Threading Comfort on a Tuesday: A Diary from the Wondering.Waves Studio
Finding My Rhythm: Why Tuesdays Matter
There’s something about Tuesdays that feels quietly powerful in my world. Maybe it’s the way the week has just begun to unfold, or maybe it’s the gentle nudge of routine—reminding me that even in the middle of change, there’s always a thread of comfort to hold onto.
Finding a moment of calm in the middle of a busy week—a cozy chair, a favorite blanket, hot coffee, and the endless inspiration of the ocean. Wherever military life takes us, comfort and creativity are always within reach.
Yesterday was one of those Tuesdays that started with big plans and ended with a gentle reminder that life, especially as a military spouse and creative, is never perfectly predictable. I want to share what that looked like for me—what I finished, what I learned, and the small rituals that keep me anchored, even when my energy doesn’t match my ambition.
If you’re new to Wondering.Waves, welcome! I’m Latosha, a military spouse, crocheter, and community builder. My mission is to help military families find comfort and connection—wherever the winds (or orders) may take us. Tuesdays are my sacred space for creative comfort, and today, I’m inviting you behind the scenes.
The Plan: Ambition Meets Reality
I woke up Tuesday with a clear list in my head. The Army Doll needed finishing touches and careful packing; it was due to ship out first thing Wednesday morning. I’d mapped out a creative sprint for the day: blueprinting several custom orders (a Key Chain Cow, Review Mirror Plants, and some wristlets), and then—if I could keep momentum—starting the written design for my new Roses Pattern, a project I’m especially excited to share soon.
The reality? Well, it didn’t go exactly as planned.
The Joy of Finishing: Sending Off the Army Doll
Let’s start with the win: I finished the Army Doll. There’s a deep satisfaction in weaving the last strand, tying off that final knot, and giving the finished piece one last loving inspection. This doll was a custom order—carefully matched skin and hair tones, a uniform tailored to the smallest detail, and a special patch requested by the customer.
As I packed her up, I thought about the journey she’d make—from my hands in Texas to a new home, carrying a little piece of comfort and connection for another military family. I tucked in a handwritten note (one of my favorite rituals), added a few branded extras, and sealed the box with a quiet sense of pride.
This is why I do what I do. Every doll is a story, a bridge across distance, and a tangible reminder that someone cares.
Creative Plans and New Projects: Blueprints in the Making
With the Army Doll ready to go, I turned my attention to the next wave of custom orders. There’s something energizing about sketching out blueprints for new projects. Each one is a puzzle: What colors will bring this Key Chain Cow to life? How can I make these Review Mirror Plants both adorable and sturdy? What textures and closures will make these wristlets as functional as they are beautiful?
I love this stage. It’s all possibility and play—pulling yarn from my stash, making little swatches, jotting notes in my project journal. Sometimes, I’ll snap a photo and share it on Instagram, inviting my community to weigh in on color combos or design tweaks. (Yesterday, I realized how much I crave that feedback loop—it turns solo crafting into a shared adventure.)
And then there’s the Roses Pattern. This one feels special, maybe because it’s the first in a new line of patterns I’ll be selling. Writing a paper design is both technical and creative: I want every step to be clear, every stitch to feel like an invitation. My goal is to make this pattern accessible, beautiful, and true to the Wondering.Waves style—gentle, encouraging, and a little bit magical.
When Plans Shift: The Power of Rest
Here’s where the day took a turn. I had every intention of powering through my list, but by early afternoon, a wave of exhaustion hit. Not the kind you can push through with another cup of coffee—the kind that says, “Hey, your body needs a break.”
So, I listened. I curled up for a nap, letting go of the guilt that so often comes with slowing down. It was a bummer to lose that creative time, but I’m learning (slowly, stubbornly) that rest is just as important as the work itself. In the end, I still count it as a good day—because honoring my limits is part of building a sustainable creative life.
If you’re reading this and feeling frustrated by your own energy dips, I see you. Rest is productive. Your projects will wait, and your creativity will thank you for a little extra care.
Community Connection: Hanging Out with Sophie and Taking On a New Challenge
One of the highlights of my Tuesday was joining Sophie’s live stream. There’s something so nourishing about crafting alongside others, even virtually. We laughed, shared tips, and reminded each other that the journey is just as important as the destination.
But I’m also challenging myself in a new way: I’ve set a goal to reply to 10 other people across all my platforms every day. It’s a massive undertaking—so much bigger than I expected! But the connections I’m making are worth every minute. Each comment, each DM, is a chance to lift someone up, to share a little encouragement, or to celebrate a fellow creator’s win.
Is it sustainable long-term? I’m not sure yet. But for now, I’m leaning into the challenge and letting it stretch me. If you’re a creator, you know how easy it is to get stuck in your own lane. Reaching out, even just to say “I see you,” makes the creative world feel a little smaller and a lot more supportive.
Rituals for Creative Comfort: My “Productive Peace” Philosophy
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a military spouse and maker, it’s that comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s why I build small rituals into every Tuesday (and honestly, every day I can).
Productive Peace
This is my go-to: I make a mug of hot chocolate or coffee, find the coziest chair in the house, and set a timer for 15 minutes. I don’t worry about finishing a project or hitting a milestone. Instead, I focus on the peaceful rhythm of the hook, letting my mind wander and my hands move without pressure.
It’s not about productivity in the traditional sense. It’s about honoring the process, finding joy in the moment, and giving myself permission to just be.
My Signature Stitch: Yarn Under, Yarn Over
For my fellow amigurumi makers, here’s a tip that changed my crochet game: the “Yarn Under, Yarn Over” stitch. Inspired by Japanese techniques, this method gives my dolls a tighter, smoother finish. It’s a little detail, but it makes all the difference—especially when you want your creations to last through years of love and adventure.
If you want to try it, I’ll be sharing a step-by-step tutorial soon. (And if you have your own signature stitch, I’d love to hear about it!)
Portable Creativity
One of my favorite habits is taking my crochet projects out into the world. Whether it’s a local café, a park bench, or even a waiting room, working in a new environment sparks fresh ideas—and sometimes, unexpected connections. I’ve met fellow military spouses, curious kids, and even a few future customers just by pulling out my yarn in public.
If you’re feeling stuck or lonely in your creative practice, try taking it on the road. You never know who you’ll meet or what inspiration will strike.
The Wondering.Waves Community: Why We Show Up
Wondering.Waves isn’t just about crochet—it’s about building a community of comfort, resilience, and generosity. Every time I share a project, a story, or a little behind-the-scenes peek, I’m reminded that I’m not alone. There are so many of us navigating this wild, beautiful military life—finding ways to create home, wherever we land.
Yesterday, as I scrolled through comments and DMs, I felt that sense of connection so strongly. Some days, it’s just a quick “love this!” or a heart emoji. Other days, it’s a long message from someone who’s been where I am—a fellow spouse, a new crafter, a friend I haven’t met yet.
Those moments matter. They’re the stitches that hold this community together.
Lessons from a Not-So-Perfect Tuesday
So, what did I learn from this Tuesday?
Progress isn’t always linear. Some days you finish a big project; some days you rest more than you planned. Both are necessary.
Community makes everything better. Whether it’s a live stream, a comment, or a quick DM, connection fuels creativity.
Small rituals build resilience. A cup of cocoa, a favorite chair, a mindful 15 minutes—these are the things that keep me grounded.
It’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s design advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear, you don’t have to go it alone.
A Note to You: Join the Conversation
If you’re reading this, I hope you feel seen and encouraged. Military life (and creative life) can be unpredictable, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
What are your comfort rituals?
Do you have a favorite project or a tip for adding special touches to your crochet?
How do you balance connection and creative goals?
Share your stories in the comments or tag @Wondering.Waves on Instagram or TikTok. I’d love to feature your creations or rituals in an upcoming post. And if you ever need a little encouragement, know that this community is here for you.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Wondering.Waves
Today, I’m blueprinting new custom orders—Key Chain Cows, Review Mirror Plants, wristlets—and diving into the next step of my Roses Pattern design. I’m excited to keep building, keep connecting, and keep finding comfort in the creative process.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to more Tuesdays filled with comfort, connection, and a little bit of “productive peace.”
With warmth and gratitude,
Wondering.Waves