What a difference a week makes! Last Sunday, I was facing a next day eviction from my home for $1100 in past due rent. I reached out to this community to tell my story, not expecting money but rather a shoulder to cry on & a group of people who cared & understood. Your response was unbelievable - an outpouring of money, kind words & sage advice & you also bought 31 scarves from my Etsy shop.
Between the scarf sales & money sent through PayPal, the Kos community sent $2234 my way. I was able to pay the back rent & not be evicted (yeah!!), pay April rent of $800 (the Landlord was shocked to say the least), pay the most past due electric bill (so no cut-off notice this week), buy a few groceries (including a box of dog biscuits), put $30 of gas in the car & with the last $30, pay a little forward by helping out "The Pollster" another Kos family member also in financial need.
"Thank you" doesn't even begin to express my appreciation to everyone at Daily Kos. You not only kept a roof over my head, but you gave me back some peace & quiet in my life - less worry & a sense of feeling safe. Maybe it's only short term, but this week was one without hunger & one with sleep without fear that someone would knock at my door & throw me & the dogs out into the street.
Over the past week, I was also heartened by your response to my online Etsy shop, Willie Ru Designs where I offer handmade scarves and other accessories. While I am trying my best to land a full-time job in this tough economy, for now, this is my only source of income.
My mother is the one who taught me to crochet & sew. I'm a leftie, so I sat across from her as a child to learn with some string & my finger. Her name was Willis Ruby & I named my company after her. She died 24 years ago this past Friday. I miss her everyday & was blessed to have such a wonderful, kind & strong woman as my mother.
All the scarves you purchased were mailed out on Thursday & should reach you by tomorrow at the latest. I hope you love them. Please let me know. And please don't forget my shop in the future. I need to keep that rent paid! Check it out soon as I already have some new scarves listed & will continue to add more. Also, don't forget that I love to do custom work too.
Here are two examples of my new work & I promise to stop the self promotion!
HW39 Bright Pink Silk Handmade Crochet Scarf: This beautiful scarf is made from a hand dyed silk yarn. It's crocheted in an open stitch, is very soft & perfect for year-round wear. This is a very versatile style perfect for a scarf but wide enough for a wrap on a cool evening - or wear around your waist for a belt. Color is a very bright pink.
Not including the 8" fringe, it measures approximately 12" wide & 66" long.
Click this link for additional close-up pictures of this scarf.
HW40 Beaded Silk Handmade Crochet Scarf: This beautiful scarf is made from a hand dyed beaded silk yarn. It's crocheted in an open stitch, is very soft & perfect for year-round wear. This is a very versatile style perfect for a scarf but wide enough for a wrap on a cool evening - or wear around your waist for a belt. Colors are teal, green, blue & a touch of lime. Incredible fringe with lots of hand dyed ribbons & a little sparkle.
Not including the 8" fringe, it measures approximately 8" wide & 70" long.
Click this link for additional close-up pictures of this scarf.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. You can send me a message through email PALSKaren@aol.com or by sending me a Kosmail.
Again, a million thanks for your concern and assistance.
Karen