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Check Out My NEW Place!

ByAshlea

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To say that the last few months have been chaotic would be the understatement of the year. Pull up a chair and check out my new space! 🧶

Yarn wall in an array of colors with a white couch with tan pillows and a Sangria Sorbet crochet blanket draped over it in a living rom with a furry, white rug over a gray carpet.

Heart Hook Home’s NEW Space

If you’ve been a reader of Heart Hook Home for any length of time, chances are you know a bit more about me and my life than just the fact that I love yarn and all things crochet related.

You’ve seen me with my family, and watched as my two sons have grown from little boys to nearly six foot tall young men. I’ve taken you on vacations with us and shared so much of myself and I believe that we have grown to be truly great friends.

Because you and I are friends, and because it is inevitable that you will notice these changes sooner or later, I need to share the update with you that this summer Paul and I went through a divorce. Please do not jump to conclusions. We both agree that this is best for us going forward and we appreciate your respect for our privacy regarding this matter at this time and going forward.

If you’ve followed Heart Hook Home on Facebook, chances are you’ve seen my live videos I do sporadically. You will also notice that when I do my future live videos (which I have not done in months for reasons that are now obvious) that things look a lot different around here.

Multicolored do it yourself Yarn Wall in a living room setting with a white couch with an example of the Sangria Sorbet Blanket crochet pattern. Brown end tables and a chair flank the couch and there\'s a white furry rug on the carpet in front of the couch.

Things look different because I have moved into the cutest little apartment – which is basically a gigantic yarn studio with bedrooms. Ha! When I told my sons I was going to put the yarn wall up in the living room (because OF COURSE I am!) my youngest just rolled his eyes and laughed. But you gotta admit, it’s pretty freaking amazing and I absolutely love the intense vibrancy it lends the space. 😍

I chose very neutral furniture to surround the yarn wall so that it would remain the focus of the room.

Multicolored do it yourself Yarn Wall in a living room setting with a white couch with an example of the Sangria Sorbet Blanket crochet pattern. Brown end tables and a chair flank the couch and there\'s a white furry rug on the carpet in front of the couch.

I am a very independent (stubborn) person. I do not like asking for help and I have a hard time accepting it. Over the past few months, though, I have learned to lean on my people. It is amazing to me how willing folks are to help when I myself am hesitant to accept it.

My family and friends were invaluable in moving, setting up the furniture and beds, putting together plant stands and generally getting settled.

My amazing friend Sarah not only helped move every bit of the way, but she came over for days after the move helping me to sort my yarn, go through totes, and purge what needed purging. We ate lunch and laughed (and cried) and I would still be swimming in yarn if not for her help.

My close friend Jamie came over one night for dinner and we stayed up until 1:30 in the morning organizing and winding yarn, then arranging and rearranging it. We had so much fun! (Thank you again, Jamie!)

Plant stand near a window with various plants in pots.

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I have also adopted many plants and succulents to make the space feel homey and inviting. I have dispersed my “Omar” family (from the Facebook live videos) among my plants.

Plant stand with various plants in pots.

Plant stand with various plants in pots with a Llama picture on the wall with 3 white Llamas and one black one.

And check out my “judgy alpaca” wall art! 🦙 I love it so much!

Plant stand near a window with various plants in pots and an \"H\" shaped Yarn Wall with various colored cakes of yarn.

Plant stand various plants in pots and an \"H\" shaped Yarn Wall with various colored cakes of yarn.

My bedroom is also packed with yarn. Thankfully I have TWO closets so one of them is dedicated entirely to yarn and craft supplies. I decided to find a very inexpensive fabric covered headboard with the sole purpose of yarn bombing it. $55 + yarn? SOLD!! Tutorial coming. 😉

Didn’t this turn out A-M-A-Z-I-N-G?! I love it so much!

Plain white bed with a gray colored headboard. Nightstand next to it has books, a hat, yarn cones, a plant, paintbrushes in a bowl, and a basket of yarn.

Plain white bed with an example of how to yarn bomb a headboard crochet pattern in various colors. Nightstand next to it has books, a hat, yarn cones, a plant, paintbrushes in a bowl, and a basket of yarn.

I won’t show the boys’ space, but they are settling in and we are navigating a new normal. We are ALL (all four of us) doing our best and in the end, that is all we can expect from ourselves.

I have been using the last few months as a contemplative time. I’ve been reflecting and focusing my energy on finding balance, and I have been practicing the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi. If you’ve never heard of it, please check it out! I am learning to embrace the solitude, and I am finding that I am coming to require it.

Because of this, the television very rarely gets used, and when it is on I’m usually watching a documentary while I work on my next design or having a movie night with the boys. I still go on my 3-mile walks each morning and I am finding my peace here.

So next time you see me on Facebook live and things look a little… different, well it’s true. They do, and that is okay.

Lastly, I want to say thank you for being you, for being my friend, and for continuing to read my blog, crochet using my patterns, and for your support. I appreciate you! 🤗 As this dust continues to settle and I find my new groove, I can only imagine BIG things in my future. And I am so happy you’ll be here to experience it with me. ♥

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47 Comments

  1. I needed to read this, "All things in life, including you, are in an imperfect state of flux, so strive not for perfection, but for excellence instead." I find that if I can't do something Perfectly, I don't want to do it at all. There was a make up artist who said something along the lines of, "your eyebrows are sisters, not twins," and I try to bring that to mind when something isn't just right. I'm sharing this with my crochet community Right Now. They need this, too. I've started over 4 times after long term relationships and each time I discovered how strong I am, and how hard it is to ask for help as I am beyond independent. But also because I don't know what I need help with. My husband had a stroke in 2023, I lost two fingers in 2024. Life stood still for me for a time, but kept going for others. Everyone wanted to do something to help us, but I had not a clue what to ask for. I told my sister-in-law the hardest thing for me was to stay hydrated as I did not leave my husband's side at the hospital - you have to advocate fiercely for the smallest things, like a shower. She sent a 24-pack of bottled water to my hotel room. I hadn't even thought to ask for someone to bring water. Anyway, I'm happy you're in a good place now (I came here from your latest update about your newest space). The uncertainty of change is daunting, but it's doable. Even when we don't know how.
    Reply
  3. Thank you for this article Ashley! I also am going through a separation that will lead to a divorce, I have down sized to a smaller apartment and am struggling with where to put all my crafts but it is working out, I am loving my new cute apartment and I am loving my peace, I am re-learning who I am again and I love myself and the decision I made to leave. Your article gave me more strength to move forward, I don’t feel alone! Here’s to starting over! I also have two girls and they are doing better than me, all the love on your new journey Queen.
    Reply
  4. Sending hugs your way. I love following your journey. You have helped me so much with my crochet technique and I love your patterns. I too am teaching myself to knit….my sister is a talented knitter and is so excited I am learning to knit also. Best wishes for your new normal.
    Reply
  5. Thank you for sharing . Starting over is always hard, you have so many amazing friends and family to help you and having the crochet community to help too and be there for you. God is always there to help you through the diffult time and the good time too. You are such a wonderful person and your boys are some great kids. Keep moving forward. Asking for help is never easy and we think we can do it all on our own, so ask for help when you need it.
    Reply
  6. I'm so grateful you have such amazing friends. Speaking from experience, you will need to allow yourself help from them. Your peeps are your constant "rocks". It's ok to not be ok sometimes. It happens. Sending you my very best
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  7. LOVE LOVE LOVE your yarn art. What an inspiration for all of us who are challenged in the decorating department! I think I will try some yarn art in my craft room! Best wishes to all four of you.
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  8. Bless your heart. Thank you for your openness and transparency. It's not lost on me that you certainly don't have to share any of your personal life with us...you choose to. I have thought many times that you and I would be fast-friends, should our paths ever cross. I love your new place and pray as you begin this new chapter, you will find peace and happiness. xoxo
    Reply
  9. Thank you for sharing and for giving us a “look-in” into your personal life. I just love your new apartment. You’re such an amazing person. Wishing you all the best.❤️
    Reply
  10. .love your yarn walls. I am new to your group and so happy that l found you. I do admire all that you do and feel so sorry for your divorce. I was married 77 years when l lost my hubby. He did our den wall in yarn and used wine boxes. Good luck to you. You are my idea of a great mom. Good bless.
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  11. Ashlea, Been there done that, Twice! I am so sorry to hear about your divorce. Even though it was agreeable to both parties, when children are involved it is very difficult to go thru! My girls were 5 and 8 years old when they heard for the first time "You get to go visit, Daddy, every other weekend!" It scarred them and me for Life! My youngest did not know who this male person was! I will pray for guidance in all of your lives. It won't be easy, But we have an amazing God and he will carry you many, many times. Trust Him!
    Reply
  12. Much love and good vibes to you and your family, hoping you all make it through these and any coming challenges smoothly! I appreciate you, and the work you do, from the bottom of my heart. Your patterns are lovely, and you're absolutely one of my favorite designers. You're also, from what I've seen & read, an awesome, strong human. Just be sure to take care of yourself! You are loved.
    Reply
  13. Life seems to be ever changing, but you sound like you are adjusting well to your new challenges. You've a good support system and are well organized. I wish you all the best. I love the yarn display you've done above the couch, it is beautiful! I only wish I could be as organized as you.
    Reply
  14. I have to ask, because I haven't found my question here yet -- How did you hang all that yarn? Everything on pegs using pegboard (which would seem easiest), or did you do something else? I was saddened by your divorce news, but you are a strong young woman and you will get through this.
    Reply
  15. Ashlea….PS… That yarn wall is AMAZING!! Absolutely LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!! (Did I mention that I LOVE IT?!? ) You are FABULOUS!! And a fellow plant lover, too! Thanks for sharing!! ~~~Ruth
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  16. Dear Ashlea, I was surprised & saddened by the news of your divorce. I’ve been through one & know how painful it is. I can only imagine that it had to be necessary & would advise you to do exactly what you are doing: stay strong, keep going, & keep praying. This big of a change is a huge challenge, but you will get through it (& you ARE!) I appreciate your candor, as I know others who follow you do also. I’m sure you have a tremendous support system all around you, but, if you ever need to talk with someone, or someone just to listen, I’m here. I would consider it an honor to be able to help. Most sincerely & with great love, Ruth
    Reply
  18. Always look forward to your notes…this was different but different is good sometimes. I had just shared a photo of your yarn wall from the afghan pattern and it went to South Africa. My friends comment…I LOVE HER WALL! I like your new place too. Hugs!
    Reply
  19. Dearest Ashley, I’ve been one of your followers for a couple of years now. I refer to your videos time and time again. I go to your blog for patterns very often, and can’t wait for your next awesome pattern. We are all on a journey, I pray the hard parts are over now and it’s all, mostly, smooth sailing from here. Love and light to you and your boys, with sincerely, Kat.
    Reply
  21. God bless and keep you and your family ,and may His never-failing love and peace give you strength and wisdom . Thank you for all that you do for each of us.
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  23. You Rock Girl! We’ll be together rocking it UP until there is no more Wi-Fi or internet We have so much more to do and our future is so bright we need sunglasses Thanks for considering us friends
    Reply
  24. I am so glad I found your site. I love your patterns - they are easy to follow and look amazing! I love your lives on Facebook - you do a great job. I was saddened to hear of your divorce but am glad you are adjusting and making it work - with your focal point being your boys. Glad you have a good support system. I always thought you would be a good “ best friend” to have Wishing you the best
    Reply
  25. I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through what has to be a stressful time in your life. Sending virtual hugs your way.
    Reply
  26. Ashlea, just as with any stage in life, there will be "up" days and "down" days. I love that you've got the fortitude to push through those downs and have extreme gratitude for all the ups. You have a giant comfy blanket of supporters wrapped around you. We love you!
    Reply
  27. I totally relate (the divorce, the leaning onto friends ---> right down to the appreciation of solitude! The older I get the more I appreciate/require it as time keeps speeding up (boo). The small quiet moments that I didn't want or like in my earlier (aka younger) years have become precious to me. Oh - and I LOVELOVELOVE your living room yarn wall! Please let me/us know how you made it, it's stunning & I want to make a mini one in my apartment, too! Now go and be your authentic, rockin', and happiest self & keep us all in the know with Heart*Hook*Home. One of my favorite sites!
    Reply
  28. I’ve been such a huge fan for years since I found you, not only because your creations are amazing but because you have a beautiful spirit about you. I know times like these are hard but hoping you come out the other side bolder and brighter. Hugs to you and your family!
    Reply
  29. As my mom often said, there is always a bless in the mess. I’m glad you’re finding your way. Take care of yourself and your boys.
    Reply
  30. Sorry to hear about your news. I cried when I read it. I have been through 2 divorces myself and cried lots. It's good you have friends and family to support you. I didn't and still don't have that. I love your new place and your new yarn wall. Your headboard looks awesome too. Watched your live the other day ...good to know your back in the groove of doing lives again. Take care. See you in your lives Jennifer
    Reply
  31. Finding just the "right" things to say is hard here....just know we all think the world of you whatever you choose to do. I am always shouting out your designs on my podcast/channel because I'm super obsessed with your beautiful designs! Just heading to purchase a few more because I love helping out small business woman and YOU GO GIRL!! Love that you are willing to share a small piece of yourself, your crafts, your life but most of all your true heart! Can't wait to see what 2022 has in store for you and your business. Hugs Ashlea, my Fibre friend, Barb Ward Turcotte on Facebook or Knotty yarnies on ravelry, instagram and YouTube. You keep doing and being you because that's exactly what we look forward to.
    Reply
  33. Ashlea, I'm sorry all of you had to go through this, I know it isn't easy. I'm glad you are getting to a good place, you are an amazing person. I don't even crochet, but I love seeing you blossom with this wonderful page you've recreated! Still miss seeing your face in the 'ville. Hugs and much love to you guys. ❤
    Reply
  34. Positive thoughts coming your way. Love your new place. Yarn is calming and an excellent stress reliever. My best to you as you find your new normal.
    Reply
  35. Ashlea, I am so excited for your future. You have created a wonderful, peaceful environment for you and the boys. I am so glad you have been focused on your peace and pray that you continue to find it. We continue to benefit from your creativity and positivity!
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  36. We have missed you but understand. New normals are hard but soon y’all will be in the groove. I can’t believe the boys are both teenagers now. how did that happen. I can’t wait to see you live on the page more now and just know how much love is coming from us all. Big hugs to you.
    Reply
  37. Love your new space,especially the plants and the yarn wall. Love all your patterns and hearing about you and your family.
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  38. Ashlea you were raised by a strong mother and a loving Papa. You have grown-up to have a beautiful soul and heart. I love how you think of something and run with it. I see with the boys they have taken after you with learning how to live outside the box. I have watched Paul be a hands on Dad. I love you and pray that God continues to bless you and the boys. Love so much Aunt Sandy
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  39. Ashlea, you are an amazing and talented young woman! I am sorry you are having to go thru this, but it sounds like you are on the mending side :) You have strong support from your family and friends-and that is what sees up thru hard times! May the Lord continue to give you wisdom and comfort. Thank you for your beautiful patterns!! Bunzie
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  40. Ashlea, I'm so glad you are settling in, in your new place, it looks great! Change is never easy but it looks like you are adjusting very well. Excited to see your live!
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  41. You have a very large support system Always look forward to your LIVES and new patterns to make GREAT BIG HUGE HUGS
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  42. I’m sorry to hear about your divorce. Having been through one myself, I know hard difficult it is (even when it isn’t contentious). You are loved by so many that you’ve never met. Just know you have a large sisterhood of women supporting you:). There may be some men too
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  43. Am sorry to hear your news but it sounds as though you’re all doing well. I look forward to seeing your new projects and send lots of love across the pond xxx
    Reply
  44. Things happen and times change. If you are okay with your changes then that’s what matters. You have to do life the way you see fit. I always look forward to your patterns, lives, and post. I’ve been in the group almost as long as you’ve had it and I learn something new or see something new every day. Keep up the fun and great work. Here’s to hoping great things for you and your new start.
    Reply
  45. Best of luck to you! Love watching, also have bought several of your patterns. You are a strong young lady and will be fine!
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  47. Best of luck to you and your family as you negotiate your new normal. As you know, yarn can be such a calming factor as we traverse some of life's crazy turns. And, it can sometimes be one of the only constants...never judgmental, always ready to provide you with minutes or hours of comfort. Looking forward to the wonderful projects you come up with next!!
    Reply