Hi, I'm Crystal.
I'm 39 yrs old, married for 19 years & mom to 5 boys, ages 8,10,13,14, & 17. I am the former Site Director for our local K through 8 grade school's After School Tutoring Program. I am also a two term AmeriCorps Alumni. I worked with an average of 75 kids per day, had three Instructional Aids, a Resident Art Instructor, Resident Yoga Instructor, Computer Lab Specialist, and 5 Credentialed Teachers. Without these gifted people, it would not have been possible to do my job. They are truly wonderful people and I miss them and the kids very much, but the funding for my position ran out, so I have gone back to school and have more time to enjoy my family. In my free time, I hand knit, machine knit, crochet, cross stitch, read, and have 3 round knitting looms I like to use now and then. I also spin my own yarn, which I find extremely gratifying and relaxing. Once in a while, I do consignment spinning for other knitters & crocheters. I also give knitting lessons when the occasion calls for it.

How I discovered my passions: My grandmother taught me the basics of crochet and hand knitting when I was about 10 yrs old. My interest level went up and down with my teenage years, but at around 20, I took on a renewed interest in fiber crafts, crochet being the main focus. At 22, when my first son was born, I made my first real attempt at knitting and made him a cardigan that was too big in the body and too small in the sleeves, but it's cute so I still have it as a memento of his birth. I have since learned a great deal, thanks to the internet and the many groups I belong to. I learned to spin from the internet and a video tape I bought.

Some things I've made are: Christmas ornaments, slippers, hats, toys, sweaters, bookmarks, tube socks (using a round knitting loom), scarves, afghans, dishcloths, shawls, a checker board and checkers
for my kids, fitted socks, meaning they actually have a turned heel and are custom fitted to the wearer and knitted on 4 or 5 needles... Christmas stockings, lace shawls, and so on.

My latest passions: Top down, one piece cardigans, and crochet head kerchiefs. Go figure.

My big dream: I will have my own yarn store and I'll teach spinning and knitting on a regular basis.... one of these days...

My new favorite quote: "Raising teenagers is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree."

My personal belief: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

I hope you enjoy this site, and come back often to see new things.