by Johanna Draper

Created on: August 24, 2010

I was first introduced to crochet when I was about 14. The very first project I ever made was a dish cloth, which wound up looking like a triangle! After I figured out how to make it come out like a square, I moved on to afghans, and then blankets.

Later on, I discovered how awesome crochet really is. I love to cuddle up with afghans, put my computer into a soft crocheted cozy, make little afghans for baby showers, and so much more! I even started making very intricate designs with thread. I learned that you can do almost anything with yarn and a hook. You can take your yarn with you anywhere, and it doesn't get in the way.

Yarn is a magical thing. When I see yarn, I see beautiful colors coming together to form wonderful and magical designs for every day use.

Crochet has often been thought of as something older people do, but that attitude is changing slowly but surely. When I first began, it really was unusual to see someone so young crocheting, but not anymore! I have found that lots of younger people are crocheting now, and lots of modern crocheted designs are now being displayed in many magazines and on websites.

So why am I telling you all this? Crochet is great for anyone to learn. With a few hooks, and some yarn, you can crochet almost anything nessassarry for your household and with much more quality than you can buy at the stores. With cotton you can crochet sturdy dishcloths, potholders, towels, and scrubbies.

With many different types of yarns you can make afghans, clothing, hats, gloves, scarves, coats, mug cozies, jewelry, and anything else you can imagine!

The best part is that you can use colors that you want, and can coordinate the colors and styles to match your house decor.

Crocheted accessories are great for gifts too! I have given many crocheted blankets, bookmarks, gloves, and hats away as gifts.

Yarn comes in many different styles and colors. You can get wool yarn, acrylic yarn, light and fluffy yarn, and almost any kind of yarn you can imagine for your projects.

Also remember that crochet can travel anywhere with you and will take very little room. Throw some yarn or thread and some hooks into a bag and that's all it takes. Also remember if you are traveling on a plane you can always take plastic hooks!

I would encourage anyone to learn to crochet. Once you learn you will enjoy it, and never regret it!

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