Knitting and crochet have always served as an outlet to me. It's how I decompress and channel my creativity. I've always been hands-on with my craft, too, and typically don't follow any patterns - I'd rather fiddle and experiment with my work. I would finish little projects and write patterns for things that I could use or something that I wanted: a pot holder, a scarf, a cute doll, a hat or ear warmer. Being able to make my own toys as a kid was awesome!

Once I moved away from home and started school, I found that I was strapped for cash more often than not. With no money to buy anything more than a few skeins of yarn, I started gifting items that I would make in my spare time for holidays or birthdays. I'd wrap headbands up in old empty Pop Tart boxes and tie string bows around rolled up scarves, hoping that my friends and family wouldn't think I was lame for giving them something I'd made as a gift. I was worried that they wouldn't like what I had made.

I was pleasantly surprised! Everyone loved their gifts, and couldn't believe that I had made the item myself. I was encouraged by many of my friends and family to sell my items, and use the proceeds to fund my craft.

So I did - and I never expected to do so well with my shop! I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to anyone who has supported me over the years and allowed me to continue making cute crochet plushies and patterns.

--Missy