I did it for two reasons.
First, I have always wanted to crochet and for some reason never got the knack. Second, I could put it to good use to help others by joining the prayer shawl ministry at the new church I joined. Win-win.
Although I joined the group, they were finishing for the fall, so I missed out helping this year, but I will be in it for 2010. In the meantime, the lap afghan I made first went to a dear friend who has been suffering from sever pain in her back and legs. I felt it was in the spirit of what it was dedicated for, so I gave it to her for Christmas.
Next, I started afghans for my son and daughter. I have been crocheting as fast as I could to finish my son's before he goes back to school, but I think I'll be shipping it.
I have been crocheting so much that I have been having dreams about it!
I have shoulder and upper arm pain. I never realized how much of my upper body I was using to support the growing weight of the afghan as it stretches over my legs. But I am bound and determined to get it done.
After finishing his, I have to finish my daughter's. My goal is to have them both done so they can use them during the winter months.
I have always enjoyed the satisfaction of making my own creations. Crocheting has been fast and rewarding to see the afghan just grow over my lap and legs with each row I hook. It keeps my hands busy and focused to keeps me from sinking into moods. I pray a lot when I crochet when I feel like wrestling demons in my head. It's a positive way of dealing with stress and daily problems.
As I make things for others, it gives me another sense of "giving back." It is very hard to feel sorry for myself when I give back to others. I guess that is why I love teaching so much. It is a way to give back to a new generation and hope they don't mess up as bad as mine did. Each student is a new hope that this next group will get it "right."
I have been thinking what I may tackel next?
I have always wanted to quilt.
