When I was a little girl growing up in Newark, NJ, my mother had friends who crochet. My mother would bring home afghans and crochet tops to place on dressers and end tables. I thought it was wonderful that a person could create something so beautiful. My favorite crochet blanket was made from black and pink yarn. During the 70s, not too many natural fibers were in the market, in fact Woolworth was the place a person can purchase yarn (Red Heart). I made my first crochet project in grammar school which was a cover for a dresser. It wasn’t the best looking cover, but because I made it my grandmother used it (I suppose to build confidence and a sense of pride in what I made). However, I didn’t make anything after that project. I brought yarn over the years, but never finished any projects I started until a few years ago.
I went to a fabric store with a co-worker one day and discovered that Red Heart yarn was still around, but other brands such as Lion Brand and Patons. These yarns were wool and wool blends with a better quality than in years past (I didn’t like aluminum needles). I decided to get back into crocheting (with the idea of learning how to knit as well) again, so I purchased yarn and made three scarves and two hats. Initially, I was going to knit these projects, but didn’t get the hang of knitting needles (I hate aluminum needles) so I crochet them instead. Unbeknownst to me, I didn’t know about the resurgence of knitting and a pleasant surprise to learn that knitting was hip again. I enjoy crochet and knitting project and great to see crocheting and knitting blogs along with visiting the bookstore browsing through books and magazines.
So I am at this stage of my life doing things that I had a passion to do, but somehow something else got in the way of learning how to crochet, knit, or sew. I think I am the kind of person who needs to stay busy and quiet my mind by focusing on a an activity such as crocheting or knitting as a way to decompass and calm myself. These days I make time to crochet and knit, and starting sewing projects to build my wardrobe closet (I like to dress). Hopefully, I will be a confident knitter and knit first real sweater (I made a mini-version that sits on my desk at work), or my first skirt project I like to do from the Fall issue of Knitters Universe Magazine.
Well I suppose that’s I need to write for the night. Thanks for reading.
JUST HANGING OUT AND CREATING 
I understand the sentiment of being interrupted or not quite discovering your creative side until later in life. The same thing happened to me, but mostly with sewing and other needlework. I used to crochet, but I was never very good at it. My mom still crochets and does a beautiful job!
You are right that keeping busy and doing some type of needlework can often calm the soul. Sewing does that for me, and it sounds like crocheting, knitting, and sewing will all do that for you. 🙂
Happy Needlework! 🙂
Thanks Belinda:
I am continually working on knitting projects, but love to learn how to make a sweater. I get confuse when it’s time to make the armholes and connecting the sleeves, but I will get the hang of it one day.
Hi..I was surfing the world of sewing and happened upon your blog. That is great that you are starting sewing and learning on your own. I’m in the same boat as you. Well I used to be a seamstress years ago, but nothing that I created for myself or kids. I would love to do a lot more sewing. My hubby bought me a new portable sewing machine, but I haven’t begun to use it yet. Working full time and 4 teenagers and 2 pre-elementary age takes a lot of my time. My goal for 2008 is to get a class in on sewing and start back from the basic.
Well, I wanted to share a website with you. You’ll love this site as the lady as from AZ is very creative. She’s my inspiration!
http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/
Thanks again and happy sewing!
ShiKeyah
I think it’s great that you want to get back into the sewing. I can understand how difficult it can be with a busy schedule, but you are a resourceful person (particulary with six children) and I kniw you will figure it out. It is important for people to take care of themselves first, it makes them even better with they do. I wanted to thank you for the website of Heather Bailey, it’s great and I will read her interview with Craftzine magazine (I read it sometimes).
I hope you visit my place again as I would love to hear from and speak with you. Thanks again.