I used to enjoy crocheting all the time, but have not since my arm injury. My hand could not handle holding on to the hook. When I started selling art at vendor events I pulled out some of my completed crochet pieces. It inspired me to crochet some small ornaments again. I kept the projects small and worked on my grip. I still cannot crochet for long periods. It gives me something fun to do with my hands while I watch TV before bed. I decided that this year I would make it my goal to crochet gifts and make my first wearable piece.
My first wearable piece was a Crochet Along that I did with my long-distance bestie and All About Ami. It was perfect start because I could just crochet a little of the squares at a time as i had the energy, and then box it up for the next time. If i just finished the round of the square that I was on, there was not remembering where I was, if I did not go back to it immediately. I also took my box with my to vendor events. It was great to have something artsy to do when it was slow.
After crocheting 25 of the daisy squares, I used some baby foam mats to block them and then start the process of joining them all. Seeing it come together was amazing. And being able to wear it filled me with some much pride. I wanted to make more after. Perhaps my pride was there, when I shared, because a friends asked me to make her one and paid me right away. So I started on yet another!! Even more pride at completing another. I need a square break, but I want to make another, perhaps for the kids, or maybe as a gift. We will see. Maybe I should start with something smaller.
After gaining some confidence, the girls were invited to a pokemom party and I decided to crochet the gifts. I found free patterns for their favorite Pokemon, but they were so backward that I ended up creating my own pattern. I wish I had written them down so I could have a pattern to share. One day I will have to do it! I am still really proud of what I created. This started my love of creating agurami crocheted pieces! They are just super adorable. I have made a few tiny jellyfish and turtles that were keychain size, but nothing huggable.
These turned into my making peep bunnies for my vendor event. It was perfect with easter coming up. I posted them online and ended up with a bunch of orders from friends who wanted them for their kid’s baskets. I crocheted about 30, and a lot of them were done at Evie’s gymnastics competitions.
After doing a lot of smaller projects, I started on one full larger project. It was to be a baby blanket for my best friend from high school. After many years, she was going to have a baby girl. It was some of the most exciting news this year and I was excited to add something homemade. Homemade blankets have become less common and are just a fun little addition. Babies always need lots of blankets, so why not one that will not be like any other. I used this beautiful combo that was called ice cream. Before I picked up the skien, I was already thinking ice cream and it was going to go well with the color scheme that was picked for the baby’s room.
My last project of this season, so I say, was a gift for Evie competing in her final Gymnastics AAU competition. She asked for a stuffed triceratops and I bought a pattern on etsy, but then used extra bulky yarn. It was so big and fluffy, but oh so soft by then end of the project. I loved the outcome and so did Evie when she finally received it. I want to make another, with just regular bulky yarn.
Like I said though, it was the last of the season. I will crochet more, I do have some projects in the works, but it is summer. I think with all my unknown chronic conditions and the added heat, the feel of yarn does not bring me joy. I overheat easily and my hands will sweat. So the triceratops was the last of the season and I hope that when fall returns, I will get back to crocheting some more goodies again.
