Crochet: A Love Story

I've long admired the handiwork of crafty ladies on the internet with their knitting needles and crochet hooks. With just the memory of a 10-year-old impatient version of myself tediously making half-finished pot holders for my loving mother, I never thought I would have the gumption to create the gorgeous projects I admired online. Until last year, when I thought, eh, why not? Why not give it another go?

I have had an embarassingly short attention span when it comes to projects. Who knows whether this attitude was fostered by blog headlines that began with "Quick and Easy DIY!", or the self-imposed pressure to crank out project after project to file away under the blog label "do it yourself." I'm quite certain that the day and age of hours wasted on the internet and instant gratification was steering me away from my desire to craft beautiful, useful things for my home that would take longer than an episode of Law and Order (SVU!) to complete.

I do believe that quick projects have their place, but my own heart belongs with the detail-oriented work of a craftsmen. I've enjoyed engaging in time-intensive projects alongside Dear Ol' Daddio, like restoring my 1950s bicycle, or turning piles of old barn siding into sturdy and beautiful tables for my home. But what did I have to do when the cold-weather induced reclusive feelings come to visit me this time of year?

So, I decided to give my camera trigger finger a rest and put these lazy forearms to work with an aluminum hook and a ball of yarn. Sure, these projects take a long time. But the quality and feeling of accomplishment that results is worth their weight in... yarn.

Last Winter I started and finished a ginormous chevron coverlet for our bedroom (yet to be debuted on this blog), and have already decided to make a mini version this year. (See top picture for my progress.) Want to join in on the needle arts fun with me? Check out these swoon-worthy projects below. With just a little bit of patience and dedication, you'd be surprised at what you can accomplish!

P R O J E C T   O N E :   s e a   p e n n i e s
This would make a really cute baby blanket, or perhaps even a table runner. Their shape reminds me of quilted yo-yos, which have been a favorite of mine for quite sometime. Fine out how to make these at Julia Crossland's blog.

P R O J E C T   T W O :   g r a n n y   s t r i p e   b l a n k e t
I'm a big fan of the granny stitch, not only for it's lace-like aesthetic appeal, but for the quick fashion in which they are created. I told you, I'm impatient. :) Isn't the scallopped edge a darling detail? Find out more at Attic 24.

P R O J E C T   T H R E E :   g r a n n y   c h e v r o n   b l a n k e t
I first tried by hand at this project last year by following along with this series of You Tube videos. I was amazed at how beautifully the coverlet turned out, so much so that I decided to try a smaller version this year. For this version, I combined this simpler style with the one I made last year (I liked the way the edges were finished better in that one), and so far I love what I've done! Also check out The Lazy Hobbyhopper who shows picture instructions on her blog.

Comments

[i wish i was a giant anteater]

Hooray for crochet goodness! i wondered what had happened to the blanket you started last year - i'm looking forward to seeing how your projects go this winter! x

[malia waits]

i love the sea pennies!! There is something about it, that is so charming!
-m

[Kyla]

Such cute project ideas! I'll admit, I've never really ventured into the world of crocheting, even though I love the end result. So you're leaps and bounds ahead of me! :) The sea penny project idea is darling.

[Annalise Furman]

My sister is quite good at crochet and just finished a slouch beanie for herself. After seeing her beautiful crocheted flowers I knew I had to try it. I still have a little practice until I can get all my stitches just perfect but I can see how addicting it can become. The best I can do knitting is one long scarf. :D I really love your granny chevron blanket. I'll put on my "to do one day" list. Thanks for the inspiration.
XOXO

[Michelle Clement]

Yay, crocheting!! I love it so...I find it so calming. :) I started a circle granny square queen-size blankie last year (different colors in the middles and beieg on the outers), and I've had to abandon it for a bit, but I can't wait to get the squares altogether so I can start a new one! he he. I love the colors you're using!

[Natalie Newman]

OMG OMG OMG, I just found your blog and I loooove you!!! Finally somebody who is all fire for crochet as I am! Your projects look so lovely, thanks for sharing!

Going to read your blog now all night through!

Hugs,

Natalie

[Alexandra]

Adorable! I just posted a crocheted market bag that I finished today. I have a million other knitting and crochet projects started that I'm really hoping to finish this winter. Can't wait to see how yours turn out!

[Katherine]

My friend taught me to knit this year, but I definitely want to try crochet too. I can completely relate with the DIY projects though. I struggle to get started mostly. Good luck with yours though! Kx

[Kristen]

That's so weird! I was just starting to learn how to crochet from my grandmother. Bless her patience. I am awful at it and I was about to give up, actually... I had already given up, and then I saw this blog post and right now I'm telling myself, "You know what? You have to keep on going and doing what you want to do. You're going to go through a few bumps but if you practice, you'll get better!" So thank you for unintentionally inspiring me!

By the way, crocheting a huge thing like that?! Baffles me. Good for you! Hahah

[Charlie (forages and finds)]

I keep seeing crotcheting, and it's making me want to have a go. However, my mum says that it's very time-consuming and difficult, and I have to admit I'm totally the same in terms of preferring quicker and messier projects! Think I'm going to have to give it a go though...

[Courtney]

the color combination of the yarns in the first photo is so great! i consider myself a "serial crafter" last winter i went through bouts of both knitting and crochet and got not much out of it besides a striped scarf for my neighbor, and a large buttoned neckwarmer for his girlfriend. i tried fingerless gloves but failed miserably, and i, too, have a short attention span

[Lo]

I love this! I just wrote a winter to do list and crocheting is definitely on the list. I just bought some teal yarn and can't wait to make a chevron blanket! :) -Lo

[Cristina Emilia]

i am just getting into crochet this fall and have been searching for the perfect blanket pattern - the chevron blanket might just be it! so pretty. after years of trying to learn to knit and it never sticking i finally gave crochet a try and am officially in love. so glad to see you've got crochet love too! i'm working on a chunky cowl now and am almost finished - will post pics on my blog next week. xoxo

[kate]

I've been eying up that granny square style chevron blanket for some time now too! Now if only my arthritis would let up long enough for me to make it...