Now that I'm retired I do sometimes worry that I don't stretch myself mentally and might be slipping into some kind of intellectual decline, but thankfully I don't worry very long. I've never been a great one for seeking new adventures, during my working years the terms lifelong learning or personal development plan hardly entered my vocabulary. I like me the way I am and I like things the way I do them, I've been me for 61 years so I know what suits. I've never knitted a sock toe up, possibly only once or twice a jumper top down and I think once a jumper sideways. I did have a bash at spinning a couple of years back but I decided that buying a few balls of yarn is much easier and there's plenty of gorgeous hand spun available without me buying a wheel and eventually producing something lumpy and bumpy. So how I hear you ask is the teach yourself crochet progressing.
I have had a go but I think I may have been a bit tense about it, I gave up once I'd snapped the hook clean in half. I do have more hooks and I keep telling myself I will master this craft, but knitting is definitely my real love and that's what I'll be doing this weekend, leaving the learning for another day.
Oopsie.. maybe a metal hook? Don't give up...
ReplyDeleteHa ha - that made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I find crochet easier than knitting which I find difficult to correct mistakes in (of which I make many!)
Anne.
I have never been able to get on with crochetting (one t or two? - neither look right). It seems to require to much concentration and watching what you are doing than knitting.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the knitting being my first love. I do enjoy crochet and the excitement of colour changes and lovely blankets, but not nearly as much as I enjoy my knitting. I think you should perevere though, because it is good for a change. Enjoy the weekend! Ros
ReplyDeleteKnitting is my first love too, and I am with you on the sticking to what you know. And who knows you better than you... I have had this argument several times in the past with the medical profession when they have said one thing and I knew instinctively it was rot, or something not right for me, and as usual went my own path! If you are meant to crochet, then one day you will get the urge, pick up hook and wool and hey presto! You'll do it. But no point beating yourself up about it I agree.
ReplyDeleteKnitting is my only love too!! Other than crosswords which I find totally addicting and wish I could knit and do them at the same time but I can't!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for not giving in to 'having' to try new things! I too am satisfied with what I do but I do wish I could get by lazy a**e out of my lazyboy to exercise!!! I am so not into moving fast!!!
A knitter or a sewer I will never be! My needlework teacher at school used to get so exasperated with me.
ReplyDeleteMy excuse is being left handed????
I have admiration for all you clever and practical ladies.
They are doing crochet lessons at my local John Lewis - so they might be near you too - have a look. Its only £40.00 for a full day which includes materials, 2 x tea breaks and lunch! Give it a go! xxx
ReplyDeleteIf you are a whizz at knitting, why get all tense and sweaty over crochet??
ReplyDeleteOnce we are over 60, then I reckon we know what suits and what we do well.
Of course, if you (not you personally, a generic you) don't feel you do anything well, then get on and learn to crochet (or knit!) Or even spin and weave. You can call the lumps and bumps texture!
;-)
.
Oh, dear! That looks so familiar... When I first tried crochet a couple of years ago, it was with a plastic hook--didn't take long before it broke! And didn't take long to get a few crochet hooks in metal either--LOL! I've been knitting for many years. Crocheting for maybe two. I still feel very much a novice with crochet, as I just find knitting comes more naturally. When I crochet it is small things only generally. But it's fun. Do hope you'll try again and keep going. Oh, that reminds me, are you on Ravelry? :o) Wishing you a great LOVE-filled Valentine Weekend Jenny ((BIG HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI prefer knitting to crochet, and find that my hands ache more after I've been 'hooking'! Maybe I hold the hook a little too tight too!
ReplyDeleteI think crochet is easier with a metal hook. I like both but prefer knitting. Do what calls to you!
ReplyDeleteOh Jenny,
ReplyDeleteYour post made me smile from ear to ear, i think i can visualise the holding of the crochet hook.
Trying something new can be a touch frustrating but don't let it beat you, a metal hook might make all the difference and the most important part is to make sure ur tongue is in the right spot,lol.
Tracey
I'm amazed. I wonder why, I pictured you much younger. So, when I read you where retired I just thought: such a fortunate girl. I dream with my retirement but I'm years far from it. And I know I will not be "slipping into intellectual decline". This I am sure because I long for more time to study - not in a school (where learning is manipulated) but a free learning. So many things to learn, to read and I'm like in a prison in my work for so many hours a day. Even so I have such a thirst for learning things that I know I will spend my retirement years learning.
ReplyDeleteAbout the crochet: go slowly and in a minute you will be crocheting away all happy.
Alfazema
Hope you had a less tense weekend with your knitting. As you say, you can always give crochet another try if and when the fancy takes you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave attempt. I'm sure if you hang in there you'll soon be making lots of pretty things.
ReplyDeleteAt least you can knit...I can just about cast on and that's it! x
Thanks. That made me laugh on a day i needed to. i know it's an old post, so hopefully you're still persevering with the crocheting.
ReplyDelete