I learned how to knit while living in a pretty desolate town on the Washington/Idaho border in 2003. I was working as a barista at a drive-thu espresso stand when a group of women cheerfully came through. They were laughing and chatting, and when I asked where they were heading they told me to KNITTING CLUB!!! This sparked my interest and they told me to come down anytime to learn how to knit. In the time since then I had been constantly knitting gifts for friends, and before long people began commissioning me to make gifts for their loved ones. An Etsy shop was just the next step in the growth of my knitting services. Over 10 years later, I couldn't be more grateful to be able to sell the pieces I make. Everyone should be able to take pride in their work, and love what they do!

I've also recently finished my Masters in Creative Arts Therapy and Gerontology, where I've used my knitting skills to work with patients who are diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer's. Distant memories are easily retained, and most aging adults learned to knit when they were younger. Sticking to the basics, like blankets and hats, makes knitting a great, therapeutic activity, and the intricacy of it is important for maintaining fine motor skills. When their day-to-day is normally full of confusion, it's quite empowering for those experiencing neurological disorders to be able to complete a knitted item. Pride leads to happiness. Everyone deserves to be happy.

I've been knitting for over 15 years and I will continue for as long as my hands let me. It's important to be able to say that you're really good at one thing, and for me, that thing is knitting!