Discovery of Kindness
A few years after college I found myself putting all my time and energy into my retail job. I was coming home to an empty house, exhausted. The only thing I could look forward to were my days off from work. Something had to change. Desperate for friendship and connection, I reached out to my local library. I signed up for the fiber arts club almost at random. I had some experience cross-stitching so I brought in my long-neglected project. I had no idea how much fun lay in my future.
Before I knew it Kate, Emy, Susan, and Joanne roped me into the club's charity events. Gifted with donated yarn and hooks from the library, I slowly made my way to learning crochet stitch by stitch.
The club started out with crocheting and donating mittens for toddlers and hats for preemie babies. By the third month, I went from not knowing how to chain yarn to making almost one item a week. I couldn't help but add a new unique flare to each hat. My free time turned into looking at crochet patterns for the next new thing that caught my eye. I couldn't wait to try out each new design!
The next month's charity featured stuffed toys. I was nervous. This was by far the biggest project I have ever worked on. Toys needed stuffing, complex stitching techniques, and embroidery. All of which were new to me. I started out hesitantly, only working on worry worms and fidget toys. Before I knew it, I was gradually taking on bigger projects. From octopi to frogs to even the Loch Ness Monster! I remembered my first pair of mismatching mittens and marveled at my progress. "I am going to keep doing this for the rest of my life," I decided.
My life changed from being bored and lonely to finding friendship and a passionate hobby. Giving kindness to others helped me find something more valuable than money can ever buy. I dedicate this shop to my passion. I look forward to learning new skills, making new friends, and pushing myself. If I happen to make some money along the way, that's okay, too.
I hope my products bring you as much joy as they have brought me.