Threads of Creativity: A Handmade Story
I was born into a big Italian family filled with so many creative people. My grandmother, Santa Rizzo, was my first inspiration, then came all of my aunts and many cousins on my mother’s side. After several aunts had passed away, we had a monthly Craft Night with my mom, Dorothy, Aunt Lee, and a host of cousins, my sister and my son. My mom had a stroke in 2012 and everyone made a crocheted lap quilt, each making a 10x10” square. That was too hard for me. I’d make five “stitches” and my cousin Judy would pull out three of them. Crocheting was torture for me.
When my mother passed away, in March of 2012 I learned how to make my first Memory Quilt. It was truly therapeutic. Since then I’ve made approx 115-120 quilts, and then learned much more. It was like my mind just opened up. I sincerely love making something that will be enjoyed, and sometimes provide comfort, to others.
I used the name, Karen’s Kreations, until the name “Karen” was given a bad rap. That’s ok, InsideKJsMind actually describes what is in my head so much better. For years I thought that starting an Etsy shop would be impossible. But if you never try, you’ll never succeed. Wish me luck folks.