that, I've realized this last year that what I truly want to do is give things away. I don't have to earn money with my hats - in fact, I prefer not to!

So I'm going back to the way it was, to the original feel and theory behind all this hat business. Make hats, give them away, repeat. When I write a pattern, share it so others can make hats and give them away as well!

I'm shutting down the Etsy shop today (well, putting it on vacation, not closing it forever ...) so you can't buy patterns there anymore. And if you see a pattern you'd like to use, but it still has a price tag on it, wait a week. It will take time to go through and share all the patterns, so please be patient - I promise they will all be free soon enough!

For now, it's time to get out of these jammies, get our football game faces on, and watch the play off games with loved ones. Here's to a new year, new ideas, and new hats!!

12 comments :

  1. Thank you so much for your generosity. You have several hats I would like to make and give away, but could not afford to buy the pattern. So I will be downloading several of your patterns and promise to give the hats away.

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  2. Wow! What an amazingly kind gesture. You really are an inspiration. I hope that you have an awesome new year!

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  3. I found your blg via Elise and you have inspired me to give hat making a go this year. You are a very kind and generous person and the world is a better place because of what you do. You don't have to be in an important job (like the president) to make a difference or become a leader. You are already an inspiring leader and it's a great credit to you. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

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  4. Everyone always says, "you know you can make money with all your knitted items", but I find it so much more enjoyable knitting to GIVE to someone. when I'm doing it for money, all the joy is gone. I truly understand how you feel.

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  5. That's a wonderful thing to do Robyn! I will find your patterns very useful when I knit for charity! Thanks!

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  6. Thank you! Thank you! This year, I need to just follow some simple patterns (reduce some stress) and give some hats away for the sheer joy of it. I needed to read your blog so that I, too, can pay it forward. Very blessed I found you and the inspiration. In 2015 I will bless the people around me with a little warm something special knitted by me. Yes! Thanks again!

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  7. Thank you!!!!! Cannot wait to begin using my hobby as a source of giving! blessings!

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  8. Happy New Year--what a lovely idea: thank you for the patterns and for the inspiration!
    I understand how you feel about monetizing: I'm a weekend painter and people are always telling me I should sell my paintings, but, for many reasons, practical and not, I'm always resisting!

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  9. Good on you! That is such a generous and kind way to share your creativity and inspire others.

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  10. Thanks for your generous spirit, Robyn. I love giving my hats away. When I do sell my hats, I give the money away. I found that making knitting a business took away the joy. May you continue to find joy in the simple act of knitting hats!

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  11. I love your giving spirit, you continue to challenge me to give more of me where I can!

    And thank you for sharing your patterns ~ I used both your Shanti Hat and Simple Slouch patterns for gifts this Christmas!

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