My name is Robin and this is my husband John (with the fishing pole) and my son Seth (with the computer). I’m not quite sure how to do this, so let me start with some things that “I am” and “I do” that help describe me. 

I am the wife of a wonderful man who makes me happy and loves me just the way I am.

I am the mother of a 22 year old son who makes me crazy and brings me joy often all in the same moment.

I am blessed and extremely fortunate to have my dream job as a Library Technician (that’s a Librarian without the MLS), at our wonderful public library.

We live in a small town in north central Massachusetts that’s not quite rural.  It’s an old factory town on the river without so many factories any more.

I am passionate about books.  I love everything about them.  The places they take me, the way they make me feel, and even the way they smell (well usually!) Books have been prominent in my life for as long as I can remember and I expect they will be long into my future!

I have always been intrigued by and a bit envious of people who knit and crochet.  In 2010 the stars aligned and I was inspired (by a book display!) to learn to crochet.  I chose this art with one stick (hook) because it seemed easier than wielding a stick in each hand! (I’ve never been super coordinated!).  After scouring the stacks where there were plenty of books to choose from I settled on Get Hooked – Simple Steps to Crochet Cool Stuff by Kim Werker, a how-to book for teens. Whenever I’m looking to learn something new I always start with a book geared towards kids or teens.  They’re easier to understand and often have better pictures!  To my surprise, in my stash of crafting goodies I came across a How-To Kit I must have purchased years earlier and tucked away after becoming frustrated by the inadequate instructions. It contained a selection of yarn and a sparkly purple hook with a heart on the end (which will always be “my first”).  And so the obsession began!  I was thrilled to discover that I could turn simple strands of yarn into usable pieces of fabric!  As I stitched my way through scarves, hats and wrist warmers my confidence grew. With every project my knowledge and ability to read patterns and complete more complex stitching combinations improved.  I searched for patterns on the internet. I tried different weights from #10 cotton thread to super bulky!  And so it continues today!  I  usually consider my skill level to be intermediate or advanced intermediate.  Although I have completed “experienced” patterns there are always new things to learn.  In 2012 I decided it was time to give knitting a try. My confidence from my success crocheting made it an easy transition. It is hard to say now which I like more!

2016 has been a year of artistic adventure! In addition to the fiber arts, I have been designing and sewing purses, totes and project bags, as well as experimenting with watercolors.  John has been making jewelry nearly everyday, and our inventory of wearable and functional art continues to grow! It is my intention to eventually make items available for sale in our Etsy shop Nirvana Designs. We also plan on hitting the craft show circuit next summer.

I created Crochet Nirvana as a place to share my adventures in learning crochet and learning in life.  As it turns out I've found blogging to be a creative outlet as well.   Who knew?

So there you have it.  Now you know a little bit about me.  Where I've been and where I’m going.  Come on along. I’m sure we’ll have a good time.