Introduction

Rita with 2 stitching friends

Born in Canada to Dutch parents, I have lived in Australia since I was 13 years old. I arn married to Ian, a highschool art teacher, and we have a daughter (Heather, who is 20) and a son (John, aged 17).

In 1980, when Heather was very small and before John was born, we moved to our dream property at Herrick in northeast Tasmania.

During the next 13 years, we raised a family, worked on our house, established and landscaped a large garden, and (for 6 of those years) ran a host farm. For the uninitiated, this is bed and breakfast accommodation, country style. In 1986, I wrote an article about the metamorphosis of our host farm for Grass Roots magazine, a bimonthly Australian publication devoted to the alternative lifestyle.

Because of our isolated geographical position, I had no opportunity to attend craft classes and learned most of my skills from books and by trial and error. Despite this, I ran a little craft shop for about 6 years, making most of the items for sale. These included denim children's clothing, scented gifts, and dried flowers. Articles on how to make some of these crafts have also appeared in various issues of Grass Roots magazine.

I absolutely loved having a craft shop. However, after 3 other craft shops opened locally, I was forced to close. The other shops were more centrally placed, and I no longer attracted enough customers to our more out-of-the-way position to remain viable.

During this period, my family and I dealt with some difficult times. As a result of stress and overwork, I developed late onset asthma and serious back problems. I did manage to retain my sanity! I'm sure this was largely due to the craft work and sewing I still do most days as a form of relaxation. I'm also certain that my faith in God, and dependence on Him for strength, was a major factor.

Since I rarely had access to shops which sold craft materials or fabrics, I became an expert at "making do". I think I have proved through experience that it is possible to make attractive and useful items for very little cost. Don't be discouraged if you have a tight budget but want to be creative!

In 1993, we moved to St. Helens, a seaside town on the east coast of Tasmania. I joined a sewing group. and continued with my writing as well as working full-time.

I have since decreased my workload, and now tutor small groups in patchwork and other crafts as a volunteer. I also occasionally take the opportunity to attend locally run craft classes, and make a small profit by selling handmade items in the local craft shop.

Thankfully, my asthma and back problems gradually improved as my stress levels and workload were reduced. Although our daughter has been ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for more than 4 years and my husband is currently on stress leave, I am busily stitching (and writing) my worries away.

It's great therapy!

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