I am really happy these days. What is contributing to my happiness? Well, this year I decided to take on two projects. These projects are for my daughter, Mandy, and for Gail, who has been my best friend since I was 13 years old. This year, I am crocheting them both afghans.
It all started out last fall when I decided to make Savannah an afghan for her Christmas gift. While I worked each day I found that the arthritis in my hands disappeared. As did the cramping I got in my fingers. The more I crocheted, the better my hands felt.
So at Christmas I mentioned this to Mandy and she said she would love an afghan from me. So I had her select the yarn and I started to work on it once the yarn arrived. It is beautiful!
Each afternoon and then in the evening, while watching the TV, I crochet. I’m happily loving this!
Something else came to light too. Because I am working on these afghans, I am not on my computer as much. And that feels really good. My mindless internet browsing is limited to the morning to answer my email from overnight, and then at about 8 PM when I check my email for the last time. Oh yes, and at 5 PM I sit and write to you all. Some could say that was mindless, but really I do try to engage my brain when I write. Although at times I go back and read what I’ve written and wonder if I’ve had too much wine while writing! Which is funny because I haven’t been drinking while I’ve been sick!
Mandy’s afghan is made from the softest, sort of bulky yarn. I’m using a chunky stitch and a large hook and so it’s also a little on the lacy side. Not too much, so it will hold up in her kid friendly home. It is so very pretty.
The one I am going to make for Gail is a ripple afghan with her favorite colors. Both beautiful, but both different. That will be so much fun.
After that, well I have a few things in mind. One thing is I would like to learn a variety of stitches. I am amazed at the number of stitches there are in crocheting. So, I want to learn more.
It’s kind of funny how I fell into a hobby I gave up a long time ago, and how very much I am enjoying it after all these years.
Working with your hands is one of the most soothing activities I can think of – crocheting (and knitting) are also so satisfying, because you end up with a beautiful handmade item 🙂