Although no one in my family was particularly interested in crafts, I was often taking art classes as a child. I learned how to sew in junior high school, and got taken up by that for a while. When I was 14, I met someone who crocheted, and asked to learn. From there, I initially made afghans, and then got into crocheting fine doilies. Later I learned to knit, and did sweaters and the occasional afghan. But it was t o o s l o w. I dabbled in embroidery, bead embroidery and Hardanger. And a bit of punchneedle. And did some more sewing (made some suits, made the blouse for my wedding "dress" (the skirt was an antique Victorian petticoat with hand-worked eyelet around the bottom). Oh, and I did some photography. Then I found weaving! Whee! So much faster. And I got sucked into learning more about weave structures and color. Tried spinning and tatting. Then I had back surgery. Knew I wasn't going to be able to weave for a while, and had seen someone making bobbinlace at the local weavers' guild, and knowing it was also weaving, merrily ordered a pillow, some bobbins, some thread and the "Torchon Lace Workbook" by Bridget Cook. Darn cool stuff, and I met a group of lacemakers. Even more fun! Since then, I dove headlong into complex weave structures and complex bobbin laces. I have dabbled in beadweaving, beaded jewelry, jewelry metalworking, knitting lace, knitting socks, machine knitting, more photography, Rozashi embroidery, cross stitch, more punchneedle, Kumihimo, and heaven only knows what else. Right now, I'm doing some beadwork and crocheting in fine silver. If I could ever focus on one thing, I'd probably get really good at it. But I keep on finding interesting things to try. Of course, that often means trying new laces, too. Who can resist? Now all I have to do is retire from my paying job (I don't care for getting older, except for heading towards that goal!), and I'll have time to do all of these fascinating things! Nah, probably not even then. But I will be having fun! Clare Milford, CT
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