Part 2

Sorry, I didn't realize this was becoming my whole life story! But , it's my blog, and I'll post what I want! Anyway, back to the story. After the kids were born, I drifted into Bridal alterations, and found my calling. I soon opened an alteration shop with my mom, Stitch-N-Time. (http://www.stitchntimebridalboutique.com) Sorry, just had to give it a plug.
After 6 years, my husband transferred from Chicago to St. Louis. I started working for various bridal shops in the area, until I landed my dream job at D****'* Bridal, as alteration manager. About a year into the job, my dream was sliding into nightmare status. By three years, I was totally burned out, and quit. With 2 kids in college, I went to work in retail management. Unfortunately , during that time, I was diagnosed with cancer. I did the whole radiation, surgery and chemo thing. ( and thankfully, lived to tell about it) It was during that time that I rediscovered crocheting. so every chemo session ( for 8 months) I dragged along a rolling tote bag filled with yarn, and began making scarfs. After I had a collection built up, I strong armed my youngest daughter, who worked at a trendy boutique in Chicago, to see if they would sell them for me. And they did! So that was the beginning of what is now Expressive Stitches, my etsy shop. (http://expressivestitches.etsy.com) Another plug! Gosh, I'm shameless!!!
I lost my real paying job this last May, and could not find another job that didn't leave me bored to tears. So I decided to go back to my roots, and start doing alterations again. I started my own little business, Alterations by Patti (http://www.alterationsbypatti.com) OK, last plug, I promise! About the same time, I opened up my etsy shop. I can honestly say I have never been happier. I love doing my own thing, and making money from it, even if it is only a modest amount. And my creative juices are flowing! It's like I've been in the desert for years, and just discovered the ocean! I can't keep up!