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New Forever Space (Life Updates)

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Exactly three years ago today I shared a major life update with you. It just so happens that today I am back with fresh updates that are both grounding and exhilarating. Grab a beverage and cozy up and check out my NEW “forever” space. 💖

Tan and brown kitchen setting with chrome appliances.

Heart Hook Home’s “Forever” Space

As a kid my family moved a lot. By the time of my divorce three years ago, I had lived at over two dozen addresses. While I certainly value some of the experiences that gave me, I was also tired of moving. Up until a few years ago, I had hoped that the home I purchased in 2012 with my ex (my first home) would be my forever home.

For the first time in my life I experienced the grounding feeling of having my very own plot of land and the house that sat upon it. And then with my divorce, suddenly I didn’t.

As I shared previously, three years ago I boxed up my entire life and moved into a 2-bedroom apartment with my boys. For the first time since they were toddlers, my boys shared a room. As 12 year-old and 14 year-old boys, and after years of having their own separate spaces, merging them into one was a massive adjustment to say the least.

Three+ years ago I had a large office area with plenty of room to spread out. I posted about it at the time the room was finished and it truly was a lovely, happy space. I hosted lots of live videos because it was easy for me to do so. I knew (for the most part) exactly where things were and if I had a wild hair to work with a certain yarn or tool I could find it relatively quickly.

I feel like I’ve been working out of a suitcase for the last 36 months. 😣

At times throughout the last 3 years, I have felt frustrated with the amount of content I’ve been able to create. I didn’t get to do all of the garment designs, live videos, patterns, and tutorials for Heart Hook Home that I had hoped. There were many ideas that just fell to the wayside because I didn’t have the time, the resources, or access to my supplies to get it done. I hope that you have not experienced that frustration as well.

In the apartment I used the dining area and living room as my “office” and I recorded my YouTube videos on the kitchen counter. A stark contrast to the large studio office I had just left. Needless to say it took us all time to adjust to living in such close proximity to each other.

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.

To be fair, the apartment life gave me a sense of independence that I needed as a stepping stone and at the end of the day I think we all learned a lot from the experience. I am still astounded that the 18 months we spent there flew by as fast as they did.

The apartment life served its purpose while the dust from my divorce settled, but I was ready to find a place with more room and a backyard. So, I found a home for rent that would give each person their own bedroom and allow me to have a small office as well as a yard for my rescue dog Cher to run and play.

Small Brown dog.

My office there was barely big enough to set up my desk and have a few spaces for yarn storage let alone to give all of my supplies a permanent home. I could have used twice the space 🙃 and I’m about to get it! 

Home area with yarn, crochet examples, and plants

That rental did us great for a while but I still yearned for my own home. To have my own space again. And today I want to share with you MY new space! 🍾 After moving three times in three years, I am SO EXCITED to share my NEW forever space with you.

I have found the perfect home in the perfect location with the perfect number of bedrooms, the perfect layout, the perfect basement, the perfect kitchen (I’ve told anyone and everyone that I’d take a photo of a crochet project in this kitchen ANY day! 😂), and what will be the PERFECT office/studio space for Heart Hook Home.

The most exciting thing about this home (for me at least 😆) is that it has a brand new, detached garage that will be finished to create an office studio space for Heart Hook Home. Hellooooooo creativity! Welcome back efficiency! We’re BACK, baby!

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I can not wait to have all of my supplies at my fingertips again. A permanent station for shooting YouTube videos. A permanent location for taking photos of blankets, pillows, or other household items. A permanent location for hosting live videos. A permanent location for photography that is always set up and ready to go. A permanent location for my desk, computer, printer, and file cabinet.

Tall blue-gray shed with white trim and filled with odds and ends.

This new permanent space is going to be bigger and BETTER than my old awesome office, and I can not wait!! Right now it’s full of office/studio storage. There are bags and bags of yarn, craft supplies, and office furniture.

I plan to remove the garage door and add French Doors with lots of windows instead. Then we’ll insulate it and add sheetrock, trim and paint, etc. I can not wait to grab my morning coffee and walk across the backyard to settle in with my work. It will be the most glorious studio ever!

The contractor is getting a list of options for various materials, and quotes etc this week and work should begin soon.

I’ll share the finished studio when it’s all finished. Stay tuned!

There is also a lovely stone fire pit with beautiful landscaping where I plan to take all of my outdoor photography.

Stone outdoor fire pit on a concrete patio surrounded by various trees and wood lounge chairs.

Stone outdoor fire pit on a concrete patio surrounded by various trees and wood lounge chairs.

Back of a blue colorway example of a Blanche V-Neck Sweater crochet pattern on a female wearing blue jeans in a backyard setting.

There is a gorgeous pool – that I personally only plan to use while floating on my new ginormous crocheting island fortress with hook in hand.

Inground pool in a backyard setting with a concrete patio.

Inground pool in a backyard setting with a concrete patio.

There are so many things about this home that I absolutely love. As I said it was beautifully redone and I would have chosen the same tiles, flooring, the same light fixtures, the same paint colors, all of it.

I am, of course, still settling in and rearranging furniture, finding the best places for my plants, and watching the dogs get comfortable with their new space and the routines of our neighbors etc.

This December I will celebrate another anniversary with my partner, Kelly. He is the most supportive and observant man I’ve ever known. I feel seen, appreciated, taken care of, and loved. Life is GOOD friends, and I am so proud of myself and my boys, and I could not have done it without you.

Can’t wait to crochet ALL THE THINGS in this new space. ♥

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45 Comments

  1. Ashley, I am so happy for you and the boys and your bubbly attitude toward everything. I’ve watched you before and after The divorce and I hope your son is doing good. I’m happy for you. You found someone that you care about. I’m glad you got a house. I’ve gotten some of your patterns. I just I’m 84 and it’s hard right now because I have a thing called essential tremors and it makes it kinda hard to crochet, but I still do it. Take care. Love you
  2. You have always been such an inspiration! I do love to see strong and determined women today who've chosen to stand up and fight for her independence to be free and of her own will in life! You are truly a great encouragement! I'm a housewife of 28 years and I also suffer a lot of disabilities that have kept me from traditional workforce. I do however have a small dream of an Etsy shop with my finished work to generate an income no matter big or small, but I'm also very fearful of that as well. I'm not quite as fast at my work than others. It's really tough living on a single income, my husband and I. But I have followed you on all social networks for many many years and I just adore you and your talent, whether in the world we love (yarn), or your shares about family life and cooking recipes etc. Once more, I applaud you and wish you the absolute very best in your newest adventure! Congratulations!
  3. Congratulations, Ashlea! I can't imagine the RELIEF of having a new, forever home. I'm looking forward to all the incredible things coming from HHH. The sky is the limit! ❤️
  4. I am so very happy for you and your children. I'm sure you're happiness trickles down to them - and to finally have their own rooms again! That was a really difficult age for them to merge - just when they really want their own space and privacy. I wish you the best and congratulations on moving forward after your divorce. I know how difficult it can be.
  5. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos. I hope uou are able to create many happy memories in your new home.
  6. All I can say is, Congratulations!! I am truly soo very happy for you & your family! Having a space to call your own and beautiful to boot, is such a blessing! Wishing you many days filled with lots of joy & creativity!!
  7. So pleased for you Ashley. Happy forever new home to you and your boys, happy new sudio, happy new life. Sending you love and good wishes. x
  8. Congratulations Ashlea on your new beautiful home. Can’t wait to see you get all settled in and doing what you love. You are an amazing woman and are great at sharing your knowledge of crochet with others! You go girl!!!
  9. I wish you all the best in your new home with your boys. It sounds like your life is settling in positively since your divorce (divorce is hard - you find out who your friends are). It's a new and exciting chapter. Cheers!
  10. Congratulations Ashlea! I am so happy for you and your boys. What a beautiful home. And to have found a wonderful man to share it with and love you. What a blessing.
    1. Awesome!! So happy for you and your boys. I plan on retiring soon, and will be downsizing into my "until I RIP" home. One of the priorities for me is having a bedroom / bonus space for a craft/sewing room, and I want my yarn on display as backdrop! TBH - I'm a bit of a yarn hoarder...my kids and hubs say I have a problem. Oh well, there are much worse things to be addicted to.
  11. Looks like a beautiful place! I'm so happy for you! I didn't know your story. We all have one. I guess that's what makes us interesting. God always has a plan! I live in New Brunswick Canada. (just thought you might like to know) I've been a foster mom for more than 60 children. I know the intense heartbreak some people go through. You take care, and thanks for sharing!
  12. Your house is beautiful, Ashlea! May you have awesome years and years there with the kids and with Kelly.
  13. Soooo happy and excited for you, Ashlea!! You and your blog, patterns, podcast, everything you put out there, have brought me so much fun and happiness, and taught me so much over the years! I always look forward to your emails! I know you don’t know me, but I feel as if I’ve gotten to know you through your blog, and I think you are an amazing mom, friend, designer, person in general! You SO deserve this amazing new forever home! Thanks so much for sharing with all of us! Can’t wait to see your completed studio! Best of luck with all of the unpacking and organizing!
  14. Que felicidad, me alegro muchísimo por tí y tus hijos, estaremos atentos a ver todos tus cambios poco a poco, seguro lo disfrutaré y te agradezco compartas con nosotros, además de todo lo bello que compartes y nos enseñas cada dia. Lo haces divinamente. Nunca borro tus correos todo lo que nos envias y enseñas me parece muy util y muchas cosas las he aprendido contigo. Eres muy especial y te mereces todo lo mejor. Gracias, gracias. Gracias a la vida te premia como te lo mereces. Desde Colombia un Abrazote grande y muy cariñoso.
  15. Hi Ashlea, thanks for sharing. Enjoy your patterns & videos, wonderful creations. Can certainly understand all the frustrations you have been thru. So happy for you, finding your supportive friend, a new space for you & your boys. May God continue to bless you all with love, joy, & peace❤️
  16. Chère Dame, Je suis abonnée et vous suis assez régulièrement dans vos tutos, nouvelles etc. Comme il est agréable de vous lire si heureuse et enthousiasme dans votre nouveau chez-vous...Comme plusieurs dans votre situtation, c'est mille fois mérités... Je vous souhaites tout le bonheur possible et d'être très heureuse dans votre bureau/atelier... J'ai hâte de voir les photos...et votre cuisine est magnifique... Bonne chance et tout le Bonheur que vous méritez... Lisette L
  17. Congratulations Ashlea! Owning your own place, especially as a woman, is such an amazing, empowering feeling. Can't wait to see the studio/office.
  18. Congratulations and all the very best in Your new beautiful "Happy Place"! Thanks so much for sharing Your life with us! Big Hugs Liz
  19. Congratulations!! You deserve nothing but the best! I'm proud of you and all that you've accomplished. Don't ever look back thinking about the things you think you should have done or could have done if things had been different. You are right where you should be, doing exactly what you should be doing. Thank you for all you do for all of us! Keep up the great work!!
  20. Ashlea, I so identify and encourage you in your brave walk through this heartbreaking world. I know I could never have survived without the loving gift of the Holy Spirit and the kind support of loving people like you who give even when you feel broken hearted. I have followed you for years and will follow you until my follower gets broke, always praying for you to have strength, hope, and love. Always love. Tiana
  21. Congratulations!!!! Your new home is beautiful!!! I can't wait to see your new studio/office all finished, It will a great place to create and share all of your ideas. Peace. DS
  22. Ashlea, I am so proud of all you have accomplished and I'm not just talking about your crochet! I have followed and purchased patterns for a long while now. I believe you are an amazing women and mother, because it truly takes strength and courage to make a fresh start for you, your boys and fur babies. I am so thankful that you have found a wonderful partner in Kelly that loves and supports you in who you are. Congratulations and can hardly wait to see your new office and studio! Oh, one more thing, I love your kitchen!!!
  23. Congratulations! I love all of the photos you posted, but, I really LOVE that gas range! My favorite cooking method. So looking forward to see the videos coming from your kitchen. Enjoy your new surroundings and I wish you only the best for the future!
  24. Very happy that you are so happy in your new space. It looks lovely ! I hope you enjoy it all for a very long time. And I look forward to seeing your finished "crochet space". Take care (and keep up the good work).
  25. Congratulations on your beautiful new home and creative work space. Keep us posted on developments as they roll out. Absolutely delighted for you!
  26. I am so happy for you and your boys and dogs :) to have a new perfect home. It must have been difficult for such a creative person like you to work in a small space, but I don't think it had any negative impact on your great patterns, and you were still able to come up with an interesting idea of staying in touch - shared walks, quizes etc. Your creativity is amazing.
  27. I’m not very talkative, unless I’m face to face really. Even then it’s becoming more difficult. I used to be a very gregarious introvert. Now after too many health issues and a transplant, I’m very much just an introvert. However, I couldn’t help but respond to your post today. I’m so glad you have found your forever home! I’ve never had that either, being a USAF pilot’s kid (3 states 3 schools 5th grade!!), then married into the USAF, being part of a nomadic NA tribe, I’ve lived in 11 states, been to all but Alaska, and I think this is my 57th(?) address. I just turned 59. It’s chaotic, yarn is ALWAYS the first thing packed (you can vacuum it down to so much smaller!!), then go from there. It winnows down your life to the essentials. Be happy and THRIVE!!
  28. Ashlea - you go girl! So happy for you and look forward to your creative journey! I have the same T-Shirt a few times, not easy.............NEVER SETTLE!!
  29. Yay! I'm so happy for you, Ashlea! As someone who has also been through a divorce with teenagers and am now happily remarried with a very supportive partner - I congratulate you! So difficult but so worth it when you can look back at all you've survived. ♥️
  30. congratulations on your new home. I do understand that need for roots. I was a military child and wife for the first 40 years of my life. My 2nd marriage brought me to a permanent home. After my husband passed, I again moved 3 times to different apartments which I hated. I finally moved into my forever home a couple years ago but space for my crochet is non existant. My family built me a tiny house in my sister's back yard. I am a short walk away from visiting with her or to do my laundry. I also purchased an 8' x 10' storage shed for my yarn and other crafting supplies. I again have my roots
  31. Ashley, I am thrilled for you and your boys. your home sounds wonderful and I am looking forward to your studio. Every happiness and continued success to you!!!
  32. Ashley, I am so happy for you! You sound good and settled, like you are at home in your own skin. I’m thrilled for you and I can’t wait to see what you do with your studio. It looks like it’s going to be great! Adrian
  33. This story was so beautiful and I'm over the moon proud of you for weathering storms and finally getting your permanent forever home for you and your family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ God was with you through it all and thank you for sharing your life with all of us. You are a very special and wonderful woman and we can't wait to see your progression.
  34. Congratulations! I can't wait to see your new space and more of your great designs. I am so happy for you and you new chapter!
  35. Ashlea, I am so proud of you! You are one amazing young lady. I'm proud to call you my niece!! I hope your life will be everything you want it to be. I'm glad you found your happy place. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you. Love Aunt Sandy❤️❤️.
  36. Congratulations on your new home Ashlea! What an exciting time for you and your sons. You’ve gone through a lot of changes and have come through it stronger. As someone once said to me, the best is yet to come!! Looking forward to seeing your future creative space.
  37. I’m so happy for you. I expect your creativity to flourish! My favorite is the pool. I grew up with a pool and I miss having one. Enjoy!
  38. That is a beautiful home! I am so happy for you & even though I’m not your mom, I am a mom & I am so proud of you for all that you have come through & all of the things you have conquered & accomplished! Keep on hitting it out if the park! You are a spot of sunshine in my life & your patterns are amazing! Thank you for all you for us cricketers!
  39. I could not be happier for you. I know things have been difficult for you and your boys, but the new adventures in this home will make the past three seem like a second in time. Congratulations I can’t wait to see the new office. Beautiful back yard! Wishing you the best always!