Funny you should ask! But, before you get a little weirded out….I’m referring to my crochet hook!!!! Hahaha. Our Etsy Crochet Team posed the question to each member, and here’s my story.
When I was about 11, my friend Diane, who was 10….who had been taught to knit by her mother, I believe, showed me how to cast on and how to knit & purl. I was only able to practice at her house because we didn’t have money for yarn or needles. Nothing much happened after those first few lessons, but later in life, it came back to me! Then at age 15, in my Home Ec. class, I was watching a friend, Eileen, do something with yarn and a thing with a hook at the end of it. I watched her in total fascination. She used that hooky thing and – what looked like string and turned it into something amazing. I asked if she could show me how to do that and she did. Little did she know that during that one yr. when we were friends, she would teach me something that I would be doing and loving for the rest of my life!! I wish I could find her to tell her.
All I knew how to do was chain and single crochet. A family moved in across the street with 3 or 4 kids and they needed a babysitter….voila, here’s where I come in….a teenager right across the street. When I walked in, I could not believe all the cool stuff she had in her house, and all crocheted. I had never seen such beautiful things and asked if she could show me how. She informed me that she was too busy to teach me with all her kids but she gave me a book that showed all the stitches and some patterns….and the rest is history, shall we say! I will tell you that one of my first projects was a sweater for my brother….I was so proud of it but he never wore it. I think it had something to do with the neon green yarn I used….back then it wasn’t in fashion! But it was on sale and with only babysitting $$ for income, that was all I could afford. My projects have improved over time and now I sell on Etsy, in different shops and out of my home. I also taught myself how to knit, (recalling what I had learned so long ago from Diane) once I mastered crocheting. But have to admit that I still love working with that thing with a hook on the end of it the best! So….now you see, I’m a hooker….and I LOVE IT!
I hope you enjoyed my little story and looking at a few of my handmade items. As you can see in my examples, my son is modeling one of my beanies, so now people actually “wear” my stuff! To check out my Etsy store click here. If you click on each item above it will enlarge it, then just x-out to come back to this page. And please feel free to leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.
Lovely post! I find it so interesting to read about the journeys people have taken to learn their various crafts.
My mother was an excellent seamtress and embroidered everything whilst I have never had any interest. But, I taught myself to quilt which is something she never liked. Then I discovered crochet after trying knitting and immediately loved the craft. Used to create many baby blankets which sold like crazy and then suddenly stopped. So, now I just give them away to family as new additions appear!
Now, if you mention encaustics to me then I really perk up my ears. I found out about it about a couple of years ago and absolutely love it. This art form really allows me to explore my imagination and the viewers.
It really was great to read your story and the pleasure you so obviously bring to others through your talent!
I am always sooooo envious of those who can crochet. I just never could get the hang of that ‘thing with the hook on the end’. You do such beautiful work Julie – you should be very proud for teaching yourself this wonderful craft!!
That’s a terrific story, Julie! I love reading and hearing about how others have learned and benefited from the encouragement of others. It stimulates more of that for others! Your work is gorgeous!
Great story, Julie!! Crochet was one of my earlier crafts too, and I still do it for comfort and prayer shawls. Maybe your friend will find you online and read this.
Lovely story Julie.
Julie,
I just love hearing about how we all came to be who, what and where we are now. It’s amazing how some people have touched out lives and never even knew it. I hope you find the little friend who first showed you how to chain and do single crochet. That would be amazing, just like you :0)
Julie – wonderful post! I am so enjoying everyone’s stories! The photos you posted are awesome – the baptismal dress and the floral jacket are beautiful, and the poncho and hat set is amazing–I can’t imagine sewing all those motifs together!! Your teenage friend would be amazed at what you can do now!
I see you live in Corpus Christi — I’m in Bedford, near Ft. Worth!!
I loved your story. Reminds me of my mom’s story. She did not have money to buy a crochet hook. So she took 2 umbrella wires, tied the end with a few strands of yarn. She used to make yarn on a charkha, so she took some yarn and learned knitting by remembering how the other girls did it.
I’m so proud to say that you are one of the crochet specialists in our team.