Hi, my name is Kim and I'm a knitting-aholic. I been knitting obsessively for the last 5 years although my first knitted item was a Barbie Doll blanket at age 11 taught by my grandmother. I started crocheting (also obsessively) in high school and made a ton of crocheted vests and afghans. I also made most of my clothes in high school. I knitted a few baby items with my first child and then switched to cross stitch and needlepoint for a few years. Five years ago, I discovered some old stash yarn and my grandmothers pattern books and hooks and needles in the basement and here I am today. I love it. I love everything about knitting and crocheting. The yarns, the patterns, the people. Last year I was able to organize my stash and claim part of the bonus room for my "studio" with sufficient inventory for a small yarn shop. I love shopping at home.
My husband and I have 3 children, 2 young adults and a 16 year old. We own a large heating and air conditioning company and have stayed married 29 years so far. By the end of the day, I've dealt with people so much that I can't wait to get home to some quiet time with my current project. Needlework also helps me tolerate the TV habits of my DH and sons and gives me a chance to do something creative. I also love to paint with pastels, oils or watercolors although my current obsession with knitting detracts from that.
Last Christmas I gifted 76 hand knit items, 34 of which were felted hand bags. It took 18 months to pull that off and I don't plan to repeat that effort annually but it was fun watching the repsonses of the recipients at the family events.