by Dawn M. O'Neal

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

My fascination with crochet came at age 10 when my late paternal grandmother taught me to crochet. One of my fondest memories is of going to visit my grandmother and sitting beside her on the couch watching her crochet at a speed that I could barely keep up with, yet slow enough to pique my interest and be utterly amazed at how a skein of yarn could be turned into a blanket. To my knowledge no one else on my dad's side of the family dabbles in crochet except for me. I remember making 'mini blankets' as I liked to call them because they were just big enough to keep my baby dolls warm at night. I remember making my dad this Carolina blue and white scarf because he was a huge UNC Tarheels fan. I very proud of my accomplishment because making that scarf came under the guidance of my grandmother to ensure I was doing everything just right! But then after a brief stint of a year or so of making various things, I lost interest and put the crochet needle down for other things that took precedence back then like turning 13, then 16, 18, graduation, marriage, kids...well...you get the picture. So it wasn't until last year that I picked up crochet again at age 40...almost 30 yrs later! I had to basically reteach myself because my grandmother is no longer here to guide my hand. I made a few scarfs for old times sake and even crocheted my very first afghan for my mom.

Then there was cross-stitch of which I am self taught; although my influence again can be credited to that same grandmother who also liked to embroider. So at the ripe ole age of 20 I took up cross-stitch after getting married. One would think at age 20, there would be much more to life, but after marriage and before kids what else was there?

I discovered cross-stitching when my ex-husband worked 2nd shift. It helped pass the time and I found it to be quite relaxing. I have made everything from pictures, Christmas ornaments, blankets, Christmas tree skirt and Christmas stockings. Most of the items I made I gave as gifts and only a mere three things I've cross-stitched in my lifetime I actually did for myself.

Needless to say, I am very happy that I've decided to take up both cross-stitching & crocheting again after all these years! Now as I sit down to partake in two of my favorite past-times, I think about my grandmother and I am taken back to those days long ago sitting on her couch watching her work her magic with needle and thread. I stitch with great pride knowing that I am doing something my grandmother loved. I can think of no better way to honor my grandmother's memory. And I know somewhere up there my grandmother is smiling down and watching my every stitch!

Learn more about this author, Dawn M. O'Neal.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.