As a child growing up in the fifties, I was fortunate to have been born into a loving, nurturing, and creative family. The idea of self-expression in a variety of areas was enthusiastically encouraged. Aunt Sue was a "fairy godmother" type of aunt who in her eyes I could do no wrong. During a visit, Aunt Sue knit as my brother and I played. The clanking of the needles and the yarn flowed captured my attention. I loved sorting her "stash" by color and texture. When Aunt Sue next visited my home she presented me with my very own needles and a variety of candy colored left over yarn. My first lesson followed; casting on and the knit stitch. I was instructed to select a yarn and knit a square which was quickly accomplished to the size specified. An urgent call brought Aunt Sue to my home the very next day for further instruction. My thirst to create a tangible item permeated every moment of my waking hours. I would see pansies in my mother's garden and be entranced by the color hues and sensuous texture. I would immediately run indoors to select from my "stash" limited as it was, often combining more than one material into unique structures uncommon for that era. My mother and aunt would inspect my finished products probably with bewilderment at how my mind was operating for such artistic yarn combinations were unheard of at that time. Obviously, I was attempting to create the semblance of the novelty yarns of today.

I continued to knit until college and its regiment of scholarly requirements left little time for my passionate hobby. As an English teacher, I consistently attempted to instill a passion for creative expression in my students. After thirty-five years of teaching eighth grade, I now have the time to pursue my passion for fiber arts. As retirement unfolded the next September, I felt an emptiness for the camaraderie of colleagues and especially for the beloved students who contributed to my daily fun.

Visiting yarn shops inspired me once again to create. A few scarves were completed and given to family and friends. As my mother wore one, a very dear friend admired it and requested me to make one for her and she would pay me. Someone else requested a home party.

"Great," I said, "I will come over and we will knit together."

Her reply, "No, you bring your scarves and we will buy them."

Thus, Hand Knits By Nancy was born and constantly evolves. From somewhere deep within my very being, my spirit stimulates the creative "juices" causing me to physically take myself to my "stash" room where I search until the exact materials are selected for the project emerging from my mind's eye.

Meeting individuals who are wearing one of my scarves, a poncho, or a necklace or using a purse provides this artisan with the feeling of satisfaction that can only come for creative endeavor.

My mother, Dorothy, continues to be my nurturing support and lovely model for my creations. Aunt Sue is knitting in heaven with the angels. I wish she would have had the experience of visiting a modern knit shop with its endless array of color, hue, and texture. I know we would enjoy such visits together as well as creating together. My hope is that my creations will bring beauty and charm to those who honor me by obtaining and wearing one of my creation.