Labor of Love

Sometimes, life sends you on a single journey, and other times, the path resembles a slip knot: a loop here, another there, an endless spiral of thread that pretzels together, forming a solid knot.

Cosetta Laws knows a bit about slip knots.

On YouTube, she hosts the popular Setta's Place, where crochet is interspersed with remnants of wisdom and love.

Laws visited Clearwater recently, as she weaves her way from her former Virginia home, en route to Alaska, where she will renew Haven of Grace, a nonprofit organization she started years ago, that assists imprisoned women as they re-enter society.

"I got a call from the Lord," Laws said. "Now I'm taking the next step. It's the journey, not the destination."

It was apparent as Laws settled in for a two-day visit with a loyal viewer, Elizabeth Odell of Clearwater.

It's been a trip filled with new experiences and stepping out of her comfort zone.

While driving between Lexington and Clearwater, she noticed what Nebraskans term the one-finger wave.

"Everyone has been welcoming," she said. "People have been awesome."

Odell invited Laws for a visit after following her trip to Alaska online.

"I thought I would make the offer," Odell said.

While visiting the Summerland area, Laws and Odell made soap, picked sweetcorn and visited Ashfall Fossil Beds near Royal.

"All part of the journey," Laws said.

She isn't on a time schedule, but her mission, once she arrives in Alaska, is clear.

"I want to open training centers to show others how to work with clients at Haven of Grace," Laws said.

Eventually, she would like to see a Haven of Grace chapter in every state.

It's all part of the journey.

Along the way, she's been filming and sharing parts of her trip to Alaska on her YouTube channel.

Since June 28, 2018, she's been showcasing her passion for crochet on the popular social media site. She's uploaded 366 videos, where she shows current projects.

A little Jesus, a lot of crochet.

"I incorporate God into what I'm doing," she said. "People enjoy it."

Her yarnie community subscribers are from all over the world.

"YouTube is a ministry. I'm reaching people and sharing my love of crochet."

She even incorporates her love of tea into the videos.

"It's a part of the channel," she said.

Laws was introduced to the handiwork craft as a teenager and crocheted "non-stop for four or five years."

If you can imagine it, Laws has probably crocheted it. Sleep sacks are one of her favorites to construct, in addition to blankets, hats, scarves and tops.

Back on the road, Laws winds along the highways and byways, much like a crochet hook works through thread, creating a strong bond.