Howdy All,
This is the first time I have joined a forum of any kind and look forward to stitching up a storm of goodies with you, chatting and having coffee and tea with you all.
I have been creative in needle arts for many years, taught by the ladies of both sides of my family each with their own favorties. I have relished every moment of the learning and teaching process. My mother used to sell Creative Circle in the '70's and early '80's for those of you how recall that company, that's where I cut my teeth on teaching. My mom also taught and we dreamed of owning a needle works store one day.
I am the very lucky owner of my mothers every first cross stitched project made in 1972 given to her mom, my grandmother, which she passed on to me after my mother past away. And the owner of the last set of knitted afghans that my kindered spirit, my Aunt made before she passed away. My only sister is not interested in this type of creativeness so we don't share much, however, she is a fantastic sewer and on that ground we share our creative juices and goodies. I have tried to get my sister-in-laws to enjoy this or any other craft that tickles their fancy, but have been unsuccessful, although, my niece starting knitting shortly before my mom passed away and she may take a larger interest in the arts one day, so there's hope out there yet.
I'm looking for a bit of support from fellow yarners, creative persons who relish the feel of yarns, and get a high when you see new color combinations, and understand the need for that new tool even if we really don't need it, because it's not really new it just comes in a new color. Whether it be ladies or gents, doesn't matter what kind of needle art you do as I have a wide assortment of arts that I have tried, crocheting is one of my favs,
Theresee
.... never without a coffee, never without a hook...
I am so sorry for your loss! I just recently started crocheting myself. I had a need to find something inside myself that I was missing since the loss of my grandmother. My grandmother was an avid dollmaker who preferred traditional hand sewn dolls. She passed her love of yarns and threads to my Aunts. My Auntie Kathy, who lives 1600 miles away, knits and crochets endlessly and passionatly. When I crochet I feel connected to them both, in a way that is both calming and spiritual. I honestly feel as if you mother and aunt would want you to continue doing what you love. It is there that they live on. Their legacy as well as yours continues with every stich you make. Hope this finds you well. Best wishes and much love.~
Welcome to the forum. I am sorry for your losses. I have to agree with Ms. DitchDoc, your mom and aunt would want you to continue with what you love to do. I have been crocheting for many years, and find it relaxing.
Howdy,
Ms. DitchDoc - great name...
Thanks for your encouragement - I know they would want me to conutine, but it's hard, we used to get together and make an afternoon of it. Now it's just me - hard to make an afternoon with just yourself. I have placed an ad in the paper to see if anyone would be interested in joining me, but I haven't got any answers yet.
I completely get it when you say your connected to them in a way that is both calming and spiritual. I sometimes I imagine I can hear them as we converserve like we used to about this and that. My daughter tries to get into but she just not at that age or time in her life yet. Besides, it would be nice to have others to share the love of yarns with. It's funny how we really don't realize the inpack of a person on your life until they are gone.
Wondering if you heard about the friendship afghan that Ginger is getting folks to join - thought I would do that - sounds like fun. Hope you consider it too.
Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Crochet7,
Thanks for your encouragement, please see Ms. DitchDoc's post, I'm sending this to you also. Hoping you'll consider joining the Friendship Afghan sounds like fun, I'd love to share with you both my squares and would love to have one from you.
Hope to talk to you soon,
Theresee,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my Mom in 2007 to a car accident. I know what you mean about the lost desire to do things. I was in the middle of cross stitching her someting when we lost her. I have not been able to pick it up since. My sweet baby girl (10) has begged me to do more but I have not been able to. One day I will pick it back up but not now. There is one thing that did come out of my loss though. I learned to crochet because of it. It was something that Mom always wanted me to learn to do. She tried to teach me some when I was young but I did not have an interest in it then. After she was gone I wanted to do something that would ease the loss so I decided to try it again and this time I have not been able to put it down. I have since taught my daughter to do it and we are both now learning to knit. I hope that the pain from your loss is eased through your crafting as mine has been. May the Lord give you renewed peace and strength each day!! Don't give up on your gift of crafting! That is something that you shared with your Mom. She wouldn't want you to quit because she was not there to do it with you. She would want you to go on and continue to carry on that gift and remember the good times that you shared each time you worked on a new piece. Hang in there it will get easier. I lost an aunt and my Dad becuase of cancer and I know it's rough. If you need someone to talk to I am here!! May God bless you!
Have a great Day!
Melissa
Too bad you didn't live close to me. I would love to make an afternoon of it! Trust me, you would spend more time teaching me and laughing at me than actually working on anything you had in your hands. (My auntie says I hold my needle like a shovel. :) Hey what can I say I am just that kind of girl. Watching me crochet is much like watching a dog chase its tail.) I have a few friends in the area that are into knitting and crocheting, but our lives and schedules just don't work out. Ahhh, the joys of public safety.
I may try a friendship afghan later. My tension varies so much right now, I hate the thought of sending anything out to anyone. I am still working on granny squares. Why oh why can't I figure out granny squares?! ?!? Afghan stitch, double, triple crochet....no problem. Granny squares may cause me to have to buy new needles!
I hope you are able to find your way back to the bundles of yarn that once danced and played hide and go seek around your fingers. It will take time. I am sure once you find your way back you will have more passion for it than in previous years.
If you ever need anyone to talk to, please don't hesitate to contact me.
<3
LOL, good for the soul...
Seeing how the only way we be able to have coffee is via the web, here's one for you, the thought of someone actually willing to spend the afternoon discovering a new stitch and playing with the yarns in our craft bags was a wonderful feeling, thank you.
Its' just to bad that you'll have to buy new needles, to help your tension, oh... the thought of it . Soooo, what kind will it be... plastic, metal, bamboo? I have a set of bamboo - they take a bit to work in and get warm in your hand which is nice if you have a touch of athrithis. I also have a set with a light in it - great for working in the darker areas of the home and move easily with the yarns.
I bought a book - ' Dummies for Crochet' - hate the name, love the book, - easy to read and follow, has some get tips in it for keeping your tension and has a Chapter on granny squares. It's not that expensive - you maybe able to borrow it from the library, to have a gander first before you buy.
By the way, thanks for the invite...
Thank you for your kind words, it's hard lossing our mothers ... my sister and I both found it really forces you to grow up and become the adult, can't hide behind mom anymore, having to solve your own problems, yada, yada.
You should really find a way to finish that project for your mother, she would have loved it. Stitch it up with happy thoughts and memories of the times you cherished with your mom... and pass it on to your daughter as a keepsake from you and her granmom, take her to the place you shared with your mom as a girl her age, if you can and give it to her in the spirit of your mom as your mom would have given it to her. That would make a lovely gift - write her a story of an learning event you shared with your mom to go with it. Nice present for a young lady... soon to be teenager. They grow up so quickly.
I did something similar for one of my brothers - I had made mom years, and years ago a cross-stitched Reb Robin in a tree, similar to an orniment that she had brought back from Germany. She always had the two standing with each other in the Cabinet, one of her fave's. My brother favorited the Red Robin from Germany so he took that to his home, and I took the cross- stitch, it just wasn't the same having them separated. So I wrapped up the cross-stitch and took it to his home with a bottle of mom's favorite wine. As we sat reminiacning about her and drinking the good stuff, I gave him the Red Robin - they now stand with each other again in his home. He was overcome, I got a thank you card from him in the mail - to know my brother - he never writes. I am forunate to have a piece of his heart as he is of mom and me. That night was the closest I felt to my brother in years.
It's funny, if you grow up in a home with arts, you are more appreciative of the craft and crafter's ablitity than those who grow up not knowing or experiecning the arts. I have a cousin how does not craft, nor did her mom, she has no apprecation for it nor does she value the the thoguht of the gift. Buy her something for the store she's happy.
Hope you get around to finishing that project.
Theresee .... and thanks for the invite
,
Ok, I think I might have mastered the Granny Square. I am making a HUGE granny square. I figure I was almost out of yarn , so that when I get to the end I can teach myself to change colors. This should prove to be interesting. If nothing else I can use it as a blanket for my pup.
I have been out on the prowl for new crochet toys. However, I am a bit disappointed in the variety of needles I have came across. Very little variety it seems. I really have only found metal and plastic needled. I purchased some plastic needles. They tend to snag the yarn way too much. I enjoy my metal needles. Particuarly my large I hook for afghans. I guess because I have such large clumsy hands, it just feels more natural to me.
I really want to start working on a "real" project but know I must learn the basics first. After teaching myself to change colors I think I might attempt broomstick lace or hairpin lace. I found some really great tutorials on both.
Well, I guess I should get back to work. Take care!
I have not been able to find the book you were speaking of, but did find some great tips on line. I also found a yarn store about 20 miles north of me. I plan to take a peek in. I saw they had classes and would like to get in on one. They also have local huandspun yarn. I am so giddy!!!!
Hi Melissa!
I'm knew on the forum. If you can do double crochet, you can do a granny square. Glad to help you out if you like but a few questions first. Where are you having problems? How are you holding your yarn? Sounds like you hold your crochet hook the same as me but I've heard it as "holding the hook like a knitting needle" but shovel gives a good picture. Write if you like.
Katie
It is difficult for anyone when someone close to them has passed on. Try thinking that when you pick up your needle(s) whatever it may be you are sharing in a love of a craft that your mother and aunt loved so much. I'm sure they would not want to see your talents go to the wayside.
Hope this helps.
Hi Theresee,
Welcome! I am sorry to hear of your loss. It's apparent in your note here that you shared a very close and special bond with your mother. I can imagine that picking up the craft is difficult for you. I was thinking maybe it would help to start with some simple projects that would be cathartic to the soul, such as lap blankets for Hospice or even caps for others suffering from the effects of cancer. I think it would be such a great blessing to be able to do something like this for others, dedicated to the memory of your mother.
I agree that it would probably be a great jump-start if you could find a group of ladies who have a similar interest. I am still trying to figure out where I can get connected in my area too. Not only for the advice but the friendship as well.
I just think you need more time to work through the emotions; eventually you'll pick back up. Even if it's not finish projects but to start fresh and create new ones.
It sounds like you have quite a gift and array of talents. Best not let them go to waste!
Blessings to you,
JLI
I think most of my problem is with the tension. Also, i don't think I was understanding the pattern. But I am happy to say that I am working a granny square that is now 11.5" x11.5 ". I figured since the yarn was from the first skein I ever bought and not enough to really do anything else with I would work a granny square until it actually was a granny square! I saw a few different granny squares that I would love to try but again, it is the directions. I get so lost. I have even tried writing them out, but even then they seem off.
Oh well, at least it is fun trying!
Glad you figured it out. There is a wonderful book which I think is called "I Can't Believe I am Crocheting". It is an excellent reference book for beginners and has an explanation on how to following the directions. I bought it for myself several years ago when I wanted to get back into crocheting.
I agree that the directions can get you lost. When I encounter a particularly long set of instructions, I break it down into segements and put each segement on a separate line. I find this helps me.
Have fun!
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