Our Story
Originally, I started selling paper bead bracelets and clay/stone earrings on Etsy so that I could donate to World Vision.
As time and my knitting skills progressed, people kept telling me I should sell my knits. Festivals, craft fairs, and markets were my happy place, so naturally I dreamed of one day joining them.
All this creative energy, along with the Pinterest hype, led to what I think of as every millennial’s early twenties phase: the blog. I loved baking cookies at the time and cheering others up. I kept thinking, “what’s better than being passed a plate of cookies?” and that’s where I came up with {Pass the Smiles}.
From local high school craft shows to fiber festivals, I’m knitting and dyeing away to make my dreams come true! They’ve evolved to include a brick and mortar store or mini farm someday in the future.
When I say “our story” it’s because I have been so lovingly supported by my partner. Not only does he works behind the scenes helping with packing and unloading the van, setting up and breaking down at markets, he is also front and center wearing the crown when I step away, pushing me to take new risks, bringing in sales, and also helps keep me sane.
Meet the Artist
Hi and welcome! My name is Avrielle. I learned to crochet when I was in 5th or 6th grade with my Girl Scout troop. Then I took a knitting class at church a year or so afterwards. I stuck to giant needles, chunky yarn, and garter stitch all the way through late high school.
It wasn’t until I wanted to make The Wooly Mammoth Manly Scarf #2 Pattern by Luise O’Neill that I learned about the stockinette stitch and how to read a pattern! Mid-college, I started experimenting more with patterns, knitting in the round, crocheting afghans etc. I realized that I was mediocre at both and was at a crossroads-I decided to pick a craft and hone in on it.
The potential to make classic sweaters and socks drew me to knitting. So here I am, 10 years later knitting, dyeing yarn, writing patterns, vending at markets, and hopefully teaching classes soon!
Outside of the fiber world, I enjoy traveling new places with my partner in food! Cooking, gardening, walking through historic neighborhoods with my dog Cocoa, and lounging around with my cat JJ are other favorite pastimes.
Want to know more? Follow along on our journey or reach out!