If you stop by our office, you probably know me as the first face you see when you walk through the door OR as the person behind many of Impel's organic social media posts. In my role as Director of First Impressions, I have the opportunity to connect with people in many different ways. Whether I'm greeting clients for meetings or drop-ins, sharing updates on social media, or sending our weekly emails, my goal is to help make every interaction with Impel a positive one.
Outside of work, though, I have quite a few hobbies, but you'll usually find me with a crochet hook in my hand.
People are sometimes surprised to hear that crocheting is one of my favorite things to do. I think a lot of people picture something old-fashioned or something their grandmother used to do. While it's true that crochet has been around for a very long time, that's one of the things I love most about it. Many of the classic patterns have stood the test of time, but today's crochet community has also embraced modern colors, fresh designs, and incredible creativity. It's amazing to see how a centuries-old craft continues to evolve.
My love for crochet started long before I ever picked up a hook.
As a little girl, I remember sitting and watching my great-aunt Bunny (Carolyn) crochet. I was completely fascinated by how a simple strand of yarn could become something so beautiful. Unfortunately, she passed away before I had the chance to have her teach me. I’d like to think I’m skilled, but there’s no way I’m at an expert level like she was. The speed and ease at which she whipped through stitches mesmerized me. It was elegant. I don’t remember her looking down much either, so I’m not sure how she was watching a show or movie and counting. I’m jealous of that skill. With me, there’s a lot of pausing/rewinding….
Years later, I decided I wasn't going to let that curiosity fade. With the help of countless YouTube tutorials, plenty of trial and error, and more than a few tangled skeins of yarn, sometimes thrown across the room in a fit of rage, I taught myself how to crochet.
Now, it's become one of my favorite ways to unwind.
Crochet gives me a chance to slow down. Whether in between loads of laundry, watching my favorite shows, or cheering on Drew at Little League, it's something I can do almost anywhere. The repetitive motion is calming, and there's something incredibly satisfying about watching a project come together one stitch at a time.
Honestly, my favorite part isn't making things. It's giving them away.
There's something special about creating something by hand for someone you care about. Over the years, I've made blankets for each of my nieces and nephews, and of course for my own children. Every blanket carries memories of the hours spent making it and the excitement of giving it to someone I love.
Most recently, I had the privilege of making a baby blanket for Jesse and Rachel's first grandbaby, Sonny. Baby blankets are always among my favorite projects because they often become keepsakes, or something a family may tuck away for years before passing it along to the next generation. Knowing something I created might become part of a family's story is incredibly meaningful.
Crochet also reminds me that not everything worthwhile happens quickly.
Every project usually starts with a chain and a single stitch. There are mistakes to fix, patterns to learn, and times when progress feels slow. But with patience and consistency, something beautiful eventually takes shape.
I'm grateful that a hobby born from childhood memories has become something that brings me peace, keeps me learning, and gives me the opportunity to create gifts that will hopefully be treasured for years to come.
I appreciate you allowing me to share a piece of myself outside of the office. Also, I put together a look at some of my favorite items made over the years😊 Humble brag.
Let me know what you think!
Holley Painter
Director of First Impressions and Social Media Coordinator
This one is mine. Hangs in the dining room
