Most easy and versatile, multipurpose crochet patterns

Crochet craft belongs to the 17th-19th century, its an Old French/English craft. It was used to make fabric, with interlocking loops of yarn thread, strands, or other similar materials (wires, fabric) by using metal hooks called crochet hooks. 

They come in different diameters ranging from 2.0 mm to 7.0 mm and mostly made of steel, aluminum, wood or plastic, and fiber. Creating Crochet Crafts and Granny Squares are still my favorite pastime to beat NY winters.

How I learned my favorite craft 

I always admired unique Crochet Craft, as I used to see my aunt creating ponchos, granny squares, jackets, caps, and afghans, using different colors of yarns. I have fond and vivid memories of her, with lots of colored yarn around, needles, crochet hooks of different diameters and colors and beautiful hard and soft covered, crocheting pattern books.

She used to crochet, while relaxing in warm sunny days of winter, in the courtyard, on a Charpoy and easy chairs in the garden, chatting and having famous Indian Masala Tea. I used to idealize her and appreciate her talent. Always wanted to learn this craft from her. I was in hurry to learn the craft, as I wondered what will happen if something happened to her–this craft would be gone forever! 

Granny Squares, Me and My Guru

There would be no one to teach me crochet. As nobody seemed to be interested in this amazing craft because of time or complexity or whatsoever reason, however, they all were interested in placing their orders and getting the completed product. My Aunt, was my guru for this unique craft, she was generous and gifted people her crochet craft projects, which she had made using her precious time.

I was always in a hurry to learn crochet and one fine day convinced my mom to buy me crochet hook, yarn of my choice and pleaded her to plan a visit to my favorite Aunt. As I wanted to learn crochet as fast as I can.

It was late seventies, I was in middle school. It was the time when Varanasi was dozed off, in hippie culture and also welcoming lots of tourists from the Western part of the world. I learned to make crochet chains as a beginner. Later, also learned to make caps, pen holders, and pencil pouch. This love for crochet continued and I kept in touch with the craft once in a while creating cap or doilies, just to make sure, I remember the art.

Effort to keep Crochet Art alive

During studies and college years, I used to practice crochet, to keep it alive. I made caps, Jackets, Ponchos and afghans for my kids as and when I used to squeeze time while raising them. My aunt always, use to appreciate and encourage me. Her voice is still echoing in my mind, while writing these lines on Teacher’s Day (as celebrated in India to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of former President, Scholar, Philosopher, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, born on Sept 5, 1888). I am indebted to her, and respect her, for teaching this craft and making me her disciple.

Craft to focus and increase concentration

Crochet provides lot of inner strength and relaxation, when I want to be quite and away from crisis. Inner strength is the will power, ability for self discipline and it comes from meditation and learning to relax. It also helped me couple of years back, while recovering and conditioning myself and bringing back myself again, during a brief illness.

Passing on the Crochet Craft to next generation: My Efforts

Now after so many years to keep up with awesome Buffalo, NY winter, beat the cold weather and utilize my time artistically, I have started crochet again and created small projects.

Above all, I taught my kids, to crochet too! I have successfully propagated unique art, to my daughters and son as well, with a promise, that they will take the lead now, and help to keep this art alive,………in future!!

Shikha Saxena

Sep 5, 2020·3 min read