July was hot and tumultuous, but also fun and full of love! August is the month that transitions us from summer's change of pace into the new school year. But what does that mean for a crocheter?
For parents, it could mean more available crochet time. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles may want to spoil their school-age relatives with handmade accessories, blankets, or school supplies. Teens and college students, may start to work quick projects to balance stress levels and/or improve focus during lectures. For commuters like me, the increased traffic will lengthen commute time, necessitating the tightening of morning and evening routines.
As these transitions fall into place, how are you going to work crochet into your new routine? If there is no schedule change, how does the new school year inspire your crochet?
As for me, I am going to take a crochet kit with me on my commute so I can sneak in a few stitches here and there (while parked only!) I have found that sometimes just adding 2-3 minutes extra in the car can really add up in terms of completing a project. My car project will be simple and intuitive. Nothing fancy!
I have a few crochet time-finding ideas.
- Parents - Put down your cell phones during pick up and drop off and pick up the hook instead!
- Extended Family - Find out your school-aged relative's favorite character and crochet a hat with those specifications. For college students, crochet a thick and comfy blanket in the school colors.
- College Students - Keep crochet by your side during lectures. If you're not taking notes, make a few stitches if that helps you to absorb information. (Be sure to check with the professor first out of respect.)
- High School Students - For those times on the bus or waiting for class to start, have a simple project nearby. Maybe you could make amigurumi and sell them to your classmates for some extra cash!
But how do YOU schedule crochet in the new school year? And how does the school year inspire your crochet (if at all)?
Last month was all about showing love through crochet and we got a lot of love on the Facebook post and the blog.
In addition to Meg's comment and picture, there were many other Facebook fans who chimed in to share how they show love through crochet. For example, Wendy said,
I show my friends and family love by making them surprise blankets. I show myself love by using crochet as therapy: it is calming, it creates flow, it makes me feel good about myself knowing that I am going to make someone else happy.
Facebooker Susan crochets blankets for Linus Connection, and prayer shawls. She also designs gifts for her family members. Pam is a fellow prayer shawl crocheter. I am sure they provide much comfort to those in need. Bobbie shows love by teaching her friends to crochet. Linda is going to make scarves for the troops. Tammy makes scarves and clothes for winter clothing drives. Sherry shows love by how much she enjoys crochet.
On the blog, there were some in-depth comments
When I first started crocheting, I quickly filled my family's needs. Although I still make gifts for family and friends, I was thrilled to find that there are many local charitable organizations that greatly need items such as hats, scarves, and mitts for the homeless; and baby items for the newborns that would otherwise go without. And these things are used by people who truly appreciate that someone took the time and cared enough to make something. I always include a card that says "Stitched with love for you". -Jane
I crochet prayer shawls, lap robes, baby blankets and stuffed animals for our prayer shawl ministry. They have been sent around the world. I pray for the person while I am crocheting, and the entire congregation prays over the object before it is sent out. It is amazing the responses we have gotten. People say they can feel God's love through these items! -Sandy
Thank you to all who answered last month's question. It means everything to learn more about fellow CGOA people. And I loved seeing a picture of Meg's work. I want to know all about your fall crochet schedule, so let's keep the conversation going. Please leave a comment here on the blog, or on the CGOA facebook page! Do you want to connect on social media? I can be found on facebook, Instagram, and SnapChat (It's fun!). Join my newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education.
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As a school bus driver, when the kids return to school, so do I. I treat it as an opportunity to learn a new stitch or two, and incorporate it into a pattern which eventually turns into something pretty good.
ReplyDeleteWhen we drivers go on our afternoon shifts, usually we sleep, eat, read, or listen to music. I bring a bag with a "smalls" project that is usually for my stock of finished items that I bring to craft fairs, and I work on them. Or I would be consulting my calendar for possible craft fairs I would be doing. Or working on lesson plans for private lessons.
School is very inspirational for my work. I run a grass roots charity for The Home on the Hudson, it's a beautiful facility for the elderly volunteer firefighters and their spouses. Bringing homemade blankets, lap warmers, caps and scarves, shawls are showing my appreciation for the sacrifices they did back in the day. So far I donated over 100 lap warmers, and developed a very simple pattern I will publish in Ravelry.
My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma back in March. So to keep me focused, and relaxed, I turned to stitchery and crochet. I plan to make to donate simple caps to Mount Sinai Hospital cancer treatment center, and to Long Island Hematology in Syosset, as a thanks for helping my husband fight this disease. He's doing great btw, we are getting ready for his final hurdle, extraction of stem cells, a treatment to wipe out his bone marrow, and the transfusion of his improved stem cells to completely wipe out the cancer, and to allow good blood, bone marrow growth, and his bones to thicken and strengthen.
I got a lot of worries, I am thankful for this hobby in keeping me sane and calm throughout this process. Namaste!