Welcome to my story of how crochet became a family tradition and a source of creativity and comfort. I hope it inspires you to start creating with what you have.
Welcome! This is my little space, where I want to share my experiences to encourage, inspire, and motivate you to create and be happy with what you make. I hope my story inspires you and helps you realize that you don’t need to spend a lot to start creating.
My First Encounter with Creativity
Snow. So much snow. It doesn’t fall as it used to when I was little. Outside, the years were passing after the fall of the Communist Empire, in the mid-90s. I was a child, spending most of my time with my grandmother in my country Republic of Moldova. It was a difficult time for my family and many others: many things were scarce, and not everyone could afford new clothes or expensive items.
Being the youngest of three siblings, I often stayed with my grandmother while the others helped my parents. In winter, there was one task that couldn’t wait: clearing the snow from the yard. If you didn’t do it every day, you could end up with your front door blocked! Besides the snow, we had to stack firewood in a dry place so we could burn it for warmth. I helped when I could, but most of the time, I stayed warm inside with my grandmother.
During winter, she worked with wool. Not with all the modern tools we have today! She used traditional methods. I remember those huge sacks full of sheep’s wool that she collected in the summer, exchanging it with neighbors for other goods. The wool was first cleaned, washed multiple times until the water ran clear, and then laid out in the sun to dry.
When autumn arrived, she started the carding process with two large iron combs with long, sharp teeth (which I found a little scary). She spent hours combing the wool until it turned into soft, fluffy clouds. And woe to me if I tried to dive into those sacks! (Of course, I did it anyway.)
Then came the most magical part: spinning. My grandmother took a wooden stick she had made herself, wrapped the wool around it, and, with the help of a spindle, began transforming the fluffy clouds into thin, strong thread. I could watch her for hours, mesmerized.
The spun wool was used to make socks for the whole family. And let me tell you, they were itchy! If you didn’t wear at least three pairs of cotton socks underneath, you’d feel it for sure.
But here’s the most interesting part: my grandmother, with the help of my father, made her own knitting needles. And guess what she used? Broken bicycle spokes! My father cut them, smoothed the ends to make them round, and voilà—knitting needles were ready. This way, my grandmother could knit without spending a penny.
And it was with these handmade needles that I knitted my first stitches.
One day, among her tools, my grandmother showed me a small metal hook that she used to finish her projects. It was her crochet hook, also made by my father from a bicycle spoke. Curious, I started playing with it, making chain stitches over and over.
Not long after, my older sister brought home some yellowed papers covered in strange symbols. They were crochet patterns! She, already in school, helped me understand them, and little by little, I learned to make my first doilies.
Back then, in Moldovan schools, there was a special subject: “Art Education.” Boys learned woodworking, while girls were taught sewing, knitting, and crochet. When it was finally my turn to attend these classes, I saw, for the first time, a collection of steel crochet hooks belonging to my teacher, Tatiana. She noticed I was struggling with my handmade crochet hook and decided to lend me one of hers. What a difference! I worked so fast, and my doilies took shape beautifully.
Not only that—I often helped my classmates who were struggling to finish their projects. I’d take their doilies, crochet a few rounds, and hand them back almost done. Thanks to me, many girls got better grades!
See? You don’t need much to start. I started with a bicycle spoke! Over time and with patience, I learned more techniques, and today, I continue to study to improve.
If you want to start creating, don’t give up at the first difficulty. With consistency and passion, you’ll be able to make your first scarf, your first sweater… and who knows, maybe even your first masterpiece!
This is my first article, and I leave it here, hoping it inspires you. I want to build a community where we can support and help each other. I invite you to be a part of it! 
Now, grab some yarn, a crochet hook (even a homemade one), and start creating. You won’t regret it!
If this story about how crochet found its way into my life resonated with you,I think you’ll love”The Power of Crochet.How Creativity With Your Hands Can Improve Life and Mind.
It’s gentle reminder of how making with our hands can bring peace,focus, and joy-even on the hardest days.
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