How long have you been a hooker?

[Kathleen]

This post got me wondering how long everyone has been crocheting.

 

I've been at it for about 36 years (does that mean I can sell my Red Heart afghans on ebay for $800?-- anyway. . .)

 

How long has everyone here been crocheting?

 

Who Taught you?

 

Do you consider yourself obsessed with the art?

[CraftyChristine]

<span style="font-family:comic sans ms; color:purple;">Let's see...

 

My step-grandma tried to teach me how to crochet when I was five, but lost patience when I could only grasp how to chain. As a young teenager, I started getting interested in crafting of all sorts, but there was really noone around that had any knowledge. My mom was always the type to brag that she knew how to do things, but paid people on the side to make her things and then claim the work as her own <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/embarassed.gif" /> So I just started playing around with an old G hook I'd found in the back yard lol.

 

It wasn't until I was about 21 or 22 that I learned anything of relevance when it came to crochet, and that's when Hammie taught me how to make a basic granny square. I played around with those for a few years, and then finally learned how to read a pattern about six months ago.

 

I am very much obsessed with the art of crochet! I'm still using RH for everything because I'm terrified of spending a lot of money and botching a project, but that doesn't mean that I don't go absolutely gaga over all of the beautiful fibers available! There hasn't been a day go by since I learned how to read a pattern that I haven't done some sort of project. I'm definately hooked and won't be stopping anytime soon!

 

Phew! Sorry for such a long reply!</span>

[MarvieN]

My granny taught me to chain, sc, and dc when I was little.... probably 23 or so years ago. I never actually made anything, just long strips of those stitches. Over the years, occasionally I'd buy a hook and some yarn thinking I'd make something, but would get frustrated because my edges would be off so I'd put it away.

 

Then two years ago, I wanted a lap ghan. So I went to WM and bought yarn, a package of hooks, and got busy. I made myself a lap gahn. It was my first *ever* completed project. It has wonky edges, rounded corners and a spot near the middle where I had skipped a stitch or two and rather than ripping back, I just kept right on going... so there's a big hole there lol. I loved it then, and love it now... when I can get my female cat off it that is lol.

 

I got a bit of help from my husband's aunt, she taught me my first ripple and how to read the pattern, gave me my first pattern book. I made hubby a blanket, son a blanket... then last fall I found this place and have made everything I can get my greedy little hands on.

 

Obsessed? In a word... Yes *g* or so hubby says! He also thinks I'm crazy when I pull out a project on the bus or in a waiting room etc. I keep something going at my desk, so I can keep my hands busy when they aren't typing, I have several projects by the couch, and one in my backpack for going places. I feel flat out wrong if I don't have a project going on. So I guess hubby's right

[Guest SamplerLady]

My mother taught me when I was a youngster about 44 years ago. I never really used it much..mainly when I was in school and needed something creative to do between studying bouts. About two years ago I started crocheting with a vengance during the final dying gasps of a relationship. Couldn't cross stitch anymore as that had too many emotional triggers. Since then I've learned to spin, weave, and relearned to knit. Now I'm thinking about digging out my cross stitch again.....

[Guest NCAugeriFan]

I saw a couple of girls in my college dorm crocheting and I made a blanket which was all single crochet. That was 23 years ago. Over the years I would dabble with a single or double crochet scarf or blanket. I think I have a single crochet blanket that I started working on a couple of years ago and still need to finish it. I got bored and frustrated that I couldn't seem to get past the sc/dc.

 

Last year that I wanted to buckle down and learn this wonderful craft. So I bought books and magazines (when I could find them) ~ had a lady at church show me some stitches. I also bought a crochet video and that has helped a lot!

 

But it wasn't until the past few months that I really started doing some projects and now since I've been here...things have started to click a little and I'm beginning to read a few easy patterns ~ and that gets me excited!!! After finding Crochetville, looking at all the wonderful projects and everyone has been helpful and encouraging - I'm loving crochet and becomming addicted to it! !

 

~cadie

[faithpa76]

My grandmother taught me some basics (I made a coaster/doily thing out of yarn, still have it somewhere) when I was twelve, then I didn't crochet again for several years ... my junior or senior year of high school, I tried to make my mom a blanket but quite after about 4 rows because I couldn't get it even. Then when my godson was born I tried again but once again only got a little done and gave up because it looked terrible.

 

Then, a few months ago, I found this place. I wanted to make a baby blanket for my friend's expected baby (who is here now, yay!) but knew I needed help ... and this has been it. I have motivation, help, and support and encouragement all in one place.

 

So I really have no idea how long I've been crocheting. For real, since October 2004. You can add about a week of crocheting from my various aborted attempts in the past.

[JPorter718]

I was a self taught hooker...

Last year in April '04 is when I picked up my first hook. So I haven't even hit my 1 year mark yet.

[natalie058]

Well, my neighbor taught me to crochet the summer after third grade, when I was eight, so I've been crocheting for almost 11 years. At first, I made a bunch of doll clothes for my Cabbage Patch, using my tension instead of decreasing/increasing to make size changes, LOL. Then she taught me how to rounds and I learned to shape for real, and I made even more doll clothes.

 

Then thru school, really all I did with it was make scarves.

 

Finally, last May I quit smoking! And right after we went on a long road trip, and by 45 min I was going loony. So, I had hunny pull over and find the nearest Wal-Mart so I could get some hooks/yarns. I came back from the trip with 1.5 afghans finished!!

 

Not long after that, I found here and figured out how to read a pttern, and I've been a happy hooker ever since!!

[Me&P]

How long has everyone here been crocheting?: Since Dec. 2003

 

Who Taught you? A good friend of mine... and it only took me one evening!

 

Do you consider yourself obsessed with the art? uh, do i really need to post a picture of the "Tower of Yarn" in my living room and the 3 large storage boxes in the dining room, the 2 totes i use to carry the yarn by the couch, AND the random hobby lobby and michaels sacs that are strewn about the house??? although, i do prefer "in love with the art", but most who are obsessed with something don't like to admit it!

[LadyyOftheOak]

My grandmother got me started hooking when i was about 12 I guess (that sounds wrong on so many levels.. ) and other than a short stint where I didn't pick it up for a few years when I first left home, I've been happily hooking since then

 

I didn't learn to read a pattern until about six years ago and it's been pretty much non-stop since then.. it's my relaxation, my fascination and my motivation .. and I can't imagine not hooking.. :cloud9

[emeraldmoon]

My mom taught me the basic sc when I was about 7 or 8 yrs old. I would go and make what ever I could using just that stitch.. LOL.. made plant hangers, braided strips together and made belts. I than didnt really pick up the hook again till I was 18 and made my first afghan, it was all granny squares. All I knew how to make at that time was afghans. I didnt know how to read patterns till way later on.

I started creating my own things at the age of 26. I took a few years of not crocheting and started back up when I was 29 since than I have been working alot more. Now here I am 39 and I cant seem to keep the hook out of my hands, except when they swell up from carpal tunnel or if they get blisters on them.

[DawnsRays]

I've been at it for about 20 years.

 

I taught myself everything I know.

 

In college, I just wanted to learn a new craft (cause that's what I do) and I bought myself some grey RH yarn and an H hook and the booklet "Learn to Crochet in 8 easy steps for left and right hand crocheters" by Susan Bates. I made my boyfriend (now my husband) a scarf. He would ride his motorcycle (his only mode of transportation) 40 miles one way to see me in any weather, so to make it a little better for him in the cold, I decided on a scarf. {I still have that booklet}

 

I have since taught about 5 other people how to crochet and as far as I know they are still at it.

 

I am definately addicted. I love fibers!! yarns of all colors and textures. The wilder the better (hince my blog name).

 

~ DAWN

[woolandflax]

Yep, I've been at it for about 20 years also. I learned from my grandmother when I would go spend the night with her as a little girl. I taught my brothers how to make chain stitches and have taught a couple of others since then. I'm definately obsessed. Actually I feel like I finally found what I want to do as my career for the rest of my life.......design patterns and open my own lys. Best thing is, hubby loves the idea and wants to help me!!

 

~Rebecca

[LI Roe]

I've been hooking for a long time - LOL. I just turned 53 this month and I guess I was a young teen when I learned so it is close to 40 years. Ooh, I thought it was less, kept telling everyone about 32-33 years but it is definitely closer to 40.

 

My mom taught me when I would watch her and constantly ask her what she was doing, was it easy to learn, could she show me. I think she did it just to shut me up.

 

Am I obsessed with crocheting? Short and sweet, yes.

My yarn, pattern, book, hook collection will certainly attest to that. I have at least 60 (if not more) large containers of yarn all over the house and basement, more patterns than I should admit to and I will have to live to be at least 125 to do all of them. And I always have more than one project going at the same time (you know, it's a law us crafters have to have multiple projects going otherwise the craft police will be after us). Right now I am working on three projects.

 

Happy crocheting everyone!!!

 

LI Roe

[Stacey]

My mom crochets, and when I was a kid she tried teaching me but we had a little trouble with her being right-handed and me being left-handed. I learned to chain and sc, but I had a very hard time crocheting into the chain so mostly I'd make very long chains and never actually made anything. Being a kid I lost interest in it after a while when I wasn't getting anywhere.

 

In the fall of 2001 I decided to learn for real. Mostly I was self-taught since I now live about 800 miles away from my mom, but when I got stuck I'd call her on the phone and describe what was happening and she'd talk me through the problem. (I had a major problem in the beginning with thinking I was doing sc when I was actually making slip stitches.) So I've been at it for a little over three years, I guess, maybe closer to three and a half now.

 

Definitely obsessed--in the past, I'd go crazy in the summer when it was too hot to handle yarn. I'm so glad I've started learning to work with thread so I can crochet in the summer now!

[Nashville Crocheter]

I started crocheting last Feb. 2004. A friend invited me to meet with her and others where she works. A lady there tried to teach us to knit and crochet. That only lasted a few weeks but I was "hooked" on crochet.

 

I kept working on it by myself. Then one day, I was looking at hooks and yarn in Hobby Lobby and a lady told me about their group of ladies who crochet for charity that meets weekly.

 

I started going there in March or April 2004 and have been crocheting like a crazy woman ever since Being in that group and being a member of Crochetville has really helped me a lot. But I do crochet everyday so I have put in alot of practice time.

:sb OK I'll stop now

[bkellya]

I'd have to guess and say maybe 2 years...something like that. My grandmother crocheted and she likely showed me how, but it never stuck. A year and a half or so ago a friend of mine gave me a lesson on it, I picked up a "how to" book, and I've been enjoying it ever since. I've only done afghans & tons of scarves...one hat...and my first pair of socks a few weeks ago. I have a book coming, Candy Babies, and when that comes I'll try my first sweater (baby sized).

[ZingyZoid]

My Gram tried teaching me when I was little but I had no patience for it and never learned more than the chain. A little over a year ago I picked up a kit in Walmart with a book, hook and yarn to complete a lapghan. I opened it and couldn't follow the book so I put it away. Then in August or September I bought a Learn to Crochet for kids book, lol. Have been going non-stop ever since. I love it. I am definitely becoming obsessed with it.

[Tiffany]

I've been crocheting for about 3 years now. My mom had learned from a coworker right after my oldest was born, five years ago. She was visiting us while I was pregnant with my 2-year old and brought a crochet project with her. I decided then if my mom could crochet, I could crochet, so I got her to show me how to do the chains. She gave me her beginning crochet book and I taught myself the stitches. She's right handed and I'm left handed, so we had conflicts when it came to learning stitches together. Now, we are constantly talking about patterns and sharing ideas.

[Figmint77]

Originally, my mom (a lefty) and my grandmother tried to teach me when I was young, probably 9 or so. I remember making alot of chains, but nothing else. My mom has always been crafty... she sews (since she was 5!), knits, crochets, cans, etc. I never really picked it up back then. I picked the hook back up at about 21 years old and decided to relearn the craft. I made alot of baby blankets for friends and family for a couple of years, then life happened and I didn't crochet again until just two years ago. I've since made a few afghans, scarves, dishclothes, pet toys and pet blankies... nothing with any shaping to it. I'm a pretty slow hooker... as a matter of fact I'm still working on a blanket for our queen size bed made out of Homespun Colonial (Sweetheart picked it)... I have just three more skiens to do (in dc) and I figure that will take me a few months. :o I love to crochet, but it's difficult to find time and peace to do it. Everytime I sit down to crochet someone (kitty, puppy, Sweety) comes and gets in my lap. :hee Crochetville has definately inspired me to learn and practice more. :grouphug

 

~Tricia

[mythunderbird]

hi,my third grade teacher taught a bunch of us. she asked us if we wanted to learn and suprisingly it wasn't just girls who did,. that was 42 years ago and yes you could say i am addicted. i take it everywhere with me:rotfl :rotfl vicki

[Sue89]

I learned how to crochet when I first got out of college 10 years ago. My older sister had given me a pair of knitting needles and a crochet hook when she moved out, so I wanted to see if I could do it. My grandmother had been a whiz with thread crochet, but my mother never learned so I had to learn it from a library book on knitting and crochet.

 

Once the book went back and I found my first job I forgot all about crocheting until the Sak bags became popular. I went to Michael's and bought a set of hooks and a book with patterns just like the Sak that was in style at the time. After completing one and a half purses I once again forgot about it until five years ago when I completed the half-finished bag. Since I was no longer working my sister thought it would be good for me to crochet again, so she got me involved in Warm Up America and Project Linus and I've been crocheting fairly steadily ever since.

[Kathleen]

I love hearing about all of your beginnings. Lets hear it for Grandma and self taught! Moms are up there and thern friends. Teachers also made the list, but in last place.

 

Anyone else?

[Piper0110]

I learned about 4 years ago with the help of a book and advice from my mother. My first project was a large afghan in baby Red Heart. Hey, it was on sale. And it's currently up in my closet and gets pulled out on cold days. My second project was also a baby blanket, given to a good friend of mine. And I'm always amused to see pictures of her now 2 year old dragging that blanket around. It's her favorite blanket and I absolutely love to hear it. I'm also glad it held up! I've learned quite a bit since then, and there are so many mistakes in that blanket. But the important thing is that it's loved.

[pidot]

i remember i learned the basics like ch, sc and dc only when i was still a child. I can only make a coaster as far as i can remember. i also learned more of the craft in school for a very short time only.

 

Now, I've been crocheting for a year and wanting to do more advance projects.

 

,

Fe