Happy Granny Square Day! | August 15th 2022

Happy Granny Square day to all the yarnies in the world. This is my first time participating in this event. I decided to create an impromptu video about how my grandmother taught me the granny square. You can also crochet along with me if you like. Be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel if you have not already done so! My granny square story is right here.

For more information about Granny Square Day you can read this article by Gathered. Then, be sure to show off your granny squares on Instagram with the hashtag #grannysquareday2022.

Love, Ren
 

Renaissance Marie Austin | Accepting a New Job Offer and a New Me | Time of Transition

You should know that I was THAT girl who believed I could never be gutsy enough to cut my hair all off. For those of you who are used to wearing short hair all the time, this is perhaps a style preference. 

For me, it is not and it is no secret I started the year with a strong intent to heal from all of my trauma. I have been doing well, working hard to stay focused and the blessings have been more than I could have imagined! That includes the new job offer I accepted which puts me in a transitional state again. 

Part of that transition is the lesson I learned just a couple of days ago when the high stress points of my head went haywire. I have always had issues with thinning and thickening at times, depending on my stress levels, which I try hard to balance due to a chemical imbalance. My gut urged me to just chop it all off and to my surprise I was ready, willing, and excited about this! 

My brother was not, and suggested I try to restore my hair but there was no saving it. The water out in the desert literally ruined my hair making it crunchy and dry. Much of it had snapped unevenly. I had already cut 3 inches off in June but still. 

Finally he got his clippers and began shaving, and what a feeling of freedom. With each pass the stress left me more and more. Then I chuckled and said I look like Nia Long. She's always been my girl crush. Lol. By the end I was looking at a person I never thought I would see and I felt amazing.

My most recent lesson during this transition is this: Life and death cannot dwell and function successfully together. My living body stressed out and yelled at me to pull the plug on hair that was on its death bed. I released to began renewal and restoration!  This is not just about hair though, right? I let go of the last 2 years, the desert and its bad water and dry wind. I closed a final chapter to make room for the start of a new one. For change, growth and preparation for what's to come. 

For me, the head chakra is the most important. Life and health should dwell there both physically and mentally.

After cutting my hair, I ran across a You Tube short of Doja Cat talking about why she shaved her hair off. What she said about the gym, the braids, the wig cap, the wig, the beanie, all of these efforts just to look nice while working out hit home. We as women, do so much sometimes to stay on point, while men do not have to do so much in regards to their hair. I sense that as the world continues to change and constructs are broken, more of us will continue to become free and empowered. I feel amazing and like a queen.

Love, Ren

Raghouse International Knitwear | Gets Lucky with Lucky Daye's New Music Video "Over"

One belief I have held on to for over a decade now is, live your life, plant your seeds always, and watch the harvest appear in its time. 

Thank you to my brother, Cornelio Austin, for 'i spying' my apple green crochet Chained Elements design in the new Lucky Daye music video "Over". I love the song and I love the video. 

Stylist Alexander-Julian Gibbson did an amazing job with all the looks within this visual presentation and I am glad to be a part of one of them. 

For all crocheters the pattern for the Chained Elements design can be purchased by clicking the Patterns Banner! This pattern is drafted for sizes 0 - 16. Not only that, I am so happy I am not the only one to think of putting this piece on a male. Many years ago when I was part of the Fashion Collection at Icis in Glendale, California I was glad to style this piece on a male model for a fashion we organized. 

Check out the look below:

Then head over to You Tube and watch the video. It's cool. I promise. 

Here are a few photos of the original samples. 

Love, 

Ren

Raghouse International Knitwear | Birthday Celebrations! I Finally Made it to the Crochet Museum in Joshua Tree, California | Renaissance Marie Austin

Hi Guys! This year, in 2021, my twin and I celebrated our 42nd birthday by taking a day trip to Joshua Tree, California of which we do not live far from. I must say it was an amazing day and we got quite a bit done in a short time! We went to Pioneer Town,

Raghouse International Knitwear | Beyonce's Black is King Exhibits Amazing Knitwear Design

I have to admit that I am not a part of the Beyhive. It is Billie Eilish who owns me and has taken over my life. So much so I do not know how I'm a productive adult even. However, I will say, finally seeing Black is King was life changing for me on so many levels. In this article I will simple talk about a few looks that captivated me. 

Raghouse International Knitwear | Harry Styles Sports A Crochet Top in his "Watermelon Sugar" Music Video and it's a Win

20 years ago when I started my business as a young entrepreneur I was confronted with confused, embarrassed, or non-interested facial expressions when it came to crochet.