This is an interview with Bonnie Hart, a crocheter who learned the craft from her mother, has passed it on to her grandson and finds that it is her go-to place for both relaxation and creativity. She says, “The number one reason that I crochet is the inner peace and contentment that I glean from it“.
When and how did you learn to crochet?
I learned to crochet as a child, probably around the age of ten. My Mother taught me; however rather than sitting beside her, I sat in front of her, so I don’t hold the hook or yarn or project like anyone else I’ve ever watched crochet! The back of my project is the front of another crocheter’s work! Nevertheless, I learned what I needed to learn to make things. Mother taught me the basic stitches, and I made a doll blanket with double crochet stitches. From there, I taught myself other stitches and went on to make many crochet afghans and various other items throughout the years.
What do you like about making crochet afghans?
I love doing repetitive projects, such as afghans, because they don’t take a lot of thought to follow the pattern. They allow my mind to relax. I do make other things though. I enjoy making things for others and will sometimes follow a pattern, like one for crochet baby booties, which I enjoy doing because it’s a new way to make something for a precious one!
So you enjoy crocheting for others?
Yes. I crochet for loved ones, friends, and coworkers. I love sharing of myself through something I have made! I also crochet some items for sale.
Have you ever taught someone else to crochet?
YES! my grandson, who is now 12 years old has shown an interest in my yarn and crocheting since he was a small fella. He’s always had a skein of yarn to use, and I got him a couple crochet hooks and taught him to crochet a chain. When he was 8 or so, he told me he wanted to learn how to make it look like something instead of just a chain, so I taught him the double crochet stitch. He has crocheted several bookmarks and dish rags! He is left handed and since I don’t hold the hook in the traditional way, he holds it differently also – but the end result is the same!
It’s so nice how crochet gets passed through the generations. Do you usually crochet at home?
I am usually at home, in my living room chair, crocheting in the evening and either listening to music or watching TV. I will also crochet in the car if I’m on a trip and am not the one driving. For a time I was on a more limited income and therefore had to make careful decisions about when to get yarn. I usually had a small tub that I kept my yarn in and limited myself to only having an amount that would fit into the tub. The last few years I have been more able to get yarn when I find sales and now have a shelf where I store it, as well as having several projects stored in drawers all the time. I was married in June 2013 so my husband is usually with me when I crochet. He is very supportive of my crocheting. I think he realizes at least in part how therapeutic it is for me – and in turn then for him!
How is crochet therapeutic for you?
For me, crocheting is the “place” where I am able to relax and create. For many years now I have always had a project sitting beside my chair and anytime I sit down, I pick it up. I find a sense of contentment and peacefulness when I am able to sit and crochet. It has become a part of my nightly routine! Years ago when I was fortunate enough to be a stay at home Mom, I would set aside 30 minutes to an hour at the end of most days for crochet time, time that was “me time”. It always seems to bring me back to my center and it always helps me to retain my focus for the rest of the day’s events. No matter the events of the day, sitting down and picking up my crochet project, I am once again centered and able to sort through my thoughts and the days events. I feel that my crocheting is a ministry, both to me and the recepient of the item. My husband says just watching me crochet is relaxing to him!
Do you consider yourself a part of the craft community?
I am a part of a couple crochet groups on Facebook, and I also receive emails from some groups that share information and crochet patterns. I am also part of a correspondence group that sends “happy” mail each week to senior citizens; (it’s called Hearts 4 Seniors) I have crocheted items for birthday gifts or Christmas gifts for seniors who are a part of that group. I find myself praying for God’s blessings on them as I crochet the item, so it’s sort of a prayer shawl.
Do you enjoy any other crafts / hobbies?
I do needlepoint, cross stitch and plastic canvas crafts. However, for me crochet is the one hobby that always brings me the most contentment. I really enjoy being busy and feeling that I’m productive. Crochet helps with that. In addition to crochet, I make sure to take good care of myself by eating (mostly) health, getting exercise and just letting myself feel the feelings that I feel!