Tomorrow, I will resume creating content for The Crochet Crowd, you see, I have taken a mental detox of social media to refresh myself to get ready for 2022. Though I have taken a step back, I glanced once in a while to review what happens in my absence.
One of the elements I love is sharing anecdotes of life lessons. Inspired by my Grade 4 and 5 teacher who would walk us through a short story and ask us to pick up the lessons from the stories.
I saw several times, I miss the storytelling and I was truly touched by that. I’m imperfect, like I should be, and have a personal belief that I am meant to learn the hard lessons so I can expand. I’m also of the frame of mind to misstep through lack of experience.
I came to the idea to shift crochet for 2022 to a different frame of thinking. I feel, at least with some in our community, that the focus of crochet is losing what I believe it’s meant to be. Here’s what I am noticing and you can agree or disagree with me.
The journey of crochet is not about the speed or rate at which you turn out projects.
I feel crochet is the following:
- It’s about the stitchers’ personal journey.
- It’s about the mental well-being of the crocheter who may be stitching their way through the hand movements for self-reflection, therapy or quiet moments for healing or giving one’s self through their actions.
- It’s about using the mind to stay active such as counting with hand and eye coordination.
Mainstream media has a tendency to focus on the following:
- Speed
- World Record Type of Creations
- Unique stories of people who can accomplish tremendous goals.
Do you see what I believe is missing?
- What about you or me who are crocheting at our own pace and our own style?
- What about everyday crocheters who use the hobby to fill in time or those where crochet is nearly an everyday moment?
- What about crocheters who are using the hobby for mental therapy?
- What about a crocheter who just enjoys the hobby without a motive to crochet but just loves the motion of the hook to make things?
- What about the curious crocheter that has an idea and swings their hook to try things.
What troubles me which leads me to today’s writing is the number of crocheters who apologize for not being smart enough, fast enough, or creative enough! It’s hogwash (to keep this pg but I have another word for it) and no crocheter, no matter where they are in their stitching journey should ever apologize for their creative moment. Being the best, fastest or having more time than others doesn’t make a person better than others. It just positions them differently in skill.
If you have ever noticed, we have only ever done 1 competition that was decided based on best execution for a live show, however, the 10’s of challenges we have offered are never based on the best but based on randomness. Randomness makes crochet inclusive. What I believe it’s meant to be.
So I am wondering out loud if The Crochet Crowd could position itself for 2022 to be the year of the ‘Stitchers’ Journey’. Will crocheter help propel us for this frame of thought?
Listen, as much as I am the creator of The Crochet Crowd, education and keeping it free, allows people to expand. I’m not here to post who is the best because honestly, the best thrill I get is to watch a new crocheter have amazing realizations on what they are capable of doing. Isn’t that what others feel, maybe, possibly? You can tell me in the blog comments if you have a moment.
Who’s with me? Is this crazy?
What really to share?
Being in social media, I find judgement is easily passed on to others. Sometimes my own personal joy is destroyed by opening myself up to comments. When this happens, I kinda regret sharing my news or story.
I think as 2022 approaches, I think a good lesson to be selective on what I personally post. I know it’s been said that I used to share more when The Crochet Crowd was much smaller, but the truth is, the crowd is much bigger and there are people who wish to share their point of view to discount my joy. For example, if I say that I think my yellow blanket is lovely, people will respond that yellow is ugly and my joy is diminished. You have had this similar experiences.
People can only pass judgement if the information is shared. Sometimes it’s better to not share if something is meaningful and you prefer not to get a counterpoint of view when it’s not intended for debate.
I do have my Instagram connected to my personal life so people get an idea of life behind the scenes that goes beyond crochet. I think it’s important to counterbalance what brings me joy. I think people can find value in that.
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Hi Mikey, I think what you are doing is great, reflecting to your followers , and reflecting on how well your teaching is effective to your followers. ?
Hello Mikey, Thank you for all your wonderful tutorials, and for this post. I agree that socmed can be a two edged sword. I admit it made me want to finish my crochet project so i can post it and have likes and comments in our group. For me its a good thing because it motivates me to finish. But i can also see all the other crochet projects and I get distracted with my WIP and sometimes wish i have more budget for my yarn so i can buy whats needed in a project so its not so good for me. You’re right i should crochet at my own pace and be happy with other’s crocheted works. Also if you happen to read this can you design a blanket that’s rectangle, like a blanket for my queen size bed. Thank you and Merry Christmas ?
Mikey,
Thank you for always being honest, wearing your heart on your sleeve and just telling it like it is. I’m with you all the way. Let’s make 2022 all about the Crocheter and the Journey because that is what its all about. We don’t pick up the hook because we’re in a race, we pick up the hook because we want to create something beautiful, something useful. And, while we’re creating that item, we get to enjoy the what crochet brings us. Crochet brings me to a calm, meditative state, it brings me happiness, a tiny bit of frustration, but it also make me smile, and that’s all part of the journey to be celebrated. This is what I will celebrate in 2022!
You are the best! I started learning crochet 4 years ago. Your you tube videos were my pattern. And I am so excited this last year or so to participate in the yarn-a-longs. I love working on my projects a little everyday. You probably feel more pressure because you have to be ahead of everyone for content and projects. You must feel more rushed. I hope you have a 2022 at your speed and enjoy the journey. If you’re happy, I am happy as well. And Thank you.
Hi Mikey
As always you hit the nail on the head! I have followed you for years now but have created 4 throws. I just do things at my own pace that’s why I love your tutorials. They are always there when I need them and you!
Merry and Happy!
Sheri
Mikey, Im right there with you. I started crocheting when I was very young. I have been crocheting for about 55 years now. My grandmother started teaching me basic stitches. I love that she passed this art form on to me. Since I see this as an art form, each piece is unique to the artist that is creating the piece. It is not a race but a work of love and passion. I make many mistakes, I put the wrong color wheels together and get part way through and hate it. I frog. Crocheting has gotten me through some very difficult times in my life, so I used it for my mental health. I have used it in celebration of happy times too. I have used as a time to just be mindless, or to keep from being bored. I have crocheted when I have been rehabbing from surgeries. It work well for a form of pain management. I could keep going on and on but the truth is I love to create.
You inspire me with your projects. I’m still on my journey.
Thank you Mikey, for having the courage to say what so many of us feel! I closed all of my social media accounts except for Instagram, three years ago. More and more, each day, it was reminding me of middle school. However, all of these “pseudo-middle schoolers” were over-40, smart people, that used their keyboards to make others feel less and themselves appear more.
I’m 57-years-old and am totally not interested in reliving those days. If someone truly cares about me, they’ll text me or email me. Know what? 95% of friends and family that “friended” me on Facebook became offended that I quit social media. WTF? Essentially, social media is (for the most part, IMO), a clique.
You’re either “In” or you’re “out”.
Also, you touched upon the “speed” and “output” dichotomy of crocheting that I’ve noticed this past year. I’ve ‘un-subbed’ from some designers that brag daily about finishing multiple projects weekly. We’re talking garmants, afghans, etc… That just ups my anxiety unnecessarily. Many of these designers started out casual, friendly, and accessible…but I’m not sure if it’s the monetization of their websites or what, but they’re churning out content and product at a rate that is unbelievable. Honestly, I don’t believe much of the claims, and that saddens me that individuals feel the need to post”fake news” on their websites.
Hence, the CC is where I come home to for reality checks.
I totally get you, Mikey! I have so many WIPs that I was almost ready to throw them away several months ago because I was feeling inadequate. I’ve been crocheting for over 40 years. It’s relaxing, brings color into my life, and I’ve realized it’s my “fidget-spinner” since I was diagnosed being ‘on the Spectrum’ last year while in therapy for my anxiety.
I’m a sociologist and have always felt that the crocheting culture was that of acceptance and empathy, until recently. Unfortunately, like all cultures, outside forces have a way of infiltrating and possibly changing the core beliefs of a society. I’m hoping that this”bump in the road” with individuals not being nice is temporary.
I’m hoping that we can all empathize with each other, even the ‘not-so-nice’ outliers, and make crocheting what it should be….a welcoming, fun, community that embraces everyone.
Well said! I started watching you on Youtube several years ago. I stopped watching because it got a little over opinionated and it wasn’t fun anymore. If you are able to start a stitcher’s journey in the coming year, I hope it becomes everything you imagine it will be. I wish you love and peace for Christmas and in the coming year. Remember how to have fun again. Thank you Mikey! You have showed me and my daughters how to crochet with imagination while having fun.
I came to the realization that people on YouTube don’t care about me… and to stick with the topic at hand. There are several that care for my well being but many don’t need to know where I stand on topics. It slashed the drama so it was a good move.
Mikey, Where would we be without you?. For me, you taught me a lot about the art of crochet and I’m very Thankful for you for that. I appreciate all the work you do to provide us the videos we can play pause rewind to get it just right.
Crochet for me is a type of therapy – it helps keep my mind busy so I can keep my mind off other things. I really do appreciate all that you do. Thank you for being you!
Mikey,
For me- it reminds me of the memories of watching my grandma crochet, and do various needlework. It brings a sense of peace, joy and accomplishment when I learn to do something new, whether it’s a pattern or a stitch I’ve never tried before.
I’m not fast, or as skilled but love to learn! Your videos are amazing and a tool I very often refer to for patterns, and etc. To top it off, as a Deaf person, the fact that I can follow along with you, due to captions which is not easy to get on other videos, has been a blessing.
So thank you for all your creativity, hard work and dedication for your passion, and sharing it with us all.
Happy holidays and many blessings to you and yours!
I love the way you think and express yourself. I crochet because I love the creative process, I love working with texture & color, it makes me happy. I love to crochet because it connects me to my mother and grandmother who were wonderful crocheters too. I love learning new patterns and stitches because it helps my brain stay alert. There are so many more reasons why I love crochet and I love that you Mikey encourage me to give it a try, try something new, share my project.
Thank you for what you do for this community. I’ll follow your lead. ❤️
Mikey,
I’ve enjoyed your tutorials and have learned a lot. I’m new to crocheting (I mostly knit) and have found your site to be instructional and entertaining. There will always be negative people out there but don’t think for a second that you haven’t made a difference. I enjoy crocheting for the learning experience, meditative aspect and to make things for people in need and you’ve been a part of that journey. Thank you for all that you’ve done and for all that you continue to do.
Dave
Mikey. Keep doing you. The joy you have brought to our craft is a gift beyond measure. I began crocheting in my preteen years thanks to my loving Grandmother who could not only crochet, but knit, sew and bake the best pies and cakes. For the longest time I crocheted only granny squares and caterpillar bookmarks with googly eyes for my students ( c’mon, knows about these creations). Now I have the confidence and desire to try new stitches and make very lovely blankets, throws, hats, scarves, wraps, stuffed toys and amigurumi. It’s a passion now, when it was once only 3 double crochet around a circle to make a square. How much has changed. How initiating is our craft. God Bless you, Mikey and Daniel.
I learned to crochet from a patient of my mother. my mother’s first nursing job was in a nursing home hospital. a woman who lived there, never had any visitors. I was about 6 yrs old. my mom would bring me on my days off from school and sometimes on weekend, when I didn’t work for my dad. the woman and I would sit for hours talking and her teaching me to crochet. those are the things I think about when I crochet. for me it’s peace, comfort and happiness. she taught me, when you give someone something you have made, you give the best part of yourself. she, also, taught me that it is a piece of immortality. I am 57, now, and have taught my kids the same lessons that woman taught me. it’s not how perfect or how quick you finished it, it’s about the love you put into it and the love you have for the person you give it to.
Thank you Mikey. You said what I believe and what I’ve fought against for years. I am a certified crochet instructor through CGOA because I worked for Michael’s and they required it at that time.. Now they don’t have on site classes but online ones or at least that is true at the store I worked for.. I have crocheted since I was 8 so I’ve been crocheting for 50 years. Of course, like alot of people I stopped for a while because of frustration. Today I crochet because I have a chronic pain disease and crocheting helps to distract me. If I had to peg my skill level; I would say advanced. Crochet has and is a lifesaver. It’s almost the only thing I can do. I’m in a wheelchair and have been told that my disease( it’s called crps or rsd and is in the top 5 most painful disease you can have. It’s also called the suicide disease cause a significant percent(over 50) give up and commit suicide) is progressing rapidly and today was told to get my affairs in order. Crochet helps me fight the pain, gives me a sense of accomplishment(even if I only get 1 row done!), calms my mind and soothes my soul. It’s almost the only activity I can do that doesn’t cause me pain to do it. So..I love what you said and I’m behind whatever direction you want to take this. I’ll be happy to help in any way I can. Btw…bought the book when it first came out (I got it the first day it came out!) And loved it. I’m anxious for you to do another. There are soo many books for beginners but I think your second should focus on the intermediate and advanced crocheter. There are very few of those. I also think that it should include more projects that are hard to find like men’s clothes and dog sweaters. Again, Congrats on the book. I thought it was wonderful!
A colleague recently noted that I treat my crochet and knitting as a grown up fidget spinner. It helps me focus, is productive and relaxing (unless I have a deadline!) I’d be faster if I wasn’t always learning new stitches from your tutorials 😉 Keep up the great work, and thank you!
You. Are. Wonderful.
There are always going to be people who feel better by putting others down. And as this group got bigger there are more of them. Most of us just want to be appruciated, an please know that you, and the CC is!
Hey Mikey! I just want to say thank you! I have had such a great time crocheting with you. I started out with your stitch along with your No Drama Llama (which was quite a bit of drama until I found your SAL). I am currently working on your Study of the Journey. None of it is perfect but it’s not supposed to be. It is my journey. I’m a travel nurse and so it’s nice to unwind at the end of the day and just crochet. Even though I am in a hotel room, I don’t feel alone because I have my family at home supporting me and my newfound family in the Crochet Crowd! Thank you so much!!
I do like slower going sometimes but I prefer big blankets with different stitches and sections to keep me interested. Some I do like to do faster. Most importantly I like that crocheting relaxing me. This year has been stressful. Love that I found you.
I always feel better when I’ve read or heard you giving us your ideas, thoughts and tuition all given with a little humour and empathy, thank you, keep my mental health on an even keel, you are a breath of fresh air.
Well said! I’m primarily a fabric dyer and quilter but I do all sorts of crafts. I crochet in the evenings while watching TV or listening to a book. It keeps me from snacking! I don’t stress about finishing or starting projects. Most everything I make is donated so I’m just playing with colors and stitches. I just try to make something nice that someone will enjoy receiving.
I’m in.
I love the fact that you share with us, and help us learn things.
We will always have the Negative Nellies (no dis intended), the Overachieving Ollie’s, but each and everyone of us, has their own stories and pace.
Kindness isn’t hard to share.
Thank YOU
Hugs
“Sometimes it’s better to not share if something is meaningful and you prefer not to get a counterpoint of view when it’s not intended for debate” This is so true. I agree, this whole article is spot on. Lets”s be positive kind and supportive and help everyone feel this group is judgement free. I would suggest bullet pointing your requests into a pinned post or rules update.
Thank you for sharing this Mikey! I completely agree. I crochet for many reasons. First my love for crochet. My grandmother taught me when I was a little girl, I’m 57 now. There are times when I’m fast and crocheting nonstop and then there are times I go a long time without crocheting due to health issues, depression, hospitalization, life, etc. Although, I know I should be crocheting more as crochet is therapy for me and it brings me so much joy from the physical act of crocheting to the gifting of the project I am working on. I spend hours with The Crochet Crowd and love seeing everyone’s creations as they are all beautiful and bring me joy and inspire me to be creative and get back to crocheting when I’m not feeling it. Thank you for all you do. You make me smile every day and I have learned so much from you and my crochet skill has improved tremendously since joining The Crochet Crowd. Keep being you. You are a wonderful, talented, funny, generous, loving person! I love you and Dan and appreciate all you and your team do for us! Thank you!
Your perspective is just what we need. Thank you so much for keeping a positive outlook on your website. I have learned so much from your tutorials and your website is the first one I check when I have a crochet question. Happy 2022 to you and everyone at The Crochet Crowd.
Mikey: I bless the day I found you. Each stitch is a prayer. Your beautiful message to us (me) was the greatest gift of all. Joan Clark
I totally agree and I’m in!!! I truly appreciate all the thought and hard work you and your team put in!! I am a member of this family to grow and challenge myself to learn more. I couldn’t have survived these last two years without having all this creativity and fiber fun to submerge myself in! Keep up all the good you do and prayers to all!!
You’re amazing. Don’t forget it ? And I completely agree with the Blog!
My crochet is exactly what you described, and I have lost my joy in it this year. Trying to get it back as it is very good for my mental health.
I am with you 100%
Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Totally agree, Michael. Reading your comments shows me you are a born/nstural teacher/learner. Having been a second and third language high school educator for 33 years I recognise in you what makes an excellent teacher and that is why so very many appreciate you channel .
So glad you have put it out there that it’s about the journey. So many new crocheters or those learning new techniques feel they need to keep up with experienced crocheters and I keep having to remind those to whom I now teach crochet, to be kind to themselves/cut themselves some slack. Our modern world so encourages “instantness”, so people often forget there is a process and not everybody accomplishes things in the same way or same amount of time.
I totally agree. There are times when I think I’m going fairly quick and other times when I feel like a turtle. Last year I found out how much it calms me. I had been in the hospital for 17 days and I hadn’t driven for longer than that. I had to go to a doctor’s appointment and I got really anxious while driving. When I got to the office, I sat and crocheted and I could feel myself calming down. I can’t understand why some people act a bit superior when someone is struggling. As long as I’ve been crocheting, there are still times when I can’t figure out what I’m doing. Please, no judgements. We’re our own worst critics.
I completely agree, by and large we crochet for ourselves, and the comparison trap is poisonous. I am so grateful for you, your heart for keeping everything free, your ability to demonstrate the patterns and facilitate the details to help us expand our abilities. Love your humor and humility in all of it as well.
I overthink and talk myself out of posting many things because I totally feel the vulnerability of putting my heart and soul in the things I post, and the rejection of things feels like the rejection of me. It’s a lie, but it’s how I feel, and it’s hard to get over that part many times, so I can relate to the joy-stealing.
I believe true leadership is helping elevate those around you, instead of drawing attention to our own accomplishments. I believe you are a wonderful example of that, and I thank you and I look forward to what you have in store for 2022!
Mikey, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I crochet because I love the feel of the hook in my hand as it glides through soft, beautiful yarn. I am always amazed when the projects come out so nicely. I love doing the CALs. I work at my own pace. I love seeing the veautiful projects as others create them. When I ask for help, I am so grateful that many group members offer helpful, practical advice. I also love your live videos and your tutorials. They are fun and helpful. Thanks for all you do and for bringing it all back to the love of crochet and connection to it that we all have.
I love this so much.
I CANNOT CROCHET WITHOUT YOU AND YOUR TUTORIALS. I’M 69 YEARS OLD AND YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME, YES YOU CAN.
KEEP ON BEING TRUE TO YOURSELF AS YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO KNOW YOU.
I love your posts! I think your projects are thoughtful and well done to include all aspects of learning as best you can, for those that are visual learners and those that read patterns. Thank you!
Really appreciate you saying this.
I miss the ocean even though I was born on the prairies. So what happened? I fell in love with a yarn that was all ocean colours. Teal, navy, light blue, baby blue, light greens, and so on. Then I wondered what the heck am I going to do with it? So up pops Crochet Crowd in my first YouTube search. This was scarcely three years ago. I’ve diverted into weaving (never knitting) but I like the knots, okay organized knots. And you have made it special for me. Now I’m planning to move to Nova Scotia. There are so many talented fibre artists out there and IMHO you are Number 1. (no I promise not to stalk you just being in the same country is good for me) Take care
Sounds like a great plan!
I totally agree. My issue is when family and friends demands stuff made for free. The pressure is too much. And I stop crocheting anything. I have not shared lately. It just makes me feel bad. Love the idea of going a new route.
I just love learning new stitches and stretching myself beyond what I thought I could do. This group has taught me so much and I look at my work 2 years ago and I’m amazed at my improvement. It is about the journey and what each person wants to get from it. I appreciate all your
work and insight and giving us all a place to share and rejoice in our accomplishments.
It is like much on the book of faces, if it is something you do not particularly like, then scroll on by. There is no reason to make put down comments, if you cannot say something nice, do not comment. We are all here in this Crowd because we want to learn, to lift each other up, to encourage, to help. I thought I was an intermediate hooker, then one of your challenges comes along and I learn something I didn’t know existed or didn’t think I could accomplish. The journey is what matters and to remember we can all learn something new, when you stop learning you die.
Yes, my dear friend! The Stitcher’s Journey is our own personal story of growth, recovery, hope, fulfilment, self-care and more; yet, it is a communal story too! We are each traveling independently and dependently at the same time. Trying to march to the beat of our own drum, while clasping hands with another in support, encouragement, laughter and friendship. It’s a story of faith, hope and love.
I agree with Mikey 100% Keep up the good work. I love watching and listening to the tutorials they are great to work with. People are jealous of Mikey and Diva Dan because they are so talented and courageous in giving of their time and energy. and their talent.
I totally agree with you Michael. I didn’t think I would ever be able to finish on my own the Study of Geonetry. But at my own pace and with you repeating the journey instructions with me hitting the rewind on how to get from a to b each time I picked up the crochet hook I accomplished it. It wasn’t done fast but with your help
I accomplished this for the first time without Amanda there for support. I felt good about that. Thank you.
Hi Mikey, I was so encouraged by watching you several years back on a YouTube video. I knew some basic stitches then, now have grown over the years. Just recently, over the last 3 months, I am teaching myself Amigurumi. I like your idea and thibk it would be very helpful as you are. Thank you for all you do. God Bless. Faye Jordan
I started crocheting in July of 2020 because being a CEO during COVID sucked. It was 100% for my mental health. Fast for to today, it’s still a great stress relief, but now I am drawn to it because it brings me JOY!!
Your videos have not only taught me, but they have inspired me. There are tons of people doing crochet videos, but you became my instant favorite the second I found you!
Thank you so much for doing your thing the way you do it!
I love your sense of humour and the fact that you share your private life with us as well.
I have bought your book and made the Study of the journey Afghan which I am giving to my moter mechanic because he goes above and beyond to keep my car on the road.
Crocheting keeps me from having dark thoughts and I love going through the patterns to see what takes my fancy.
I have been following you for years and love your tutorials because I am a visual learner.
Keep up the good work .
I agree with you. I just love it when someone new to crochet is thrilled with what they make. Keep up the great work Mikey
I think this is a fabulous idea. I’m in!
You are so right, Michael. After 82 years of watching the changes in our human behaviour {brain freeze}, sometimes I would rather be a kitty cat. The negative people are not worth the energy it takes to worry about them. Especially for 2 wonderful men like you and Daniel who give so much to others. Merry Christmas and God bless you!
Personally I’m happy to just be able to sit and crochet. I so enjoy your live chats. The videoa you do are great. I 100% agree w/ the sorry post and not as fast or good thing. Every1 is doing their best. I would love to do a journey year. I have several goals which include stash and scrap busting. Making a crochet journal along w/ fitness goals. I think many have very differnt lifea than 2 years ago. Taking a moment to breath and take that in could be amazing.
I personally like how you structure your projects…I use crochet as an outlet, since I am a person with a health condition that prevents me from working, I volunteer in my community, and also try to foster our community knit and crochet group. I think it’s great that you don’t try to post *best of* competitions…I really like the different stitch combinations and block arrangements…A suggestion, maybe do a crochet block, when arranged, can be combined in a variety of ways in a blanket, similar to how a quilter does with the Log Cabin pattern (I know you did that a while back…ps, that’s on my to do list next year 🙂 )
I am 80 and have learned to adjust to being slower and counting/checking stitches more than I did a few years ago. I crochet to keep my mind sharper and busy so I set my goals to match or I will stress out. I also stopped using finer yarns. I can do basic projects with #4, but most relaxed with #5 up to super bulky. I think there are so many types of crocheters and yarn budgets Those that love CAL’s and those of us that aren’t able to keep up. I think you are on the right track. I love this sight and reading about your adventures. Take care of yourself first. ?
Mikey, I think focusing on the Joy of the creative process is a GREAT place to be in 2022!
I do miss the inner glimpses from a while ago but I understand.
Happy 2022!
When my dad passed in 2006, I was lost. I had a mental breakdown, and was suicidal. The grief was unbearable. While at work, going through the motions of my day, I saw a coworker crocheting a blanket. Asked her to show me what stitches she was doing and what kind of blanket. A Google search later and I found your YouTube channel. Learned how to do a basic granny square. I went to the store and bought some yarn and hooks and ended up making about 20 granny square blankets that I donated to our county foster care program. Crocheting and knitting have been my way of handling grief and stress. I love to learn new stitches and techniques and never feel frustrated when I frog an item. It’s my way of learning and taking out a wee bit of frustration on my yarn and make pretty things when I’m down in the dumps. It’s a win-win for my mental health, plus my family and friends benefit from my creativity.
I love that your site (s) are so exclusive and fun. Your tutorials are the best. I’ve never felt I couldn’t do something or wasn’t fast enough, but that may just be my age and life experience. I’m glad you spoke about it as I’ve noticed others who put themselves down, enjoy the journey! Any deviations from the pattern that I leave are “personalizations” not errors. Every single thing I’ve made has at least one!
I’ve learned so much from you and this year plan to venture into Tunisian, it looks so neat.
I love reading your stories about your life and experiences, about how you both are working on your property and puppy dawg!
Mikey, thanks for your positivity and common-sense approach.
I believe you are touching the right notes in aiming to remind each hooker it is about this moment the yarn, the hook and enjoyment in the process.
So many of us do use crochet as therapy and I admit for me as a slow and steady crafter I love to see all levels and to be able to encourage a job well done as well as celebrate the happy accidents.
Wishing you and all the team much joy and happiness as well as safe travels over this busy season.
Happy hooking.
Watching your tutorials has help me so much. I’ve found a different type of difficulties because of dyslexia. But one thing I’ve learned is to never give up, just strive until you get it. Thank you, you are a wonderful teacher and so relatable.
I absolutely cannot agree more! I consider myself a slow crocheter and I just don’t care. I have the goal of selling my little and not so little projects. I sit around wondering who would buy my things when mass marketed machine made stuff is so cheap. But, it’ll give me more to do and hopefully bring in a little cash.
Sometimes, I just fiddle with an old stitch or try to learn a new one, and frog it. The motion of the hook is soothing and an easy pattern helps me process whatever difficulty lies in my personal path. Hugs to you, Mikey.
I. Love. This.
Absolutely, my friend.
I’m with you! Love from Wadsworth, Ohio!!
I taught myself to cochet by atching your vidio’s. I joined a senior group who just made item to sell to make money for the group, so I phoed the City Hall to find a group that worked just for charity and they couldn’t nelp me. but they did say why don’t you form a group yourself so I did, now we have a small group of about 6 and we are able to donate perhaps 100 item to st Vincent de Paul twice a year and we use alot of your patterns. So I just think you should know just how far your kindness and insperation reaches. Thank you. Mary
Mikey I love your observations. So wise. You taught me to crochet 2years ago and I will be forever grateful. You inspire me every day, to be better and because of you I have the courage to try more conplex projects. Thankyou and wishing you, Dan and family a beautiful Christmas….Jilly in Sydney Australia ?? ❤ ?
Let me start by saying I never comment on things but felt the needed to here.. I love you and your group you have created, its positive and encouraging from what I have seen .. I used to watch my grandmother in wonder as she crocheted and knitted things mostly without patterns. And she made everything!!! Baby blankets and clothes, sweaters and scarves and mittens, doilies, table runners and curtains. She never actually taught me how to crochet directly but when I decided to try it on my own I picked it up pretty quick. I started with granny squares then progressed to other things and also tried my hand at thread with doilies and table runners. I have crocheted for over 45 years now and when I started I looked for patterns that had something in them that I had not yet tried so as I created new things I was learning new stitches and grew my skills with each project I made. That is what I look for in patterns, something that challenges me and your patterns do that … something challenging but not really hard to figure out. The mosaic afghan was an eye opener, I never thought I could do that when I saw it, till I watched your tutorial. So I guess what I look for in patterns is something that teaches me something new.
Thank you, Mikey… I feel the same way you do and I applaud you for bringing this to our community.
The journey matters! I fully agree with your assessment. Let’s increase the joy, celebrate each other’s growth, and honor each of our fellow travelers!
I crochet for health reasons as well as the need to create beauty. Yarn and hooks give me a tangible way to have art in my world.
I heartily agree. The speed, style, colour choices are for each person. No room for snobs, judgement or mean-spirited criticism. I love seeing other people’s work because it IS different from mine. Thank you for all you do.
I really love this site as I am a believer that the only stupid question is one you do not ask. I love seeing all the way a simple pattern gets transformed just by yarn and color choices. Just wish I had time to do as many projects as I would like. I have not made much for myself it’s always gifts as I love giving something that I made and have had lots of fun doing what I love and at the same time putting a smile on people I care about. My mom and I are about to start making new born hats for our local hospital as that is what they said they could use. Keep up the good work Mikey still can’t believe that when I got your book my other half said he ran into you while you both were driving longhaul.
I think you’re absolutely SPOT ON in your thought process. I could not agree more and I greatly look forward about the new year ideas!
Bingo!!!!!! Agree 100% Well written.
I think this is an absolutely wonderful idea! I crochet both for a kind of therapy and because I enjoy it. I also work full time so I don’t get to put as much time into It as I would like.
I love your idea for 2022. My mom passed away in March and while that hasn’t stopped me from buying yarn and patterns, I’m still not there to actually pick up my hook. A stitchers journey is a very personal one and I would love to hear others journeys.
You are wonderfully talented, blessed and kind to share your gift with us and so many! I haven’t posted much on the social page just for this exact reason. I dont want my joy taken away. I enjoy seeing everyone’s creations. Im a scrapper so color coordination is not important to me. But the joy I get using your patterns or others patterns to create something from vintage yarn I have acquired bring me so much joy. Thank you again for sharing with us and I look forward to seeing your creations and trying them out! Have a great day!
Crocheting has so many things for me. First and foremost by crocheting I get to revive the time in my life that my mom and grandma taught me to crochet. Neither are still with me. But I can sit and crochet and still talk to them.
I love giving homemade gifts and for the most part people I gift use them.
Lastly this year it has helped me tremendously to crochet my way Thru my cancer treatments. I can’t air much in personal enjoyment because b of fiancial situations but I’m hoping to save enough so when the treatments are over I can buy the crochet crowd book off of Amazon
But Mikey and Dan keep up the wonderful job I love everything you guys and your team. Put together.
Happy holidays to everyone
Mikey, I 100% agree, that no matter the level of the crocheter, each one is doing the best to their ability.
I am in awe of those who have only just started crocheting in past yr, and doing amazing things. Here I am with almost 60 yrs experience, and I feel my work doesn’t hold a candle to theirs, then I have people offering me $100.00 to make scarf hat and mitts set..so guess we are really our own worst critic.
Crochet is a go at own pace, and love what you have created.
I agree, Mikey. I have grown so much over the years I’ve been watching/listening to you and Diva Dan. I’ve tried more difficult stitches to grow my own with crochet. I don’t worry about speed, or competition… when I crochet, I do it for me. xoxo
I really do like what you do. I enjoy your humor and the way you present. You got me re-involved in crocheting and I’d love ya for that alone. I hope you continue to share personal things with us and projects that are close to your heart. Social media is a great thing allowing folks to share all kinds of things, etc. Unfortunately, it’s also allowed folks to be cruel because they can hide behind their keyboards and not be accountable for their words. Happily, there are more of us positive folks so don’t let a few Debbie-downers diminish your joy in anything you do!!!!!
At 75 I think I’ve been through every stage you talk about. I crochet to keep thinking good thoughts. I don’t like to hear someone say I made a lot of mistakes or my work is not as good as yours. It’s all a process. How can you learn new things without making mistakes. I like your group weekly projects. It makes me feel I am part of a community again. Best group ever!
Could not agree more. I’m not fast, most skilled or creative. What you offer if the safety net to be proud of what you do, know matter speed, skill, or creativity. It’s been you , your team, and followers words of encouragement that have helped me embrace my skill as it is. Thank you for that. Looking forward to your next creation.