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About ME Nolfi is a hard topic for me to write about, because I AM ME Nolfi (Mary Estok Nolfi). I was never one to blow my own horn. So I guess I’ll just have to pretend I’m writing about someone else (in a very brief fashion), and throw in a few photos so you can get to know me through pictures.
Like so many other crochet nuts in the yarn/craft industry today, I learned to crochet at a very young age. However, I did not learn from my mother OR my grandmother, even though they were both very accomplished crocheters AND wizards at so many other needle arts of the time. At age seven, I was given a children’s crochet kit by my mother. It was a wonderful little kit with beginner instructions and a pattern to make a small stuffed animal.....a toy poodle. (For some reason, my mom felt I was too young to have the real thing.) Even though I wasn’t getting a real toy poodle, I was very excited about making the little stuffed animal. After all, it was a toy poodle. And I developed a love affair with toy poodles the first time I saw one. I am sure you all have noticed the Crochet Asylum Mascot, Pierre in the newsletter. He is my fourth toy poodle since the age of 16. (My parents finally felt that I could handle the responsibility of a pet when I turned 16.)
Well...I did say I would be brief. So since my introduction to crochet via the toy poodle kit, I have pursued learning about all of the needle arts, I have always designed my own patterns, and I have taught countless adults and children to crochet, knit, needlepoint, macramé, and other needle related craft trends of the time. My formal education consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, intense postgraduate studies in Architectural Design, followed by Interdisciplinary Studies in Fine Crafts. All of these education experiences also helped to hone my penchant for the concept of “independent contractor”. I love being in business for myself. I have been self employed since 1972, and I can tell you that I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even though the road has been very hard at times, there is nothing like the feeling of knowing everything that I have accomplished has been through my own efforts. Since 1972, I have traveled many roads. But I always seem to be pulled back to the needle arts. It is my first love in the world of creativity. I don’t just love the needle arts. I am delirious over the idea of designing and creating kits for others to enjoy just as much as I do. (I wonder if that has anything to do with my early introduction to a crochet kit when I was only seven?)
Getting away from my background info, I would like to strongly emphasize the importance of exposing children to the world of needle arts and crafts. And not just a little bit. I mean exposing them in a big way. Because it really makes an impact. Their minds are like sponges, soaking up everything they come into contact with. I am totally convinced that the exposure to any art or craft and the feeling of accomplishing something creative without adult supervision, is a wonderful experience that helps to shape an independent creative thought process.
Thanks so very much for visiting CrochetAsylum.com. I hope we have made you feel at home while you’re here. Stop by anytime! You’re always welcome.
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