Tidings from the Heart of the U.S.

[KateyLynn]

Hi. My name is Katelyn and I'm from Ohio, the Heart (shaped state) of the U.S. I'm 25 and have four younger siblings. I always wanted to learn to crochet after watching my left-handed mom for years, but didn't take the initiative to teach myself when she told me she couldn't teach me because I was right-handed. I couldn't go over to my grandma's as often because the moved from their block-away house to a house quite a drive away, and I didn't (still don't) have a license. I'm still relatively new to crocheting, having started two years ago and been intermittently practicing. I've made a few little hearts here and there, and last year I started a scarf and a hat, and this year I finished a different scarf and am working on a hat. I lost my mom in July this year, and have so many of her unfinished projects. I came here to find out if I could finish them without messing them up, or would I have to start over?

[Granny Square]

Hi KateyLynn, and welcome! 

I'm so sorry about your mom, and at such a young age (both of you).  I do get why she said she couldn't teach you because of other-handedness, I tried to teach a lefty friend eons ago and felt bad because I couldn't manage to 'do' left, and she couldn't follow me by mirroring my moves.  (edit, like Tampa Doll said, by sitting across from her up close; it was probably me, not the mirror method in general--this was in high school and I'd have been a new-ish crocheter).

On your 'finishing or starting over' question--I suspect (but I'm not sure) that starting to work 'other' handed in the middle of a project might make a difference that would be noticeable--hopefully someone more familiar with left/right will chime in here.  If it was a pieced thing, like granny squares, I'd guess no one would notice.  If you were both same-handed, I'd say the biggest concern would be hitting her gauge.

I have read posts where some have finished a relative's item and made some sort of change that made it evident that "this is relative's part", like for a blanket, having the relative's portion the middle section and adding a wide border around for example.

Edited November 30, 2021 by Granny Square

[Tampa Doll]

Welcome  to Crochetville from the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Grab your yarn and hooks, put your feet up and sit a spell.

We are always so glad to meet new friends.😁

It is difficult to teach someone who uses the other hand, but I have heard the mirror method works.  That is where they sit opposite each other.  You are looking at the person who is directly across from you , like a mirror.

[Terri/LadySorce]

Howdy from Oklahoma

  Welcome to Crochetville