I'm not a craft person. I don't scrapbook, and the only gifts I've made for people were baked goods, but even those were very simple and uninspired. I used to say it was because I'm not a creative person, but that's just hogwash. I'm a writer. Creativity oozes from my pores.
The truth is that I was scared, insecure, and unsure that I could do it. Besides, I'd tell myself, who has the time for that? I'm a small business owner. I work more than full time, and I have a family. Time is the most valuable resource I have. Why would I squander it on a hobby?
But it became clear to me one day that my life was less than fulfilling in recent years. I had put too much of myself into my work and my family's needs, to the degree that there wasn't much of
me left. When I told my husband that I was going to start taking time for me to do things that I enjoy, no one was more shocked than I was that I had no clue about what that might be.
I was looking for something that I could do around the family because I was already away from them too much because of my work. And I wanted something that would challenge me. I wanted to learn, stretch myself.
Then I remembered my mother. Mom passed away five years ago. She was an avid knitter, cross stitcher, and quilter. She sewed many of my clothes in childhood
and adulthood. I have fond memories of going to church wearing homemade dresses that matched my mom's. She would help me make matching dresses for my dolls, too, so they looked like me the way I looked like mom. I remember laughing with her at the funny knitted projects she would produce. They didn't always look quite right, but they were always useful. The slippers she knitted for me are still my favorite. I'm grateful that she made me about 10 pairs so I still have some even though she's gone.
It occurred to me that taking up the same hobby that she enjoyed so much would be a way to connect me to her, and it helped that I already had a little experience (emphasis on the word
little). Mom taught me the basics of knitting - the real basics like the knit stitch. She never taught me how to cast on or bind off, but I could knit the garter stitch til the cows came home. She also taught me the basics of crochet and cross stitch. We did a little rug hooking once, too. And as I already mentioned, she taught me how to use the sewing machine to make clothes for my dolls.
After buying a few supplies and trying my hand at a few things, here's what I remember:
Knitting - I still remember the basic knit stitch.
Crochet - I remember it involves a hook, but I remember nothing that she taught me.
Cross stitch and needlepoint - I remember it pretty well. I was never very good, but at least I know what to do.
So, about 10 days, I started out again as newbie to needlework and yarn crafts. I was immediately puzzled by things like all the possible yard, floss, and thread choices. And those knitting patterns - what do all those strings of letters and numbers mean? I was faced with too many choices and not enough information. I responded to the challenge as I always do; I started to research and ask questions.
This blog is all about sharing that journey and what I learn along the way. I'll be posting pictures of the projects I complete, free patterns, links to helpful websites, sources of project ideas, book reviews of useful books, lessons I learn, and tips from experts.
How this blog evolves depends largely on you. Tell me what you want. Offer advice, tips, and resources. Join me on this journey.
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