How I got started on Etsy
I have been a free spirit in crafting since I was a wee little lass. I would see something and say, "I can make that myself!" and thus, I dappled in just about anything I felt challenged to learn and create. I started knitting, crocheting; hand-embroidery and cross stitching when I was 13. I'm a girl who also loves art and to paint on canvas; mostly working with acrylics. But...my true passion it seems, has been sewing. I purchased my first sewing machine when I had my first daughter at the age of 24. I self-taught myself and made dresses and costumes for her and my three other daughters after that (I have four).
When I was 35, I went to an auction and the most beautiful quilt caught my eye. I wanted to make that! That's when I started learning how to quilt. At the same time, I was pursuing a degree to be a high-school English teacher. Around 2003, I started making and selling quilts on Ebay and craft shows to supplement my income while substitute teaching and going through my TED credential program. I opened up my Etsy shop in 2008 right about the time I started my student teaching. But then, my Etsy shop just took off and I felt I needed to make a decision. Continue teaching....or grow my business on a full-time basis here on Etsy. I decided the latter and I have no regrets.
Here I am 19 years later, loving my job and creating beautiful heirloom blankets for all of my customers. I wake up every morning excited about my day of sewing and creating. It's a job I feel I don't need to retire from as long as I am able. I am a grandma now and you know how much everybody loves a blanket from Grandma.