Ideas and Inspiration

Have you ever been struck by an idea that you think is great but are slightly worried that others will think you have gone crazy? Sure you have, everyone has. A few months ago I had one of those ideas.

I noticed a trend on some of the crochet groups I follow on Facebook. People constantly complained that they had impulsed bought some yarn and now they no longer liked it. They were now in a situation where they had spent money on yarn and didn't know what to do with it. Which to be honest I can relate to. But then an idea struck.

Why not create a place where people could exchange yarn with other people? Just because one person doesn't like something it doesn't mean there isn't someone out there that does like it. This seemed like such an obvious idea that after some research I was astounded that no one had done it before!

At first I was a bit apprehensive about posting my idea on a really busy crochet group. I was terrified people would think I was crazy. But I did it anyway. I wrote a simple post asking if anyone would be interested in joining a group dedicated to swaps. I was overwhelmed by all the positive responses I received within the first few minutes. So much so that I got to creating the group straight away. By the end of that day it already had over 200 members and the first swaps were already taking place.

Over 1000 members at time of writing and growing!

The group has now been running for a few months with very few issues. I've certainly enjoyed my swaps as has everyone I have spoken to. The group seems to have developed a little community and the most frequent swappers know each other well.

Screenshot of the main page

Here are a few of the items made with yarn from swaps:

Emma Sweeney's Scarf

And this scarf by Sal Cousins

Finally Sarah Spurrier's blanket

The point of this post is to encourage you to put your ideas out there, no matter how ridiculous you think they are. You will have people that'll hate your idea and people who will be just as enthusiastic about it as you. But at the end of the day you may have a truly great idea and without putting it out there that is all it will ever be, just an idea. Ideas need people and criticism to grow. 

Next Monday I will share with you another innovative idea close to home that has been put out there for the internet to comment on. In the mean time tell us your great ideas in the comments!

Until the next time!