I've been crafty my whole life, but I didn't learn to knit until 2004. In 2005 I started writing a column for the newspaper in Boulder, CO about DIY projects and that spurred me onto crafting more and eventually selling my wares. I started off selling candles made from recycled wax (tagline: Recycled + Rescued) and I named my business after my crafty and thrifty grandmother, Mary Marie Mason. One holiday show I brought a few knit scarves with me. No one bought my candles but they scooped up the knitwear. I sold vintage items for a while, but eventually I decided to focus on knit and crocheted items.

I made my first pouf just for fun, in 2009. Again, I took it to a show and it got a lot of attention. So I decided to make more and in different sizes and colors. Eventually I realized that poufs were going to be my thing. I went to school to be a journalist, but here I am years later making my living knitting poufs. Who knew!

I absolutely love to knit. I think you could call it a full-blown addiction (just ask my husband). Not only do I love my job but it allows me the flexibility to stay home with my daughter and son. I want them to grow up knowing the importance of loving what you do, and of the power of making things with your own two hands.

I have many dreams for Mary Marie Knits, and I'm working on them all the time. I also opened a pattern store, caracorey.etsy.com, where you can find patterns for many of my designs.