About

During my time at college I had a great reputation for saying silly things. The moment that sticks out the most is the trip coming home from London. The air conditioning kicked in when the coach engine started and I came out with, "It smells like rain". Eight years later and this still comes up in conversation with a particular friend from the course.

Knitted apples.

When I left College I went on to study a degree in photography but after quite a difficult breakdown I left without completing the course. I tried various other courses to enter into a career but my stress levels became quite a problem and repeatedly ended in relapses of my depression. At the start of this year I was referred to a counselor to talk through past issues and improve my outlook on life. To keep myself busy during the day I worked on mini projects like knitting, crochet or tapestry. I also took up a hobby of making sock monsters which were sold at a local retailer. What ever money was made from them went straight back into buying more materials so I could keep making them and the sense of achievement I got from finishing each one was a great feeling!

A few months I finished my counselling on a really positive note so now I am trying to tackle the problem of being unemployed. I was referred to a work placement company by the job center who give more concentrated help to job seekers and I couldn't ask for a more supportive coach! Her first suggestion was to attend a 'back to work' program to improve my confidence and work on my CV, interview techniques etc. After our initial test papers my sock monsters came up in conversation with the tutor, who instantly fell in love with them!

To cut an even longer story short I am now becoming self employed and have decided to start a blog so my family and friends can follow what I'm doing. Hopefully there will be more highs and lows but there's only one way to find out! Fingers crossed! Jxx