When I was about 10 I found an unfinished afghan in my basement. I asked my mom about it, and she said my sister started it but never finished it, so I could have it. She also gave me a how-to-crochet book. I finished that blanket and have never stopped crocheting since. I learned to tatt from an 84-year-old friend down the road. I went to her house 3 different times for a few hours while she laughed at me and got frustrated with me until it finally clicked.
For years friends and family told me I should sell my crocheted items. I sold some stuff in a local gas station and then I read about Etsy in Reader's Digest and decided to give it a try. It's been slow going because I am a stay-at-home mom with 4 children under the age of 7 and 1 on the way. But that's the beauty of Etsy: you can take it slow and easy if you need to, or put more time into your craft and really push the growth of your store. It has been the perfect part-time, flexible job for this busy mom.
There have been times when my craft has taken up so much of my time that I have been ready to quit so I can take better care of my family or have more time for other things. But the gospel has taught us that if we lose ourselves in service we find ourselves. I have found that to be true. Whether my craft is for sale, to help provide for my family, or meant for a gift, it is the joy that my created gift brings to others that keeps me going. This gospel truth and the blessings that come from helping others are what drive me to continue in my small business. When it comes to crocheting or tatting, nothing makes me happier than to know that someone loves something I have made and is grateful for it.
Check out Thread Ornaments for more cute crocheted and tatted goods!
