When I was a youngster, what we now call "crafts" were part of survival. We knit and crocheted our sweaters, made our clothes and quilts, baked our own bread, canned food for the winter, and we raised or hunted our own meat. My Great Grandmother's hand quilted quilts inspired me. Her living room wasn't the same without a quilt frame by the window. My Paternal Grandmother taught me to knit. She had made socks for the WWII servicemen, and she ... Read Full Bio »

When I was a youngster, what we now call "crafts" were part of survival. We knit and crocheted our sweaters, made our clothes and quilts, baked our own bread, canned food for the winter, and we raised or hunted our own meat. My Great Grandmother's hand quilted quilts inspired me. Her living room wasn't the same without a quilt frame by the window. My Paternal Grandmother taught me to knit. She had made socks for the WWII servicemen, and she could knit FAST. My Maternal Grandmother challenged me to crochet (and process meats of all kinds). I was expected to help my mother prepare meals and bake bread. Canning season was a family affair. We all shucked corn, shelled peas, and snapped beans. When I quilt, memories of Great Grandma and my Mom are fresh in my mind. Grandma Hattie helps with every knitted item I make. No matter how fast and proficient I get, Grandma Isabel's lightening fast hands would still be able to crochet circles around me. I have owned sheep and goats since I was 9 years old and in 4-H. I bought my spinning wheel over 30 years ago and love using my hand spun yarn for knitting projects. I get a kick out of saying, "This shawl was made from Snowball," or "These socks were made from Drizzle and Flora." My loom was purchased 25 years ago but hasn't seen much use lately. Another hobby is reservicing things. When my husband replaced our copper plumbing, I learned how to cut the pipe and made wind chimes. I like making them with drift wood, too. I also like to make braided rugs from old clothing, bedding, and other material.