Saturday 16 March 2013

Why crochet?

Well why not!

My grandma and mum were both big influences in my crafting. Grandma crocheted and tatted and if mum wasn't knitting she was ill! ( She could also crochet but mostly knitted).
When I was small grandma lived with us and her room was full of crochet blankets, chair backs and doilies. Raised Catholic she crocheted alter clothes with hooks so tiny you could hardly see the hook!!!
Mum knitted, watched TV and read all at the same time. She knitted for several shops as well as producing jumpers and cardigans for my dad, me and herself.
So it was hardly surprising that the crafty gene passed on to me.
Mum patiently taught me to knit and crochet but although I learnt both they weren't high on my list of 'fun things to do' at the time. I was too busy out riding, I spent every weekend at the local stables.
At college I did pattern cutting, textiles and dressmaking. Through college I demonstrated Cathedral Window patchwork, hairpin crochet and bobbin lace at our County show. Sadly all of this fell by the wayside as I got older, got married, had children, worked ...... life happened!
Along the way I made the odd cot quilt, knitted the odd baby jumper ( but to be honest mum could finish an item while I was still casting on), and made the odd crochet blanket ( huge single granny square ones).
Then I got into sock knitting and lace knitting, no jumpers or cardy's as they were boring and I got fed up before they were finished. I still wear my socks and have a stash of yarn to make more, should the urge come upon me (don't count on it though).







 I made greetings cards and have a HUGE stash of card, stamps, ink, gadgets, machines and gizmos! (More on that later, maybe).
If you would like to buy Stampin' Up supplies contact this demonstrator she is very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.




So, the crochet!
I decided to make blankets for my dogs.
I made one dog blanket.
I made another.
I made two more for a friend who takes in rescue dogs and finds them new homes.
Then ....... excuse the pun ...... I was hooked (groan) .... Sorry!
I found videos on YouTube, that saved me reading patterns .... Hooray!
I rediscovered blogs ..... Yippee!
I had rediscovered crochet. Whoop whoop!



So, here I am. I hope that grandma and mum are looking down on me and laughing! Liking that I am following in their footsteps, in a minor way, and pleased that I am enjoying it so much.

PS You will probably see more projects on the go than finished items. I do finish things eventually but because I tend to have lots of 'things on the go' this happens less frequently than people who start a project, finish it and move onto the next. Far too organised! I do at times wish I was more like these people! I do have attempts at that style of working but it's not me :-)





4 comments:

  1. Hi Rowen, so glad you rediscovered crochet. There is a wonderful crochet blog community and almost too much inspiration :0)
    I don't know if I put it in my "better Pictures" post , but you may need to adjust the margins on your blog to fit in extra large photos. If I remember correctly you into template then adjust widths. Hope this helps.
    Jacquie x

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    1. Thanks Jacquie, I will have to have a play and see. It's all a bit new ATM :-) Rowen x

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  2. Hi. I found your blog from the comment you left on meme-rose and I think your off to a great RE-start. I started blogging almost a year ago and I have loved it so much. Especially finding other bloggers with similar interests. The technical, computery stuff really gives me fits but I just muddle thru. Glad to have found you and glad your enjoying crochet!

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  3. Hi Jeanette, thanks so much for your kind comments. I'm slowly sorting myself out with Bloggers new dashboard! I'm getting a bit frustrated as I'm trying to do bits on my iPad and finding I really need to be on my laptop! I love the blogging community there are so many inspirational and talented people out there. Popping over to your blog now, Rowen :-)

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Thank you for visiting my blog, I would love to hear your thoughts and I read every comment. I appreciate your time and hope you visit again soon, Rowen x