Let's give a warm welcome to Melissa, owner of Woods and Wool!
All About Melissa
Do you have a job outside of this?
Yes, I do! Woods and Wool is my side hustle and I work full-time at an amazing company in Detroit!
What’s your dream vacation spot?
In recent years, we’ve been to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the East coast! Maine and Vermont are two of my favorite states to visit because I love the woodsy vibes combined with the beautiful ocean in that area!
What’s your favorite color(s)?
Green has been my favorite color since high school! I think half of my wardrobe is olive green or sage, with lots of gray and avocado pinks mixed in.
What’s your favorite food/meal?
I will never get sick of eating mashed potatoes!
What’s your least favorite food/meal?
I have zero tolerance for spicy food, so if it’s something above a mild level… I’m not going to make it very far into eating it!
What’s a quote that you live by?
Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right.
Do you have other hobbies?
I keep things pretty simple over here! In my spare time, you’ll find me walking, running, kayaking, or reading.
What’s 1 (or more) weird/strange fact(s) about you?
I don’t eat red M&M’s or Skittles! Someone told me in middle school they were bad for you and I
stopped eating them and still don’t if I’m eating them out of a package. If it’s an M&M cookie, I totally
will though. I realize this makes zero sense! lol
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done in your life?
I tend to be an overthinker, so I love to think through things and have a plan… However, whenever
we take a vacation, we go with almost no plan! We love to just explore and continue to find amazing
places to visit along the way.
Do you have a favorite season?
I love living in Michigan because every single season is amazing! We have snowy winters, with warm summers, and everything in between. It’s a bonus that it gives me even more options for crochet projects because I get to dress for all kinds of weather.
What inspires or motivates you?
Definitely nature! A quiet moment in nature whether it’s in my kayak on the lake, hiking somewhere
in the mountains, or just watching a sunset. It really centers me and helps put things in perspective.
If you could do one thing for the world (people or environment), what would it be?
The list is so long here… I would start with empathy. A little more empathy would go a long way in caring about others and a lot of the current issues we are facing.
Anything else?
My little fam is made up of my husband, Austin and our dog Guppy! We have a little one on the way
that will be arriving this fall and we’re so excited! 🙂
All about Woods and Wool
How long have you been crocheting?
Since I was a kid! My grandma taught me how to crochet dishcloths and I’ve loved it ever since.
When did you start Woods and Wool?
I started Woods and Wool in December of 2016 and have never looked back!
Why did you start?
I was really inspired by a friend (@sosknittingcompany) that had an Etsy shop. I always loved side hustles and had given up a photography side hustle after I began working full-time. I figured starting an Instagram and Etsy shop would be a fun way to share my craft and get a little extra income for nicer hooks and yarn to work with!
What’s a piece of advice for someone just starting out in your field?
Just start! If you can’t take the first step of your goal today, you need to break it down into smaller
pieces. For example, if your goal is to start an Etsy shop, your first step might be coming up with a
name or deciding the first kind of item you want to sell. Just keep going one baby step at a time and
you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish over time!
What was your most memorable success?
I’ll never forget my first collaboration with @knitatude and Lion Brand back in 2017. It was the first
time someone else was really investing in my brand and I had major imposter syndrome. I am still so
proud of that project (the Chain Link Armored Cowl) and gained so much confidence from it!
The Future for Woods and Wool
What’s your latest project?
Right now, I’m working on a baby blanket for our little one! I’ve had this design in mind for years and
it’s my personal favorite baby blanket I’ve ever made because it’s really understated but so beautiful!
Where did the inspiration come from for this project?
I love texture, so I knew I always wanted to make something with a modern texture that felt really
classic and timeless.
Will this be free or paid?
It will be a paid pattern I’m releasing this fall!
Where can we find this project when it’s finished?
Keep an eye on my Instagram (@woodsandwool) for sneak peeks and the pattern will hit my Etsy
and Ravelry shops this fall!
Go and give Melissa some LOVE! Like, share, or check out her beautiful patterns for beanies and blankets and scarves and sooo much more. They are all so beautiful!
Remember, supporting Melissa is supporting a small business and a local maker’s dream.
Here are the links:
Instagram: @woodsandwool
Website: Click Here
Comment below if you have any questions for Melissa or Woods and Wool.
And THANK YOU so much for reading and joining along on our Maker Spotlight. You can see a new maker right here EVERY Monday. I have some AMAZING makers lined up and I cannot wait to share them with you.
xoxo, Lindsey
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