One day, I was waiting in the check-out line at my local Wal-mart with about four skeins of yarn tucked under my arms and two spools of ribbon in my hands and the elderly couple behind me asked "what are you making?" I was taken off guard as few people had ever asked me this question in Wal-mart of all places. I went on to say that I Crochet and that I was just stocking up on supplies. Impressed, I assume with that answer, the man answered, "Crochet, isn't that a dying art form?" I can't exactly remember how I responded but I do still remember what I was thinking. In that moment I thought, perhaps it is but with the work that I see other people doing, you wouldn't think so!
I must admit though, that I have not always been the artist in this art form that I am today. Last summer, after coming home from a summer spent at camp, I was thirsty to find some artistic outlet to fill my time before school started. The interesting thing about being a camp counselor is that you often times unleash a passion for crafts. I had just left a summer of making friendship bracelets, tye-dye shirts, end of the week awards and was still in the mindset that every waking moment not spent with children should be spent wearing Chacos (that's another post on its own..) and working on being Creative. Personally, I had always admired my Great Aunt for her talents of Crochet. She is women that can work without patterns and magically knows things like gauge (something that I still struggle with, I must admit). While, I was at camp, she had taught my Grandmother some of the basics and when I was visiting on day, I had noticed the beginning process of a pot holder. I mentioned that I had always wanted to learn and she then went on to say that she would teach me what she knew if I wanted. I immediately went home, dug through my closet for my only crochet hook and skein of yarn at that time and went back that afternoon and learned how to make chain stitches, single crochet stitches and double crochet stitches. From that day on, I worked independently and improved upon my ability. I even used YouTube to learn new stitches. I will never forget the day that I learned how to read a pattern and each day, I try to practice and improve.
Eventually, I hope to start my own business and I am in the beginning process of starting an Etsy. I feel that I can change use my talents and abilities as a way to spread Smiles to those that see my work.
