Why do you crochet?
It's a skill my grandmother taught me when I was a little girl that I've always enjoyed. Although it was a bit stressful in the beginning, over time it's become comforting and meditative for me, and I also get to work out my stiff fingers, which helps with my arthritis.
How fast are you?
I can make a fairly good-size throw in about a week if I have to; ten days if I can go at regular speed.
Where's the strangest place you have ever crocheted?
In our car dealership's waiting room last year. Three women came up to me while I was crocheting to ask about what I was doing. I was able to give one of them advice on how to repair a vintage crochet blanket she owned.
I make so many throws I should say that, but I really like making one-skein projects like amigurumi because they're quick. Nothing beats the immediate gratification of a speedy-to-make project.
Do you crochet for charity?
Yes. I donate most of what I make to a church thrift store which uses their profits to help provide free food for the needy in our local community. I've made hats for chemotherapy patients and baby blankets for a foster children project. If crochet is needed, I'm happy to donate.
What's your favorite yarn?
I love art yarn, hand-dyed yarn, or anything with beautiful variegated colors. For standard yarn I'd say Mandala Ombre in any shade, but especially Serene.
Do you have a favorite hook size? Who makes it?
I think 5 mm is the most comfortable for me. I have no favorite manufacturer; I'm not a hook snob.
What is the hardest thing you ever crocheted?
I'd say the very first thing I crocheted, a beret from a violet yarn. My grandmother taught me to crochet with that project, and she could be a very intimidating person. I wanted very much to please her, so I was terrified I'd do something wrong. I still remember hesitating over every row of the hat and checking each stitch as I made it to be sure they were what she told me to do. I gave the beret to my mother for Mother's Day but as far as I know she never once wore it (to be fair my mother was not a hat person.)
Is there anything about crochet that completely aggravates you?
How difficult to follow some patterns are (they're usually written by designers who seem to have a personal problem with standard patterns, as they use their own terms or over-explain the stitches.)
Runner up would be the general idiocy of crochet hook size measurements (can we just stick to mm, please?) and the fact that someone thinks it's a good idea to print rather than emboss them on the hooks. The printed sizes on hooks rub off over time; embossing never does.
What plans do you have for your future crochet?
I try not to plan too much ahead of time (one or two projects is enough) but there are a few things I've never attempted that I would like to make. That list also changes regularly depending on what patterns I come across; I never thought I'd make a chicken purse, but now I have. :)
Image credit: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Comments
Post a Comment