I started to knit when I was about 4 years old, I was just copying my mother and two grandmothers. I must have been about 15 though before I actually finished a garment as I enjoyed the process of knitting and kept unraveling and re-knitting the yarn. The first item I made for myself was a pair of bright yellow finger-less mittens. Then I was knitting garments for brother, sisters, cousins,nieces, nephews and my own gang of little ones.
Sewing came to me much later, I had sore eyes and cramped hands from too much knitting and stopped completely for about 3 years. I missed being creative and "making stuff". I started to sew and soon bought a second hand machine.
Now knitting and sewing take up equal amount of time along with my vegetable garden and cooking. I seem to express love for people by making them something and get great pleasure out of hand made gifts.
Everything I make is something I would love to own myself. I make one of each item and if I like the colour combination or shape may make another similar item but no two will ever be alike. I buy my yarns and materials in small amounts and once it is gone...well it is gone and won' be repeated.