The Story
My creative journey with yarn began in 2009 in the month of November. When my first son was born, I had taken maternity leave from the position I worked at the time in retail. That was when I picked up a crochet hook for the first time. It took a huge amount of practice and patience, especially without having someone to teach me. I would reward myself for learning a new stitch or having an "AH-HA!" moment—usually by acquiring more yarn!
Three months later, I grabbed two needles and taught myself to knit. It was the first major failure that gave me the desire to perfect my craft. That failure was a pair of socks. It wasn't the brightest idea as a beginner, but it helped me learn the mystery behind making socks. The first pair was too small. Unfortunately, the second pair was way too slouchy. However, that experience didn't keep me from learning. Less than 6 months later, my first major commission projects were custom-fit knee highs featuring a diamond lace pattern followed by a custom-fit cardigan project.
If I gave up when it became difficult, I wouldn't know what I know now. I wouldn't be able to do what I can do now.
March 26, 2011 was the special day of transition from hobby to business. The appreciation I have for both knitting and crocheting propelled the transformation, and it also gave way to the name—Heavenly Knitchet. I enjoy incorporating fashion into my creations and also in jewelry design. In December of 2015, I added handspinning to the list of creative arts. I cherish each stage of processing and love being able to use my imagination to see a project to its beautiful end. I will continue to learn, design, and share as a means to encourage others to express themselves creatively.
Heavenly Knitchet has become a way to express my artistic point of view and means to connect with other people both as a teacher and mentor. As I experiment with designs and collections, I am comforted, inspired, and encouraged when I see the smiles and excitement of each customer. The continual support of my family members and friends throughout this process means more than I can express. My goal is to encourage women of all ages to find their true identity and live out their purpose in this life. If I can do it, so can you! Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you, may you write yours and be a blessing that continues to touch one person after another.
When I am away from my yarn and fiber, I can be found spending quality time with my dear husband and our sons, Noble and Ezekiel. We currently have one dog—a little morkie named Samson. Our little dog is very playful but never in the fibers or yarn.
Major Accomplishments (for pics and more details visit the Credentials and Awards page):
Publications
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Spin Off Winter 2020 (Cover photo and Featured Article)
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Spin Off Summer 2020 (Featured Article)
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tinyStudio Creative Life Magazine Issue 5 (2019)
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tinyStudio Creative Life Magazine Issue 6 (2020)
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tinyStudio Creative Life Magazine Issue 7 (Coming soon 2020)
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Knitting
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Level One Master Knitter (Graduated October 10, 2016)
Spinning
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Certificate of Achievement in Open - Skein Competition 2017 Wisconsin (September 10, 2017)
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2nd Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2017 Experienced Class, Medium Division Wisconsin (September 10, 2017)
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Certificate of Achievement in Open - Skein Competition 2018 Wisconsin (September 9, 2018)
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1st Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2018 - Experienced Class, Bulky Division - Wisconsin (September 9, 2018)
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1st Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2018 - Experienced Class, Other Fibers Division - Wisconsin (September 9, 2018)
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2nd Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2018 - Experienced Class, Novelty Division - Wisconsin (September 9, 2018)
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2nd Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2018 - Experienced Class, Medium Division - Wisconsin (September 9, 2018)
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Certificate of Achievement in Open - Skein Competition 2019 Wisconsin (September 8, 2019)
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Best of Show in Open - Skein Competition 2019 - Advanced Class, Medium Division - Wisconsin (September 8, 2019)
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1st Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2019 - Advanced Class, Medium Division - Wisconsin (September 8, 2019)
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1st Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2019 - Advanced Class, Bulky Division - Wisconsin (September 8, 2019)
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1st Place Ribbon in Open - Skein Competition 2019 - Advanced Class, Novelty Division - Wisconsin (September 8, 2019)
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Weaving
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4th Place - Sheep to Shawl Competition: Team HK Beauty and the Fleece - Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival (September 9, 2018)
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2nd Place - Sheep to Shawl Competition: Team Darkside Shearing - Black Sheep Gathering in Oregon (July 5, 2019)
Upcoming Teaching Workshops: (check Events page for details)
Stitches West 2020
Stitches United 2020
Ply Away 2020
Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
Stitches Midwest 2020
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Past Lectures and Teaching Workshops:​
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Fearless Plying - August 4, 2019
Stitches Midwest - Schaumburg, IL
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Spinning for a Project - August 3, 2019
Stitches Midwest - Schaumburg, IL
Color Control: Fractal Spinning - August 3, 2019
Stitches Midwest - Schaumburg, IL
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Think Outside the Braid! - August 2, 2019
Stitches Midwest - Schaumburg, IL
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Color Control: Fractal Spinning - April 6, 2019
YarnCon - Fiber Fest Chicago, IL
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Blending Boards: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - April 6, 2019
YarnCon - Fiber Fest Chicago, IL
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Making It: The Business Behind the Art - February 23, 2019
Illinois Prairie Spinners Guild
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Color Control: Fractal Spinning - November 17, 2018
Illinois Prairie Spinners Guild
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Prep Like a Pro! - April 7-8, 2018
Yarn Con - Fiber Fest Chicago, IL
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Think Outside the Braid! - April 7-8, 2018
Yarn Con - Fiber Fest Chicago, IL
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Alpaca Preparation Class - January 27, 2018
Illinois Prairie Spinners Guild
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The Wonderful World of Polymer Clay - November 18, 2017
Illinois Prairie Spinners Guild