One of the nicest parts about getting that little bit older is that you get to witness how clever some of the people you grew up with are. Sometimes you hate them because they are way more clever than you are, but most of the time you're in awe.
There are two old school friends in particular who have recently captured my attention. They have both decided to take up crocheting and are very good at it. Considering my very own Nanna Norma has knitted and crocheted many beautiful things for me over the years (mainly for my unborn children - but we won't go there), this hobby holds a special place in my heart.
So why does a 27 year old decide to take up crocheting?
Here's Jess' story:
I find crochet to be a creative outlet and a thoughtful way to pour love into something that you can then gift onto others.
The perfect example - I still have and use a blanket that my grandmother crocheted for me when I was six, and it is in perfect condition after twenty years.
But what really sparked off learning crochet for me was recently reading another travel blog. The lovely writer, who was the same age, posted up creations she had been learning whilst on a similar road trip. Literally the very next day, in a remote newsagency, my eyes landed on Issue One of the Art of Learning Crochet. I decided then that it was just meant to be.
Patience and plain old perseverance helped me get started, and Youtube is a godsend for the self taught! But once you master the basic stitches and learn the written jargon it becomes easier.
I love the range of beautiful yarn colours that you can mix and match, and the organic nature of wool in the home or for your children.
Since I am travelling I favour the repetition of projects like blankets, scarves, and headbands that I can do quickly or put down and pick up whenever I have time. But crochet is surprisingly versatile. If you just look online you can make homewares, jewellery, baby items, toys and clothing just to name a few - there is so much inspiration for future projects.
If I can learn then anyone can! It is something I recommend trying, or at the very least keep an eye out for hand knitted goods in markets or on wonderful websites like Made It. Sometimes they might seem pricey but you are investing in many hours of skill and the longevity of a piece handmade with love.
Here are some of Jess' gorgeous creations:
As Jess mentions in her story, the wonderful part about crocheting is its versatility. Tessa, another talented friend/over achiever ;) provides a great example of this in her crocheted creations below.
Tessa mentioned to me that she started crocheting as something to keep her occupied in the evenings. As she is left handed, she found knitting to be quite difficult whereas crocheting really fun and quick. Tessa first made a bunny to see if she could follow a pattern and she's now taking orders for them! As you can see, they are too cute for words!
Well done Jess and Tessa, we are super proud of your efforts and can't wait to see more of your creations! We'd also love to see anyone elses creations, whether it's crochet or something different, so make sure you drop us a line on our Facebook page.
(If Tessa doesn't have enough talent already, she is also a florist specialising in weddings, functions and events. She did an amazing job of my wedding earlier in the year, which I will be posting about very soon! Click the link for more info on Tessa's business Tickled Pink Posies.)
