When I was a freshman in college I lived for a while in what felt like a time warp. I kept running into people I’d known as a kid, or who were best friends with people I hadn’t seen or heard from in years. A new friend told me it was karma—that elements of my life were spiraling back to me, as they would forever. It’s a mental image that pops into my head whenever I’m, say, at a dinner party here in Vancouver and I discover the woman across from me went to my high school in upstate New York, though we didn’t know each other then. I’ve never really considered things in my life to end, even though I have a tendency to bounce from thing to thing and to the casual observer those things might not seem related.

So now you have some groundwork and I’ll just jump in:

I’m stepping down as editor of Interweave Crochet. And—though unrelated to that decision—I have sold CrochetMe.com to Interweave.

Is it egomaniacal of me to assume you need a sec? It might be. I’ve been anticipating your reaction to this news for a while, now.

There’s more about the CrochetMe.com sale at, you guessed it, CrochetMe.com. In short sum: I have neither the money nor the creative energy to give the site and its community what they deserve. It took several months for the eMedia VP at Interweave to convince me that selling to them would be best for the site, and I now wholeheartedly believe it to be true. I’ll remain involved with the site and the community, both for high-level planning with Interweave and by blogging. (And since I haven’t blogged there regularly these last couple of years, it might end up seeming like I’m even more a part of the site than I have been of late.)

Now, for the magazine. Back in May, I think it was, I waxed poetic and enthusiastic about how perfect my job was for me. About how I was meant to be an editor, about how much satisfaction I took from almost all aspects of my work. I should have seen that as a telltale sign, but I didn’t. I should have seen it because, looking back, I have always felt that way before discovering that I no longer love my work. I felt that way before changing my major in university. I felt that way before I quit grad school the first time. But what I’ve come to understand is that I’m not actually a quitter with a short attention span. Oh, no, I. am. not.

I’m a starter. I’m a brainstormer. I’m a novelty junkie. I’m like a professional enthusiast. And when I get to the point that I love my work because I’ve come to fully understand it, I bask for a short while (a very short while), and then I wake up one day and I feel, quite literally and out of the blue, like I’m going to DIE. And so I woke up one morning this past summer and felt like my ankles were shackled to blocks of concrete. I lost my motivation. I became depressed. And I realized in August that I was feeling those things because I was no longer stimulated by my work. It wasn’t new to me anymore; I wasn’t learning all the time; I had accomplished most of what I’d set out to do. I was, worst of all, bored.

I recognize that you might not be able to relate to what I’m describing. I used to flog myself for being different. Why can’t I just do a regular job like everyone else? Why can’t I just be happy?

But really, I can totally be happy. I’m happy when I’m learning; it’s one of the things I do best. I’m happy when I’m working with creative people. I’m happy when I’m creating something new to solve a problem that’s exciting to solve. I’m happy saying, “Why the hell not?” I’m happy saying, “Just because nobody else is doing it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done.”

I will be ending my work on the magazine just before the holidays, during the editing stage of the spring ’09 issue. Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be assigning the projects for the summer ’09 issue, and the new editor (yet to be determined) will take over from there. I’m excited to see what a new editor will do with the magazine that only two years ago didn’t yet have an identity of its own.

And what will I get up to come the new year? Frankly, I’m hoping you’ll help with that. My freelance wish list:

  • I want to work in social media.
    Want to explore how to use online social media to build your business? Want to start a blog? Need advice? Email me.
  • I want to write more, both about crafts and about other stuff.
    Need stuff written? Email me.
  • I want to explore media production online—text, audio, video.
    Want to experiment? Email me.
  • I want to make things with people who are passionate, smart, and creative.
    Are you? Email me.
  • I want to entertain people and spread fun and laughter and joy.
    You, too? Email me.

Too vague? That’s intentional. I want to work hard and I also want to be free enough to seize opportunities when they come up, both in the yarn world and outside it. So I’m throwing it all out there and, to exploit the cliché, I’m looking forward to seeing what comes back.

And so I don’t see things as ending now, or as beginning. I see them as spiralling around.

60 responses to “Beginnings, Ends—Pshaw! It’s All A Big Spiral (AKA: Big Announcements)”

  1. knitgrrl Avatar

    Congrats on your big announcement, Kim! xoxoxoxoxo x infinity!

  2. Carrie Avatar

    Dang, woman! Congrats on both fronts. It sounds like you've thought about this stuff A LOT and I bet it feels great to announce it to the world! I'm sure whatever you do next will be as inspiring and creative as what you've done thus far. :)

  3. jodi Avatar

    Awesome! Good luck! Can't wait to see where you're going next.

  4. Robyn Chachula Avatar

    WHOA! That is some big crazy news! I am totally stoked for your new adventure. Can't wait to see what you do next!

  5. GuidoS from Boston Avatar
    GuidoS from Boston

    Congrats on the new life direction and all… also… i have a lot of ideas… some might relate if you are interested DM me on twitter…

  6. caro Avatar

    Dood. Totally cool. Isn't it great to wake up and know that you've taken one big step (ok, two in this case) in a totally different direction? I love those days. If there's anything I can do to help or support, I'm in.

  7. erdufylla Avatar
    erdufylla

    Congratulations for having the bravery to allow yourself to accept such a thing and take the necessary steps to make yourself happy. It's a hard thing to do, and I completely understand where you're coming from – I'm much the same way, myself. Best of luck with the future freelance work — I'm sure you'll love it!

  8. amanda @ lornaslaces Avatar
    amanda @ lornaslaces

    i cant help but read this

    <>

    and think of a conversation over lunch about our mothers.

    i'm excited for you kim.

  9. amanda @ lornaslaces Avatar
    amanda @ lornaslaces

    missing part between the arrows was:

    I recognize that you might not be able to relate to what I’m describing. I used to flog myself for being different. Why can’t I just do a regular job like everyone else? Why can’t I just be happy?

  10. KristinOmdahl Avatar
    KristinOmdahl

    Congratulations! I wish you great excitement in your new adventures. I can't wait to see what you do next!

    Best regards,

    Kristin

  11. melissaknits Avatar
    melissaknits

    Congratulations! As someone who, much to the chagrin of her family and friends, reinvents herself every half-decade or so, I totally get that concrete around your ankles feeling. Awesome!!

  12. LisaB Avatar

    I'm so excited to see what you get up to next, Kim! You've put Interweave Crochet on a good path, and you totally deserve to go off on a new adventure!

  13. Kim Werker Avatar

    Yes! It sure is great. I don't think I'll go in a totally different direction. Just a differently creative one. :)

  14. Marly Avatar

    I think you just helped me define myself…as a starter…a brain stormer…a novelty junkie. That is exactly what I am. I struggle constantly with things in my life once they become (dare I say it) routine. For me, it is my podcast. I really like to do it but sometimes I feel like it is a giant red ball in the air that is about to fall down at any time and I just don't have the time to focus on it.

    Best of luck to you Kim. I hope you will join me for a drink at TNNA so we can shoot the sh*t as friends.

    xoxox
    Marly

  15. Kim Werker Avatar

    Thank you so much, everyone! Your enthusiasm is making this far more exciting than I thought it would be. You rock! I'm so looking forward to what we'll all create together.

  16. Mom Avatar
    Mom

    You go, daughter of mine!!!!

  17. Annie Avatar

    Best of luck, sweetie! I want to do all those things you do, too. And lose weight – I want to do that, too. But evidently not very much…

  18. Marly Avatar

    AWESOME! :-) Beer is on me!

  19. Michelle Avatar

    Oh congratulations! I was brave and left my job for a more creative life in June and haven't looked back. All the best for your future endeavours!

  20. Tasha Avatar

    Although I will miss your touch at Interweave Crochet (which has totally rocked while you've been there), I wish you all the best and can't wait to hear what you do next!

  21. Dad Avatar

    You know, I think it's a great thing that you decided to do. After all, your real strength is in your ideas and implementing them. You love to learn and create. I think you did the right thing and only really feel bad for Interweave who will be losing one heck of an editor. But then, after all is said and done, you are very much like those that raised you, particulary on the male side of that partnership. And also, I might add…sigh…yawn…I'm bored…

  22. Laurie Wheeler Avatar

    CLF Salutes you…your work on IC was phenomenal….and there is no blame to you darlin', as a starter I totally get it…I hope interview continues with the wonderful work you have done…you showed the world that crochet is and always will be a valuable craft.

    Thank you so much for what you have done for the craft, and I wish you many happy travels in your future….

    Hooks Raised, the Crochet Liberation Front Salutes you…

  23. Kim Werker Avatar

    Thank you so much, Laurie. To have the salute of the CLF means a lot to me!
    I'm not done fighting the fight, of course. Here's to pushing crochet even
    further.

  24. alison Avatar

    Woah!

    Can't wait to see what you get up to next. :)

  25. Felicia from sweetgeorgia Avatar

    This is brilliant, Kim. So brilliant. From a fellow professional enthusiast, I wish you much joy, laughter and learning in your next start-up projects. Congratulations!

  26. kibathediva Avatar
    kibathediva

    I absolutely want to do all that stuff you said. So, what you're saying is, I should email you? “I recognize that you might not be able to relate to what I’m describing. I used to flog myself for being different. Why can’t I just do a regular job like everyone else? Why can’t I just be happy?” This is me exactly. And it is kind of terrifying, because in addition to being a starter I crave security like nothing else. Those two things are kind of at odds. But I am so excited about whatever you end up doing.

  27. Chelsea Avatar

    Wow, good for you! Many thanks for giving me my big break into the crochet industry, I have tons of people, in life and online, coming to me totally admiring what I've done. I've got so many people on the lookout for my stuff now!

    *hugs!*
    Chelsea
    p.s. you'll do great with where ever you go, with all your many interests!

  28. Coggie Avatar
    Coggie

    Yay for you!!
    I wish you luck and can't wait to see what you come up with next.

  29. Greg's Mom Avatar
    Greg's Mom

    Can you imagine how exciting it is to have a daughter-in-law like Kim? Kim – you inspire us all!
    Can't wait to see your next incarnation.

  30. Vashtirama Avatar

    Very cool wish list, Kim. I want you to do those things too!!

  31. Kim Werker Avatar

    Thanks, Vashti! I'll write all about whatever I do.

  32. kmerrick120 Avatar
    kmerrick120

    While I'm really sad that it won't be you at the other end of my jagged guide- me- please emails, I have to applaud you for getting up out of your chair and moving on.
    I say if your parents and you in-laws are encouraging you in public, you're doing the right thing.
    Bonne chance, Kimmy!

  33. smartgrrrl Avatar

    Professional Enthusiasts Unite!

  34. Sheryl Means Avatar

    I am stunned, yet, like so many who have commented before me, I completely understand. Remember my declaration last summer when I labeled myself an “artist” not a “designer”? Well, guess what? I am getting ready to send in a submission to IWC and eat some crow in the cover letter to you. Amy (co-owner of Yarntopia) laughs whenever I try to put boundaries on myself because she knows it is just a matter of time before I move off in a new direction. Congratulations on reaching this self awareness so young – I'm a late bloomer who, at 50, is just now comfortable with who I am. Whatever you do and wherever you go your passion and creativity will leave a mark. The world needs folks like you to keep things fresh, exciting and fun. You will forever hold a soft spot in my heart and are the person I credit for giving me the courage to try for new and exciting goals. Like Marley, I hope to see you at TNNA. I might even cry : )

  35. Eva Avatar

    To expand a bit on my congratulatory twitter…

    I am so glad for you and the work that you are doing. It's amazing to see what has happened to crochet since the inception of CrochetMe and your tenure as editor of IC. For me personally, I am reinvigorated in making crochet and inspired by your general attitude about life and work. Thanks for being a starter, and please continue to start things!

  36. Zabet Avatar
    Zabet

    “I’m a starter. I’m a brainstormer. I’m a novelty junkie. I’m like a professional enthusiast.” I read that and thought, “She could be describing me.” You are not the only one! If you will forgive the cliché, follow your bliss. I'm not at the “I can't do this anymore” spot yet, but I do wonder when my expiration date will come up.

  37. Megan Avatar

    Yay you! It's hard to figure out exactly what you want and then have the courage to DO it. I hope this means you will have more time to hang out in Portland! ;-)

  38. carolbrowne Avatar

    I think this is great news. And a brave move, too! Yay! Well done, Kim. I feel excited for you. And excited for me, as well. If you can do this, so could I!!!

    Thank you.

  39. amineko72 Avatar
    amineko72

    good for you to be brave enough to take the steps to make your life happy too many people hesitate and they feel miserable. I wish you all the best.
    by the way I have just realized that I have all your books….. could I suggest one to help us not so lucky people (ie me) to get the technique to express our creativity….
    all the best for your projects….

  40. Cynthia Avatar
    Cynthia

    Wow Kim! I am so excited for you!!
    (I seriously am living with the same thing at the mo'- I truly love what I do, but i need more- you said it perfectly.)
    I can't wait to see what happens next for you- the sky's the limit!! You're so inspiring and I know whatever you decide to do next you'll totally rock!
    xox

  41. KelleBelle Avatar
    KelleBelle

    Fabulous news, Kim… I hope that things work out for you. I also hope this means we'll see you at Fibres West in the spring with your new ideas and enthusiasm!

  42. missa Avatar

    Nicely written. I also long for that creativity in the start-up end of things. I miss it… which is why I keep working as a web designer despite being the owner of an online yarn store. There's something about that initial fire that makes me SO happy.

    So I join you in the comfort of new opportunities, and I thank you for all the fire you've spread in the crochet community!

    Much love
    ~missa
    kpixie.com

  43. Cherie Avatar
    Cherie

    Kim,
    Good for you for knowing who you are and knowing how you thrive. I told Chelsea after meeting you in Michigan that you are exactly like me. From the outside it looks like I don't stick with things, but the reality is….once I accomplish my goal (and they are usually set very high)….it is on to the next. I have a lot of goals to persue in this short life and I am sure you do too. It will always be a life of passion and joy and moving forward It was a pleasure meeting you and I hope our paths continue to cross in the future. All the best with your new direction.
    Cherie
    (aka Chelsea's mom)

  44. Cara  Avatar

    Kudos to you! It's so hard in this life to know what you want and what you don't want and why should we be forced to stay with something when it's not working anymore? Having changed my career a bunch of times, I myself have figured out that deciding you don't want to do something anymore doesn't make you a quitter, it makes you courageous in living the life you want. Congratulations and good luck!

  45. Laurie Wheeler Avatar

    Do you think we'd let you go away COMEPLETELY!? I think not :) GRIN…You should enjoy picking up the hook, not dread it…and with less thought on deadlines, less pressure on having to do the job, who knows where your creativity will flower ;) I can't wait to see where you go from here!

  46. Shelby Allaho Avatar
    Shelby Allaho

    Congratulations and good luck! You have been a great inspiration and asset to the crochet industry. I am sure your next endeavor will be just as successful.

  47. m Avatar
    m

    Thank you for being so honest with this! I wrote a startlingly similar journal entry a few years ago before I left teaching – a job I once loved beyond words but, suddenly and without reason, began to hate. I was feeling selfish and silly and confused…how could I come to despise something I once loved so passionately, especially after only 3 years? Your blog has really made me re-visit this topic once again. I wish you all the best!

  48. Cher Avatar

    Thank you so much for sharing this. I always thought I was crazy, but damned if I don't relate to each line. You are so honest and brave to share this (and are validating more people than you could know by doing so). Bless you. Best wishes on your new projects!

  49. Amie Avatar
    Amie

    Boy, can I relate to what you're saying here, on every level.

  50. Kellycat Avatar
    Kellycat

    Congratulations Kim for knowing what you want, and reaching for it.

    Take some time, relax, drink, and then let us all know what your up to.

  51. Linda Lum DeBono Avatar

    Sad for the magazine but huge congrats to you. I totally get what you're saying and I'm the same. All the best and happy holidays, Linda

  52. Ann Avatar

    Beautifully said, totally understandable, and exciting for all of us. Best of luck in your new endeavors!

    Ann
    Dream Weaver Yarns

  53. Karla Avatar
    Karla

    (forgive me for this purely spiritual comment to those who might take offense – skip this) Kim, your comment about being bored and wanting to continuously know more reminds me of a story about how different Christians are in following Christ….there are some that camp out at the bottom of the mountain (life) they are climbing with Jesus (have learned all they want to about Jesus and/or God's Word and are satisfied to settle with that knowledge), while others want to learn a little more and go up higher, maybe halfway. But then some settle there, and not wanting to learn more, are happy with the little bit of knowledge they've gained and won't go any further. Yet others, not satisfied and knowing there is more to learn with Him, continue on the journey upwards. Many follow Him, but few go all the way with Him ('cause it's not easy to walk that journey up a mountain, i.e. life). Regardless of your spiritual persuasions, I totally understand your desire to be in a state where you continue to learn (about whatever!) and how you've become bored and unstimilated by your love of crochet. You are one of those people who will go far up that mountain of life. All I can say is “Rock on!” in your endeavor to learn more and keep your creative juices flowing in whatever direction you go. :)

  54. Tracy Avatar
    Tracy

    Just listened to you on Cast-On. Please be advised that being a learning junkie is not limited to you creative folk. I have never been able to stick to a job longer than 3 years–usually less. Once I know the work in and out, I'm bored and ready to move on. Thanks for providing a more favorable context for this than “has a short attention span”.
    Best of luck to you in your next creative life/lives.

  55. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    Thank you. I heard your segment on Cast On, and you and Brenda together shoe-horned me out of the deep, deep rut I've been in. I can see possibility in my creative life again, and it's invigorating!

  56. trish Avatar

    Congrats Kim…when I was reading the part of your post about saying about finding your life's work…and once you had…everything changed….I totally know what you are talking about! I've been through it more than once! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

  57. trish Avatar

    Congrats Kim…when I was reading the part of your post about saying about finding your life's work…and once you had…everything changed….I totally know what you are talking about! I've been through it more than once! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

  58. trish Avatar

    Congrats Kim…when I was reading the part of your post about saying about finding your life's work…and once you had…everything changed….I totally know what you are talking about! I've been through it more than once! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

  59. cla_phihi Avatar
    cla_phihi

    Recently I was REALLY low on cash and debts were eating me from all sides! That was UNTIL I decided to make money on the internet. I went to surveymoneymaker dot net, and started filling in surveys for cash, and surely I’ve been far more able to pay my bills! I’m so glad, I did this!!! – W54x

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