I started knitting in 2003, when I was 8 years old. I began by making simple odd projects (mostly stuff for my cats, which they utterly despised), but eventually graduated to larger works. A few years later, my advancement into crocheting brought me a whole new freedom in fiber creation. Today, I frequently integrate crochet into my knitting, from topping hats to crocheting my seams shut.
As I began to stretch further and further into the fiber arts, I found I didn't have enough projects for myself or my family and friends to satiate my desire to knit and crochet. So I decided to start selling whatever I made at crafts shows; that's how the Olive Tree was started.
During college, I didn't have time to sell at such shows, so finding Etsy as an outlet for my creations saved me - I could keep knitting, have money for more yarn, and not bury myself in stock! But it was always difficult to find time to invest in my shop, what with classes and homework and destressing with friends. So now that I've graduated, I've moved back to the family farm and have more time to devote to my crafts, as well as expand on them, and further my presence as an Etsy seller.
Additionally, I'm hoping to expand the bounds of the Olive Tree by edging into craft supply. Our little farm is new and small, but it will continue to grow, and hopefully that will come with a fiber flock of alpacas, llamas, and Icelandic sheep. Soon, I may be able to offer raw fiber, roving, and handspun to people like me - the yarn addicts! But until then, I can always put my English Degree to work making patterns.
There are so many beautiful branches of this art form to explore and I'm so glad that my life has directed me towards the diversity of the fiber arts. I'm so excited to be able to share each sub-form with my customers, from people looking for some fun, warm accessories, to people looking to make fun, warm accessories!
So to my knitwear-wearers and my handmade gifters, my enthusiastic knitters and my fiber spinners, and all my wonderful customers in between, thank you for being a part of my Etsy life. I hope you enjoyed my little story and will find fun in browsing my shop.