Check Out Rhesa Swanson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhesa Swanson. 

Hi Rhesa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Acorn Caps started because of my family. I had been knitting hats for shelters and community schools for a few years prior, but my oldest son was the one who changed the game. One day he was at school in 1st grade, and noticed a cold classmate. He climbed into the vehicle from dismissal on a mission. He announced his plan. He was dead set on picking out yarn in this child’s favorite color. He was so passionate and beautiful in his determination. I couldn’t crush his desire to secretly share. He found the most beautiful yarn that his teacher later told us matched the child’s favorite colors. I started to knit, and my son said, “If you knit for my class, I’ll read.” He’s always enjoyed reading, but it was him believing in helping others and wanting to contribute that made my heart so happy. My oldest is in 5th grade now and my youngest started kindergarten. They both enjoy picking out yarns that will be made into warm and cozy hats. They are patient with me as I use their heads as sizing tools for designing and knitting. All the hats I make and donate have been my own patterns. The first year of donating hats I bought yarn from money out of our grocery budget. After that, I started Acorn Acres Design, a teeny tiny side business of making items I would normally gift out to friends and family into a special-order business. I knit, crochet, leather work, laser engrave, 3d print. I don’t do many orders, but I enjoy knowing where the items are going and sharing pictures of the items being made. Lastly sharing pictures of where the money went. Into making hats for children in my community. I really want every child to feel warm and loved. To know that someone is cheering for them. A few times my kids have spotted hats I’ve created out in our community, they’ve gotten big smiles on their faces and said to the child, “That’s a cool hat!” Seeing the pride in that Child’s eyes for their hat was everything. Knitting hats is something I hope to do as long as I’m able. Recently I’ve been on a big push to set up Acorn Caps as a nonprofit. My kids named it by the way. Because Acorn Caps look like hats. My hope for Acorn Caps is to have a so many new, warm jackets, gloves, and handmade hats. That I can be a service for anyone in our community and eventually state who has a need. My kids and I are very excited to get it started. It is our goal for 2023. I took a part-time job after my youngest started kindergarten to save up for fees and professional assistance in making it happen. I can’t wait to share when it is all completed. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing motherhood, everyday obstacles, and remembering I am making a difference even if it feels small has been a constant. Each hat takes 8 hours to knit. But it’s important to remember that these are 8 uninterrupted hours. So, I keep a hat in a zip-top bag in my mom size tote bag with me always. I can knit in school carline; I can knit if I arrive to work 5 minutes early. It all counts, however small it’s making a difference. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of being a mom. My husband and I have two beautiful sons that want to also help their community. They have cheered me on and helped in small ways, like feeding the dog for me so I can keep knitting. Small gestures that are filled with love. Because of my family, we have been able to donate over 150 hats to my community of Durham and Hillsborough, N.C. With my family’s love and support, I believe we can expand Acorn Caps into a wonderful resource for jackets, gloves, and hats. Every year I donate the hats, taking them in and dropping them off is a highlight in my year. I don’t need to know where they go or who gets them. The thrill for me is that we are trying. In my own special way, I hope whoever receives that hat feels warm and loved. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If anyone is reading this and is excited to help their community, I say go for it. It’s okay that you don’t know what you are doing or that you feel overwhelmed. Just go for it. You can start by reaching out to anyone who has similar ideas and ask. I remember calling my library and asking if I could donate hats when they were doing a food drive one year because I didn’t have any idea where to donate. If anyone who crochets or knits and is excited to donate hats, I would love to accept their donations. My Instagram is acorn.acres.design and my website is www.acorncaps.org. I would be thrilled to have others donate hats to kids in our state. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.acorncaps.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acorn.acres.design/