Skein Brain

I am in the process of teaching myself to crochet. I have made several scarves and think most of them are good enough for gifts. I tried to find lessons locally, but the only close yarn shop (which teaches knitting) said "Crochet is so easy, most people teach themselves." Don't know that I agree with that, but I am doing it!

I am a knitter and would like to learn to crochet. I have insturctions on it all, although I have yet to read them. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I really like your blog and am glad to hear about the group you started at your church. I attend a small knitting group at a local coffee shop, but would love to have a group at my church as well--being that there are so many organizations that are in need of handmade items. I know that my local fire department gives children or others that have been in crisis blankets and teddy bears and that those items have been a real comfort to people when they are worried. Well, anyway-just wanted to know that even though I don't crochet-I still love your blog.

What a HOOT! Even my DH was sniggling when I read the opening.

I teach crochet at the LYS. To women who can cable and do intarsia and fair isle. The ever present comment - this is sooo hard. If they only knew. I almost feel like I am cheating because crochet is so much easier than knitting.

BTW, I actually taught myself to knit so I could find some legitimacy when walking into 'knitting shops'.

Hi Debi,

Yes, isn't it fun to teach other people the joys of crocheting and knitting? I teach how to knit without needles, using round knitting looms and knitting boards. I am sure some people would think this is cheating, but I would agrue that it lets me create something with yarn, do to arthritis! I have crocheted for years, but now my hands will not let me.

Carrie

I love your story about how you created your group. I will be praying for your continued success. Blessings, Sherri

Reading about the birth of the Sisters of the Skein was such a blessing, I loved it! I learned how to crochet one year ago exactly and absolutely enjoy it! I took a class and had an excellent teacher, but I also found that some "how to crochet" online sites are great tools for learning extra stitches and getting extra aid with patterns, so I am grateful that.

I pray continued blessings from the Lord for your group and that you reach many through your ministry and that the lives of everyone who receives a scarf, blanket, hat, sweater, poncho, etc. from Sisters of the Skein will be strengthened, encouraged, changed & blessed because they received from you all!
God Bless, Michele

As a knitter - and a fellow Lion Brand blogger - I say kudos to you, my friend!! While I was able to teach myself to knit, I have yet to be able to grasp crochet - I can do the first row, but I turn row 2 into a sad, sad tangle of yarn. And buried in my stacks of vintage knitting patterns, I have a small collection of vintage crochet patterns from the 30s and 40s for chair sets, accessories, and some of the most killer hats you've ever seen. And they taunt me - laughing at that second sad row.

You crochet queens deserve just as much credit as the knitters. You may only use one needle, but I see it this way - we all learned how to ride a bike, but weren't you always a little jealous of that kid down the street who could ride with just one hand?? We all can make a sweater - but you can do it with just one needle . . .

Looking forward to reading you blog!!

-Mandy

I also crochet for charity and have an online group. What I noticed about how you began this blog was that you mentioned that crocheter's are looked down upon by knitters...I used to think that was true.And I really still do. For awhile I thought maybe it was my inability to knit that made me feel this way. I am relieved to know that is not so. I will continue to hook my way through all the wonderful patterns and promise never to look down upon my sister knitters because they have an inability to hook..giggle...May you all be blessed in your endeavors whether you knit or hook..Leslee

I have been knitting for 53 years. Love a challenge so have done everything from timy American Doll sweaters to baby items to Aran to Argyle, Fair Isle and on & on. Lived in PA for 65 years and had many good Amish friends. They asked me to have a knitting class for them. I traveled about 40 miles round trip in snowy weather, once a week for several weeks. Most had never had a needle in their hands. Crocheting is their main art. They all did knit dishcloths and some went on to bigger things but then some preferred to crochet. The fun and fellowship was great. Always had pie or something sweet & coffee. Ages ranged from 16 to 60. Truly a rewarding experience !

I totaly identify with skein brain. My only problem is that there are just not enough people in my church that know how to or are willing to learn how to crochet. I feel very alone. I am the only one left in my family that knows how. I myself am only 28. My grandmother taught me when I was 9 yrs old and have been yarn crazy since.

every week I read and enjoy all of your stories.
I can usually understand or identify with most of them.

how do i crochet!!! what do i do!!

I taught my daughter (now 40) to crochet last year when her first granddaughter was on her way. Actually, I gave her a book, a hook, some yarn and a couple of hints -- it was if she was born to "hook" . She sees no reason to learn to knit; why use two needles when she can make such great things with only ONE!
Now, we're hoping to start a group at church. She'll teach (with my help) crochet and I'll teach knitting to those who don't know how. We live in the heart of VA coal country, the heart of Appalachia. For some reason, possibly the coal dust, etc, there are a great many folks with cancer of various kinds in this area (the very far west end of VA). She and I are worked to our capacity making "healing caps" and "prayer shawls". We hope to get our group of ladies interested in not only the caps/shawls, but also preemie clothes and, sadly, tiny beautiful outfits for the many stillborns that seem to not want to grow up here -- choosing to go back to the Lord instead.
Some people think it is a sad, maybe even ghoulish thing that we are doing. Little do they know the great happiness we give (and get) to the folks who have the caps, shawls and especially the parents who have to bury their beloved baby in clothing that has loving prayer in every stitch. None of them know exactly who takes the time to make the items. When we happen to hear someone talk about the handmade items that they'd received and the comfort they got from them, it is the most precious gift we can receive on this side of the Rapture! I say, Sisters of the Skein, Go For It! You will feel far more blessed than the people who get the work of your hands. It's sort of a Mary/Martha thing, you blend actual work with using your God-given talent. There's nothing more gratifying -- except maybe seeing your grandchild dragging around the blanket you made for him or her.
One needle or two, it just doesn't matter!

Belle,
My daughter, Jessica Joy, 28, doesn't have a hankering for hooking, but I'm hopeful her crochet urges will surface someday soon.

It's so thrilling to hear of your quiet ministry of generosity and prayer. I know the group you start at your church will be blessed to have you and your daughter as teachers and mentors.
Keep us updated on your progress. You go Girls!!

Skein Brain