BHGnatalie

[#1]

I came across Autumn's blog a while ago. I followed it closely as she and her husband adopted a pretty little girl from Ethiopia. Their story left an impression on me, and Ethiopia left an impression on Autumn. Part of all profits she makes from sales at her Etsy shop go to fund the efforts of Ethiopian Orphan Relief.

Here's my Q&A with her!

Why do you craft?
Crafting is in my blood.  I think about it much of the day and I must craft at some point during the day, or I don't feel like myself.  I feel really lucky that I was able to make my crafting into a business. 

Why do you craft for Ethiopian Orphan Relief?
A piece of our heart is in Ethiopia.  We brought our daughter home in 2009 from Ethiopia.  Ethiopian Orphan Relief is an organization that helps to better the lives of orphans in Ethiopia.  If a single person could solve the orphan crisis...I would, but until then I help through my crafts to make lives a little better for the orphans of Ethiopia until they find their "forever" families. 

What’s the best time of the day to craft?
When my kids are sleeping is the best time to craft.  I wake up an hour earlier than my kids to work on projects and I also get a lot done during their nap time.  However, I tend to keep a project out on my desk that I go to throughout the day.

What does your crafting space look like?
I have a little corner in the family room for my sewing desk.  My machine is always out, I have a stack of projects spilling out onto the fireplace hearth, and I have stacks of fabric on the shelves.  I also do some crafting in the car when my husband is driving.  I love a long car ride with my knitting.   

Favorite craft supply?
I love new fabric.  I'm a slight fabric hoarder.  I have shelves and stacks of fabric all over the house.  New fabric and the possibilities for that fabric sort of make my heart flutter.  

Favorite craft store?
Bolt is my favorite fabric store.  They have some great designer fabrics, Liberty prints, and a selection of Japanese fabrics.  It is where I teach sewing and it is my neighborhood fabric store, so I'm very loyal to Bolt.  I also love finding fabric treasures other places like estate sales, thrift stores, and Scrap (A neighborhood recycle store, which has a little section of unwanted fabric for great prices.).
 

What crafting advice can you share?

If you craft, find time to craft everyday.  It is so good for the soul.  I stay home with my two kids.  I think it is so important for them to see that their Mama has different interests that are important to her.  My oldest really respects that  now and if he sees me knitting he wants to get his knitting and knit with me.   It has taught him a very valuable lesson about his Mama and her other passions besides him.  If you don't craft, take a class at your local fabric or knitting store...you'll be so glad you did.   

[photo via Autumn's Etsy Shop]

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read also: Crafting for A Cause: Water 4 Christmas with Meg Duerksen