It all started back in 1977 or 1978 - my sister Teri taught me how to do the granny square. Of course, I didn't stick with crocheting then - I was in High School and had other things to do. But around 1982 when I was pregnant with my daughter, a friend of my husband refreshed my memory of how to crochet. I crocheted a few baby blankies for her but when she was born all of that went out the window. I think I was able to crochet only when she slept. Not alot got done. I then started working part-time for a car dealership that my husband worked at - still not alot of crochet was getting done. My next job was working full-time for an attorney. The only time to crochet was at night after E's bedtime - I always tried to squeeze in a couple hours - and I was always tired the next morning.
Fast forward to 1989 when I was pregnant with my son. I decided to quit working and stay home with the kids. I was very happy. I thought I would have all the time in the world. Wrong. My son did not sleep for the first 18 months of his life. If I was able to pick up my crochet work, it was only for a few stitches. Between taking care of my kids, the house and always making sure everyone was fed, I was just too exhausted to do anything else.
As my children grew, I was able to find more and more crochet time. It's good now.
I work part-time at a (different) car dealership and I always get to work about 10-15 minutes early. I sit in my car and crochet a granny square or hexagon. Tuesday thru Friday I also pick up my youngest grandson J from the school bus and watch him until his Dad or Mom gets home from work. While waiting for his bus, I crochet a granny square or hexagon. Sometimes I can get 3 or 4 squares or hexagons done in a day. After I'm done watching J, my time is mine. I can crochet for a little while until it's dinner time. I cook dinner, clean up, get showered for the next day, plop down on the couch and crochet some more. It's great.
So in conclusion - here are my crochet time management tips:
1. wait until your children are grown
- and -
2. always carry a crochet bag
:)
Such a fun post to read!!! I'm with you, carry hook and yarn wherever you may roam!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I only have 16 more years! :)
ReplyDeleteyes, that is exactly right. I always have a bag with hooks and yarn with me everywhere I go. Dr. office,before church, always waiting on someone, those little minutes really add up. And helps the Waiting time go by faster.
ReplyDeletebwahahaha! So true on waiting til the kids are older! I do try to get an hour in a night after they go to bed, but not every night. I am actually sitting here crocheting, while I read your blog post, and my kids are playing on their computer (but time is up! LOL) so off I must go and play ;)
ReplyDeletemade me smile..love your blog
ReplyDeleteWell written, Debi. And I totally agree...when the kids are little it's hard to find the time to crochet. I crocheted a bit back then, but nothing like I have time for now.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I'll be puppy-sitting while my dd's family is camping. I plan on crocheting during that time. Think I'll put an edging on some receiving blankets.
Right now I am off to work on some more crocheted play food for my granddaughter's BD present come July. All the pieces for chocolate cake are made. Now I just have to sew them together and stuff it.
Have a great day! :)
How true! I carry small projects in a zip lock bag in my purse like dishcloths. I call them "purse projects."
ReplyDeleteMs.Debi! You are such a sweetheart! Really..what a great post, always such a pleasure to read. You never waste a minute of your day :) I think I'm going to make up a few "bags"..one that I can leave in each of the trucks, and maybe even one just to grab if going with someone else. It's not like I never have more then one thing going at a time anyways :)
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing more of the personal stuff about you too, learn something new everyday. (I thought you had always worked) Thanks so much! Very much appreciated, take care! xx
Yes, those are the perfect tips. I hate getting caught somplace without my crochet, at least when I it with me it passes the time and gets something beauituful done at the same time.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your post Debi, I hope I don't need to wait until my little one is grown. lol. :-) I carry smaller projects with me too and my hubby will say, why did you bring your crochet? :-) Have a great evening.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds about like me! I taught myself to crochet somewhere around 1992 0r 93, then had kids and didn't pick it up again until my oldest was 12! And yes I do try to take yarn and hooks everywhere I go lol.
ReplyDeletegreat story .. I have bags with all my wips in, seperate of course..
ReplyDeleteChoose which one I feel like crocheting for the day :))
So true! I've always crocheted whilst watching TV, in the evening at night, but now, with all the time for myself, I can do that whenever I want. Of course, I had to wait like 18 odd years...LOL!
ReplyDeleteI agree I always carry a hook .i m often found in a queue crocheting whilst waiting to pay for shopping.
ReplyDeleteI have a small bag of yarn and a hook in my lunch bag (waterproofed, just to be safe). I'm normally at work 20-30 minutes early, mostly because if I leave my house even 5 minutes later than I do, traffic gets horrible and I chance being late for work. So I crochet before shift starts, sometimes crochet at lunch. Then the bag is still with me after work in case I need to stop for an appointment anywhere.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I cannot have children (unless a miracle happens) so I crochet most evenings too. I don't think I know how to watch TV without yarn and a hook in my hands...
Debi-what a great post! Well said! My youngest is now 9, and it is much easier than when they were little. However, I've always squeezed in crafting time. It was a little 'me' time tucked in and a relaxing outlet, even when they were little. Have an awesome day and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI spent many, many hours crocheting while my children trained or played at their sport. I had to occupy myself for up to 6 (or more) hours.
ReplyDeleteNice to read these details of your life, Debi.
ReplyDeleteSince a while I take along with me, while travelling, also crochet things and so I crochet in the train, in the hotelroom and so on. :-)
Bye, Lia