.png)
(And What You Can Expect to See at Dows Market on Main)
If you know me, you probably know me as someone who’s always got yarn nearby.
What you might not know is how much thought has gone into turning that love of crochet into something I can share with our community in a meaningful way.
This isn’t about mass production, trends, or turning myself into a sweatshop. It’s about handmade pieces, made with intention, and creating a space where local makers and shoppers can connect.
From Hobby to Something More (Without Losing the Joy)
Crochet has been part of my life for quite a while. Like a lot of creative hobbies, it started simply because I loved it.
But over the years, I realized something important: there’s only so much you can make just to make it. There’s a limit to how many shawls, scarves, and cozy pieces one person can realistically use or store.
That realization led me to ask a bigger question:
How can I keep doing what I love and let it serve a purpose beyond my own closet?
For me, the answer became sharing my work locally. With people who value handmade, slow-made, and thoughtfully created items.
Why Local Markets Matter So Much
Living in a rural area means we don’t always have easy access to spaces that truly celebrate handmade goods. A lot of vendor events are a mix of many different things, and sometimes handmade gets lost in the shuffle.
I wanted something different.
I wanted:
A market that highlights handmade and homegrown businesses
A welcoming, community-focused atmosphere
A place where shoppers can meet the people behind the products
When that space didn’t quite exist in the way we envisioned, a friend and I decided to help create it ourselves. Read more about that in THIS POST.
Introducing Dows Market on Main
Dows Market on Main is being built with intention. From the vendors we welcome to the way we share information and promote the event.
As both a vendor and co-host, I’m wearing two hats:
Creating handmade crochet pieces for local shoppers
Helping organize and promote a market that supports makers, growers, and creatives in our area
This market isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, creativity, and community.
What You’ll See From Hippie Stitches
For my first market, I’m treating this as a learning experience.
That means you’ll see:
A variety of handmade crochet pieces
Thoughtful yarn choices and quality materials
A style that blends vintage, boho, and a little bit of western
As I learn what people love and respond to, I’ll continue refining and focusing my offerings...always with quality and wearability in mind. Read more about Hippie Stitches style in THIS POST.
Why Following Along Matters
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people need to see what’s happening to feel connected to it.
That’s why I’ll be sharing:
Sneak peeks of what I’m making
Updates about the market
Vendor highlights and behind-the-scenes moments
If you’re excited about supporting handmade, homegrown, and local businesses, I’d love for you to follow the official Facebook page:
👉 Dows Market on Main on Facebook
That’s where you’ll find the most up-to-date information, announcements, and community conversation as we get closer to the market.
Thank You for Supporting Local & Handmade
Whether you stop by the market, follow along online, or simply cheer us on from afar...thank you.
Supporting handmade means supporting real people, real stories, and real creativity right here in our community.
I can’t wait to share more with you soon.
-Shannon
Hippie Stitches