Crafting

I like to craft. I learned to crochet when I was 7 or 8 years old. My mother’s beauty salon was at our house and two ladies helped me learn that skill. I never made much but I enjoyed crocheting scarves and other little things. Before that, I used to draw. I drew maps and made my own world. I wish I kept those maps. I remember the “countries” had very strange, long names. Back to crocheting. I have made numerous afghans for family and friends. All different and all very much appreciated. I still cuddle with my afghan that my gramma made me. She made each of her grandchildren one. It is perfect! I remember she would sit down in her chair after the kitchen was cleaned and crochet. You did not bother her. I still cannot make shell afghans like she did. That is one goal I am striving to accomplsih - to crochet a shell afghan like my gramma.

When my sister announced she was pregnant, I decided to try my hand at cross-stitching. I completed my first sampler and mailed it to her. I have since cross-stitched many more projects. It would be interesting to be able to examine that first project, as I know my stitches did not all cross the same way. With every project, you learn another technique that enhances your skill.

Twelve years ago when I moved back to my childhood home, I started working with a group of talented ladies. Realizing we were crafty in one way or another, we starting working on our crafts. We held craft nights. We’d stay after work and devoted an hour or two to working on our project of choice. We also learned more about each other. We started teaching and sharing crafts. We learned to scrapbook and make cards together. We still have card parties. Our next card party is Monday, November 17th and we'll be making Christmas cards! We have a demonstrator lead our card parties. We make wonderful cards, learn new techniques and order products.

Within the last 6 years, I took a “learn how to knit” course. I learned the basics –casting on, knit and pearl stitches and casting off. I was told that was all I’d need to know. Not exactly true. However, one of my best friends, helped teach me more about knitting. She helped me knit my first hat for our daughter (way too big) and she has assisted me on other projects since then. She is developing that confidence I need to be a secure knitter.

Then there is scrapbooking. I need to work on more pages as the photos are filling more and more boxes. My goal is to complete a 2-page spread every week!

Not sure when I plan to start but maybe it’ll be this weekend.