26/11/2020
It has been a while since I did a how it all began post, and with it being 5 yrs since my first workshop I thought I would reminisce a little.
For those of you who don't know in the real world, I originally trained as a nurse, I loved it and reached the dizzy heights of ward sister on our local stroke unit. It was an amazing place to work, with a fabulous team. Things changed when my lovely hubby had a slight career change which meant a relocation.
I initially stayed put but baby number 3 was enroute and being on my own during the week with the boys and working full time wasn't so fun. After the baby was born, hubby relocated again and this time we moved with him. I got another job in stroke nursing there after my mat leave. We had only been there 6 months when hubby's job moved us again. Pretty much to the other end of the country.
I decided to wait before job hunting to make sure the boys were settled in properly after 2 new schools in one school year. It seemed like the perfect time to complete our family with baby number 4, and so our sassy little girl came along.
Having never been out of work I really struggled with not bringing in a wage. I felt like I had to ask permission to buy anything, even though hubby was horrified if I did "it's our money" he'd say, but I felt like I had lost my independence.
I have always loved crafts. Mum taught me to knit, crochet and sew when I was little. I had done some patchwork classes in the past and loved it. I started making some Christmas presents to save pennies and they were well received. Friends and family suggested I sell them, and that is where Calicoclair came from.
The ladybird profile pic is actually my daughter's name sign for her room. I started with name signs because as a child I could never buy anything with my name on. The joy if making it myself means it can be spelt any way.
It has been 8 yrs now since those first makes. Things have changed a bit. Three more house moves, the last one to our own house means I have been able to run classes in the local area as well as make. I love what I do x
