Crocheting my problems away, one knot at a time

How playing with yarn helped me find the artist within and made me a better version of myself

I have always been an admirer of handmade stuff. That some people have these skills and can put their mind and heart to creating something out of nothing has always enthralled me.

At my Grandmother’s house, everything was handmade. I vividly remember the crocheted mirror covers, pristine white, with tassels at the end. And the set of crocheted handkerchieves that my Nani(grandmother) made for me, and how I carried them everywhere.

Needles and hooks have always intimidated me.

I am great at corporate work, strategic planning, etc etc but have never been able to sew, weave or create. So when the chance to learn crochet came in 2019 in a one-day class, I decided to jump onto it. All I wanted was to learn something that brought me close to my grandmother.

I just wanted to make her proud.

And there it was, the world of crochet, waiting for me to unravel itself. At the class, I learnt the basics of stitches, the types of yarn and the endless possibilities. It helped that all eight of us in class were struggling to figure difference between a single and double crochet.

I laughed at my inability to hold the hook and almost gave up when I ended up tangling the yarn.

But my instructor told me to keep practicing. And practice I did. From that single yellow zigzag square, I pored over all videos and books I could lay hands on and learnt the stitches. I got slightly better at holding the hook, making the magic circle knot and learning the differences between US and UK crochet terms (Treble and double crochet!).

And then I started noticing it. I could make small things- coasters, beanies. I held my handmade coaster in my hand and felt a weird sensation of pride.

I could make something with my own two hands.

And then I did my first big project- a blanket for my niece. She was wrapped in warmth that came directly from my hands and heart. She had a little bit of me on her and I immediately felt connected to her. Is that how my Nani felt when she crocheted clothes for me?

I can now visualise my designs, think about the choice of colors and weave in loose ends neatly. I have made blankets, sofa cover, rug, swimwear, countless coasters and beanies.

I have found the artist in me and I could not be more proud.

My journey helped me learn multiple other things.

a) There is always a use for everything:

My favourite crochet activity is scrap yarn project. Little bit of yellow, little bit of blue, add that crimson yarn and voila a multicolor coaster. In an artist’s life, everything finds its purpose, without it being hoarded for a long time.

b) Frogging is tough but possible-

Undo and start again: the act of ripping out stitches is not easy. Once, by the time I realised I was doing something wrong, I was on row 20. Hours of hard work were frogged away. But frogging is also a beginning of new project.

My Grandmother undid a 10 year old project (dad’s sweater) and made a new top for me!

So, there is always a hope that something new can be built once it is all ripped.

c) Making something for others is priceless:

I love seeing the smile on faces of people when I give a handmade crocheted gift. The airbnb host who I made a dog collar for, was elated beyond belief. The friends I made coasters for, found a special place for those in the house. The blanket for my niece, is still remembered as ‘Maasi’s blanket’ even when she has outgrown it.

My heart thumps with joy every time I finish a project for someone else.

d) Having a creative talent is liberating:

I have finally found an outlet for my creative energy, a source of my happiness, a reason to bond with my grandmother, and a passion to keep pursuing and learning.

It has given me license to talk to the women on the subway who are engrossed in their crochet hooks and needles. I feel a part of something special, and that is freeing!

As I go back to my yarn pack and make another row or two for my pending project, I cannot believe the journey I have covered and the person I have become.

Onwards and Upwards to more Knots and stitches!