[Nfb-editors] Krafters Korner

[Blindhands at aol.com]

Below you will find an article on the NFB Krafters Division.  Please  
include this article in your newsletters or lists to members of Affiliates and  
chapters.
 
Thank You very much,
Joyce Kane, President
NFB Krafters Division
 
Krafters Korner 
By Ann Petrous
 
Inspiration comes from many different places, and reaches from all walks of 
 life. One might become inspired just by attending an event, hearing a 
song, or  hearing bits of conversations. This was the case for Joyce Kane, 
President of  the NFB Krafters Division, for the National Federation of the 
Blind. (NFB)
 
12 years ago, Joyce lost her vision, due to open-heart bypass surgery. Kane 
 worked two jobs, while her children attended college. A year after 
surgery, and  with time on her hands, Joyce decided to pick up her knitting needles 
and next  was her sewing machine. “I pulled out my old Feather weight 
sewing machine that  was as basic as you can get, just straight stitching, and 
played with it. I  loved sewing, and for 8 years worked the craft shows making 
dolls while my kids  were young and growing up,” Joyce explains.
“I wanted to start with something  I was very familiar with.”      
After attending the  NFB convention two years ago, Kane was inspired to 
create a division, where  blind people can come together, to share creative 
ideas, and tips on the art of  craft. 
Joyce contacted the head quarters of the NFB located in Baltimore  
Maryland, and the rest is history. A month after returning from Georgia the  
Krafters Korner list was started on the NFB’s official website. In one year,  
people took interest, and joined the mailing list. With Guidance from Joann  
Wilson, the first meeting was held in Dallas Texas, to finalize details on a  
constitution and vote in officers for the division. 
 
Within the next year, classes were developed. All classes are taught by  
blind Krafters, to folks who were interested in learning. The classes are  
conducted by conference calling. Classes include jewelry beading projects,  
beginners, and advance knitting, Origami, Fun Making soap, Beaded Snowflakes,  
sewing Machine Discussion, with tricks and tools used by other blind folks,  
etc.
 
Upcoming classes such as coil basket weaving, how to read knitting  
patterns, basic hand sewing skills, more jewelry beading, and Origami classes,  
will be offered.   
A mini craft show was held in Detroit at this  year‘s Convention, where 
Krafters displayed, and sold their creative, talented  work. The NFB Krafters 
division has also gone internationally, where Krafters  from other countries, 
join via Skypes.
 
A weekly conference call is held on Monday nights at 8 P.N. Eastern Time.  
You can join in by calling 610-404-9100 and the code number is 2 7 2 3 8. To 
 sign up for the Krafters Korner mailing list you can go to 
_http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org_ 
(http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org) 
For  class information and payment for membership go to 
_http://krafterskorner.blogspot.com/_ (http://krafterskorner.blogspot.com/) 
For  the official website visit _www.krafterskorner.org_ 
(http://www.krafterskorner.org)     

If you would like any further information you can contact Joyce  Kane by 
email at _Blindhands at AOL.com_ (mailto:Blindhands at AOL.com) .
 
There are no limitations, when it comes to blindness. Talent comes upon  
anyone, regardless, of disability.  
 
Keep on Krafting!