When I was little, my mom and my grandmothers taught me how to crochet. I cannot tell you how many swirly bookmarks and pot holders I crocheted as an eight year old, but it was A LOT!
And here I am forty plus years later, reintroducing crochet into my life for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason was to save my marriage. Well, that’s a total exaggeration, but also true. My husband loves to watch movies and TV shows. He’s a bit of an aficionado when it comes to movies in fact. He knows the exact year a movie was released, who starred in it, and what other movies of that era they also starred in. I am not. I can’t remember names of movies, who was in them, what the story line was…you get the picture. I also have a very hard time staying awake during movies. Once I get snug on my couch with a blanket and the dogs in my lap, and recline ever so slightly … I’m out. Like a light. And, the hubs wouldn’t get mad, but I get it…it’s a little (a lot) frustrating to have a movie night and your date starts snoring in the middle of it. He deserves better from his date.
After years of movie night snooze-fests, I decided I needed something to do to stay alert while watching movies that wasn’t distracting to the other movie watchers in my house. (Another way of saying, get off your phone, Susan!) When I was cleaning out a junk drawer, I found a crochet needle. I have no idea why I even had a crochet needle, because I hadn’t crocheted in over 40 years. It was a true mystery, but then I thought “Hey, what if I resurrect this needle from the depths of this junk drawer and make it useful again”? Thanks to YouTube, I’m now an average crocheter who can stay awake on movie nights! And, I’m having fun and it’s a nice way for this left brained lady to get creative. I have crocheted a variety of things over the last year and have moved on to macramé as well, which is just as relaxing and fun for me! My family typically receives the fruits of my labors, and they are very gracious recipients, even if it’s the last thing they really want!
Below is a list of my favorite projects, links to YouTube Videos and the basic supplies I used in case you want to try to save your marriage too.
Crochet Chunky Blanket – one of my first creations. These were easy and fun, and they are totally not squared off and are mis-shapen, but they keep my kiddos warm! And Bonnie, the California Beach Pup seems to enjoy it! Click here to watch the instructional YouTube Video. And, I used Bernat Blanket Yarn that I purchased from Michael’s, but you can find it on Amazon as well. (Resources listed below)
Crochet Pumpkins – basically an obsession over the last few weeks. I can crank out 2 or 3 of these during a movie, and I think they are adorable. I have have about 20 around my house and have given out at least 15! Click here to watch the instructional video! But, I did NOT crochet the stem, I simply used cinnamon sticks or sticks from my yard and added twine. I like the different textures. (Resources listed below)
Crochet Stockings – I just completed these crochet stockings which I made for my daughter and her 5 roommates for their first Christmas in their beach house! This picture was actually taken in my house, so am excited to see them hanging on their fireplace mantle! Click here to watch the instructional video. You can see they are all a little different in size & length, simply because I am not that detail oriented and didn’t always pay attention to number of rows…plus, I was “watching a movie”, remember?
Macrame Stocking & Key Chains – I really love this stocking, but it’s not my best work. I have become a more experienced macramer (is that even a word?) and plan to try another one. I would love to have my mantle full of these this year, if I have the patience to make them! Click here to watch the Macrame Stocking Video, and look below for a link to the macrame cord, beads and key rings below!
Macrame Wall Hanging – Fun addition to my home office! This was a fun and super easy wall hanging, and I love the look of it! Click here for instructional video!
Macrame Pillows – my favorite macrame project so far and really makes me wish I didn’t have black dog that sheds a lot. I followed this video for the pillow on the right and created the design for the pillow on the left with the beads. So, no video for that. But, once you figure out the basic knots, it’s easy to design your own!
If I can’t get my craft supplies through Amazon, Walmart or Michael’s, I just don’t do it. Crafting shouldn’t be stressful or require going to expensive craft stores in my opinion. Drop a comment below and tell me your craft of choice! I’d love to know what you think of these projects and if you decide to give one a try!
Click on the links below to find these products on Amazon. Please note, I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Click on the picture to learn more and to order on Amazon.com. I do receive a small fee when you order from this link.
Comment (1)
November 14, 2019 at 9:55 am
I love this Susan!
And, I completely understand!
I too have a husband of 40+ years and he enjoys watching auto racing on TV. Not my cup of tea and too loud for me to drift off to sleep.
And so, I read blogs and sit with the IPad. Maybe we have discovered the Secret to a long marriage!🧐
Your crocheting is lovely. I may pick up my knitting needles.
Rosemary
Distinctly Southern Style