Christmas of 2010, my husband lost his (civilian) job while going full time college. We were devastated and didn't know how we were going to pay rent and all our other bills, especially since we already spent a huge chunk of our savings on Christmas. It was a blow that hit us hard.
Being a stay-at-home mom, I started to think that maybe I should think about getting some kind of job.... but here I was with two kids and 7 months pregnant and I knew that people really aren't too likely to hire someone so far along in pregnancy. I thought about my few talents and wondered if any of them could help us pay the rent... then quickly came to the conclusion that none of them could, at least on a short term basis.
Then...
One day, when my hubby was home with the kids, I and went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things we needed. Mostly, I just needed some alone time without screaming kids to really think about things. As I was walking around, I passed this college girl that had on a crocheted headband with a flower on it. It was really cute and I wondered where she got it.... not that it mattered, it wasn't like I could afford to indulge in anything like a headband.
But the more I thought about it, the thought came to me that if I could learn how to crochet, I bet I could make one. I had made some attempts in the past to crochet, and always failed miserably! If you read Heidi's story she talks about a poncho we tried to crochet. She made hers and some more, and I managed a few rows before throwing it into the back of the closet. Anyway, I decided to head over to the craft section and bought a little "Teach Yourself" book that came with a hook, and picked out some cheap yarn. My husband wasn't sure what to think when he saw my purchase, but I told him that I was going to learn to crochet and make our family Christmas gifts that way. He was down with that... So I practiced, found a free pattern on-line and worked it out.
Now, my brain works mathematically. It always has. If things can be made into patterns, shapes, or anything else and work out in a logical way, I can work things pretty well. I still remember when I discovered that music was very mathematical and I wrote a whole musical composition without even hearing it (mostly because I don't play any instruments to try it out! lol) and actually aced the final in that class. If it has order and pattern, I can figure it out!
And I "figured out" the basic art of crocheting with a couple weeks practice. When it made sense to me, I started making my own designs and that's when I decided to open my Etsy shop. Within that first month I was thrilled when I made enough money to pay our rent! I really felt like I was helping out!
One of the designs I came up with, was the Utah State Aggie mascot hat, "Blue Blue"... or "Baby Blue" as I like to call it:
I now sell my hats at the Utah State Bookstore and on my Etsy shop. I also do some custom orders through email. Pattern for Babies and Toddlers available now!
Another one of my famous hats, is my Sock Monkey Design (pattern for Babies/Toddlers up for sale now!):
A fellow military wife inspired me to start this blog as a branch of my main one: "5 Nuts in a Nutshell", in order to share some tips, give a few free patterns, pass on some of my favorite links, and maybe sell a few hats or patterns to those who don't crochet and those who do.
Thanks for stopping by!
-Cat
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I like your Spunk, Cat. You are amazing!
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