How I started...

To go back to basics, I thought I’d explain how I first started crochet. I suppose I have always liked art, music etc., but not particularly crafts. In saying that, my Mum was extremely artistic and my Grandma spent hours, days, months and years making stunning quilts, cross-stitching and embroidery.

During Uni as stress relief, I started doing cross-stitch which I learnt from my Grandma. For those of you who don’t know, cross-stitch is very delicate and time consuming. As I got better, I made some beautiful wall pieces for friends with babies and bookmarks for family. Sadly, my Grandma passed away, but I kept going with the cross-stitch.

Cross-stitch

After Uni, life got a bit busy and probably a bit stressful as well. For some reason or another, I stopped doing cross-stitch. I have a box of bookmarks and wall art which I either never touched or finished. One day hopefully I can gift these to someone to complete them for me.

So, I’d basically left craft behind. Then, about 3 years ago, my Mum, aged 52, was unexpectedly diagnosed with melanoma of unknown primary. She took up crocheting to help her bide time in endless hospital waiting rooms. As she experienced a lot of pain, she was often kept awake at night. I remember her sitting on the lounge, drifting in and out of sleep, with a crochet hook in one hand and her yarn in the other. It’s incredible how much she achieved doing this!! At times she would even look like she was sleep-crocheting!

To help me also get through this difficult time, she started to teach me how to crochet. She showed me the basics – like how to hold the hook (though, I don’t think I hold it “technically” right, it’s the way that feels best for me), yarn etc. She told me to look at You Tube and keep PRACTICING, PRACTICING, PRACTICING! I had some REALLY bad first attempts. But then, I finally did it.

Before I knew it, I could do a simple granny square. Nothing fancy, no colour changes, just a simple granny square.

One of my first granny square blankets - bit wonky!

After that, I decided I wanted to learn more, so I went to a learn to crochet class here in Brisbane (the place I went to has sadly shut down). I know there are some other great learn to crochet classes – such as the Tangled Yarns classes over near James Street in the Valley (www.tangledyarns.com.au).

My first granny square cushion - from learn to crochet classes. Simple plain 8ply wool from Lincraft! 

Sadly my Mum passed away 2 years ago. But the crochet she taught me, among the countless other things she taught me, has stuck with me. 

One of the granny square blankets my Mum started when she was sick but never finished. One of my goals is to finish this for her. 

Over the years I’ve developed my skills a bit more. I find some things incredibly frustrating and have moments where I’ve had enough. Then I’ll go back to it again.

Even though I’m only 28 years old, I don’t think crochet is just for older people. I’d like to see more people my age not worry about what is “cool” or “trendy” and get into things they love. 

I personally think crochet can be trendy and fashionable. This was the first scarf I made using a super simple shell motif. Pity the wool scratched like hell and I have never worn it for that reason!