When I retired a few years ago I was finally able to return to my crafting, which I have always loved but never seemed to find time for.

I had taught myself to knit many years ago as a military wife stationed overseas. I was told that the wives either had babies or knitted. I immediately went to the base exchange and bought some yarn and knitting needles and a "I Taught Myself to Knit" book.

My grandmother had taught me to crochet as a small child of 6 or 7 years of age.

As the mom of 7 children, grandmother of 10 and great grandmother of 1, I began making quilts for all the new babies after I retired. It was a new venture for me as the only quilt I had ever made was a small wall hanging I had made 9 years ago. In the past 2½ years since retirement I have made baby quilts for 3 new grandbabies and 1 great grandbaby, as well as a denim rag quilt for my best friend and a wedding quilt for my nephew.

I also make purses and computer bags for laptops and used to paint a lot but have not done much painting for several years. Maybe I will pick up a brush again in the future.

I love crafting of all kinds, as you can see. People have always told my "you should sell those quilts, or your paintings" but my work is done from my heart and while I love making things as gifts for those I love, I have not been able to bring myself to sell them yet. I am thinking of possibly making purses to sell but time will tell. In the meantime I am happy spending time at my sewing machine, or with my knitting needles and yarn.