My Love Affair with Crocheting

My Love Affair with Crocheting

Yes, I love crocheting and I think learning this craft had helped me to be the person I am today. It sounds cheesy and maybe boring for some, however, that’s the truth and that’s how I perceived it.

Let me tell you the reasons why.

Back in the day, my playmates always got Barbie dolls and chocolates when their Mom comes back from a weekly shopping trip. My case was different.

When I was 5-years old, my Mom brought me a pink Monaco thread and a No.05 crocheting hook. It was a bit confusing at first because what I heck will I do with it?

But unknowingly, my Mom is molding me to become a crafty person. Well, maybe she might not realize it too. And from that moment, I knew it is something important.

She patiently taught me how to create a simple chain. I practiced day and night, after my school and while in front of the television.

A chain becomes a bracelet, then it comes a small coin purse, etc. until skills are enhanced.
I remember that each time I finished my crochet project, Mom will praise me that I did well. And I felt so happy about it. My every numbing hands are worth it.

Years have passed and now I’m still loving it!

Each summer, I saw many clothing and accessories that are accentuated with crochet, and I always find them so pretty. But I never bought any single of it. Rather, I will patiently check its designs and studying how they made it, and when I returned home I am excitedly playing my threads and hook with my hands, and that means another sleepless night for me, just to finished another crocheting project.

And I realized that I am a crafty person.

You see, I’ve saved a lot of money on crocheting! Instead of buying new outfits I learned how to up-cycle and decorated them with my crochet laces, and voila! It’s a new outfit


My Love Affair with Crocheting
I’ve upcycled my pink boyfriend shirt and accentuates it with pink crochet lace for a more lady-like summer look.


But am not saying am a PRO of crocheting because my skills are still considered a newbie. I’ve seen many crocheting projects online that have very complicated designs, and it’s amazing! Crocheting needs a lot of patience and attention to detail, and of course master in counting! I don’t know how many times I need to redo my work because I missed the numbers.

But like my Mom always says…. Practice makes it perfect.


My Love Affair with Crocheting

My Love Affair with Crocheting


Another reason why I love crocheting it’s that I love colors! It makes me so happy whenever I visit the nearest craft store and browsing for the newest thread display on their shelves. It gives me a very relaxing feeling.

And I also love creating. It gives me an unexplainable fulfillment - a form of mental relaxation.

I remember back in the days when I visited our grandmother’s ancestral home and I can’t believe what I saw. Her house was made of brick with well-polished wooden floors, a bit of an old Spanish-style home. And her white curtains are all crocheted.

Yes – her curtains, pillowcases, table centerpieces, coffee table mats, her dining table placemats, etc. are all made of her tedious hands, all crocheted by her. And when she passed away, it is even stated on her will that all of her crocheted pieces must be treasured by the family.

No wonder my Auntie saves it!

In 2014 when I attended the annual Art Fair Philippines, I’ve also encountered this artist (I forget his/her name sorry!) and they exhibited these religious figures wearing all crocheted clothing and accessories.


My Love Affair with Crocheting


Though I must say that these religious figures are quite freaky (well honestly I don’t like religious figures at all) but I can’t deny the creativity and hard work that they’ve spent on the exhibit.


My Love Affair with Crocheting

My Love Affair with Crocheting


That time I realized, if I will pursue a career in crocheting, maybe I could also have my own exhibit just like these. It was the fascinating idea!


Maybe someday I will!


My Love Affair with Crocheting


Monaco thread is what I always used, because it is the only thread that seems always available in most craft stores locally, and I love it! It is easy to glide and also soft, and the fibers are well-behaved I may say.


My Love Affair with Crocheting

My Love Affair with Crocheting


Whenever I need a new bikini or summer top, I always rely on my thread and hooks for the newest outfit!

Sometimes I also crochet cropped tops and handbags for friends as gifts for the holidays and they love it!


My Love Affair with Crocheting

This top is my latest creation and brought it during my weekend getaway in Batangas.

And am telling you ladies and gents that you should never ever underestimate the power of crocheting. Just like the recent collection of J.W. Anderson's Fall Winter 2017 Menswear Collection during the London Fashion Week, in collaboration with matchesfashion.com were they showcased these sweaters, bags, and scarves with crochet appliques!

The collection is also available for women :)

J.W. Anderson's FW17 collection

J.W. Anderson's FW17 collection

Exclusive for the site, the Irish designer worked closely with Matchesfashion.com  to produce a five-piece capsule collection further bridging the menswear-womenswear gap. Anderson, whose female fans have fancied his menswear since its launch in 2008, long before his debut women's line, included in this gender crossing, a coat (with full crocheted sleeves), a cardigan (a navy blue now instead of the tan on LMFW), and a bucket bag adorned with 3D floral appliqué. 
J.W. Anderson's FW17 collection
So crocheting is not just a hobby - it is high fashion!


How about you? What's the hobby that you love most?





Share this:

49 comments :

  1. I do not have the patience to crochet, but kudos to all those that do. Takes true talent to create things this way!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've always wanted to tryly crocheting!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Whoa!!! You crocheted your bra and your top that you wore in Batangas. Nice!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I’ve never tried crocheting, but am intrigued to try now after reading this. Will let you know how it goes!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love crocheting too. You have done wonderful work here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It takes a very special talent to be good at this. I tried and never got it down

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patience and back then in grade school, we have no choice but to learn in order to get a high grades!

      Delete
  7. That top is super cute! I agree crocheting products look neat and I can see how it would be relaxing to do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, and whenever I am in my writer's block-mode, I get my crochet hook and yarns and start crocheting. Then good ideas suddenly pouring in.

      Delete
  8. This is so funny, I just found a crochet class by me. I always wanted to know how to do all those pretty crochet stuffs, now I will join the club next Friday and can't wait.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow you’ve made some amazingly beautiful things! And what a gift your mom gave to you. I wish I knew how to crochet let alone sew! Beautiful pieces!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am very thankful for learning this craft. I would love to pass it on to my future kin.

      Delete
  10. You can do some amazing things... my mother-in-law does somethings for my daughter but nothing like what you can do!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think being able to crochet is a wonderful skill! My mother and sister are both amazing at it. I didn't get that talent though. My talent is in writing and reading. haha

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow, what you make is amazing. I want to learn to crochet because it looks so fun. CDo you think it would be easy to self-teach myself how to crochet with looking at videos on Youtube?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also learn some crocheting techniques from YouTube!

      Delete
  13. You have made some wonderful stuff. Life has taken me in a different direction, I use to do alot of crocheting and I made some awesome afgans. thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohh my goal is to make a full dress made of crochet!

      Delete
  14. I’ve always wanted to learn about crocheting but I don’t know where to start. You did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  15. It looking nice. I like the black dress most

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am looking for a cheaper jacket like that and accessories it with my own crochet flowers.

      Delete
  16. I love crochet but am terrible at it. Your work looks neat.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh wow! This is so awesome! You are very talented. I wish I was half as crafty as you. That top you crocheted is magnificent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lindsey! Crocheting makes me have that relaxed mind, and happy!

      Delete
  18. It is really good to have a passion that way. Well done!
    Ben C www.nutrition-newage.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow! These designs are amazing. You're nothing less than an artist.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just learned how to crochet last month and so far I finished 3 projects. One cellphone holder and two stuffed toys. I hope makagawa din ko ng damit like you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you dear! Maybe you can start crocheting too :D

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm not good with my hands, I can barely hold a pen, but I would love to crochet, even if its just to save money on clothing 😅

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah one of the reason I am eager to continue this craft its because I want to save!

      Delete
  23. Wow! Your creations look so pretty! I think I got interested in crocheting as well when I was in elementary then my interest died down when I got to HS. Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When the need to save money kicks-in, I have to be creative and resourceful all the time.

      Delete
  24. I love the pieces you made and especially that top. I used to crochet as a kid but I haven't done it in ages.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I absolutely love stories like this of people finding you passion. It’s also such a cute story, especially having your mom there to teach you. I’d always wanted to try crocheting myself. Feels like it would help me slow down and relax a little. Hahaha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, it is one of the best early lessons I've acquired from my Mom. I love doing it and even now, I get so obsessed with colorful yarns, and sewing.

      Delete
  26. you are really awesome!! i just remembered doing this in grade 4. pero mga kinds of stitches lang tapos pouch yun na. never tried it as a hobby na after. mas nag crosstitch ako.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohh I love cross stitching! I had a cross-stitch of Adonis statue.

      Delete

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any partner brands/company(s), beauty & lifestyle brands, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities, unless specified.
 
Copyright © For Urban Women - Awarded Top 100 Urban Blog / Fashion, Lifestyle and Travel. Designed by OddThemes