I will be honest, whilst I am really excited to start this newsletter, this the post is then I am least wanting to write. There is something about trying to introduce myself that feels really uncomfortable. So I am going to start off by showing you some of my favourite makes. I have focused on the patterns I have designed as well as made as I think these say the most about me as a crafter. But, I do also enjoy exploring the patterns of other designers as it is one of the best ways to learn new and surprising techniques, tips and styles; so future newsletters will feature lots of reviews and recommendations for some of my favourites.
Falling in love with crochet…
I first picked up a crochet hook 6 years ago. I am not a naturally creative person, and 10 years ago it would not have been something I even considered trying. The idea that I might be good at hand crafts or creative endeavours would have been laughable. But, I was desperate as I had already been housebound for a few years at this point. My kneecaps had decided that they didn’t want to stay where they were supposed to. The doctors, specialists and physios I had seen were at a loss for what to do. Everything I had relied on to give me a sense of purpose was gone, and, I needed to do something. Mum suggested crochet. Six years later, there hasn’t been a day gone by without a hook in my hand.
I remain entranced by the magic of crochet; the wonder of being able to turn a simple piece of yarn into anything I can imagine, with, nothing but a hook and some time. I love that after six years of slightly obsessive research and practice into different stitches, methods and combinations I am still nowhere near close to running out of things to explore. The simple act of picking up a crochet hook has made me reconsider many of the things that I “knew” about myself. It turns out that I am creative, that I have the patience and attention to complete intricate hand craft projects and that I have an endless stream of creative ideas. It has enabled me to see that a life away from the hustle of career and everything we are told ‘success’ looks like is not wasted, and, can be fulfilling and joyful in a way I never expected. Whilst I would still very much like my knees to work again, and to be able to leave the house and enjoy the world, I can no longer imagine a life where being able to create did not play a part.
What I hope ‘from my hook’ will be
Despite calls from family and friends to do more with the skills I have gained I have been very reluctant to turn crochet into any form of side hustle. I have kept it for myself or given my makes as gifts because I did not want to risk losing my love for it. The idea of restricting myself to making and designing only things that could bring me profit is not appealling. And, having to focus on areas that work for algorithms, rather than what ever I happen to be in love with at the time, scares me.
Despite this there has been an idea for a blog/subscription community in the back of my mind for a while. A place where I could share my love for the craft and everything I have learned. A place where I could share my designs but also share some of the amazing patterns I have found. Where I could talk about some of the more nerdy behind the scenes bits - how I use the affinity suite to sketch, design and make charts, how I organise my yarn and swatches, the principles behind different elements of crochet. But, most of all, a place where I can connect with others who love hooks, yarn, crochet and all things crafty, whether they are beginners or more experienced in their craft. When I stumbled onto substack it felt like something clicked into place and it was finally time to explore putting the ideas I have had out into the world.
I am very much at the beginning of my writing journey. I intend create a newsletter weekly and be around in chat and on notes throughout the week. What exactly this will look like though I do not yet know, but, I am really excited to find out. If you are interested in crochet, crafts or just enjoying a slower and more creative life I would love to have you join me to see what this can become. Please feel free to share your path to crochet and where you are in your journey. And, if there is something that has caught your interest, or, you would just like to chat please leave a comment.
P.S. it would be remiss of me to write any form of introduction without introducing Purl who is my shadow and very much believes that she is in charge. She is a beautiful ball of fluff who is 80% angel and 20% manic crazy devil cat. She is very aware of how pretty she is and her power to use her big eyes to get away with murder.
Thank you so much. Love a giant blanket 😀 One of the things I love the most about crochet is that it can be fitted to any mood, you can dive into really intricate and complicated patterns or you can do something that is simple and repetitive that can just be picked up and put down. I always have an easy project on the go for the evenings when I am to tired or not in the mood for anything else, and, if I am honest they are often the ones I wear/use the most.
Your creations are gorgeous. I'm definitely a beginner at crochet - I've managed a snood and am now slowly working on a giant blanket. It's something I pick up and put down on different evenings so it's taking me a long time but I just like the process of it rather than aiming to finish it by a particular deadline.