Marie Z. Johansen

Name: Marie Z. Johansen

Age: 58

Location: An island in the Great Pacific Northwest USA

Profession: County Employee

Craft(s) of Choice: quilting, knitting, felting, mixed media art journaling

Blog: http://zquilts.blogspot.com

I thought that I needed to climb a career ladder in order to be happy and have money. I climbed the ladder but the view from top left me longing to return to my art life. Soon after this realization I resigned my position and moved to an island – re-inventing myself as I went. I suppose that was, in a way, my version of a mid-life crisis. Since that time I have, indeed, had less money, but I am infinitely more happy with paint on my hands and thread & fibers stuck to my clothes!

Cyndi Beane Henry

Name: Cyndi Beane Henry

Age: 50

Location: West Virginia

Profession: Genealogy Research Consultant

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing

Blog: texicanwife.blogspot.com

I have been knitting since I was 12 when my 6th grade teacher taught me. Crocheting since 18 when I taught myself with a book. I craft every single day of my life! I would be lost without either knitting needles or a crochet hook in my hands!

Maria Adamczak

Name: Maria Adamczak

Age: 55

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Profession: Retired

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting, Papercraft, Jewelry and Sewing

I have become a craft addict since retiring. I am finding so much joy in making things for others. Although only a beginner, there is no greater satisfaction than completing a project that is 100% from the heart – imperfections and all.

Joanna Johnson

Age: 33

Location: Colorado Foothills

Profession: Writer, Indie Book Publisher, Knit Designer

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting, Sewing

Blog: phoebeontheroad.blogspot.com

Knitting, sewing, quilting, you name it- I like to make it! I have made treasured gift items for family and friends, and have even given beautiful handknit baby clothes to people I hardly know! For years now I have made and designed garments for my daughter to wear, and sometimes have wondered if it is worth the time, the effort, and late nights, to finish that special doll for a Christmas gift or a custom-made dress for Easter… after all, you can buy such things at the store! But one day after a giving my daughter a new “something special” that I had made, she said to me, “Mom, the things that you make for me are the best. They are so much better than anything you can buy at the store.” I realized then that I things I make her can’t be found at any store, and that when I stay up late to finish a hem, or stitch on a little doll’s face, I am investing in her love for the handmade, just as my mother and grandmother did for me when I was a little girl. Yes, definitely worth it!

Suzanne Gutierrez

Name: Suzanne Gutierrez

Age: 32

Location: Denver, CO

Profession: Professional Crafter

Craft(s) of Choice: Jewelry making, knitting, sewing

Blog: http://siouxsiequeues.blogspot.com

You should have seen the look on my Father’s face when I told him I was giving up computer engineering to make chainmaille, for my job, in 2009. He’s come around, but I wish we’d had a camera that day.

Claudine Lindstrom Olin

Name: Claudine Lindstrom Olin

Age: 36

Location: San Diego, CA

Profession: Domestic Engineer (Homemaker)

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting

I was addicted to Meth on and off for years and was only able to finally get clean by moving out of state. My mom taught me to knit before I moved across the country and I spent all of my time knitting garter stitch scarves because she only taught me the knit stitch. To keep my sanity, I spent all of my time knitting these scarves (I had about 50) and eventually found Vickie on my television. So, from that point on, I watched Knitty Gritty faithfully and Vickie Howell became my hero. She taught me to purl as well as many other techniques. I loved seeing how she made something so “old” come to life with a modern flare. To this day, I knit just about everyday, and knitting is definitely my anti-drug. Thank you, Vickie Howell. You are my inspiration!

Karen Payzant

Name: Karen Payzant

Age: 52

Location: Lincoln, NE

Profession: Insurance Specialist

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting

Blog: http://thetygerlily.wordpress.com/

My mother and grandma were avid seamstresses and knitters/crocheters. I grew up with creativity all around me. Knew that I could use all that experience to begin designing my own handbags – and now (after a year off) I’m back to my design table! I love texture and the effect some stitches can create. I’m a yarn junkie. Thanks!

Suzanne Gutierrez

Name: Suzanne Gutierrez

Age: 32

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Profession: Jewelry Artist

Craft(s) of Choice: chainmaille jewelry, knitting, sewing

Blog: http://siouxsiequeues.blogspot.com/

During the course of one of the worst economic situations our country has ever known I left my 9 to 5 job to make jewelry. Thankfully I have the support and encouragement of my friends and family, I couldn’t do it without them.

Dana Jonsgaard

Name: Dana

Age: 44

Location: Winona, MN

Profession: Full-time Crafter

Crafts of Choice: Knitting, crocheting, and some looming

Blog: http://www.lovesmanyclothsblog.info

Basically, I live to craft and craft to give. Five years ago I suffered from migraines that lasted several days at a time. I was suffering up to 21 days a month. Getting out of bed was very hard for me and my love for people was dying. My family was falling apart. I found my love for crafting again right after Hurricane Katrina. Crafting has eased my migraines to now only being one or two every 6 months. I am no longer taking expensive medicine to ease the pain. I tell everyone that crafting is my therapy. I find relief by concentrating on my love for charity giving and crafting to help others. I have found many new friends along the way in the Yahoo group circuit where I have my group. I now can cable knit, use dpns, and 2 circular needles at one time. I built a webpage and now a new blog to expand my creativity with my crafting to include many others as we unite for many causes to help ease the pain for others. I know pain. No one else should have to feel that pain. Crafting for me is more than yarn and a hook or needles…it is my daily dose of love. Love for myself and lots of love for others! I craft to live and live to give.

Adriana

Name: Adriana

Age: 39

Location: Columbus OH

Profession: Self Employed Artist / Web Sales

Craft(s) of Choice: Wire work, crochet, nature photography, knitting

Blog: http://myspace.comadriana_weaver

I am a disabled, multimedia artist who weaves with both fiber & wire, takes nature photography & builds sculptures. I live & sell online with my brother who knits. Our studio is filled with love, creativity & CATS!