Crochet ..creating by physically doing.....a meditation in itself...

I learnt to crochet after the birth of my first child....it was the perfect way to be creative but for it not to take up lots of space (while learning!) and it was easy to pick up for short periods of time and stuff into a pocket or bag. I feel it can be the perfect thing to do when you want to be relaxed and productive at the same time, it is especially good for those who like to be doing rather than sitting.

I was inspired to start when my Mother -in-Law got out her collection of 'Golden Hands' Magazines from the early 70's. As the name of this website, I had always been creative and had vague memories of my mum playing around with a hook and yarn on a few occasions, but had never learnt myself. Youtube was very helpful in finding the technique but there was only a handful of videos in 2012, but I was lucky to have people at my work who saw my hook and yarn and were happy to guide me. I won't lie, it isn't easy at first, but can be very addictive once you get going.

One of the things I love about crochet is the beautiful slide and pull of the yarn going through the hook, it can be such a meditative movement, and so satisfying, knowing that you are creating something that is completely original in how you are making it, even if you are following a pattern, you still have your own unique tension and vision. Saying that, I am no longer much of a follower of patterns and love being drawn to my favourite colour and texture of yarn to imbibe while I create whatever takes my fancy, depending on my time and desired outcome.

When I fell in love with crochet, I wanted to share how wonderful it was with whoever would listen, yet I was a new mum and new to my area of South Ruislip, so I ended starting a group at my local library. It was weekly and very relaxed for anyone who wanted to drop by, I taught many people how to crochet and we had knitters too, we even created an exhibition piece requested by the local Church. I am proud to say, it is still running today every Tuesday morning if you are looking for a crochet group, although I think it is now more craft and chat. I am proud of the 6 years I spent with my crochet group, below is a blanket I made for my youngest, while there, which took many moons, but was worth every stitch.

Coasters are now my go to crochet project, there is something very satisfying about being able to make a finished piece in under an hour. They are a great gift and one ball of yarn, a hook, scissors and a pattern reminder fit easily into a small bag. Below is a coaster, and some rocks I decorated while at the beach recently.