I've been going through my phone's gallery, trying to free up some space and the truth is, parting with certain memorable pictures and videos can hurt a bit. However, I stumbled on one picture and a wave of nostalgia swept through me.
It is a picture of my very first crochet project from four years ago. As a beginner who wanted to just learn how to crochet by herself, I struggled a whole lot. Whenever I look back at that time, I feel I may have been better off learning from someone who knew the ropes and could diligently guide me but hey, I did it on my own anyway.
It took me weeks from the start to the finish of my very first project using some scrap yarn that had been long forgotten. The yarn was stretchy, my palms sweaty and my crocheting tension was a mess but I slowly trudged ahead.
On completion of my very first project, my elder brother and friends all readily agreed to be my model. Of course the beanie wasn't their size and neither was the beanie up to standard but modelling the piece for me was their little way of showing that I have their full support and this was such a motivation.
If I could complete one project, then I certainly could do another, right? Almost immediately, I began making my second crochet piece which took longer than it should have taken as well but after that, I was on a roll.
I surfed the net daily, searching for crochet inspirations and basic things I could recreate. Luckily, I had all the time I needed.
Then came the Hive community. I will always attribute a large chunk of my primary motivation to the Hive community and how much people here supported me. I had early reservations about sharing my crochet projects here. I knew they were far from perfect and the last thing I wanted was for people to tell me to give or say something in the likes of “you're not good enough”. But like they say, you've got nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain, so I made the post and that was a turning point in my life.
As a creative, I initially started crocheting as a hobby. Crocheting not only became therapeutic, it was also a perfect way to while away the time.
A few months in and I was already dreaming big. I made my very first big project which were: a crochet blouse, cargo skirt, a beret and a pair of gloves to go with. It was a full outfit, one I loved very much.
At this point, I knew the possibilities were endless and if I was ready to keep going, something good may come out of this. I was right.
Soon enough, I got recommendations from friends and well-wishers to go commercial. I considered the pros and cons. The possibility of making beautiful pieces for people from all walks of life seemed like a beautiful idea. So I started a brand and I must say, that was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Oof, this throwback quickly turned into my full crochet origin story. But here is the heart of it: Thank you to everyone who has kept my passion alive, supported me along the way and to those who will cheer me on ahead. I'm truly grateful.
©TheKanian
Images used belong to me and were taken with my mobile device, except stated otherwise.