I've long been a sewist. Even while I in college, my Grandma Bode and I would collaborate on sewing projects. I still miss her.

Then patchwork. I couldn't get enough of sewing pieces of fabric together. I even published a quilting book : Focus on Batiks. When all the beds, walls, and shelves were covered with quilts, I started knitting again and remembered that back when I started quilting, I was also interested in spinning my own yarn.

Stay with me, it all comes together I promise.....

Knitting is a natural for me. My mother and older sister are knitters. None of us remembers when I actually learned to knit. I picked it back up again in college for a few years. For the last decade or so, it's been my main craft. Sweater knitting is my true passion.

So, I was knitting, and starting to spin. I wanted to meet more spinners and couldn't find a gathering place near me, so I started organizing spinning focused fiber retreats: the Carolina Fiber Frolic retreats (we'll celebrate our 10th anniversary retreat in 2019).

On several of the post-retreat questionnaires, people mentioned that they'd like to be able to purchase Carolina Fiber Frolic swag/project bags/etc. I thought that was a great idea and then it occurred to me "I know how to sew. I love fabric. I think I could do that for retreat attendees". So, I made limited edition hand sewn bags available at the next retreat.

To say that they were well received at the next retreat would be an understatement. I loved being back at my machine & sourcing interesting fabrics. I love bringing fabrics back as travel souvenirs and making bags to share with all of you.

My Etsy store grew very organically through all of my past experiences and present interests. Thanks for sticking with me as it all came full circle to bring us here together!