Saturday, December 10, 2011

Big ideas...

   Welcome! My name is Ginnie, and I am a dabbler! All my life, I've dabbled in crafting. I started sewing (making actual usable/wearable things) in junior high, but was imitating my mom sewing long before that. I learned to knit from my grandmother, and taught myself to crochet. (ah, the summer of the multiple crocheted cloches....)
   When I look back from my middle-aged vantage point, I realize that besides spending time with my family, which consists of a fabulous husband,  four teriffic children, and five (yes, five) dogs, the thing that makes me happiest is creating stuff. I can remember that one of my favorite gifts one Christmas was the "Craft of the Month Kit Club." I loved discovering what the new kit would contain. I remember the Cheese Tray Turtle, with the little holes for toothpicks...but I digress.
   I was introduced to quilting about 11 years ago, when a good friend asked me to join her at a quilting class. I loved it right away, but life always seemed to get in the way of me finding time to pursue the craft. In these past years, I have experienced a number of life events, including the loss of my mother, followed by the health decline and death of my father. As my children grew up, I went back to work, first part-time, and then full time and then some!
   Last year, I decided to leave my job, though I loved it, to have more time for my family and myself. This was a difficult, but good decision, and I now have a part time job again, one I really enjoy, but which doesn't consume me! I also have more time and energy to pursue my love of sewing.
  I have decided to try my hand at sewing and quilting things to sell. As the fabric-aholics out there know, the selection of beautiful fabrics and watching a project come to completion at your own hand is amazing. There is nothing like the satisfaction that comes from a completed project. But... eventually, you may run out of excuses for a new project.
  The idea of starting my own hobby business appeals to me on a number of levels. I would have the reason (read: excuse!) to continue creating items and learning new techniques. I would be able to incorporate some of my other loves, photography and technology in the process. And I love the idea of keeping my mind and hands busy, while continually improving  my skills.
   I would love to hear from anyone with experience in the areas of sewing for profit, Etsy stores, home based business tax implications, and so on. And please stay tuned for updates on the progress of my plans!

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