Lucky Lucky Me!

I hate to post without pictures and since I can't include any photos of projects that I am currently working on...here's just a closeup of one of the most beautiful yarns I've ever used.


This post's title is taken from a Charlie & Lola episode I recently watched with my 3 year old. I actually love Charlie & Lola and recommend that you take a peek if even you don't have kids! Well, I definitely feel lucky these days. After much researching and experimentation with every career including archaeologist (seriously...I took an introductory class a few years back), analytical chemist, biologist, photographer, soapmaker & teacher. I'm feeling like I've found that passion for my work that I've heard is actually possible if you can find the right fit between your personality, interests & natural abilities. Oh yes, and you have to completely forget about money...that just complicates everything. And I found it in the most unlikely of places. Isn't that usually how it works?

I knew I was interested in designing and thought that graphic designing would be the way to go. However, as the start date has been rapidly approaching I've had a bit of anxiety. Felt like something wasn't quite right. There isn't enough tactile involvement in graphic design now with everything digital. Don't want to spend all of that money on school if it isn't the right choice. I wanted to create something that could actually be touched and felt to be appreciated. So I decided to start working on my own knitwear designs and just see where that takes me. The few that have been shown here & a few others that I'm saving for submissions. The good news is that I was in the right place at the right time and a yarn company is actually going to pay me to design for them! Yikes...I cannot believe it! I don't want to divulge too much information yet because I'm not sure what I'm allowed to say, etc. before the patterns are actually published, but I'm just crazy with excitement. It is all that I want to do. I am truly obsessed. I love it. Just the right amount of creativity, variety & attention to detail required. I actually dream about my designs. I keep a sketch book next to my bed to keep track of any ideas may pop up in the middle of the night. I cannot truly rest until they are finished and then my mind is racing to work on the next one. I look around at the world now and see things differently. I have thoughts like, "Wow, the color of that hand painted bowl is beautiful...I wonder if I can find a yarn in that shade of blue?" or "I love the pattern of bark on that tree....I'd love to be able to knit a scarf with that". Yep. Head over heels. I can honestly say that I've never felt like this with any of the work that I've done, including owning my own herbal soapmaking business. And I have to say that I am very lucky such a supportive husband and to be at a point in my life where I can explore all the options and find what I truly love to do and stay at home with my girls while I'm doing it.