Awhile back my blogging friend, Tammy, wrote a blog post called Chocolate, Crochet, and Tea. Now that is a title that's sure to draw me in! I always enjoy her blog posts, especially because Tammy knows how to enjoy the little things in life. Moments rather than things are treasures to her. I appreciate her perspective and her joy in living each day. She really does fill her quiet moments of the day with chocolate, crochet, and tea! She crafts some beautiful things!
Years ago my mother attempted to teach me to crochet. As a teenager I made a baby sweater and booties for my "hope chest". Of course they were made in "pink" and I never had a baby girl so they weren't used. They are still stored away for a time when they might be needed for a grand-baby or two. When mom taught me, she was my instruction guide. I didn't learn to read a pattern and since mom could make anything without a pattern, I never really learned how to decipher the art of pattern reading.
This past winter I decided that I needed to push myself and learn something new. Pretty yarns in beautiful colors drew me in, and I decided to learn to read a crochet pattern. Of course there were many aspects of crochet I had to relearn as well. I admit to many frustrating moments, but Tammy's example spurred me on. She posted this dishcloth pattern on her blog and started posting what she'd made. I decided to do the same and "wallah", dish cloths were the result! Thanks to my friend, Karleen for helping me decipher pattern instructions...and to Mitty and Verna at the Quilt Guild for taking time out of quilt piecing to help me fine-tune my stitching technique. And of course, thanks to Tammy for inspiring me from far away! Throughout the stitching process, my teacup of chocolate oolong tea has been by my side. Chocolate, crochet, and tea.
It is fun to learn "more". Sounds like you had a great time acquiring new skills AND friends helping!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to learn new things and to experiment. It's a great way to spend some time. When hands are busy, the mind doesn't have time to go into hyperdrive over something inconsequential. At least that 's how I've experienced it.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so many good things with your time, now that your boys are grown. Your nest may be "empty", but your days are filled with friends and new things to learn. The dish clothes are lovely! I imagine you've lovingly cleaned your tea cup with one already.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done! Tea and chocolate sounds great to me!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Over the years crochet has gone from a make a cheap gift, to a balm to my soul. Crochet has been the go to for me when I am stress or anxious. It keeps my hands and mind busy allowing my heart to settle on something good. I have taught my daughter to crochet, and though she can read a pattern, she prefers free form crochet, while I prefer a pattern. Keep it up, you won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! I'm glad I could inspire. Your dishcloths turned out great! And that basket filled with all those goodies would make a fabulous gift for anyone. I haven't crocheted much in the past 2 weeks, but after reading this sweet post (thank you so much) and seeing your lovely dishcloths, I am ready to get going. So glad it is the weekend. Wishing you all the best. Tammy
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