Thursday, October 9, 2014

My Crochet Journey - Taking Chances

I was crocheting last night until 1 a.m.  I was on a roll and couldn't stop.  Yes, "My name is Becky, and I'm a crochet addict."  Most likely, I would have continued further on into the wee hours of the morning--that is if I hadn't needed to wake at 6 a.m. for work today.

Folding and neatly packaging three completed projects to prepare for shipping the next day, I felt so accomplished.  Though my eyes and hands were tired, a fulfilling sense of satisfaction swept over me.  There is something about being able to see the physical evidence of your hard work that makes a person feel good about what they do.

It may seem insignificant to some, but to me, crocheting is a necessity.  Not only is it a wonderful creative outlet, but it is a much-needed stress relief.  When I sit down at night after a busy workday and having kissed the kids goodnight, my yarn and hook take my focus from my everyday, worldly problems.  It's just me, my yarn and my thoughts; and this is good.  Who needs therapy when a few hours of playing with yarn does the trick?

There's something more about crocheting that feels much like performing a humanitarian service.  To see the smiles on the faces of those who have received my handmade creations--that is the true reward.  Putting my love into each stitch while imagining their reaction--that is an amazing anticipation.  Spreading happiness in any shape or form never goes out of style.

In the past, I have crocheted mainly for family and close friends for the pure purpose of gift-giving.  I didn't have time then to make it a business.  Now that I've opened an Etsy shop, I feel equally satisfied as always about crocheting.  Even though now I receive payment for most of my crochet creations, happy thoughts still evoke.  In my mind, I picture those smiles painted across the faces of the customers and children for whom I have crocheted all over the United States, and this makes me happy.

My heart is filled to the brim with gratitude for all who encouraged me to begin selling my crochet creations.  Through the years, my husband and friends urged me to sell my work; but there never seemed to be enough energy or hours in the day.  It wasn't until recently that I have felt comfortable enough, brave enough and as though there is enough time to devote to an entrepreneurship.  Since I opened my Etsy shop, it has been a whirlwind of sales activity, and I am loving every minute of it. My creative juices are flowing, I'm making new connections and I am so thankful for having taken the leap into this new venture.

Who knows what the future holds--more inspiration, more chance-taking, more opportunities...  The possibilities are endless.

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