Friday, October 8, 2010

Needle Snob

I have something a bit embarrassing and shameful to tell you. It's quite serious and I can't believe myself as I look back at the person I used to be. You see, I...how do I say this?

I...

I was a knitting snob.

Phew! I feel so much better now. Not sure what I mean by a "knitting snob"? Well, let me explain. Until two days ago There was a time in my life where I used to believe that knitting was the superior craft between knitting and crocheting. I thought it was more chic, more complicated, more enjoyable, just all around the better of the two. Little did I know all the possibilities of knitting were also held in crocheting. The truth is, I might have known, but I was simply too ignorant and stubborn to admit it fully. Crocheting was my mother's craft, more specifically blanket crocheting, and I wasn't interested in crocheting blankets. My mother did teach me how to crochet when I was younger, but I didn't have the patience to sit through making an entire blanket. Then I went to Hungary as an exchange student and learned how to knit. I LOVED knitting. It held my attention much better than crocheting did and I was able to work on projects for longer periods of time. Or maybe it was just the forced solitude a language barrier presents you with. Nevertheless knitting became my yarn weapon of choice. I made scarves for myself and friends and soon after having Bug I knitted a rabbit softie for her. If I wanted something made out of yarn then I would knit it. Crocheting had never entered my mind because like I said above it was below me. Shameful, I know. 

So what changed me from a knitting snob to a crocheting floozy? Well, I had been seeing so many crocheting projects all over blogland that were, simply put, ADORABLE! I wanted to make them, but still couldn't bring myself to drop my knitting snob attitude towards crocheting. Then finally it came. I was inspired to teach my students how to crochet so that we can make newborn hats for the local hospitals. I had read an article on the increase and help knitting provided students with ADD while being read to and thought if it worked for knitting it, then it should with crocheting too. (NOTE: I chose crocheting because crochet needles are less dangerous than knitting needles in the hands of well-meant-but-often-foolish teenagers) This meant that I would have to learn how to crochet again. I read some how-to articles online, watched some videos, and began playing around. 

Once I felt I had the basic stitches down I mustered up the confidence to try my first project: the Best Little Girl Cloche from Aesthetic Nest. Although mine didn't come out EXACTLY as it should have (I crocheted in the back loops instead of the whole stitch and my flower is a bit different from the original) I learned a lot while making it and actually had A LOT of fun doing it. Maybe A LOT of fun is an understatement since as soon as I had finished the cloche I was searching online for some more adorable patterns to crochet up. Yes, I did it. I broke away and became addicted. Maybe I was a knitting snob because my self conscious knew I would become addicted so fast and hard for crocheting that it made me believe it was below me as a way of protecting me.

Let me show you my first two projects:
 Again.. I should learn to wait until after I've washed her face off before asking her to model...I kind of think the yogurt mustache adds to the look of it all.



I realize this one is too dark, but I love the silhouette look.

Now onto project two. This hat I planned on making for Bug too and used this pattern from Vallieskids. I love the subtle butterfly and the overall simplicity of the design.

 For a young and playful look

 It's not really off centered. I think it moved a little because I was moving it all over on my head trying to find where I wanted to wear it.


Cute, right?

I already have my next projects in mind. I'm thinking a slouchy hat for me, mary jane slippers for Bug and I, a hat for the Hubba-Bub (with ear flaps of course), and maybe even a hooded sweater for Bug. See, I told you! Addicted.


p.s. for all my fellow knitting snobs- don't worry knitting is still my first true love. I think I might still be in the endorphin stage with this crochet thing.
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23 comments:

Becky Jane said...

Love the way you write...so does this mean your a floosy and a snob? :o)
Your hats a adorable! Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

I am smiling because I love the look of crocheted things but also thought knitting is way more cool!! lol I have recently learned to knit and am a PROUD knitter! but you inspire me to learn to crochet as well!!! nice work!!

Rachel R. said...

I hopped over from Friendly Friday Follow and added you on GFC. Please consider following me back at my new blog, which will qualify you to enter my $25 Amazon Giftcard giveaway!

http://rachelsgiveaways.blogspot.com

Rachel said...

Very cute, things like this always make me think of my Grandma. She showed me how to do blankets when I spent weeks with her in the summer. Now I don't remember how to do it and wish I did.

Mary said...

Those are sooo cute! I am personally a huge crocget gal. I tried knitting and I just couldn't get the hang of it. I also wasn't enjoying it as much as crocheting. I would be open to trying again but I love crocheting so much! I also love making hats!

I think certain things look way better knitted so I think both are great! Again those hats are so cute. I may have to try the one with the butterfly. :)

stefani said...

Both hats are really cute. :-)

I like crocheting because I really don't have to think (or count) when I do it.

http://dreamsofnyssa.blogpsot.com

Rhe Christine said...

found you via the weekend bloghop..lol!!! this post cracked me up :) now that you've admitted your problem you can come to accept it and work with it! Welcome to the fabulous world of crocheting :) so glad to have you, lol!

http://www.cammostylelove.blogspot.com

life in a pink fibro said...

Fantastic! I'm so glad your eye wandered in the direction of crochet - those are such cute hats. As someone who's still attempting to master knitting, I am in awe.

Liz said...

Cute post! And I love your hats, adorable!!
Stopping by from Meet Me Monday. I'm a new follower. I'd love for you to stop by my blog and follow back.

http://chalkboardstostrollers.blogspot.com/

Julie said...

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm following you as well. :)

J Rodney said...

They are both absolutely cute!

I would like to invite you to the Follow Us Monday Morning @ Frugality Is Free @ Frugality Is Free. It is a great place to meet, connect and expand your blogging network, and you can even win a free ad space.

Anonymous said...

I'm a knitter for the very reasons you mentioned- particularly because it seems so complicated! But it seems like Crochet projects take less time and energy and you can make so many cute things with it... hm... maybe I should watch a few tutorials...

Anonymous said...

Hi I'm your newest follower! I hope you'll stop by and follow one (or both) of my blogs!

http://www.lolaviebyamber.blogspot.com
http://www.biracialfamilies.blogpsot.com

I hope you have a fabulous week!

KC Baldwin said...

Those hats are absolutely beautiful! I found you on the Monday hop, and I really like your blog! I hope you visit mine and follow too, if you like!

KC @ One + One = Four

Nanny Anna said...

LOL, I am the opposite, I was a Crochet Snob. My sister knitted but I crocheted and I would whip out my projects so much faster than her so I felt superior. Then a few years ago she taught me to knit and I taught her to crochet and now we both feel better about ourselves ,lol.

BTW, I found your blog on the Meet Me on Monday blog hop. Love your blog, hope you will visit mine too if you get a chance. Ia m about twice your age but we both surround ourselves with toddlers so we might have lots more in common then you might think.

Anna
http://IamNannyAnna.blogspot.com

Allana890 said...

The hats are very cute. :) Great job. I came from Tuesday Tag-Along. I am following with GFC: Allana890

http://allana890.blogspot.com/

Beth said...

OK, so my name is Beth and I'm a knitting snob, too :-) I know how to crochet (just blankets) but I'm in love with knitting! But, like you, all of these crochet projects circulating sure have me thinking.....hmmmmm? Love your hats...they're wonderful.

Let me invite you to my blog to participate in my little party called Fibers on Friday; a linky party for knitters and crocheters! We'd love to have you join us!

http://plumslife.blogspot.com/

~Beth

Adele said...

Cute Pictures!! We are your newest followers from Wednesday Blog Hop!!
Would love it if you could follow us too!!
Julie and Adele
The Coupon Cents Sisters

Cassandra said...

You made the most adorable hats!

I'm now following your blog. Please follow back @ homeschoolingwith3boys.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Unknown said...

you're newest follower! So excited to have found your awesome blog from Wandering Wednesday! Sooo jealous of your knitting and amazing crocheting skills! Love the hats!

Chrissie said...

I LOVE this! Especially the one with the flower, I'd love to make one like it for my daughter =) I have to say, I'm a crochet only kind of person... mostly because it's easy! =) Thanks for following me, I'm glad I came to see your site too! I'm your newest follower =)

Anestazia said...

Awe, I started out knitting as well. I taught myself, and really just stuck to scarves and easy stuff. But then I decided to crochet and have had a lot more success with it! Now I'm addicted... :)

http://yourworkistodiscoveryourworld.blogspot.com/

Manue said...

So cut !
I'm a french starter and I would like make this beautiful hatbut I can't understand the patterns in English. DO you someone who can help me ?

Thanks a lot and congratulation for mix color between white and pink !