My Journey to Etsy and Beyond

Hi, I'm Sheila Zachariae and I own and operate Creative Design. I was taught to knit by my mother in my teens in the '70's and I quickly went from that to cross stitch and then needlepoint.

Life goes on to a full time job, marriage, a child and then in early in 2004, I was forced to stay off my feet. I pick up the needles and started with knitting a scarf and then another, and then another. Next thing I know, I have 50 of them!

Off to a local art gallery I go to peddle my wares. They loved and sold them all. Creative Design was born. Two upscale children's boutiques later, here I am.

I have been fortunate enough to have my items in numerous online and stand alone children's and women's wear shops and with the help of the great folks here at Etsy, I have put my daughter (a favorite model for my knitwear!) through college. In 2014 I was a Martha Stewart American Made Nominee. I am a Craftsy Instructor teaching the Classic Cabled Cowl workshop and have been interviewed in Simply Knitting Magazine "Going From Hobby to Business". Happily Hooked Crochet Magazine featured Creative Design on how Crochet Saved My Life, chronicling my heartbreaking, personal journey on how crochet, did indeed, save my life.

I can most often be found in "my chair" surrounded by a pile of yarn, fabric, books, more yarn, needles, another pile of yarn, patterns, more fabric...etc! We love to travel, eat good food, be with family and great friends.

Knitwear: my handmade knitwear is lovingly created by me! The process of choosing great fabric and yarn colors is half the fun. Knitting it all up and seeing it come together is wonderful and the final moment of seeing this creation around someones neck, on a little body, noggin or in their stroller is the BEST.

My Philosophy: I am committed to quality fabric and fiber. Attention to detail, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction will always be part of that philosophy.