Because I'm too wordy for Twitter

If I had a dollar for every first post I’d written in my head for this blog, I could buy a really, really nice handbag. But I’ve struggled since I signed up for this account over a year ago with three questions. First, what if no one reads it? Second, what if people DO read it? Third, what if I run out of things to say? (I can hear my family laughing at #3 from here.) But, insecurities and questions aside, I stumbled upon the following quote the other day, and I’ve decided that it’s worth my time to put some of my thoughts and ideas out there and see where it leads me.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium... the world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” - Martha Graham

My primary intention for this blog is to chronicle my crafty ventures in and love for sewing, knitting, machine embroidery, and textile design as well as my handmade business that I started last year, StellaKit Designs. However, if you follow this blog, the chances are good that you’ll also read about other aspects of my life that are important to me, such as my family, my dogs, food, exercise, books, music, movies, and grammar (feel free to correct mine).

Just a little bit of background info about me. I was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia and now live in middle Georgia. I have two loving and supportive parents who provided me with a childhood that I will treasure forever, and now as an adult I’m proud to call them two of my best friends. I have one very talented, creative, and world-traveling sister who is going to conquer the world one building at a time. While attending Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, I studied technical communication (which sort of explains my love for grammar). At Mercer, I was blessed to meet the love of my life, Chris, who I married in 2005. He has been my greatest supporter and cheerleader to pursue many of my crafty dreams. With him came two more wonderful parents who have welcomed me into their lives as if I was their own. Not sure how a girl could be so lucky .

As for my attempts at living a crafty and creative life, I started sewing and machine embroidering in 2007 and learned to knit in 2008. I’ve always loved graphic design, so my love for textile design just grew from there. My initial reason for learning to sew was to decorate our new home with handmade curtains and pillows. However, I quickly learned that despite having no children of my own yet, I really love to make children’s clothes and accessories. I work full time, so my crafty endeavors take place after hours and on weekends, and I’m lucky to have a great space in our home (thanks to the hubby and his garage full of tools) to work on my projects.

It’s important for me to note that while I don’t believe that what I’m doing is revolutionary or changing the world in some drastic or permanent way, I do believe that it’s important that we all find something that fulfills us and we are passionate about in order to be happier and more productive people. When I’ve finished making something with my own hands, I feel a combination of joy, calm, and confidence. Have you found this to be true for you as well?