It’s been over 20 years since I last crocheted. I stopped because with two children and a full-time job, there just wasn’t any space left in my life for it. I thought that I’d take it up again later and after a short journey into the world of knitting, I’ve come back to the craft I love. I never thought it’d be 20 years.
What’s ironic is what’s changed….me. The older me has a lot more patience for figuring out the pattern and correcting mistakes. My younger self-made do with adding and deleting stitches to make it work, rather than pulling out the error and restitching the piece.
My younger self also started several projects at once and only finished a few of them. In fact, I tossed out a several a few months ago that’d been in my closet since the 1990’s. I no longer like the colors or the pattern and I knew I’d never finish them.
Still, I did finish a few. I completed one for each of the boys while I was pregnant in non-gender specific colors and although they’re far from heirloom-quality, they’re a part of our history. I’m now looking at creating items for future grandchildren, and I’ve found that taking up crochet again is like the proverbial riding a bike adage – it was as if no time had passed at all. But it has. I’m gray-haired now, I wear glasses because I have to and not because I want to, and I have to use ergonomic crochet hooks because my hands have arthritis.
But what’s changed is the amount of free crocheting information available online. There are so many free and easy crochet patterns, DIY videos, pictorials and more. I learned how to crochet from a book, now anyone can learn, for free, online.
I’m re-energized and have already finished my first project. A quick and easy afghan to get me back on that needlecraft bike. I used a free Red Heart Yarn pattern available online. I used an I hook for a smaller granny square and then added my own edging. It included a stitch I didn’t have the patience for 20 years ago….a reverse single crochet (also called a crab stitch). It’s a simple stitch, but it’s a little slower to do because you have to train your brain to go backward.
How excited am I to start on my next project? Pretty dang excited. At 10 pm tonight I ordered yarn, a full set of crochet hooks, and a pompom maker through Amazon Fresh (sorry, they currently only deliver to Seattle) – they’ll be here on my front porch before 6 am.
Download this FREE Red Heart Yarn Speedy Granny Throw pattern
Yep, I think I’m going to have to work on not letting my renewed zeal for creating with yarn take over my blogging time. So far it’s been entirely uncontrollable.
Shop online for yarn and crochet pattern books
[content-egg module=Amazon template=grid]Crochet How To: My Must-Have Tools
- Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks, 8 Sizes
- Clover Chibi with Darning Needles
- Clover Lock Ring Marker
- Fiskars 5-Inch Scissors
- Dritz Crafters Comfort Glove-Large
Free Online Crochet Resources
For more crochet ideas, inspiration as well as free and easy crochet patterns, visit www.redheart.com and, www.crochettoday.com
I love this !!! I’m going to try this as soon as I finish a couple other projects. Where do I find the pattern for this?
Sorry Sheila! I made the link more obvious. If you want yours to look like mine, note the changes in the hook size. I’d love to see your finished project!
What method did you use to put the grannies together?! I love how you can see the white stitching. I’m making this blanket with a few modifications and would love to have a contrasting color stitching them together 🙂
Single crochet – it’s so fast and easy 🙂
I love the colors and will try this next. Like you, it’s been 21 years since I crochet. Sinc I started back last year, I’ve made scarves and hats for the grandkids and myself, a purse, just completed a baby blanet and I am in the process of making a blanket from a needle point pattern. I’m also learning to read the patterns if I can’t find how to make it on You Tube!!!!! Crocheting is so much more fun now that i’m older!!!!
I tried to learn to crochet a couple of years ago, but it was a disaster. It could have been the teacher though; maybe I should give it another go.
Danna, try some of the videos on YouTube until you find one that makes sense. It’s so easy once you see the pattern and figure out how to count. Good luck!
I made several afghans but never did the reverse single crochet. Might have to try that!
I really want to learn how to crochet. I’ve watched my mother before and it looked easy enough.
It’s so easy! And there are so many fabulous tutorials. I’m looking now for a place to donate all the hats I’m making 🙂 About 2 a day. I’m ADDICTED!
I love the colors of your throw. It’s beautiful….and it matches your blog background!
I noticed that too 🙂 I guess I need to branch out – the colors are our master bedroom colors 🙂
Beth – if you can knit, crochet will be a breeze for you! I’m doing some kids’ hats right now – completely mindless but they’re going to homeless kids so I’m loving every second of it. I’ll post them when I get a few done.
Thanks so much!
Connie
Beautiful! I recently learned how to knit and I’m thinking I should look into crocheting next.
Turned out great!! I love those colors. My grandmother would crochet like the dickens. I however would probably make a mess of things LOL But I do have baby blankets and booties that my Mom saved and gave to James 🙂
Connie your project is absolutely gorgeous! One of these days I will really put time into learning how to crochet. I love the fun you can have with granny squares. I have been knitting since I was in elementary school. I tend to like mindless items to use as a stress reliever. One day I will be able to try more complex patterns, but I love what I am working on now.