in the company of ‘other’ stitches

CROCHET

I love crocheting! Even though it uses twice as much yarn as knitting. Boo.

I am particularly fond of granny squares. Every kind of leftover yarn can be used in a simple granny square, that can then be turned into basically any item you want! Outerwear, underwear, sweaters, scarves, gloves, headbands, slippers, socks, blankets, pillow covers… you name it!

Right now, my overachieving ass is trying to finish 2 granny square sweaters so I can finally put them away for the season. It’s April. I mean, it’s not like I can actually wear them in southern California, even in the winter, unless I go to the mountains. But do I make them anyway? Yep. So, I need to travel to places that do get cold enough so I can show them off. 🙂

Granny squares can be made in endless color patterns that create a visual feast for the wearer and the observer. In the most basic granny square, you are using only 2 stitches: chain stitch and double crochet. That’s it! You can make these squares in unlimited color combinations and put them together for almost anything you need.

The squares pictured above are literally bits and bobs of Silk Garden and DK wool yarn that I’ve had over the years. Not enough to use in a big project, but enough for these traditional squares and turn them into something usable.

The crochet pattern below is called the “Spoked-Wheel Eyelet Square”. Yeah, that’s a mouthful. And while this is not a simple pattern, there is a mesmerizing mandala-like effect when you stare at it. The balance of the circle inside the square. Harmony even.

Some patterns are easy to pick up and once you get it, you can practically do it with your eyes closed, like the first squares, the traditional granny, which is also called the “Old American Square” in my vintage crochet book from 1992. Vintage meaning at least 20 but less than 100 years old.

Crochet, like simple stitching, has been shown to help calm emotions. It is considered a “moving meditation” and because of the repetitive stitching, it lowers cortisol, blood pressure and heart rate. All the things we need to be lower right now while the world is burning.

Crochet stitching does not have to be complicated. If all you learn is single crochet or even half-double, then go with that. Start with a small square. Maybe only 4”x4” (a bit over 10 centimeters). No need for anything big. It’s not about being perfect at the stitch or following some complicated pattern.

Use the technique the same as simple hand stitching: create a space and place for your emotions and your thoughts to settle. A place where you can breathe. Some of you may already crochet. However, for those of you who don’t, here’s an example of single crochet and half-double crochet stitches. These are, in my own humble opinion, the most mindless stitches in crochet you can do in lieu of or alongside, simple stitching if you want to try something different.

Can these two techniques be combined? Absolutely. What you will get is a totally unique textile that won’t be repeated by anyone else. The piece below has no stitches laid down on it, yet. I might embroider it. Still deciding. However, you can see a single crochet menagerie of leftover yarn stitched to either end. Just for fun because, why not?

Be calm. Relax. This is not an “omg, I have to learn to do this” moment. This is just another stitch In The Company of Stitches, that you can introduce into your practice some other time and place if you’re called to do it. If not, let it go. No worries, no pressure.

So, dear reader, put your hand over your heart center. Close your eyes. Take a couple of deep breaths. Breathe into your heart space and know that all is well in this moment, even if it doesn’t seem so.

Think of 1 small thing that brought you joy today. Maybe it was the scent of freshly brewed coffee or baked goods. Maybe it was the string of fairy lights in a window. Maybe it was the scent of petrichor after the rain. Or maybe you noticed your favorite spring flowers blooming. Whatever it was, breathe it into your heart.

Sit, sip and stitch with me.