Initially, I was torn between choosing to cook international cuisines and crocheting as my Major Digital Project Option B. After a thorough internal discussion with my creative self, I decided to pursue crocheting.
Why Crochet?
There is something incredibly rhythmic and calming about the intricate loops of yarn and hook intertwining to make exquisite patterns. As someone who balances academic, professional, and social life, I was drawn to the idea of indulging myself in learning a new skill that invites mindfulness, creativity, and mental clarity. I used to teach mathematics; compared to other subjects, math had few opportunities to explore creativity, and so I engaged myself in writing or painting to keep nurturing the creative side of my brain. It is high time to develop a new skill that is not only therapeutic but useful.
Learning Goals
Over the course of 30 hour journey of learning crochet, I want to complete either making a scarf or a blanket by the end of this project depending on my capacity to learn and adapt as an adult. The initial plan is to learn about basics of crochet for instance, types of tools and yarns for beginner learning, patterns (chain stitch, single and double crochet, magic ring, and granny squares). Instead of physical workshops, I am hoping to engage with online learning communities through digital platforms such as YouTube, Pinterest, Ravelry, Instagram, and Reddit to look for tutorials, share progress, and reflect on my learning. I aim to explore the therapeutic effect of crocheting to calm my anxious and insomniac mind as a form of self-care. I would document my learning progress through regular weekly blog posts, videos, images, and reflections. I hope to inspire people to choose pursuits that does not just shine on your resume but also nurtures your inner self, and brings peace to the mind that shines through your soul.
To document the transformation I will be recording a short ‘before’ and ‘after’ videos of my learning journey from zero-skilled amateur to smoother stitching (fingers crossed!)
In this loud, fast-paced and digital world, crochet quite feels like rebellion- slow down, breathe, and focus!
Stay tuned for weekly updates, progress photos, and some tangled yarn tales along the way. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to begin but I’m definitely… hooked.
Ooohh, crochet! This was my COVID skill that I learned, and I’ve stuck with it. Actually just finished a blanket, which was a much longer journey than I thought it was going to be. But it really is a lovely, slow-down, I like to keep my hands busy, but my mind quiet type of task. I look forward to observing your journey! And if you have any questions, feel free to give me a shout! Even if I can’t answer your questions – I’m not a pro by any stretch of the imagination – but I might have some awesome resources to suggest.
Hey Nadia
That’s awesome—we’re both starting crochet as our major project! 🎉 I really like how you described it as calming and creative, and I agree that it feels like a perfect balance to busy everyday life. Your plan to make a scarf or blanket is inspiring, and I’m excited to see how we both grow stitch by stitch on this journey.
Hi, Nadia!
Another crocheter! I am so excited to watch your journey, and I hope you end up loving it as much as I do! I started crocheting in the spring of 2021 and have not stopped. I love to crochet while watching TV, it keeps my hands busy while I’m doing a mindless task. I have created dishcloths, blankets, stuffed animals, stuffed gnomes, and different seasonal garlands. I am also working through a new crochet project with this class with trying to make slippers. Please feel free to reach out if you need any support along your journey, I am not an expert but I have done a lot of learning through trial and error and might be able to help you problem solve along the way!