During one of my weekends visiting my mom in Tulsa, she kept insisting that she teach me to crochet. She's previously taught me the backstitch and lots of other cool little things. For some reason, however, I didn't really have the strong urge to learn crochet. I just kept thinking, "I really don't have the time or the patience for this."
My first lesson was frustrating. My mom even tried to simplify it for me by explaining a single crochet as an alligator in a hole that comes out for a bite and retreats back to his hole with his bite to eat. As painfully elementary as that sounds, this is the first time I'm admitting that it explained it perfectly. Once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. Pun intended.
No longer satisfied with making scarves in a single crochet only, I feverishly searched for any videos that would give me more projects and more challenging stitches. My mom would just smile in disbelief how I took off with it.
School was no exception. I was surprised that most instructors had zero beef with my crochet during class. It's not like I was busting out a king-sized afghan in middle of class but I think they realized that it helped me focus and of course, my grades were reflective of that. Wasn't long until I was recognized, not by name or academic recognition, but as the lady who crochets in class. Armed with my 'S' monogrammed bag with all of my supplies, passing other students and staff, I would often hear, "That's the woman that crochets in class." Not entirely sure if it's a compliment or annoyance to some, even though I am firm about asking if my method of focus (crochet) is a distraction to anyone & if it is, I'll gladly put it away. I ask my instructors the same.
The thing I love the most about "hookin'" is that I seriously don't believe that I have a single thing around the house for myself. I give everything that I make. Crochet is a pretty inexpensive hobby if you keep it simple but Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and JoAnne Fabrics, have their devices at the ready to make it pricey as you increase your skill and motivation for unique projects. No matter what, it makes such a thoughtful & warm (literally) gifts. I have had many say that I should sell what I make but I really enjoy giving and the warmth it gives me whenever I can give scarves, beanies, and other little things to those in need that drive me to make more and more.
In conclusion, I can't thank my mom enough for teaching me this. It has given me something calming and relaxing to do. One of the most portable and affordable hobbies, too. Once my Maddie has the patience to sit with me and be taught, I'll pass this on to her. Many of you that follow my blog or cheer for me on my Facebook, know that I struggle with PTSD. After medication, therapy, and other things to help me cope, who would have thought that crochet could be healing? After some research, I discovered that crochet and knitting are actually quite therapeutic for those suffering from PTSD or chronic depression. It keeps the mind busy, offers repetition, and then there's something concrete to show for your work and time. That's why I'm generally not found ANYWHERE without my crochet bag. Now, if only I could learn to crochet in traffic. Jokes.
