Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Nicholls.
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, my mother and both of my grandmothers would knit and sew to create beautiful sweaters, mittens, and blankets. When I was in kindergarten, and one of my grandmothers (mom’s mother) was visiting us, I asked if they could teach me how to knit, so my mom and grandmother sat with me and helped me make my first scarf. Over the next ten years, my mother taught me how to crochet, cross stitch, and sew, and my grandmother (dad’s mother) taught me how to spin wool. My mother and grandmothers have always encouraged me to try new skills, would give me new tools, and would answer any questions I had. Over the last 20 years, I have improved my skills and discovered that I enjoy the craft and love having a connection to my family members through creating.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since becoming a mother and receiving a diagnosis of post-partum depression, I have found it hard to make time for myself, which includes my crafts. At first, I had to force myself to sit and work on small projects until it started bringing me joy again. Now that my son is almost a year and a half, I have not had more time to work on my projects, but I am learning how to make time and develop new skills that I can do in the time I have, like pattern writing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I think the technical term for what I do is called a fiber artist. I work with yarn and spun fibers to create. Currently, I am known for making working plush animals and the patterns that go with them. This is something I am proud of because not many people are willing to develop their own patterns, but it is something I am learning that I love.
Typically, when someone works with yarn, they stick to either crocheting or knitting – I don’t. I do a little of everything: knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, and spinning, which allows me to create more unique and personalized pieces. However, I do tend to stick to crochet and knit items for posting online and my business; the others can happen on special request or for my personal enjoyment.
What matters most to you?
My family is the most important thing to me. Without them, I would not have the motivation or inspiration to create. It has been difficult to balance my time as a new mother and getting to create the way I want. Watching the joy and excitement on my son’s face when he gets to play with a new creation and “test” its child safety gives me a desire to keep making new things while also making them durable.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichollsknits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089987086140
- Other: etsy.com/shop/NichollsKnits
