Recently, I was invited to try something I had never done before. To be honest, I’m not one of those people who jump at the chance to be a beginner at something. I like to know what I’m doing—or at least have a game plan before I start. But when a friend told me about a fun arts and crafts night she was hosting, I figured, why not? It sounded like a good time to catch up, unwind, and maybe even surprise myself with a new skill.
What could possibly go wrong when you get a group of women together in a room to make chunky knit pumpkins? Nothing, as it turns out—especially when you have LaShondra from Woven Intent expertly guiding you every step of the way.
Once we picked our yarn colors (the hardest part, honestly) and LaShondra gave us the basics of how we were going to create our pumpkins without any tools, we got to work. The process was equal parts summer camp friendship bracelet and lanyard keychain making, with a side of, “Am I doing this right?” But that was half the fun! There was laughter, lots of encouragement, and the kind of easy conversation that flows when you’re working with your hands.
As I looped and twisted the yarn, I found myself letting go of the need for perfection. My pumpkin might not have looked exactly like the sample, but it was mine—and it was charming in its own way. By the end of the evening, I not only had a two cute new fall decorations to bring home but also a reminder that trying something new doesn’t have to be scary.
What started as a simple craft night turned into a mindful moment—a chance to slow down, be present, and connect with creativity (and community) in a new way. Sometimes wellness looks like a morning meditation or an afternoon walk, and other times it looks like sitting around a table, laughing with friends, and learning how to make something beautiful with your hands.
As the seasons change, I’m reminded that growth often begins when we say “yes” to something unfamiliar. Whether it’s a new hobby, a fresh perspective, or simply making space for play, there’s wellness in exploration. And maybe, just maybe, that’s where the magic of fall really lies—embracing new beginnings, one chunky knit pumpkin at a time.
If you’re looking to get creative this season, check out Woven Intent for hands-on workshops that inspire connection and craft!
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