I am so happy to have this week's spotlight is on Sharon Gilnack who is a wonderful knitter who creates wonderful homey and warm hand knit items for your home.
Words from Sharon herself......
HollyKnitterCreations
has been on Artfire since March 2011 when I needed something to do after
retiring in 2009.
My
grandmother’s encouragement started my journey into the love of fiber.
In college I
taught myself how to knit and enjoyed creating a hooded sweater
with cables
and popcorns for those cold New York winters.
I am
visually challenged and cannot read printed material and through innovation and
computer software allows me to use a screen reader that audibly reads
information from my computer.
My favorite
aspect in knitting is to create small cloths where the knit and purl stitches
form a picture.
I have over
150 picture patterns to fit every occasion from simple apples to quilt inspired
designs.
When making
cloths for special orders, I try to work with the customer to make something
special for them The Antique Car cloth and the Golf Cloth were originally
special orders and have become customer favorites. The Ninja cloth, Skateboard,
Bulldozer, and Butterfly were originally made for my grandchildren. The
Ballerina Dancer was a special gift for my nieces and friends.
I also
designed a special towel with hand knit topper that has ties instead of the
traditional buttons and I have just branched out with machine embroidery to
make special towels such as the Chocolate Labrador on White with a Brown
topper. (I have a friend that does the embroidery).
I am
starting to expand into more baby Afghans, scarves and hope to increase
this line next year.
The designers I work with are awesome to provide me with
patterns in a specialized format in addition when needed will modify a pattern
to fit special requirements. I do respect copy write and always get permission
from the designers to sell items created from their designs
My Artfire studio is a combined effort from start to finish.
I could not have a business in Artfire without the help of family and friends.
My husband is my photographer and my friend from college helps me list my
inventory. The Artfire mentors and artisans have been helpful and supportive.
In conclusion my love of knitting brings me joy,
satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment whether knitting for charity, family
or my business.
“Discover the hand crafted difference”
