Crochet and Knitting: It's Not Just for Old Grandmas and Retired People

Crochet and Knitting - It's Not a Grandma's Hobby Anymore

While reading through Facebook posts on from young women and even men who have mentioned that others have approached them while they have been knitting or crocheting at work or in public and asked why do they crochet or knit? They go on with the conversation and tell them that they believe crocheting and knitting is for grandmas act like they should be embarrassed.  This can lead to them hiding their love of the craft or even giving it up all together.

Knitting and crochet is a way to create beautiful pieces that you and others can treasure for years to come. Whether you make blankets for gifts, scarves for charity, or toys for kids, all of these items are made out of love and can find a good home that will love the item for a lifetime.

It's not just for old people or something to do when you retire! Crochet and knitting is a hobby any young or young at heart person can start doing at anytime. There are no limitations on learning and many ways to educate yourself on the hobby. Including beginners kits, classes, videos, support groups and more.

If you enjoy the craft of knitting or crochet. Don't let anyone tell you that it's an old person's game! They don't know what they are talking about.   Even our grandma's who crocheted or knitted projects probably began doing it at a young age and even in today's busy world a handicraft is a relaxing way to unwind after a stressful day.

In this article you will read about:

• My Adventure in Crochet
• Modern Day Crochet and Knitting
• How to Crochet
• How to Knit
• Crochet Patterns
• Knitting Patterns
• Yarns for Knitting and Crochet
• Related Articles
• Learn More About How to Crochet and Knitting by taking an online class or getting a great book or kit to use for crocheting and knitting instructions. 

My Story of How and When I Learned to Crochet

I was never too sure where my love of crochet and knitting came from. None of my grandmas, my mom, or any relatives did any sorts of crafting. At least not for fun.  I do remember my grandma reupholstering her old furniture, sewing curtains by hand and making things out of other items due to lack of funds.

When I was about 11 years old, I learned how to knit a square from a babysitter that I knew.  I remember the bright green yarn and the silver knitting needles (by the way I still have those knitting needles) that I used over and over again with the same yarn making it into square, tearing it apart and then knitting it into a scarf.  I used the bright green yarn over and over again because it was the only yarn that my parents bought me.

Around the age of 16 I had a class in school called Home Interiors, that taught us how to quilt, do interior design and other craft related projects. We all had to do one large project and mine was a large crocheted granny square black, white, and gray afghan. I remember my teacher helping me learn how to crochet and after that I was hooked.  I donated the afghan after I got married but I wish I would have kept my first project.

I continued to crochet through the years, making blankets, scarves, hats, toys etc as gifts for others. While several crocheted afghans sit in my closets, on my couch, and on my bed.

                               

While visiting any store that carries a selection of yarn. I am always drawn to the yarn area even if I am not in need of a particular skein or color I still have to stop and look and all the colors, textures and types of yarn available. Just like some people have an appreciation of art, crocheters and knitters are drawn to yarn sometimes to a point where they call themselves yarn hoarders. It's always about what project we can start on next and who we can make something for.

A Few of My Crochet Projects 

A Modern Day Crochet and Knitting

Young women, and young men take up knitting and crochet nowadays. Especially with the wide variety of free and paid for patterns available online. It's not just your grandma's crochet or knitting but for all ages and generations.

I read all of the time about young and old alike starting out crocheting or knitting. Asking the same questions we all ask when we started.  From what yarn to use, the best hooks or needles for beginners, how to change yarn or yarn colors on a project and many other crochet and knitting related questions.

With all of the online classes, Facebook support groups, instruction books and more available, you can easily get all of your questions answered. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced crocheter or knitter. 

As a young grandma of four, whose daughter-in-law crochets, sews and is very crafty. I hope to pass our love of the craft down by teaching them the basics.  I believe as crafters we need to teach young people these skills and hand down the craft of crochet and knitting so it will continue to grow and expand young minds.

Even though I have been crocheting for years, I still learn new techniques and ideas from others who crochet.  I am curious to hear the stories of how they learned to crochet or knit, what age they started, and view what types of projects they are currently working on or have recently finished.

A good way to start teaching others how to crochet is by starting out with a crochet chain and progress up to making a basic granny square. Let them play with the hook and the yarn for a while, getting use to holding it the way they feel comfortable and be patient. Once they have mastered the technique they can move on to making gifts for friends and family.

Whether you are wanting to learn how to crochet or knit, you can easily begin at any age with online classes, YouTube videos, friends, relatives, books or a local craft store class. You are never too young or too old to learn a new hobby. Crochet and knitting are one of the best ways to keep busy and make beautiful items while relaxing in front of the television, outside on the patio, or during your lunch hour.

If you have a crochet or knit related story please share it in the comment section below or on our Facebook page. 

Take a look at some of the many ways you can learn how to knit or crochet below. Find a few creative patterns that are easy enough for beginners and make great gifts, and check out the beautiful yarns that are available for your projects.
Keep Track of your patterns and stay organized with 
A Crochet Journal available on Amazon. 

Learn How to Crochet

Online Classes - An Online Class is a Great Way to Learn How to Crochet with Step-By-Step instructions, answered questions and reviews.

Learn to Crochet  - Learn all of the basic stitches and 5 easy to crochet projects.

How to Crochet Essential Skills for Getting Started 

Learn How to Knit

Learn to Knit - Learn to knit and discover a relaxing hobby with 8 easy projects.

How to Knit Essential Skills for Getting Started 

Crochet patterns

Whether you are skilled or crochet or a beginner. Easy crochet patterns are some of the best ways to create a beautiful gift quickly with leftover yarn.

   Annie's also lots of beginner and advanced crochet patterns including books, magazines and digital downloads. The patterns are easy to read and they have some of the best crochet magazines and books available. Take a look at all of Annie's Crochet patterns here.

Knitting patterns

Just like the crochet patterns above Leisure Arts and Annie's Carries some of our favorite knitting books and digital downloads.

Yarns

Looking for the best places to purchase yarn online? Check out these great stores that carry yarn.

 Knit Picks has some of the best colors and diversity of yarns. They also carry lots of patterns and books for both knitting and crochet and provide patterns along with their yarns. Take a Look at Knit Picks large yarn selection. 

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