Well, Pam – You’re living my dream! I always say that one day I’m going to pack up my laptop, the dogs and my hubby and hit the road. I’d love to know more about your travels, do you by any chance blog about your land roaming lifestyle??
Pam Daley
My hubby and I are currently 'living the dream' traveling the US in a Class C motor home (not one of those huge bus things; the ones that look like a big van with a truck front end!)
I have 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren whom I absolutely ADORE. (I think I really was born to be a grandma!)
I'm a sucker for babies. I did infant day care when my girls were little; foster care for drug-affected preemies; and now I participate in lots of charity causes targeting little ones.
I'm a serious Star Trek fan. Serious. Trek. Fan. Yes, I have a uniform.
What got you started crafting?
It's the age old story - my grandma taught me to crochet when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Okay, I was 8. I didn't see her very often, but whenever we visited she and I would make time to sit down and crochet. In between times, I continued learning on my own and made all the clothes my Barbie doll could wear. When I was raising my girls I didn't have quite as much time and so my hooks & yarn were put away.
And then about 4 years ago, right after my husband and I retired, I got cancer. During my treatments I went back to crocheting. It was something that kept me busy and engaged without being physically exhausting - cause believe me, when you're going through chemo you have NO energy. Even after I recovered, I kept on crocheting. And now that we are traveling, I focus on creating crochet patterns with a few custom crochet orders here and there. Not planning to put down those hooks again!
What is your source of inspiration?
I don't honestly know what to say about where I get my inspiration. Sometimes ideas will just come to me. I'm usually working on one or more items for my grandchildren, so I would probably give them more credit than anything else.
What have you made recently?
My latest pattern is for what I call 'traditional' Christening or Baptism booties. When I think of that, it brings to mind white, delicate 'heirloom' booties and long satin gowns for baby. I was playing with some cotton thread in my stash one morning and these booties 'just happened'. I made 8 different pair while working out the pattern sizes and details - and loved making each one! The pattern - as well as the samples I made - are all listed in my Etsy shop. I'm hoping to create a crochet christening gown and a cap as coordinating patterns.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I currently sell my patterns in my Etsy shop as well as on Ravelry. My patterns are also sold on the KnitPicks yarn website and I'm hoping to have one or more published in a print magazine this year.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I love handmade! There are times when I have no choice but to purchase something at 'big box' stores, but I truly loathe a couple of those chains. When you buy handmade you are usually buying higher quality items that will last longer than the 'cheap' stuff. Plus - depending on the item - you can get it *exactly* the way you want it! I recently purchased a purse that converts to a backpack that a seller made just for ME. How cool is that??
And then there is handmade soap! Natural, not a bunch of chemicals, and feels SO wonderful. Since my cancer I've tried to be more aware and not needlessly expose myself to more chemicals toxins that I have to. Sometimes tough to do in this world - but handmade bath & body items are a great start.
Find Me
LocationFull-time RVer traveling the US!
Email Address
Pam Daley
Personal Website
http://www.playingwithfiber.blogspot.com/
Store Website
http://playingwithfiber.etsy.com
HEARTHANDMADE
@playingwithfibe
http://www.facebook.com/playingwithfiber