I really enjoy crocheting. Something about it is very therapeutic. These two baby afghans are some I made for my children while I was pregnant with them, and I made the doily many years ago. My hands don’t have the dexterity they used to, so using a crochet hook that small isn’t an option for me anymore, at least not for such a big project.
I’ve made many full size afghans that my family uses in the winter, too. I made one for my little brother’s wedding that has popcorn stitches that spell out HOME SWEET HOME and then RHOADES along the top and bottom lengths, with popcorn stitches that make houses. It turned out really cute. I followed a pattern for it, but added the last name myself. I’ve also made lots of stuffed animals, hats and scarves for my kids, slippers, and refrigerator magnets that look like ice cream cones and some that look like ladies’ hats.
I love getting new crochet magazines and making the small projects that only take an hour or two to complete. But I also like having a long term project to work on as well, like an afghan. One thing about crochet is that there are so many variations on stitches that are quite simple to put into use, making the designs you can create limitless in possibilities.
My grandma taught me how to crochet when I was ten years old, and I made clothes for my dolls way back then. I think partly why I enjoy it so much is because it makes me think of her and remember how patient she was when she was teaching me. It was so frustrating at times, but she kept an eye on me as she worked on her own project and just kept telling me not to give up but to keep trying, and that I was doing well. Now I’m trying to learn how to knit, too. I can now cast on stitches and do a knit stitch, but it’s still uneven and I drop stitches every now and then.
When I finish my first knitting project I’ll post a picture on my blog. Until then, happy crocheting to all who love this craft as much as I do!
