Monday Madness!
50% off! use coupon code "FirstSale" at check out to receive the savings on Ravelry!
FYI: you can buy both patterns separately for 50% off each! No limit to one per customer
ENJOY!
Read below if you would like to find out more about me, and the reasons to why I am selling my patterns! This story is my life, and the reasons to why I am crocheting and my unconditional love for my kids. They are my inspiration!!
I have sat here wondering if I should tell my story on why a sudden change to start selling my patterns. And I have decided to do so, i want others to understand the "struggle" of being a crochet designer. The struggles we have been faced in our life these last 7 months, how our lifei is frfrom normal right now. I'm not asking for pity, or donations. I simply want to share my motivation, the reasoning behind it, and what I have gone through to get to where I am right now.
My story
7 months ago our lives in this house had changed, not just a little change but a life altering change that we where forced in to. This "battle" that we where drafted into and not by choice. Our daughter (our only girl) had been sick for a month or more and we where not getting any answers, nor getting anywhere with the doctors. Until Febuary 5th 2014. After an hour or so of trying to draw labs from Ashlynn we where advised to get home and pack a big bag, there was no time to waste, we where to be expecting a call with in an hour or so from the doctor directing us on what hospital Ashlynn needed to be rushed to. I was terrified, scared, not sure what was going on, only knowing it was not good. Not the news we wanted to hear. I came home and told mike I needed to talk to him privately (since all 4 kids where looking at me asking what is wrong), we went to the basement and I broke down into a thousand pieces. The only thing keeping me on my feet was mike holding me to his chest. I couldn't find the words, I was hysterical, a mess and mike new it was something big. His words to me was "what ever is going on we will make it through, I love you. We can make it through anything". After getting to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee I was told the news that every parent bares to hear. My princess, my only girl, my first born had the "C" word.. Yes cancer! Devastating news, made my knees week, made me sick to my stomach, I couldn't breath, I was still hysterical. There was so much being said, so many things we had to learn, blood transfusions and platelet transfusions we where getting right away. I sat in the chair by her bed side with my yarn and hook and I realized I had no inspiration let to crochet, I couldn't find my passion for it nowhere. Like it died inside when we found out. I have not had a "good" nights sleep in so long, I believe that I wont till we are finished with all treatments and she is able to say " Im cancer free, im done with chemo, i got my port out, and I am going to enjoy being a regular kid again."
For a while with treatment I couldn't pick up my hook and finish my projects I started, I couldn't design a new pattern for the life of me. She is FINALLY on her last (and longest (1 1/2 years)) round of chemo. We made it!! And I have found my inspiration again. She is doing amazing right now, taking to ttreatmentwell, and being a kid again just with a little less hair ;) but something that most don't know about us is the stress this will put on you. All the trips back and forth, the countless dollars you put into gas just to get there, times where you have no choice but to set aside the bills and use that money to fix the only good working vehicle so she is able to make it. The stress that Mike is feeling as he is the only parent working in our household of 6, I cant even imagine! Through these months I have found myself wondering if "pattern selling" will work for me. It has to, I wont give up. I feel the need to help in this house any way I can. Ashlynn has been my motivation, my kids saying how much they love what I do, Mike.. he has had a hard time believing I am able to but I think he is coming around more and more. I would like to prove to him that this hobby and passion of mine will help us, I AM DETERMINED!
We have our own personal hero in our house. Her name Is Ashlynn and she is 7 years old <3 She is my world, heart, sole and the reason behind what I am doing. Crochet on Friends!
I can't imagine what your family is going through. But I am a mom of 6, 5 grown and only our 10 year old son at home. We have had our scares over the years but we're lucky nothing was serious. Our 10 year old has had big growth spurts and now has short achilles tendons. He is facing 2 years of physical therapy and surgery. I know what a parent's fear feels like and it's hard to see our children struggle but still nothing like what your family has faced. My heart goes out to you all. I have been working on starting an Etsy shop to sell my crochet. My husband and kids are very encouraging but many think it is a waste of time. We really need the extra to cover what our insurance doesn't. I love to crochet and I think I can do this. I have to give it a try. I think you have a good chance of success. Either way we will know we gave it a try:)
ReplyDeleteThis is just one of those things patti that can not be explained. I know when first finding out I was devistated but I had no choice but to put a smile on and pretend that everything is ok. Knowing that one day it will be. Thank you <3
DeleteThank you for sharing your story. There are so many things that can steal our inspiration. Having your child face such a tough obstacle and not be able to take it from her would be a tough pill to swallow. I'm glad you are finding your way back to it and pray the sale of your patterns takes off and is able to ease the financial strain your family is under.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!!
Amy B