Crochet

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Crochet Gets Serious

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Can crochet save your life?  Kathryn Vercillo thinks so.  She thinks that crochet saved her life and she’s written a book about it.  Kathryn’s name may be familiar to your from her awesome blog about which I’ve written before.

I have yet to read Kathryn’s book, but I know something of her story, of her years long struggle against devastating depression.  Crochet has carried her through some very difficult times and she’s gathered stories from some other crocheters whose stories echo her own.

Most of us know of the calming potential of crochet.  Almost any activity that requires repetitive, rhythmic movements and allows us to enter some other realm of reality can be calming and healing.  I know this myself.  In my own life, I have learned of the benefits of crochet and a few other activities that can bring me back to a centered reality in my own life.

I look forward to getting my hands on Kathryn’s book.  I’m sure she has deep insights that I can use dealing with the patients and students I deal with on a regular basis.  Every crocheter has a story about how crochet has benefited her/his life.  Kathryn has more to share with us.  You can read a preview and order a copy of the book for yourself here.  Please let us know what you think about Kathryn’s book.

Comments

  2. I should be more specific. I like your last paragraph. “Every crocheter has a story.” I think if everyone crocheted (or knitted, I knit, too), the world would be a more happy, peaceful place.

  3. I am most definitely buying this book! You’re right, JD, every crocheter has a story. Mine involves going through two agonizing years waiting for my insurance to approve a knee replacement, during which I could barely walk and the pain was never relieved… then three more years of sheer hell waiting for my right hip to be replaced, then another year waiting for the left one! If not for crochet I would have gone insane with the pain. Can’t wait to read this! Thanks SO much for the link!

Have you read?

Christmas Tree Crochet Scarf – A Fun and Festive Pattern Worth Revisiting

Some crochet patterns are practical, some are pretty, and some are just pure holiday fun. This Christmas Tree Crochet Scarf from CraftBits falls firmly into that last category, and honestly, that is exactly why it caught my eye again. It is quirky, cheerful, and the kind of novelty scarf that makes people smile before you have even had a chance to explain that yes, you really did make it yourself. The pattern comes from CraftBits and creates a scarf made up of Christmas tree motifs joined together into one gloriously festive wearable.

If this scarf looks a little familiar, you might already have spotted it in our roundup of 18 Free Christmas Crochet Scarf Patterns To Make As Gifts or in our collection of 15 Fun And Silly Crochet Scarf Patterns. It has definitely popped up on Crochet.CraftGossip before, and for good reason. It is one of those patterns that manages to be both wearable and wonderfully ridiculous, which is a very fine line in the world of festive crochet.

What I like most about this design is that it does not try to be subtle. It fully embraces the novelty Christmas vibe, and sometimes that is exactly what a seasonal project needs. The scarf is made using repeated tree shapes, so it has that satisfying motif-based construction that many crocheters enjoy. It also gives you the chance to play with embellishments like pom poms and stars, which adds even more personality to the finished piece. According to the CraftBits pattern, the scarf uses Red Heart Super Saver yarn, a size I hook, and simple decorative extras including felt and pom poms.

This would be such a fun project for a holiday party outfit, an ugly sweater event, a handmade gag gift, or just for someone who genuinely loves festive accessories. We all know at least one person who would wear this proudly while serving Christmas lunch or turning up to school pickup in December like the absolute queen of holiday spirit.

It is also the sort of pattern that feels a little nostalgic in the best possible way. CraftBits has had this project around for years, and it still holds up because novelty crochet never really goes away. It just waits patiently for the rest of us to catch up again. And let’s be honest, there is something refreshing about a project that does not take itself too seriously. Not every scarf needs to be neutral, elegant, or sensible. Some scarves are allowed to be actual Christmas trees.

So yes, you may have seen this one before in our scarf roundups, but I think it deserves its own little spotlight too. If you are in the mood to make something playful, memorable, and completely unapologetic for the holiday season, this one is worth another look.