Some people have asked how I came up with the name for my publishing company, Stitches and Stories. It is a melding of pursuits that includes my love of knitting and writing.
Knitting and writing might seem like two vastly different pursuits, but for me, they are intricately intertwined. Both require patience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace imperfections. As I sit with a ball of yarn and a pair of needles or with a blank page and a pen, I realize that the threads of my creative life are tightly woven together. Here’s how the art of knitting inspires my storytelling and brings depth to my work as an author.
Weaving the Foundation
Every knitting project begins with casting on — a simple, repetitive motion that lays the groundwork for what’s to come. In writing, this is akin to the first draft. Whether I’m crafting the cozy small-town world of Gates Point, diving into the gritty streets of 1970s Mount Rainier with Matt Collins, or exploring the mysteries of deep space in Echoes of Eden, every story starts with a foundation. Sometimes it’s messy, tangled, or uneven, but it’s a necessary first step.
Knitting has taught me to embrace the imperfections of this stage. Dropped stitches and plot holes alike can be fixed la. The important thing is to keep going, trusting that each stitch and sentence brings me closer to something beautiful.
Patterns and Plots
Knitting patterns are like story outlines. They provide structure and guidance, yet leave room for creativity. I’ve learned that just as no two scarves knitted from the same pattern turn out identical, no two stories unfold in quite the same way. My writing process borrows heavily from this idea: I create an outline, but I allow myself the freedom to deviate, to explore unexpected twists and turns.
For example, while working on The Christmas Dilemma, I found myself straying from my planned outline to include a subplot about a snowstorm that disrupts the town’s holiday festivities. It wasn’t part of the original pattern, but it added texture and warmth to the narrative.
The Art of Revision
In knitting, when you make a mistake, you can’t always fix it immediately. Sometimes you have to unravel your work, go back to the error, and start again. Writing is no different. I’ve learned not to fear the editing process but to see it as an opportunity to refine and strengthen my work. Revising a story is like blocking a finished piece of knitting: it’s the final touch that transforms something good into something extraordinary.
Crafting Community
Knitting and storytelling both thrive on community. Whether it’s joining a knitting circle or connecting with readers through my Stitches and Stories brand, I’ve found that sharing my passions creates meaningful connections. Readers often tell me how they see themselves in my characters or how a particular story has resonated with them. Similarly, knitters share tips, encouragement, and appreciation for each other’s creations.
Inspiration in the Everyday
Knitting has a meditative quality that allows my mind to wander, sparking ideas and insights. The rhythmic click of needles often helps me untangle plot points or envision new characters. Some of my favorite story moments have emerged while working on a project, like the cozy green sweater I’m currently knitting.
I’ve also found inspiration in the textures, colors, and patterns of yarn. A soft, heathered green might evoke the rolling hills of Gates Point, while a bold, variegated skein might remind me of the complex characters and moral gray areas in my Matt Collins novels.
Encouragement for Creatives
If you’re a writer, knitter, or creative of any kind, I encourage you to explore the intersection of your passions. Let one craft inform the other. Draw inspiration from the tools, textures, and processes you love. You may find, as I have, that the threads of creativity are stronger when woven together.
So the next time you sit down with a ball of yarn or a blank page, remember: every stitch, every word, every effort counts. Keep creating, and trust that the final masterpiece will be worth it.
I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a creative hobby that influences your writing or other work? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media. Together, let’s celebrate the beautiful connections between craft and storytelling.