Tracey Smith is a teacher who taught herself to crochet as a stress relief. She shares a bit of her story here.
How did you learn to crochet?
I took a few crochet classes at my local JoAnn’s store. However, I am mostly self-taught through Internet videos.
Any favorite video instructors?
The Crochet Crowd rocks!
Why did you learn to crochet?
I am a teacher and was on holiday break from school. I wanted to find something to do as a stress relief as well as something that would enable to make homemade gifts for family and friends.
Did crochet offer the stress relief that you hoped?
Yes, it has been an amazing source of stress relief for me! Even better, it has opened up a whole new world of friends and contacts in the world of crochet. I never realized how many friends (both locally and online) that I would make as a result of this new hobby. I cherish them all.
Are you part of a crafting group?
I would love to find a local crochet grip but haven’t yet. I do participate in a few online Facebook groups for crochets. In general others online have been very helpful, especially when I was first learning and had a problem; I would post a picture and an experienced crocheter would help me figure out what the problem was and how to fix it.
Where do you crochet?
I like to crochet in the evenings while I watch TV.
You mentioned that you learned to make gifts for others. Do you still do that?
Yes. I do not sell any of my work. I make it all as gifts for friends, family and co-workers or sometimes I will make something for myself. It gives me great satisfaction to see what I have created and to hear how much others are enjoying the gifts I’ve given them.
What kinds of things do you like to crochet?
I like many different types of projects. What I make just depends on the mood that I’m in.
Do you do any other crafts?
I’ve tried knitting but I just never really got into it so it’s pretty much just crochet for me.
Have you taught crochet to anyone?
Not yet but as a natural born teacher I’m sure that I eventually will!
What else do you do for stress relief, in addition to crochet?
I have horses so riding and working with them is my other great source of healing. Interestingly, a lot of my riding friends are also avid crocheters!
Have they expressed anything about the benefits of crochet?
Many have said that it relieves their stress and of course I believe that!
Finish the sentence: “The number one reason that I crochet is ….
… “I enjoy it!”