Crochet is defined as using a single (shepherd’s) hook to interlock loops to create fabric. I would go one step further and change the word fabric to work of art, clothing, or other textile product. Limiting the definition to fabric implies that one must then take the fabric and use it to construct something new when in fact the end result of crochet is the constructed item itself: a sweater, scarf, or baby blanket. The possibilities are (almost) limitless. I have an entire collection of Pinterest pins of free-form crochet stuffed animals I plan to tackle one day.
I have crocheted all my life. As the story goes, my mother taught me to crochet because she didn’t know what else to do with me. Apparently, I was a busybody from birth and crocheting kept my little hands and the rest of me still long enough to give my mother a little bit of sanity. I heard her laughingly say that numerous times throughout my childhood; but, I couldn’t appreciate the humor until I became a mother myself. I can honestly say that all of my children learned to crochet at some point in their lives. It’s a mom sanity-saver for sure!
As a tot, I remember circling our home in tiny loops of yarn. I made chain necklaces, bracelets, and belts for my siblings and other family members. Eventually, the entire house became ensnared in brightly colored, acrylic yarn. But I distinctly remember one day watching my mother crochet intricate pink roses and realizing that I wanted to do “real” crochet. Alas, I had grown bored of making simple loops. It was then that I learned the single crochet. Oh, the glory of it. Now I was living! Sitting in our living room, my mother busy with her silver hook and mercerized cotton, the high of feeling grown up and crocheting like my mother enveloped me. (I am grinning from ear to ear thinking of it even now.)
To this day, I carry a small bag of yarn, needle, and (maybe) a pattern, pretty much everywhere I go. When I pack for a vacation or weekend away, a crochet project is usually selected first and set aside before any other bags are filled. My kids have taken to calling me the bag lady and I proudly own it. Rarely do I go anywhere without a project to work on just in case I find myself sitting, idly waiting for soccer to end, drama practice to get out or my hubby to leave the office. But mostly, because, crocheting is one of the things I love to do most.
Recently, I followed a woman around Costco because her sweater was so unique and I just knew it was crocheted. When I finally got up the nerve to ask her about it (well, actually, it became apparent that she noticed me stalking her), she proudly confessed to hand-making it. We had the best convo about the stitches she used and how long it took her while our husbands shyly looked on with the same embarrassed expression on their faces.
Crocheting acts as a mental stimulant. I often crochet as I think through the next chapter of my novel, blog post, or other projects. Somehow when my hands are busy, my brain thinks more clearly. Ideas seem to flow more freely. I am now in the habit of grabbing a pen and notepad before sitting down with my yarn and needle to quickly jot down a thought or add to my Things-To-Do before the thought has a chance to get away from me.
Crocheting is relaxing. Perhaps it’s the rhythmical production of stitches or the action of simply sitting in a world where not “doing” anything is frowned upon. There is something about actively relaxing that soothes the body and the soul. I’m sure someone, somewhere has researched this and agrees.
Crocheting gives the satisfaction of creating something from nothing. I love wearing my hand-made sweaters, shawls, boleros, scarves, ear warmers and fingerless gloves. They are uniquely me, made by me. The colors are chosen to match my wardrobe; even the yarn is a reflection of the textures I enjoy.
I am now toying with my own crochet designs in which I hope to share. If you’ve never learned to crochet, there are many online tutorials. I’ve linked a couple below. Using only one hooked needle, crochet tends to be easier to learn for some. But like anything, it will take practice. Give it a try; you may find you like it.
Learn to crochet with Naztazia.
Learn to crochet with The Spruce
Stay tuned for new patterns and ideas to inspire you!
Good afternoon Kelley. I too so much enjoy lavishing myself in handmade items I’ve crocheted. I learned to crochet as a youngster at the side of my grandmother. Those are cherished memories.
I didn’t realize that, Wendy. Another thing we have in common!