From Mountains to Mindful Making: Autumn Inspiration from Tennessee’s Trails and Smoky Mountain Views

This month, I’ve been thinking about how much inspiration a simple walk can bring. Just a couple of days ago, I returned from a short trip to Tennessee, wandering the trails and soaking in the Smoky Mountains. The trees were glowing in golds and the most striking reds. The air was soft and crisp, and everything felt quietly alive. I took a few pictures to remember the colors, the light, and the calm.

Even though I’m just back home, I keep imagining how those autumn shades might translate into my crochet work: warm terracotta, honey gold, deep evergreen... I can see small, cozy projects forming in my mind, each stitch carrying a bit of that peacefulness.

I’ve been dreaming of settling in with something simple in the evenings, maybe a mug cozy, a tiny scrunchie, or a little square to play with color. The projects themselves don’t matter. It’s the quiet, the act of making, and the gentle presence of my hands and mind in the moment that matters.

Autumn is my favorite time of year. It slows things down and invites me to notice the little shifts like the light on the trees and the feel of the soft, cool breeze as it calls for warmer layers. I will never get tired of the way a color can make you pause and take a deep breath.

I’m looking forward to using my Crochet Planner & Tracking Guide to capture these moments, jotting down color palettes inspired by the trip, small project ideas, and the little insights that come while I stitch. It’s a simple way to carry that mindful, autumn energy into my everyday making.

What about you? Are there colors, textures, or small projects calling to you this season? Share in the comments. I love seeing what other creators are noticing and making.