how i got my start

When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I had a deep desire to make something for the baby. I was thinking a crocheted blanket ought to be nice, so I found some pretty yarn, some free pattern leaflets and couple hooks and thought, "It can't really be that hard, now can it?" Since I was absolutely in the dark and didn't know the greek language so profound in the pattern, I reluctantly set these things aside in favor of some other still-unfinished craft. I finally concluded that my job was just to grow the child within and worry about this making of stuff another time.

Nearly eight years later, and now having given birth to three sweet rascally children, I at last sat down and figured out the truly simple art of crochet. Ironically, each of my babies received a crocheted blanket--my daughter scored two of them--and they are each from different recipients. My youngest son not only got a gorgeous, soft blanket but a free-hand array of cotton burp cloths as well. That did it. They were so simple and so fun, I just knew I could figure this out. If all the fancy pretty stuff escaped me forever, well, so be it. Surely I could just learn to do the most simple, basic type of crochet at the very least.

One day, I happened upon a learning tutorial at a blog I so enjoy, The Handmade Dress (whose work is far beyond my imagination and well worth looking at!), and suddenly the foundation chain I'd made for decades and never knew what to do with--well, it became a row of single crochet and then another row and another. At last, it all connected so clearly for me. I was elated and found myself checking out crochet books from the library in embarrassingly large quantities to learn all I could. One book that took me through the various stitches was all I needed to fall madly in love with my new hobby.

The past few months find me crocheting instead of doing dishes or laundry, and even instead of reading--very little can turn me from a good book, I assure you! I have tried my hand at many a small project and found a passion worth persuing. My sister-in-law's preemie got two matching sets of hat and booties, I've been making burp cloths for friends expecting babies, I've got a toy bunny (in the works), a toy hampster on my older son's shelf, a scarf, some granny squares, and now a mesh bag that's in progress. I have many grand dreams of what I want my next project to be: patchwork poncho for my daughter, a school-colored scarf for my son, a baby toy, a pair of slippers and baby blankets, hats and booties. I cannot seem to help myself; I want to try one of everything and just keep going. I know there is still a lot to learn.

I will post my favorite links in the sidebar (nicely arranged) of great free patterns, places to buy yarn, and charities that grab me. I will post pictures of what I finish and tell you where I found the patterns--be it book or website. I also intend to link books I especially like.

I have asked my good friend, "bluehose", (whose burp cloths made me realize I could surely do this thing called crochet!) to co-host this blog with me. We want to share our work, encourage, answer questions, and learn together. I'm no expert, but I love to dig for answers. I want to expand my ability and knowledge of this fine art.

Together, we invite you to join us in the land of yarn. Share your latest project, make something for a charity, ask a question or teach us something new!

Welcome.