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Name: Annie Hatke
Instagram: @mamapossum
For Annie Hatke, small moments make big memories. Knitting has brought her friendship, happiness, and confidence. Read on to learn more about how this busy mom manages to run a household and still pursues her passion project.
Get her exclusive Baby Hood Pattern Kit here!
When did you start knitting? How did you learn?
I started knitting when I was pregnant with my first child, eleven years ago. My next door neighbor at the time was a mother of four and a huge mentor for me, starting out as a newlywed and then as my husband and I started our family. She taught me so much more than just how to knit, but knitting is something I can do every day and think of her, even though we live so far apart now.
What is your favorite memory involving knitting?
My favorite memory is when I was learning; sitting on Tara’s couch one evening after all her kids were in bed, she taught me to knit a basic rolled-edge hat pattern. It was not a monumental happening, just a time of great friendship and comfort.
What inspired you to create your own small business?
I don’t think I am alone in the struggle of having too many handknits. The hats, gloves, scarves, accessories just tend to pile up in the corners of a knitter’s home! As far as a money-making business venture, my knitting is not substantial, but it is nice to have a small etsy store to fill when the corners of my house begin to overflow!
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced so far in your fiber arts career?
I have a hard time thinking that what I make is something anyone will want. I am not an incredibly skilled knitter, though I think my patterns are cute and functional. Self-confidence is something I lack, and when it seems all my friends are knitters themselves, I often wonder who would actually want to buy handknits--can’t they just make it themselves, and do a better job? I feel like patterns might be a nice way to bridge this conflict--it’s more like purchasing an idea that a knitter can then put her own personal spin on.
What tips do you have for other crafters who are looking to take their art to the next level?
Be brave! You never know when what you are offering will be exactly what someone else is looking for. And there’s always so much more to learn and experiment with--the satisfaction that comes from successfully working through a challenge is such a delightful feeling.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on a compilation of my most simple original knitting patterns that I hope to either submit to publishers at some point, or self-publish as a small booklet. The collection is rooted in knitting basics and all the patterns are worked on size 5 straight needles. It’s targeted toward beginning knitters and those who want to jump into the craft but don’t know where to begin.
Be sure to follow us @darngoodyarn and Annie @mamapossum on Instagram!