I could crochet and knit for as long as I can remember. I was taught by the best - my mom and my grandma. It wasn't their hobby, it was something they had to do in order to survive and make sure their family had clothes to wear. And this is why:
I was born in Ukraine when it was still part of Soviet Union. I remember empty shelves in stores and long waiting lines. I remember having money and not being able to buy anything because stores were poorly supplied with consumer goods. Presence of food and clothes on shelves didn't mean you could buy them , everything was rationed and could not be bought at will. There were also illegal ways of clothes and food distribution, in most cases everything was sold to friends and family by the store employees totally bypassing the store shelves. (It doesn't seem real now since I live in the U.S.)
What I'm trying to say is that when you struggle to buy what you need, you look for other ways to get it, for other ways to survive. At that time my family never went shopping for clothes, everything was hand-made, old clothes were recycled, redesigned and reused. This is the reason I learnt how to crochet and knit in my early childhood. My grandma was more into sewing, my mom - into knitting, and I enjoyed crocheting the most. I made my first cardigan for myself when I was 7 years old.
I think it's time for me to show my work to others. I just opened my shop on Etsy (prodigycrafts.etsy.com).
Here's some of my work:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72022161/crochet-pillow-case
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76592224/hand-made-crocheted-hat?ref=pr_shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75340569/crocheted-slippers-shoes-loafers-flats
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76104761/hand-made-crochet-bolero-with-short
We'll see where it takes me!)
Here's some of my work:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72022161/crochet-pillow-case
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76592224/hand-made-crocheted-hat?ref=pr_shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75340569/crocheted-slippers-shoes-loafers-flats
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76104761/hand-made-crochet-bolero-with-short
We'll see where it takes me!)
Thanks for sharing your story. You've learned from the best and your beautiful work shows it. Best of luck with your shop and have fun with your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story that got you where you are today. I love your work, too:) Found you via etsy's promotional frenzy team:)
ReplyDeleteAmazing story, thank you for sharing! I really want to learn to crochet. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely story. Welcome to blogger and to the team!:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience, Good luck with your new shop!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story. I am glad you are a part of our team!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your experience made you who you are today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful introduction you've provided for us! Welcome to our Team ツ
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story and way to honor your Mom and Grandmother with your new Etsy shop. All the best to you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have great luck with your Etsy shop, thanks for the reminder of how lucky we are.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first shop. You'll work like mad and love every minute.
ReplyDeleteThe ride is just beginning. Hang on!
CONGRATS on your first shop! I wish you the best of luck...I so wish I could crochet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful introduction. Glad that you are part of our team. Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeletewelcome to etsy! let the creations begin!
ReplyDeleteWELCOME :) I can't wait to see where your shop goes :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to etsy! Wish you the best of luck :)
ReplyDeleteSo nice to learn more about you! Congrats on the new Etsy store!
ReplyDeleteIncredible story! So, how did you come to the US? Your work is lovely! Hope your shop does well!
ReplyDelete- Sharon/RomanticThoughts
Your work is beautiful! What a gift you have passed down from your family!
ReplyDeleteYour shop is gorgeous... beautiful work! No one in my family knits or crochets. I may have to change that :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work as well as a beautiful story. People in the states don't realize how lucky they are, most people don't know about struggling for basic necessities. But it has served you well, you have great talent.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work..so precise. Loved your story, sometimes we can use a reminder of the blessings we have living in the US! Thank you
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you are talking about because I lived it too. I am from Belarus.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I can't believe you made a cardigan at seven! Lovely story. And those little blue baby booties are so precious!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. Having grown up in the US, I can't imagine not being able to go to the store to get what's needed. Good luck with your shop!
ReplyDeleteYou look so young to have lived during that era! Those little blue shoes are adorable!
ReplyDeleteWe were country neighbors- I'm from Romania! Communism was like that- nothing to choose from when it comes to buying things!
ReplyDeleteLovely story, and beautiful items.
ReplyDeletebeautiful work and beautiful photos!
ReplyDeletetheroyalfamily
MadeJust4You
Brandy
keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLovely creations! Thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful finds in your shop. Wish you the best in your new shop here in Etsy!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty items. And my grandpa was from Kiev, so we're family, LOL
ReplyDeleteYou do wonderful work :)
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing.
ReplyDeletegreat story, thanks for sharing...I wish I had the patience....
ReplyDeleteGreat to "meet" you! Your work is beautiful.
ReplyDelete~Kim