I've been knitting for my family for many years, but Whitaker Knits, the shop, was born out of a need to provide extra income for the Whitaker household while I taught my children at home. In addition to preparing lessons, teaching classes, helping with assignments and grading papers, cleaning, doing laundry, preparing menus and meals, buying groceries and paying bills, I became a small business owner, buying supplies, making product, updating a web page, shipping orders, keeping records.

In the midst of this chaos, I found the relaxing power of knitting. The steady motion is calming. The finished result gives me a sense of accomplishment. The sales give me a sense of being useful to others. I have a purpose.

Today my children are grown and gone, and knitting has become my obsession. My loyal customers keep certain items in demand. I knit in the evenings while watching television. I knit while traveling, but only if I'm not the one driving. I knit while waiting for appointments. It fascinates others, but to me it's a part of who I am. I cannot separate my identity from my yarn.

My needles are my constant companions. I am known for my knitting bags and varied projects. My daughters' former room is now filled with my yarn. I take pride in the knitting jokes in movies and TV shows and from family members. Whitaker Knits isn't really a business. It is me.