Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Next Stop on a "Tour Through Crochet Country" is Hot Lava Crochet!

I'd first like to thank Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka of Crochetville for putting together this "Tour Through Crochet Country". What a great idea and I have enjoyed reading all the blog posts in celebration of National Crochet Month. You can find the whole list here blog tour in case you missed any of them.

There are so many ways to celebrate National Crochet Month but don't we really celebrate the joy every day? I know I do and I can't imagine my life without crochet. It is the one thing that stays constant in an ever changing world.

I first learned to crochet from my second grade teacher, Mrs. Crooks. I can remember it like it was yesterday. After school I would get to pull my chair up to her big, wooden desk as she patiently taught me the stitches to create a floppy, purple "hippie" hat that I still have. Little did she know all those years ago just how big of an impact her act of kindness would have on my life! I am so happy to still be in touch with her and I was thrilled to see a comment she recently left on the CGOA Facebook page saying she was going through my patterns to find one of my designs to make in celebration of National Crochet Month. Thank you Mrs. Crooks!


After that first hat, I've never stopped. I have crocheted everything from garments to dog jackets to baby booties and everything in between. I love to experiment with new techniques and try different things. My crochet goes everywhere I go. I have been spotted stitching at bus stops, on my treadmill, on airplanes, on my riding lawn mower and even floating in my pool! 


And speaking of CGOA, which stands for the Crochet Guild of America, I must also remember them as we celebrate this month. CGOA has been instrumental in helping me pursue a professional path with crochet. They offer a mentoring program, a day long event called PDD - short for professional development day - at each conference, and opportunities to network that wouldn't otherwise be available. Even if you have no desire to become a professional, CGOA has so much to offer. Please visit their site for more information. 

My friend, fellow guild members and former CGOA president, Marty Miller, is also blogging on the tour today. You'll want to stop by and see what she has to say! Marty was the person that took me to my very first ever LYS! You can find her site here at the crochet doctor



Lastly, I want to hear about YOU! Leave me a comment on here or my Facebook page and tell me about how you learned to crochet or the craziest place you've stitched! I went through my stash and pulled a few of my favorite yarns to share with you. One winner will be randomly chosen at midnight on the last day of March. As much as I hate to do this, I have to limit it to US residents only. Shipping prices have skyrocketed     and I just can't ship outside of the US. 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

112 comments:

  1. I learned to crochet my freshman year at college. My roommate took me to church with her, and one of the older ladies decided that we should have lunch at her home before evening service. She taught us how to do a ch, sc, and in the round to make square oven mitt/dishcloths. It took me more than two years to pick it back up, and I haven't put it back down since.
    Thank you for a fun giveaway! Trying new yarns is one of the best things about crocheting.

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    1. That's a great story Karin. Thank you for sharing!
      I agree about trying new yarns :-)

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  2. I learned to crochet from my grandmother when I was 8, I made a lot of pot holders then LOL. I am so glad to have that memory so that when I crochet it is a tie to someone I have lost.
    I have never crocheted in a pool I have at dr offices and the like I guess the strangest place would be at the Grand Canyon (I worked there for a year and so I was used to the view from the lodge and would sit and crochet because it was peaceful) Thanks for a chance to win your beautiful yarns Carin
    mawmom at gmail dot com

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    1. You are fortunate to have your memories of your grandmother teaching you! Nobody and I mean nobody in my family crochets, knits, weaves, sews, nothing! lol I intend to change that with my granddaughter.

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  3. My grandmother taught me to Crochet, she couldn't speak much English nor could she read, but she showed me how to crochet the edgings on ladies hankies. It was an easy pattern just a chain stitch and a sc. I crocheted the hankie and brought it next door to her, she looked it over, smiled and said in her best English, Bascia you no get mad and proceeded to rip it out, I was only around 6 or 7, and of course I will never forget that day, I cried my eyes out, then she told me to do it again!
    I did it again and it came out better then the first time!! I was so blessed to have my grandparents in my life, they taught me so much!

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    1. Your story (including the accent) made me laugh Barbara! What a sweet story!

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  4. My mom tried teaching me when I was younger but I didn't really get into it until I was pregnant with my daughter and put on bed rest. I picked it up and taught myself with a starter book and the internet at my side. Been crocheting since. :)
    I've never crocheted in a pool before, but that I have the idea in my head! I can't say I've really crocheted anywhere crazy.. doctor offices, in the truck while my hubby is driving.
    Thanks for a chance at the giveaway! They are beautiful.

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    1. You give me hope that maybe one day my own daughters might crochet. I'm glad you gave it another try!

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  5. I first learned to crochet from my mom when I was about 7 or 8. After years of not doing it, a friend showed me the basics and sent me on my way. I spent years using DC and SC to make hats, scarves and blankets. While pregnant I taught myself to read patterns and in recent years have made my own patterns and now sell my creations!

    I have crocheted on road trips, in waiting rooms and at the pool. I have project bags ready to go at all times. I have to keep my hands busy!

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    1. That's a great story Joy! I'll be blogging about all the benefits the Crochet Guild of America offers for professionals tomorrow. You might be interested in it!

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  6. I learned to crochet the summer I was 12. My mom had went back to work so I was home babysitting. I found the Learn how to crochet book and some crochet needs and have crocheted ever since. The most unusual place I have crocheted was at a Pat Benatar concert.

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    1. Yep, that's unusual. I wonder if you were the only one in the audience crocheting :-)

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  7. My mother taught me how to crochet. The first thing I made was a scarf. It wasn't the best scarf but I was proud of it. Over the years I made different things. When my four children were small, and I needed a quiet place, I took my crochet project into the bathroom. I had an hour all to myself. And if you needed the bathroom you had to wait, I wasn't coming out before then. I would carry the yarn and needle with me where ever I went becuase you never new when there was free time that you could use. I love the colors of the yarn you have. If I won, it would help with making things for my nine grandchildren.

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    1. I can totally relate! My 3 month old granddaughter lives with us. Maybe "Memaw" will have to sneak into the bathroom to crochet in peace! Thanks for the idea. LOL

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  8. I learned to crochet when I was in junior high (I don't remember my exact age) from my mom. My mom was always crocheting or knitting something and I loved watching her. I have crocheted ever since. I love to make baby afghans. I've crocheted in an airport, I know that's not that unusual but that's it for me.

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    1. Hey just that you crochet is enough, right? Crocheting in an airport is a great way to pass the time!

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  9. I was working at a salon in college and in between clients a fellow stylist taught me how to crochet the single crochet stitch. (She was also teaching her teenage daughter at the time.) She asked me what I wanted to make (a king size blanket - a very ambitious first project) and did the starting chain and first row for me. I worked on that thing all summer. (In a small college town the salon was really, really slow, so I had plenty of time to work on it while at work.) When it got really big, I had no bags big enough to carry it so I had to lug it around in a giant trash bag. I'm sure people who saw me thought I was crazy for carrying it around - not to mention leaving the "trash" on my station at the salon. :)

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    1. Oh that's funny Kristin! Known as the town bag lady, huh? And yes, that is a very ambitious first project! Good job :-)

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  10. I learned to crochet from the magazine Magic Crochet. I wanted to knit a sweater for my Aunt who was having a baby. She still treasurers that sweater.

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  11. I honestly don't remember where I learned to crochet, girl scouts maybe or my mother (who was my leader). I just remember picking up a hook one day and starting. It wasn't until years later that I taught myself how to knit too. I am currently working on my 40 hats in 40 days annual project in which I make a hat a day to be donated. You can read about it on my blog www.SunflowersatHome.blogspot.com

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    1. Your hats are precious Ginny and what a wonderful thing to do! I love when we can use our talents to show others that we care.

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  12. My mom tried to teach me how to crochet when I was little, but I didn't listen, lol. I picked up some free instructions somewhere in my early twenties & I was on fire for crochet every since. I later learned how to knit, self taught again. Now I have about 20 projects going on at all times. Need more yarn!

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    1. Yay!!! I love hearing this! I tried to teach both of my daughters how to crochet when they were young and they had no interest. Maybe....just maybe....

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  13. When I'm asked what my hobby is, I tell folks housework, grocery shopping, etc. They look at me like I'm crazy!! haha The reason I say that is because crochet is my every day priority, and everything else fits in when I'm FINISHED my hooking for the day!!!

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    1. Ha! I like your thinking Betty! And I totally agree with you! LOL

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  14. I learned to crochet from my Grandma Lily when I was about 8. We lived in Florida and she lived in Ohio. My brother and I went to spend a few weeks with her that summer, first time on a plane! We were bored and getting on her nerves! So she put a hook in our hands and gave us some yarn! She taught us how to make potholders. I remember my brother got so mad, because my potholder was more square than his! LOL! That year at school we had a crochet class and I made a poncho and I was so proud of it! I wore it every day I could to school! I believe it came out so good because my Grandma taught me the summer before! Sadly I don't have the poncho or my potholder got lost over the years. My Grandma and my Brother James are no longer here and I miss them both very much! I have that wonderful memory and it's one of many I hold close to my heart!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing such a touching story Reggie. What beautiful memories. {Hugs}

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  15. When my very best girlfriend got engaged after college graduation, I wanted to make her something special and unique. The only thing I could think was to knit or crochet something and my mom had tried and tried to teach me to knit but it hadn't worked. So I marched myself up the hill behind my apartment to the Michaels and spent hours in the little craft aisle looking at their magazines. I found a Crochet Fantasy special issue filled with afghans, calculated the yarn I would need for the beautiful aran style that I liked the most, and added several extra skeins, and my first pack of crochet hooks.

    I taught myself to crochet with that afghan and it included nearly every possible stitch, lol. She didn't stay married long, but over 25 years later she still has that country blue acrylic afghan!

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    1. What a sweet (and determined) person you are! LOL. Thank you for sharing a great story. Those acrylic afghans DO last forever, don't they. Ha, Ha.

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  16. My mom taught me at a very young age. I always say my fingers inherited the skills because it comes naturally to me. When working on a project it matters not where I am. I will work on it on a plane, car, family gatherings, you name it.

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    1. Maybe it's the name - "Tammy" since it comes naturally to me too! Just sit down with a hook and a ball of yarn and watch something appear! :-)

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  17. I learned to crochet from Laurinda Reddig so I could help make baby blankets for her Remembering Rowan Project to donate blankets to NICUs! That was almost 5 years ago!

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    1. Oh that's so sweet Carissa! I have had the pleasure of meeting Laurinda :-)

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  18. My Grandma taught me to crochet when I was 9. I did it for a little while, but really picked it back up when I was in my late teens. Now I'm in my 40's, with 3 grown children and 5 grandbabies (the oldest of which is 2 1/2) so I have been REAL busy with crocheting. I really wish my Grandma could see me now. All the things I have learned to make, have sat down and figured my own patterns for, and to see both of my daughters also crocheting!!

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    1. That is fantastic Terri! Your Grandma would be proud! I have a book of baby clothes coming out next year. Watch my site for details :-)

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  19. I learned how to chain from my grandmother when I was 11. After that I didn't crochet again until when I was pregnant with my daughter I bought a kit to teach me to crochet and I made a scarf for my sister and a baby blanket for my daughter. I laid the hook down again for about 3 years and when a friend showed me a scarf she was making I thought it would be a good idea to try to crochet again and I've been hooked since. I take my tote bag everywhere.. I made a whole scarf just from the red lights to and from work for a week.

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    1. So you're a red light hooker, huh? LOL. Don't you sometimes wonder how you ever managed when you weren't crocheting? It becomes like breathing!

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  20. My grandma and my mom taught me. I have a shawl my grandma made, and a black edged granny square blanket that my great aunt made. Crochet runs in the family. I am teaching my granddaughter. Also, I was thrilled to discover that my son's fiance also crochets. She has been raiding my stash.
    Oddest place....hospitals. I have ADD and can't handle sitting with nothing in my hands to occupy me.

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    1. You are very fortunate to have so many in your family that share your love of crochet. There is no one in my family so I have high hopes for my little 3 month old granddaughter :-)

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  21. My passion for crochet started in 2003 by frogging a blanket I had made in 8th grade Home Ec 25 years earlier and remaking it into hats and scarves for my kids.

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  22. I learned to crochet/knit from youtube! I could not for the life of me follow the book's directions.

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    1. Whatever works, right? I think these videos are great. Many people need to be shown rather than read. Good job!

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  23. Tammy is such a talented artist in her craft of crochet and knitting. We are blessed to know her and to enjoy her creations!

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  24. I remember my Mom teaching me how to macrame when I was a kid... but quickly lost that skill. Fast forward to a few years ago when I quit my job and stopped everything to take care of my wife and just-born son. Complications with the birth resulted in my wife getting a heart pump and subsequent heart transplant. During that time, I needed something to do, so I thought I would learn to knit. Many frustrating tries later, I switched to crochet and never looked back.

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    1. What a touching story! Thank you for sharing with me Mike.

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  25. My step-grandmother taught me to crochet. She lived all alone next door. I would go over to her house to keep her company as a child. I remember her watching episodes of Dallas and Dynasty in the evenings as I learned to make granny squares :-)

    I've crocheted all sorts of places actually. I try to keep projects with me most of the time. My hubby took me to Vegas once to a Michael Buble concert. I was waaay behind on orders - so I had my crochet with me and worked on things every chance I got. He always brings up how I was crocheting at the concert. In my defense, it was only while we were waiting for it to start and during intermission. It seemed pretty normal to me - but he talks about it all of the time!

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    1. That's funny Taralee. My husband has gotten used to me stitching anywhere, any place, anytime! You do what you gotta!

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  26. I'd always wanted to crochet, especially since i had a blanket my dad crocheted for me. When I was pregnant with my now 6 year old a friend patiently taught me and a few others, and it was like un damming the floodgates. I crochet all the time, I experiment with different patterns and make my own. I love it. It's kept me sane when stressed, helped me quit smoking... ittruly has been amazing.

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    1. Isn't it awesome what crochet can do for us! I love that it is always there, always the same no matter how crazy or difficult life may become. You can just pick up your hooks and find peace :-)

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  27. I "started" crocheting when my mom, grandma, and aunts crocheted themselves granny square blankets(grade school for me)--but, I "really" learned how to crochet when I joined CGOA.

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    1. Yay Sandy! You are very lucky to come from a family of crocheters! I'm hoping my new little granddaughter will finally be the one that joins me :-)

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  28. My grandma is the one who passed on her love of crocheting to me. One of my "wishes" is that she were still here to see what I've been able to do. I love to picture her looking down from heaven and being proud of me.

    And I'll admit, you've inspired me to find a unique place to crochet - in the pool is going to be hard to top!!

    I'm working on 10 blankets for Project Night Night, so that's where your yarn will go if I'm lucky enough to win it. Thanks for the chance!

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    1. What a beautiful comment Pam. Thank you so much for sharing with me. I am sure your Grandma IS looking down from Heaven and is very proud of you. The Project Night Night children will be so blessed by your kindness!

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  29. I had a dear friend that had a crafting party where I learned to crochet. She had so many crafts on tables to learn. I've been hooked ever since that party!

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    1. A crafting party is a great idea! I would love to do that. Thanks for sharing Jackie :-)

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  30. I'm not sure where I learned to crochet, it was either my Mom or her father.

    I have crocheted as a patient both in the he only place I have Not crocheted is in the bathroom, YUCK!LOL

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    1. Ha! I just read a previous comment from someone that would go in the bathroom to get away from the kids and crochet in peace. LOL

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  31. I learned how to Crochet when I was 15 from my younger sister Barbie. I have been a member on Ravelry since January 2010 and have learned so much! I am throughly enjoying checking out the new blogs and such with the Crochet Tour. Currently exploring Freeform Crochet as well as making things for all 6 of my grandkids!

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    1. Isn't it neat how you never stop learning? I have been crocheting for 40 years and I am still always learning some new technique or trick. So fun!

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  32. I learned to crochet at a fairly young age from my mother. I can't remember when it was, it was so long ago! My mother was one of "those" crocheters who could crochet a complex pattern while watching TV and not even looking at her hands!! I have crocheted off and on since - hand problems keeping me from it when they get too bad.

    I have pretty much taken crochet with me everywhere - much to my family's chagrin! Funniest place - probably on the back of my horse, way back in high school!! My horse had a problem with being tied up, so to let her "graze/mow" the property we lived on, someone (me) had to hold her lead rope. It didn't take me long to discover that I could sit, or even lie down, on her back while holding the lead rope. Working on a deadline to finish an afghan for a special teacher by graduation, I know I worked while on her back during her grazing time.

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    1. That is so fantastic! I would have loved to see a picture of that! I broke my arm a few years back and had deadlines to meet so I devised a way of holding my hook with my feet and manipulating the yarn with my left hand. We're a resourceful bunch, aren't we? LOL

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  33. I learned to crochet from a book that I bought from Michaels. I was a knitter first and marveled at how quickly a finished garment, afghan or baby sweater could be completed. My first published designs were crochet and I love every bit of having a creative career. If it weren't for crochet, I would have never met you Tammy. I love my Conference Roomie aka CW. Great Post!

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    1. Really? You learned from a book? I didn't know that! I'm so glad you did learn though no matter how because I love you too CW and I'm so thankful that we met!

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  34. I would like to say my grandmother taught me to crochet, but sadly, she passed before I learned. Determined, I checked out "I Can Crochet", a kids' book from the library, and in her honor, learned to crochet a granny square as my first "project". I am proud to announce I won best in class this year at our county fair with a scrap afghan with flower motifs. My crochet buddies tease me on my technique, as it looks like the pictures in the book. LOL! But hey, it works for me.

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    1. Congratulations! That is a wonderful accomplishment and I'm sure your grandmother would be so proud of you! Thanks for sharing with me!

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  35. Tammy, thank you for participating in A Tour through Crochet Country! Thank you also for sharing your learn-to-crochet story. And you look great crocheting in the pool; what an awesome photo!

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    1. Thank you (and Amy) so much for putting the Tour through Crochet Country together. What a great idea it was and I have had such fun celebrating National Crochet Month!

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  36. I taught myself to crochet just last year and I have been unstoppable ever since! :) Now I just need to do a project for myself! :)

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    1. You go girl! You absolutely need to make something for you! You've earned it :-)

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  37. Several decades ago I bought a Coats and Clark How To Crochet/Knit, etc. book and learned to crochet. I love to crochet/knit every day. It is therapy and it is a joy to be able to create pretty things to sell, to give as gift and I feel productive crocheting/knitting when parked in front of the television with my husband in the evenings. Oh yes...I am blessed to teach most Monday nights at our local craft store and I take a busywork bag with me to meetings and in the car when I am the passenger. Love crochet!

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    1. Thank you for sharing your story with me. I agree that crochet is great therapy. It's always peaceful and comforting and fills you with joy! I love it too!

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  38. My grandmother(mom's mom) taught me to crochet when I was very young, maybe 5 or 6. I was making blankets for my dolls and making tons of granny squares. She then showed me how to put my granny squares together and I had my very own throw blanket. I've learned a lot since then but still remember going to grandmas and sitting next to her the entire visit, each doing our own crochet project. This went on for many years until we lost her when I was in my early 20's. It's funny that I now get to teach my mother to crochet because she never learned from grandma.

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    1. What beautiful memories of your Grandmother to treasure and I think it's wonderful that you are now able to pass crochet along to your mother. Neither of my daughters crochet and I have high hopes for my little 3 month old granddaughter. Maybe one day she will be able to turn around and teach my daughters.

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  39. I learned to crochet from my aunt by watching her make granny squares for an afghan.

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  40. I love seeing your posts every day, thanks for the work you do for us!

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  41. One day I was telling my mom on the phone that I don't know how to crochet and that's very bad because my mom use to crochet when I was a kid. She use to make clothes for my doll. But I never learnt from her either. So she just motivated me by telling that When I can knit I can crochet as well. She said just take some yarn and a crochet hook and try for some time and you will get it and that's what I did exactly. I just sat on my couch took some yarn and a crochet hook and learnt some basic crochet stitches and I was very happy. I discovered that with just single crochet you can make so many things. Amigurumi is just excellent and fun, it's easy and fast to make. I Found a cute and easy pattern online and in few hours little piggy was ready just like that... I have to really thank my mom for this :)
    And after this no looking back, I have crocheted many cute things and hope to continue for ever...

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    1. What a sweet story! We can learn whatever we choose if we set our minds to it and just practice! Thanks for sharing your story with me :-)

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  42. I learned from my grandmother almost 40 years ago. It was rather complicated since she was righthanded and I am a lefty. She would do a row of stitches and then give me the piece. I would slowly unravel the piece to watch how it was done then recreate the stitches. I could not figure it out by watching her. lol So fortunate now that Youtube features many videos for lefties. I stopped crocheting for many years due to carpal tunnel. My nieces asked about handmade items one
    christmas so I gave it a go. I find I crochet much more relaxed and looser now. I still must take frequent hand rest but I am loving the return to crochet. Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. I'm so glad you were able to return to crochet! Take a look at Furls crochet hooks. They are handcrafted to the measurements of your own hand so they have an incredible fit and are much more comfortable to use. If you decide to try one out, tell them I sent you! http://furlscrochet.com/

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  43. My story isn't fancy but I don't feel like I've been doing it long enough to have accumulated a great one yet : ) My favorite crochet story is when I taught my husband to crochet. I had tried teaching him to knit and he couldn't figure it out. But then he tried crochet and picked it up immediately! It was great sitting there in silence while my husband and I crocheted together. He hasn't done it since but if anyone ever asks I can tell them he has ; )

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    1. I think yours is a GREAT story! My husband used to attend the Crochet Guild conferences with me. He learned to knit and crochet! Knitting he was a natural with but he hasn't done it since either. We need to get these men going :-)

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  44. I love to crochet any place that I am~! Not sure I have a crazy place, but I take it with me everywhere I go.. I learned to crochet from my Mom back in 1980, with her looking over my shoulder telling me how to do it.. But 2 years ago, I taught myself how to read patterns and it's a whole new world for me! Sometimes I get stumped, but if I let it go and come back to it later, that usually helps me figure it out! Thanks for the chance to win your lovely yarn!

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  45. I never mentioned how I learned to crochet. My grandma taught me - during the long boring summers in Kansas. I didn't LOVE it right away, but by the time I was in my late teens, I was teaching how to make crochet rugs. I taught myself everything after the basic stuff and now make every cute pattern I can find. I have taught tweens and teenagers last year. It's a skill that needs sharing.

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    1. I agree! Wouldn't it be neat if we could all teach every person we meet. Before long, there wouldn't be anyone that didn't know how to crochet :-)

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  46. My mom in law taught me how to crochet about 3 years ago. It was a great bonding experience and she never gave up on me. I was a very difficult student and easily became frustrated. She never gave up on me and now I have my own scarf business that is small but I hope to make it larger :) we love going to craft shows together and she's always ready to show me a new stitch no matter how uneasy I may be to learn something new :) if I win this, I will give in to her and learn something other than blankets and scarves!!

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    1. What a wonderful story Amy. I too had a beautiful mother in law that crocheted. Sadly, she left us way too soon. You're lucky to have yours :-)

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  47. My next-door neighbor's grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was about 8. I used to crochet in classes in high school and on my last vacation to Punta Cana I was crocheting on the beach and behind me a woman was knitting! Love your designs and love me some yarn!

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    1. Thanks for sharing your great story and your kind words about my designs!

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  48. I just learned from the internet site youtube. It seemed my mother had forgotten, so I had to find out via hardcore hunting. As I hunted I figured it out and continued to this day. My creativity is allowing me to make berets and other items just by feel. It's alot of fun.

    My story isn't a particularly eventful one but it is my story all the same.

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    1. It's a great story Liz! I love how it is so easy to learn new things on the internet with all the videos and tutorials. Thanks for commenting!

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  49. I just started crocheting last month so I don't have any stories but I am enjoying finding all kinds of crochet blogs.

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    1. Congratulations Carrie! Welcome to the crochet world!

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  50. My sweet grandmother, she taught me crochet, knitting, and embroidery when I was between 8 and 12 years old when I visited her in the summers. She also taught me to cook. I love and miss her terribly. Now I am teaching my granddaughters, hoping they will have the same wonderful memories of me that I have of my sweet grandma.

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    1. What a beautiful memory you have Caroline. I have a new little granddaughter that I cannot wait to teach! Neither of my daughters have any interest so I've got my fingers crossed :-)

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  51. My Mom (who crocheted with thread) taught me to crochet with yarn when I was about 12. I started a big granny afghan... not squares, just rows & rows of DC clusters... around and around and around.... LOL I still have it, and it is STILL not finished! Every several years I would drag it out and crochet a few more rows... and then get bored with it again. Haha! I'll have to drag it out again and finish the thing. It is big enough for at least a throw. Also, I have just now tried thread and made a lacy pair of fingerless gloves for my daughter. Thanks Mom!

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    1. I want to see a picture when you finish it! I still have the first item I ever made too :-)

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  52. My mother taught me to make a single chain when I was a little girl, but I never really got any farther. A few years ago I picked up a learn to knit kit and then quickly learned to crochet also. Now I won't go anywhere without my latest crochet project!

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    1. Isn't it great how all of a sudden you can just "get it"! Makes you wonder how you lived for so long without crocheting :-)

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  53. Oh I would really love to win. I am not sure if I left a message. I seem to forget things, I guess it goes with getting older. I have been crocheting for alot of years, I guess it would be fifty years. It is so relaxing when you crochet.

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    1. LOL! I can relate! I would forget my head if it wasn't attached!

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  54. Oh I learned to crochet over a year ago. I had all this yarn sitting around from an attempt when I was pregnant with my son, which was more than a decade old! But I failed at it and got frustrated then forgot I even had it.

    Last year I thought about youtube videos and...that was all it took!

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    1. That's wonderful Rachel! I'm glad you gave it another try :-)

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  55. My Momma taught me to crochet when I was 9 - almost 40 years ago. I'm always prepared to crochet. Carry something with me all the time

    The craziest place I have crocheted was in a court room waiting for juries to be pulled. After getting through the front door security, the bailiff called me out in front of everyone. He laughed and asked, "How did you get in with that?" I told him I went through security and showed them my hooks. He then pointed out that my crochet hook was a weapon I could just "go crazy with on someone" if I wanted to do so.

    Love your work, Tammy!

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    1. LOL! They wouldn't let me bring mine in the courtroom last time I had to go to court. You know, you hear about so many people being stabbed to death by crochet hooks

      Thank you for your kind words about my work Lisa!

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  56. I put my comment in the raffle copter spot first so will try to say the same here. My bestest friend taught me to to a granny square when we were teenagers. Over thirty years later, I have picked it up again and am teaching myself other stitches with books and youtube. I am teaching her stitches now. Thanks for the giveaway. You are awesome and I have enjoyed reading all the stories.

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  57. Crocheting in the pool! What a hoot! I just love it and wish I had a pool to crochet in! LOL Thanks for the pictures. They're fabulous!
    Betty Radcliffe

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