Arañita ("aranyita")

Since I started working with yarn over 17 years ago, I just can't seem to stop.  I set about learning to do all kinds of knit stitches, patterns, and methods.  Yarn and needles were almost perpetually in my hands and hand-knit items were continuously being created so my beloved Mai started calling me "arañita" or little spider.  (In Spanish, spiders knit their webs and are considered industrious.)  I was so flattered.  I then taught myself to crochet and started combining the stitches to create some of my work.  You can find me on Ravelry as "aranyita".

ELKAmade is a family venture.  Often, my family members serve as my models.  Our diverse family gets along very well and I love capturing them laughing together in my handmade items.  My daughter serves as an inspiration and model.  She's very accommodating and encouraging and since she was a kid, she forced me to make indestructible items (sweaters and ponchos cannot snag on trees, fences, or monkey bars or get in the way when she's climbing or running around.)  My daughter also has a great eye for color and helps me choose the yarns for my designs.  My spouse is very particular -- everything, except the softest fiber is itchy and everything must fit "just so."  It's helpful to have them both providing feedback as my projects must be well-made, beautiful, soft, durable, and functional!