Stay-At-Home-Moms-of-Etsy: Feature Shop: Sarahndipities

Happy Wednesday! The cheerful personality of Sarah of Sarahndipities really comes through when you read her busy blog and this interview. Wouldn't you just love to have a cup of coffee with her? Learn more about this long-time team member and busy mom of five below! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks.

What is your name?
Sarah Anderson

Where are you located?
I live in Mt. Pleasant, UT.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I a 32-year-old SAHM of five great kids! My oldest is 10, and my youngest is 9 months! My hubby is a 5th grade teacher at our local elementary school. We've been married for 12 years.

What do you sell in your Etsy shop?
Mostly crocheted hats and accessories...but also some blankets and embroidered dolls.

Embroidered Felt Matryoshka Doll Plushie Pattern

How long have you been crocheting?
I've been crocheting now for about 11 years!

What or who got you started in your craft?
My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was expecting my first baby. I wanted to make her a baby blanket! And the rest is history! :)

OOAK Retro Granny Square Lap Afghan

Tell us the story behind this item: OOAK Retro Granny Square Lap Afghan. What inspired you? How did you choose the materials/colors/etc.?
I got a bunch of vintage yarn remnants from my grandma, and there were all these great colors! I couldn't figure out what to do with them for the longest time, but I've always LOVED granny squares so that's what I ended up making! It's truly a one-of-a-kind piece, since the yarns I used aren't available anywhere!

How did your shop get its name?
I wanted to have my shop include my name and be something clever and memorable. I also wanted to have some flexibility so that I could change what I was selling if I wanted to!

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
It's a lot of work!! For me, I find that making myself a schedule really helps. I try to do 'work' things when the kids are busy with other things, and I also make after school until bedtime hours off limits for 'businessy' type things.

The Meanie - Outdoors Man Crochet Beanie

What is one piece of advice or a tip you'd give other stay-at-home moms?
Don't feel bad if you need to take a lot of breaks! It's better to keeping moving along in the right direction, with frequent breaks, than it is to get stressed out and get nowhere!

Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational saying you'd like to share?
"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." ~ Neal L. Anderson

What do you like to browse for on Etsy?
I love looking for unique supplies and, of course, children's items!