My New Hobby

Titles have never been my forte.

I recently have taken up crocheting.  More accurately, I’ve become a machine.  If I’m awake and not at work or busy taking care of other responsibilities then I’m nestled in my favorite spot on the couch with yarn and a needle. 

My great-grandma taught me to crochet when I was very young.  I was always mesmerized by the quick, swift movements her hand would make and the way the needle seemed to be an extension of that hand.  In a perfect rhythm, her hands would move and out the other end would come this perfectly crafted pattern.  Right before my eyes (and while she carried on a conversation, played along with Jeopardy, drank tea, and ate a meal, mind you) the pattern would grow and within a couple hours time significant progress would be obvious.  I loved the way loops and pulls and hand motions would work together to create something with a shape and a purpose.

Gramma had a very distinct smell and there’s something about the way yarn holds a scent.  There are times when I still swear I can smell her in an afghan she has made even though she has been gone almost two years and most of the afghans she made are nearly as old as I am. 

For many years of my life, I did not fully appreciate handmade gifts.  Time and loss has changed me.  There’s something so comforting about falling asleep under an afghan made by Gramma or my great-aunt that is hard to even explain.  To know that the afghan began in their hands and as it progressed, spread across their lap.  That it spent time living their life with them.  Going visiting or waiting in a doctor’s office.  Watching their favorite TV shows and probably catching a drop or two of their spilled coffee or tea.

These are the things I think about when I’m crocheting.  The things Gramma has left behind for me.  The stories told over needles and yarn, the afghans, the slippers, the doll booties for Maddy, but most importantly, the life-long skills.   She passed on recipes and tips in the kitchen and crocheting, along with advice for dealing with family members, husbands, children, and life in general.