My grandma taught me the basics of crochet when I was still in elementary school. I instantly loved it, though all I could do was make really long chains. I later learned single crochet, double crochet and treble before becoming a teenager and getting caught up in teenage things. Sadly, my grandma passed away before I could ask her to teach me more.
In college I found a wonderful man that I later married. Being a poor, newlywed couple we couldn't afford to go out much or buy a lot of things. I took up crochet again and found I could make blankets, washclothes, and other household items (using my very limited stitching skills). I soon longed for my eleborate looking crochet items and began the task of teaching myself how to read patterns. I became so impressed with my new found skills I started making things for other family members and friends.
The next stop in my life/crochet journey was kids- mine and other family members'. Barbie's wardrobe was becoming more expensive then mine so I started designing my own crocheted Barbie clothes. Then came American Girl Dolls needing to be clothed and, of course, children that needed hats, gloves, scarves, you get the picture. Along the way I was also showering nieces, nephews, friends and other family members with various crocheted items.
I had often been asked why I didn't sell the things I was giving away. I said I enjoyed crocheting and didn't need payment for what I did. "How do you buy your yarn and other supplies?" one wise soul asked.
Oh, I hadn't thought about that. "Don't you think other people might like and want what you make?" another wise soul asked.
I don't know; I'd never though about it before. I wouldn't even know where to begin. And then I found ETSY!
The rest is history. Thank you for sharing my journey. Check back often to see where it will take me next.