I leaned to knit before I learned to crochet. Knitting, which for me never really took hold, I had trouble with tension and getting holes in my work. Until one year, when I was early 20-something, I went home for Christmas and my cousin, who is more similar to an aunt than a same-age cousin, was crocheting some baby hats for family. I had always been intrigued by the craft, the use of colors and the reliance on your hands. I asked her to show me how to crochet, and it’s history from there.

I loved crochet. Instantly I understood it, I got the tension right, was able to work that hook so fast, and didn’t fret the mistakes because they were so easily ripped out and repaired. Unlike knitting, where is you find a mistake you have to rip out rows! Ah. Crochet was a one stitch at a time kind of thing. And so easy to manipulate shapes and sizes. My cousin gifted me a set of Boye aluminum crochet hooks from Micheal’s and a couple books on crochet techniques and patterns. It kept me busy for a year. Pre-Pinterest days, I would print off crochet patterns online and take the pages home to work on projects. I would use scrap multi rainbow colored yarn to make my dog a sweater, or coasters, or a hat. I found it so enjoyable. I still prefer crochet to knitting.

I specifically like crocheting when I have a person in mind for whom I am making something. It’s always more inventive to make a gift for someone unexpecting, like a baby blanket or Christmas scarf. Choosing colors and textures to fit their personality is part of the fun of crafting. I’m always amazed at the variety of items that you can crochet, without looking like the stereo typical crocheted tissue box cover in a grandma’s bathroom. I’ve made anything from home decor to argumani plush toys. The detail and personality crochet allows for is unlimited. As I look around the room now, with crocheted blankets and a trunk filled with yarn behind me, I can’t help but get excited for the future projects I already have looming in my mind.