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Slow stitches, market dreams, and real-life rhythms
Well friends… it’s been a minute.
Here at Hippie Stitches, things have always moved at a slightly slower, more intentional pace. This space isn’t just about what I’m making. It’s about why I’m making it, the season I’m in, and how creativity weaves itself through real life.
So today’s post is a cozy little catch-up. A behind-the-scenes look at what I’ve been working on lately: creatively, professionally, and personally.
Grab your coffee (or tea), your current work in progress, and settle in.
Learning From Other Markets (a.k.a. Gentle, Strategic Snooping)
A few weeks ago, Hayley (from hayleyco designs) and I took a short road trip to visit another vendor market in a larger town. Not as competitors...but as students. We went in with open eyes, curious minds, and notebooks tucked away in our heads.
Some of the biggest lessons we walked away with:
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Booth layout and spacing matter more than you think
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Crowded aisles make it hard for shoppers to linger and connect
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Vendors need space to chat without clogging traffic
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Focused booths are easier to understand and easier to shop
Seeing a market in motion really helped us visualize what we want our own market to feel like: relaxed, welcoming, and easy to wander through. It’s the kind of learning you just can’t get from planning alone.
What I’ve Been Making for My Booth
Hippie, boho, earthy, and wearable
Once the vibe became clear, it was time to start creating.
Beaded Accessories
I’ve been playing with beading lately, especially faux turquoise beads. These pieces come together quickly and offer a creative reset between longer crochet projects. I’m planning to add small crochet elements for a mixed-media, free-spirited look.
Tree of Life Granny Squares & Crossbody Bags
I fell hard for the Tree of Life granny square. After experimenting with stash yarn, I started attaching the finished squares to small canvas crossbody bags. Each one will be finished with beadwork and Tree of Life charms - a perfect blend of crochet and boho energy.
The Tree of Life Mandala Vest
One of my favorite projects so far has been a mandala vest with a Tree of Life center. Vests may become a go-to for markets: eye-catching, wearable, and natural conversation starters. I’ve been tweaking the front shaping to better suit how garments hang on my body and feel when worn.
Smaller Makes That Add Variety
Not everything at a booth needs to be a big, time-intensive piece. I’ve also been working on smaller items that add interest and accessibility:
Crochet Boot Wallets
Designed to hang inside cowgirl boots, these hold an ID, card, or cash. Practical, a little unexpected, and fun. I plan to display them on an actual boot so shoppers instantly get it.
Bandana-Style Summer Cowls
Lightweight cotton cowls have been perfect for warmer months. Breathable, easy to wear, and quick to make. I’ve been experimenting with small size and color variations so shoppers have options.
Crochet Thread Jewelry & Tiny Joys
Lately, crochet thread work has been giving me a lot of joy. I batch-made heart and hoop earrings in multiple colors and plan to starch and assemble them in stages.
These smaller accessories:
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Are affordable entry points for shoppers
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Take up very little booth space
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Add movement, color, and visual texture
They’re also surprisingly meditative once you get used to the tiny hooks.
Market Planning Updates
On the market side of things, progress feels really encouraging:
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We’re currently at 29 vendors ClLICK HERE for the latest market post.
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There will be both a taco truck and a coffee truck
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The focus is on handmade, homegrown, and vintage
Vendor response has been incredibly positive, which has been both exciting and reassuring.
Starting in March, the focus will shift more toward advertising to shoppers and shaping the overall experience of the market.
Want to see more? Watch THIS VIDEO!