I'm with you on never crocheting or knitting for people who don't appreciate it. I gifted a very complicated baby blanket to a close relative a few years back. She had picked it out, so I gladly spent dozens of hours on all the colorwork. A couple weeks later, I stumbled across it at a local thrift store!!! Needless to say, I bought it and have kept it for myself as a lap blanket. I'll never make anything for that ungrateful witch ever again!
@@symoneprice798 It came up when she had her next child, and I didn't offer to knit anything. Her dad asked if I was going to offer, and I said no. He asked why, and I just stared straight at his daughter when I replied, "because I found the last one at the thrift store." The other family members present hadn't realized the blanket had been hand knit, which I took as a compliment on my skill, so it was a whole explanation and drama fest. The wretch and her husband were both publicly embarrassed, which felt a lot better than it probably should've! 😆
I crocheted a blanket for my grandmother that was based on her Tartan (she was of Scottish heritage) as a Xmas gift. She burst into tears when I gave it to her (happy tears). It made the many hours worth it.
@@EliseRoseCrochetI also love how you didn’t shame anytime for wearing those clothes- but mainly I love that you included the article of the bikini shirts- thank you for sharing resources for folks! (I won’t be using it but still I appreciate your kindness in this video)
Yes, I think we have to listen what our heart say including in crocheting :) without underestimating others. From the list above I only choose bucket hat and grocery bag to make. For bag I always put inner to make it stronger and not for heavy duties but only to carry 3-4 item. It is not practical though but I love it so much. 😊
Your blanket comments hit a note for me. My grandmother crocheted afghans for my 3 children when they were little. Full size afghans, not baby blankets. My mom told me to “save” them for my children to “ keep them nice” so they languished in a storage bag for many many years. I finally gave them to the kids but I felt like they could have been enjoyed all those years.
My grandmother made twin-size bed Afghans for each of her 13 grandchildren when most of us were teenagers, but there were a few small grandchildren too. I still have mine, and use it when the weather is cold enough to put an extra blanket on the bed. It's made of red heart super saver, and it seems to be indestructible! One of my cousins got a granny square Afghan which started to unravel. I repaired it for her a couple years ago.
I would say you’ll get more joy out of using them than storing them. I just think about my great grandmother’s quilts that only came out if we had company. They were made for double size beds. As an adult I only sleep in a king size. So if my parents thought they’d save them for me, they thought wrong. They should have been used when we had the appropriate size beds. Maybe they’ll end up in a museum someday because they are pristine.
@@ElainefromPenguinPlaceCrafts that's wild! happy early birthday! so happy to hear that if i make my projects correctly they should last for a really long time!
I love that this isn’t like a “these things are so horrible“ video but instead you just talk about what you like and why you dont like certain things for yourself this was lovely to watch ❤
I’ve made blankets for my house in my favorite colors. I feel so good about them because I made them with my favorite colors. It’s like a hug to myself
Yeah I feel that last one. Learned that the hard way. When my brother and his wife were expecting their first baby, I made several beautiful baby items for the photos (she is a professional family photographer, I thought she’d love them) and also a toddler size cardigan and matching hat. I never saw any photos of the baby in the items and I had to practically beg for a photo in the cardigan when she grew into it. It broke my heart. I wish people understood the thought and the time that goes into handmade gifts.
I felt that way at first about my crochet projects but thankfully my children helped me get over it. Lol! Nothing survives them. I've come to enjoy the craft and the making far more than what I actually made.
And the cost. Cashmere yarn can be as expensive as buying a finished product. Add in the time taken to make the item and it can really add up. I make for me only. If someone says “oh, I love that. Could you make me one?” I offer the item they’re talking about. If they take it, fine. If not, so be it. Or I tell them the cost of the yarn and they back out.
@@caracunningham9210yeah. I saw on Amazon people take advantage of charisma cashmere yarn and sell one skein for up to 20 bucks. While regular yarn is sold for the regular price on there. Just another reminder to shop for yarn in person.
This is why I don't crochet for relatives. They tend to think gifting something you made is being cheap, even if every skein is hand dyed and had to sell a kidney to pay for it
The just sleeve shrug thing is so great for nursing moms at night! Keeps our arms and shoulders warm while letting everything else hang out for baby haha
That's smart. My only excuse is that my medication makes me sweat buckets while my arms and shoulders are freezing. And it's not an either-or thing, both happen at the same time. I'll give into a silly trend if only for the sake of my water bill and not smelling like someone's gym bag.
Those sweaters are just what I’m looking for. My arms get cold, but my torso is too hot, so I’m sweating like crazy. Or in the summer, when I need to keep my skin covered, as sunlight is painful, but a full sweater is too hot. I would love to make a sleeves only sweater!
Also good for nursing home residents, though I’d choose a pattern that was open in the front. They are also a nice alternative to shawls for dress occasions.
I've never knitted/croched anything for other people before this experience, but I'm an artist and I painted a card for my ex (took me close to 6 hours) and then I saw it next week on the floor all scratched up from dirt on that floor, thats when I realised I'm not making anything ever again for others without them asking me first and me clarifying that its a lot of work Thankfully my now fiancé appreciates my work a lot more than anyone else ever did, every card I ever made and sent him is displayed, the little 3d printed figurine is displayed on his pc and the little croched fox I made him as a surprise he put right next to his keyboard. It's so nice to have someone appreciate your work to that extent ❤️
So disheartening he did that to your card. :/ I made my ex partner a box once and painted it with a video game reference and even though I'm free from talent when it comes to painting and it looked like it was made by a child, they kept it on display and used it.
The mesh shrugs and sweaters are actually super practical! I am someone who iver heats easily and has sensory issues when exposed to warm temps but i also often feel anxious and uncomfortable when i am not “ covered” so the mesh shrugs are a perfect middle ground
I really felt that last one, I have a close friend who thought it was awsome that I was learning to knit and crochet, so I took some time and made her a long and super soft scarf with a simple border. I gave it to her and it seemed like she liked it, wasnt super excited or anything, but seemed to think it was neat. But then I went over to her house and I saw it laying on the floor under other junk covered in cat hair :'( it really upset me so now Im super selective about who I gift projects to
I've noticed that many people who know nothing about crafts see a handmade gift as "inferior", like when children who don't have money draw a picture or make a collar from pasta... Once I went shopping with a friend, she saw lovely knitted dresses for her daughter but, strapped for cash as she was, she said "If I only knew someone who can knit, they could make them for cheaper." I explained to her how expensive yarn is and how much work goes into every project, that's why handmade items cost much more that mass-produced ones. It was an eye-opener for her. And I knitted two dresses for her daughters for Christmas, they loved them! She's now my best friend and I love making things for her, because she really appreciates them. But as to the cats... She was cold at work so I crocheted her a wrap - that now serves as blanket in the cat basket. But it's because for an unknown reason her cats fell in love with it, when she takes it they follow her around the house, and when she goes out with it they sit at the door and cry😼 I'm not angry because I clearly see the cats appreciate my work, as does my friend. I made her another one and she keeps it hidden... She's also a bit like Elise: I love crocheting towels, washcloths, potholders and similar, made her several but they only serve as decorations. She's afraid they'd get dirty🤣
Omg cats just adore yarn 🧶 omg 😱 Our old lady cat is ok with it now and barely touches it anymore well…….my husband found her wrapped up in a few of my projects I left out lol I make my cats toys out of yarn and every single cat loves them including the friends kitties too Anyway our new cat is learning the ropes And my dogs love my yarn blankets and it drives me crazy So what I did was I wet to a bunch of yard stores and thrift stores and bought tons of baby blankets and lap blankets that were just fabric due to our dog at the time having bad issues so we would just toss the blankets that were bad We got a lot of them for $1 or a few bucks no big deal Anyway I’m the same way I made 7 blankets for Xmas one year while working I was staying up till midnight working on these blankets full size blankets and they ended up on the floor and then at least one got lost 😡 and that was that never again only for my Kids and husband and if someone wanted to pay me and that still hasn’t happened People are very sad They don’t value our work
@@barborahedbavna8170 That is so very true. I love making craft stuff for people and love receiving things as well. I keep all my hand made cards even the ones just drawn on a sheet of paper because I know someone gave me the precious gift of time. Mind you there is no way on earth I would have put a coat or vest on one of our cats. I would have lost the battle and it would have been a trip to A&E, bless their furry selves. I like crocheting infinity or Mobius scarfs and big cowls to keep out the winter cold. Fortunately my friends seem to appreciate them. I also love knitting socks (my daughter-in-law loves hers) and one friend laughingly took a photo of me knitting as I propped up a wall in a bus station whilst I waited for a long haul coach to arrive. Knitting and crochet are international, have a project on the go as you travel and it will often bring a new friend who wants to chat. One chat went like this, I'm knitting socks and Albanian woman is asking questions (she's an avid knitter, socks included) she speaks in Albanian to her friend, who speaks in Russian to my friend who speaks in Bulgarian to her daughter, who speaks to me and back and forth it went. Memories are made of knitting and crochet.
@@barborahedbavna8170 Your friends cats remind me of my dog. My sister was crocheting a blanket and he just loved the yarn. Whenever she was working on it he came running. So she made him a sweater and he totally loves it. I’m sure he knows it was made just for him!
my little sister started crocheting during quarantine and for my birthday/christmas that year she made me a pink teddy bear with a music box inside, she recorded a lyric of a song i absolutely adore and when i opened my gift i literally burst into tears. it now sits on my shelf with all of my favourite lil trinkets and the only reason i don’t sleep with it is because i’m so scared of ruining it 😅 so yeah, i understand the ‘not giving it to someone who wouldn’t appreciate it’ because one of her friends started asking her to make her some tops and then got mad when they didnt fit perfectly or if the yarn wasnt of the best quality. i absolutely despise people like that
I had a friend who would turn her nose up at handmade gifts. In her opinion, they weren't real gifts. It broke my heart when I found her son's baby blanket (that I worked on for weeks) in the bottom drawer of her guest room dresser still in pristine condition when her son was 7.
Wow what a stupid thing to say. If anything, handmade gifts are "the only" real gifts, since they are 100% unique and crafted by the very own hands of a person who loves you... How heartless you must be to not appreciate that!
@@martamork5858 sadly, some people have shifted over to the "cost = amount of love/care" way of thinking, and for some reason don't think cost of materials counts :/
@@martamork5858 I made my mom gloves for Christmas whole everyone else bought some for her she only wears mine, that proves handmade gifts are still appreciated by certain people
My close friend at the time gave me back the blanket I had made for her son and my daughter, who is named after that friend also gave me back the items I had made for my grandson. I kept my grandsons blanket so he could have it for when he has a child. People are just not cool sometimes.
I love that everything was basically "this is really cute, just not for me" and you even gave links for how to make them! Very respectful and sweet video❤
I made both of my daughters a queen size blanket for their beds. They were HUGE! I don’t have ac and started working on them in the summer. They were Christmas gifts. NEVER AGAIN!
Love all of your reasons for not crocheting the projects you mentioned. Laughed at several. Don't think I would ever crochet something for the bathroom like a basket to hold washcloths or other supplies or a cover for toilet paper. I want things in my restroom that can easily be sanitized. I'd want to wash them all the time.
I took two years to crochet a quilt. The squares 2" squares were crocheted in hot weather and stitched together in cold weather. It disappeared along with a few other treasured items when one of my family members moved across country.
The last one hit home hard. I'm crochet beautiful, durable items and I'm also an excellent seamstress. When my brother and his wife were expecting their first baby, I made a gorgeous set for the baby bed. I used a white background with little sailor bears all over it. The back was bright royal blue with white stars and I used red piping. I even made a diaper holder. I mailed it and my sister-in-law mailed it back saying it was too dark but she kept the diaper holder because she needed one and could be hidden away. The time and money I put into it was unbelievable. I was so heartbroken that when I ran into a young pregnant girl at the apartment complex that was expecting a boy, I gave it to her. At least she was thrilled. After that, I never made anything for my nephews and didn't even send the one of a kind baby quilts I made them. I even stopped crocheting blankets for our grandchildren because our daughter would let them get dirty or peed on by their cats. She would throw them away instead of cleaning them because I could always make them more. It doesn't make sense in causing yourself heartache when the person you make the gifts for cannot appreciate them or take care of them.
Thank you. It was hard but I've learned to make things for those that appreciate it and dnate a lot of items for those that need it or are used in auctions to raise money for worthy causes.
@@memmie1104 When making items for someone specific it's a good idea to find out what they like first. A lot of people won't use things -- bought OR handmade -- that don't go with their style and existing colors. Pretty tacky of her to keep the one item because it could be "hidden" though! Glad you found someone who enjoyed it!
I am sitting here in tears because I thought I was the only one whose daughter in law and grands did not appreciate the effort not to mention the expense/time expended. Doesn't matter now cuz I am pretty much blind and I do not see these people. Still, your comment made me feel better, oddly enough because others were treated in a similar way. Thank you.
The "Just sleeves" are actually based on arm warmers often worn by ballet dancers, and been around for generations. My kid sister had one but it wasn't netted, it was full on sweater sleeves. She wore it to keep her arms warm without having to wear a full on bulky sweater during dance class, which wasn't allowed anyway. The way it's made keeps the sleeves from sliding down, like they would if arm warmers were made the way leg warmers are.
Ooooh this is so interesting! Im planning on making one for me cos I love dancing when we get together with friends to party. I usually go with layers and as I dance I take them off. Its a bit annoying to take some out then on again as I go out for a break of fresh air or just stop dancing for a bit. I think a layer like that would be perfect as I already use a crop top like it
That's _exactly_ how I used them! In ballet class! It's too warm to wear a sweater or blouse which also covers the body and it's difficult to correct the alignment. So these sleeve things are perfect!
I like making Historical Temperature blankets, not current year ones. I made blankets using the data for the years my niece and nephew were born and let them pick the yarn, which made it fun & even more personal. I used the data that corresponded with the first year of their lives and they both love their blankets. The next one I am making is going to be using the data for the first year of my marriage. :)
you know... that is actually an interesting idea! I think I would love to do that, especially if I incorporate the colors my husband and I used for our wedding!
So happy to hear that I'm not the only one to NOT make bed sized blankets. I gave up on crochet several times when I was younger because I compared myself to my grandmother who only made blankets... everything from baby blankets to bed sized blankets and in between. I just can't make myself do large projects like that. Came back to crochet and just made my daughter a beanie, now making myself a tote bag, and have a list of small projects I want to make and I'm finding it so refreshing and relaxing!
See I’m the total opposite! I’d rather just get into the groove of long, straight lines of crochet and make a blanket to zen out. Small projects with lots of different steps stress me out 🤣
Same, I gave up crochet the moment I started a sweater. Now I just do amigurumis or small things (like granny squares and one day I will make something out of my granny squares)
Yeah, my projects as a kid were all attempts at blankets that I would quit only a few rows in each time. I’m able to take on some bigger projects these days (like sweaters) but a full size blanket is still daunting
The last one. I was once making something for my sister as a surprise. I thought she'd think it was really cute. She found it before I was done and, not knowing it was meant to be her Christmas present proceeded to belittle my lack of talent. Ooof.😊
@inihilisme1511 she's not a bad person, she just has a lack of appreciation for the crafty stuff. Plus it was nearly 25 years ago by now and I'd hope to think our entire relationship wouldn't crash over a stuffed bear in a hat.
I spent months as a teenager crocheting a special wedding ring blanket for my elder sister when she got married. I have been crocheting since I was 5. I used my own money from my part job to buy the quality cashmere yarn, bought the pattern, and worked on it after school every evening when she was not around. I was so pleased with the end result and was confident she would be so pleased with it. Wow was I wrong. She gave it to our Mother the following week and told me next time don’t bother giving her a gift if I could not afford to buy something from the shop. I was so hurt and absolutely outraged, it is 38 years on and I am still hurt and angry over it. Mom kept it tucked away while I calmed down. My English teacher, who was my home room teacher and my study hall teacher had seen me working on it when I had free time close to the wedding as I was desperate to finish, wash and block it before the actual wedding day. She had fallen in love with it and was working up the courage to ask if she could hire me to make one for her Grandson and his fiancé. She asked how much my Sister loved the blanket, all excited to hear about such a special gift. I was embarrassed because I burst into tears, thank goodness it was just her and I in the room at that moment! I told her what happened, she gave me a hug and said well, if she doesn’t want it would you like to sell it? I told her she could have it, I never wanted to see that thing again. She asked how much I wanted and I insisted nothing.so I brought it to school the next day and gave it to her, still insisting I wanted nothing for it. She took it and about a week later I received a beautiful thank you card from her and a check for $250!!! 😮 (that is a lot of money even now, but this was in the 80’s it was a HUGE amount). I ended up keeping the money after a lot more arguing lol and I went on to make baby blankets for her great grand babies a few years later, as well as a lap blanket for her when she retired. I never made my sister ANYTHING after that and never will despite her asking me to make things once her friends were so shocked I crocheted and knitted. She started taking orders from them and expecting me to make them for these people for free, nope didn’t happen. I told her I would be happy to teach her so she could make them for her friends but unless they paid for the, I was not doing it. I made things for free for friends and family only. She ended up paying me to make the things she had promised lol 😈🤣 My mother insisted I should just charge her for the yarn but I refused. I probably would have done just that had she not hurt me so much, but I am a petty person when someone hurts me. So petty in fact that I charged her $3 an hour plus costs to make the items 🤣 mom understood my pettiness but tried to teach me to rise above it rather than teaching my sister to actually have consideration for others, etc. so all this time later I still do not feel guilty in the least. 🤣😉 As for making blankets for beds, I have no issue doing it for theirs f that is what they want but I made one for my husband about ten years ago. It was for a queen sized bed. Holy **** that thing was so doggone heavy that the only way I would make another for us to use would be f I did it was sport weight yarn or crochet thread. It weighs you down and you can hardly move and certainly not without a lot of effort. So I am with you n blankets for beds. And the one I made for hubby? Ot comes with us when we go on a vacation in Scotland where we live now, when our dog comes with us. Her bed is too chunky to bring, so the blanket gets folded into a bed for her and she just loves it. It is easy to wash (well relatively). I had made it in acrylic yarn as yarn is soooo expensive in Scotland. So I can put it in the dryer to get all the dog hair off it when we return home. She is a lab so sheds all year round. Some family came over from the US to surprise me for my 50th and I kept complaining as I was vacuuming that Nutmeg’s hair got everywhere, one said it is not hair, it is glitter, so we now refer to all the shedded hair as Nutmeg glitter 🤣 I agreed with most of your other never’s also. The reusable bag was the only me I disagreed. We live 2 hours from the nearest proper grocery store and so we go shopping once a month or two. We have a small shop, like the size of a gas station convenience store back home in the US, about 12 miles away and they carry the absolute basics. So we do big shops as well. And you have to pay for your bags (works out to about 25 cents a bag). So most folks, including us, just. Ring our own bags. I have a variety of bag types depending on the weight and things. But I use these bags for produce, bakery items, Chips (or crisps as they are called over here as chips are fries), eggs, etc. all the fragile or lightweight things that you want to keep from putting heavier stuff on or that bp real easily, or get squished. It makes life so much easier as it is easy to identify them and put them in the car where they won’t get damaged. I make small ones instead of using plastic for putting loose produce in also. It is light weight and works great at farmers markets as they can zero out the weight of the bags. I have made a couple other more enclosed shopping bags, similar to crocheted shoulder bags, for using when we go to farmer markets, garden shows, etc. I have recycled fibre boards , glued some left over fabric all over it to use as an insert and with double thick cotton yarn or double thick twine (macrame cord works well too), I made a bag just a wee bit bigger than the fabric covered plywood/fibre board. This way if the bag gets cruddy, I take the misery out and throw the bag in the washer while hosing down the insert to put in the sun to dry quickly. I usually make a thick, double strand cotton I-cord for the handle so it does not stretch and stitch the i-cord around the edges top and bottom as well as along the sides to reinforce the bag. Recently I have, however, begun buying fake leather handles as I am not all that keen on making I-cords lol.
@@EliseRoseCrochet Thank you, she truly was. It is quite funny, she was the most feared teacher in the high school, everyone thought because she was very strict that she was mean. But she was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. ❤️
Your story gave me all the feels! I would have charged her way more than $3/hr (I'm clearly more petty). I love your teacher. I'm so glad I read your comment.
@@caramiahunter-hope5019 aww, thank you! Lol had I been older, I would have charged her much more 🤣 she still asks once in awhile how much I would charge to make something and I make sure it is eye watering lol, and then offer to teach her. But she never takes me up on it. I have made baby blankets for her 2 kids, and for their kids. And have taught my Niece how to crochet. I have been amazed, within 30 minutes of showing her a ss, ch and an sc, she was making her first blanket and she seemed to have a natural talent for keeping even tension! It was amazing! She is now making different beanies, toques and ear warmers to sell for winter and making a pretty good profit. But she only works with chunky yarn and a big hook so it does not take long. Last time I saw herI was working on an intricate lace tablecloth. I was using a 0.75mm hook and she gave it a try and declared she was not advance enough to use fine yarn, lol as it took far too long to make. My teacher was amazing and just so kind and generous! I think everyone deserves at least one supportive, kind and generous person like her in their life. She turned what would have likely been a bitter bone of contention into something that warms my heart every time I think of what she did for me. I am happy that you were happy to read it. Thank you!! I hope you are keeping well! ❤️
i love the pettiness (sorry not sorry) 😂😭 in my case, my older sis is the one encouraging me to sell my crocheted pieces while my friends expect them free of charge 🥲
I know Toni from TL Yarn Crafts chose a significant year in her life for her temperature blanket and is using the temperatures from that year. Selecting an already completed year can allow you to work on a temperature blanket whenever you like with no guilt. Also, I will likely never crochet a chunky sweater/ cardigan or mesh/ incredibly see-through wearables, as they are not my style, and I like to have coverage.
The tops that are more open are great for an accent with a shirt underneath. Just recently found a crop top that was mesh with bell sleeves. Im going to make it and leave the front open and use it over camisoles with my Darn Good Yarn recycled sari fabric skirts
Every cat is different, naturally. I also have a grey fur baby, and she's SO aggressive. Unless she's wearing a sweater! I bought a shirt for my sister's dog, and the dog didn't like it/was too small, so as a joke and to see what would happen, I put it on No.3113. All of a sudden, this demon nightmare of a cat was gentle, tender, kind, and happy. My hypothesis is that she has anxiety and the sweaters/shirts help her feel more secure in her body.
You accidentally gave her a thundershirt! We had a grey cat with anxiety and we used a thundershirt with him. We bought the proper thundershirt specially designed for anxiety, though. They are mostly used for dogs during thunderstorms, but they can work for both dogs and cats that are anxious about anything.
That last one hits home! I knit my 8 year old a beautiful hat only for her to decide she "doesn't wear hats" any more when I gave it to her. I vowed Id never make her anything again, but shes my kid so Im working on a dress for her. She said she likes it so far this time 😂
I still remember (25 years ago !) a guy in my primary school. Whole class was kinda jealous of his pullover handmade by his grandma, with a movie character. I even asked my grandma to knit one for me, and couldn't understand that she indeed could knit a little, but couldn't knit clothes This kid's reaction to our "waaaaaw" : "meh". 25 years ago, I can't even remember what kind of clothes myself had, but I still remember very well his pullover. 😂
Speaking of very large projects, one day maybe 20 years ago while browsing through Joannes yarn department, I picked up a leisure arts booklet for a sampler Afghan. I think it has 63 squares, and each square is a different stitch and pattern, and each square is about 8 in.². The color is suggested for ecru, sage green, and rose, at the time I love the colors, but by the time I finished, I wasn’t so crazy about it. I would put it away for years at a time, but then about two years ago, I dragged it out and counted out my squares and was dismayed to find I wasn’t even halfway through! But I started on it again and within a couple of months I finished all the squares! But then came the joining! But first I discovered blocking because every square was misshapen and some were larger than others but when I steam blocked them, they all turned out perfect! After I joined them all, then I had to do the edging, so it was quite a project but now that it’s finished my husband looked at it and asked who it was for and I said well, do you want it and he said yes I love it so I gifted it to him! It sits on our couch, so it can be grabbed on a chilly TV night. So don’t give up on your projects, just put them away for a while and you never know when you get the interest to pick them up again and end up with a beautiful heirloom project. I’m 69 now and I started this probably 20 years ago.
I think I have that same pattern. I actually gave the book away when I finally realized I was never going to do it. Then a friend of mine found a copy at a library sale. Not knowing the history, she bought it for me. I’m going to have to make it now at some point. It’s meant to be 😂
I have had that book for probably 20-30 years. I’ve never made that blanket, but I’ve made several blankets using one of the blocks that can be enlarged to a baby blanket size.
I have the same book and every time I am thinning my patterns dither as to wether it should go. I always keep it saying someday … I’m 73 and I suspect someday Is not coming
ive crocheted since i was 7, but my sister started learning when she was 15. she didn't want to make any dolls or clothes at first, so she insisted on making an 8 ft by 6 ft temperature blanket for her very first project. 8 months later, she made it.
I’ve been crocheting for 60 years. If I can image it I can make it. I so agree with every single one of the “never projects” on your list,! I’ve hand many people break my heart over gifted projects. My on exception is a couple of years ago I did make a crochet short at the request of some older women at my church to gift to our pastor as a gag gift. It became the most popular and most liked photo on my Facebook. 😂
I agree with all of your choices. One I personally don't like doing is the Chevron blanket. To me, it's a tedious pattern. Not complicated, but very tedius. My grandmother made dozens of these blankets for the grandchildren back in the 1970s. I still have mine. I hate it when people ask me, "Can you make me a twin size blanket?" I am like, uh, NO.
I love that you have expressed your opinions with your valid reasons without saying everyone should feel the same way. We should all do that. The thing I don’t ever want to do is amigurumi projects. I hate, hate making tiny thing with small pieces that have to be sewn together and stuffed. People are all the time wanting me to crochet small animals or Star Wars characters (ugh!) and I just can’t bring myself to do it. As you said, if it becomes a chore, it’s not a hobby.
I totally understand the amigurumi thing. I have a bear and a rocking horse in my WIP'S for the last 30 years that are probably never going to get finished. I much prefer triangle shawls. If I need instant gratification I crochet bags, pouches, hair ties, etc.
I made these little octopuses you can turn inside out, and it was SUCH a chore. You have to use a too small hook for the yarn, or else the surface won’t be dense enough to not show stuffing. And it’s 100 % single crochets - which are just the worst. Sc takes ages to complete…
I understand the 'not wanting to use/ruin' a large blanket, but I got over that quick once I finished one. It's so cozy under a massive blanket. Also, loved seeing Catventurous Crochet get a little shoutout here by being included as examples! She's such a sweetheart and her stuff is so cute! It always depends on the cat for those sweater projects. Some don't mind and some REALLY mind.
As long as the cats wear them only for posing for the pictures, all is well. But for a normal hairy cat it is bad for their health. It might be fine for a hairless cat......
A project must bring me joy and excitement to make it. In today’s environment, yarn and your time are to precious to waste. I can’t see myself doing a temperature blanket either.
that last one point is so relatable. I made my mom a pillow and she asked me if this was all that she was getting for Christmas. Needless to say, I was destroyed.
I made a warm bottle cover for MIL, and she immediately put it next to the trash can in her kitchen and never used it. Maybe one, I'll just take it back, I'm petty like that. Thank god it's removable, so I can definitely wash it! Btw sorry, your pillow wasn't appreciated 😕
I've made so many projects for step mom - as gifts and one item that she asked me to make and I had to actually write a pattern for as I couldn't find one (before the Internet). I've never seen any of the items again. I actually found out that the item she asked me to make FOR HER had been given to one of her sons wives. I won't make that mistake again!
That's rude to do that! 😢 At least she could have told you that she would give the items to someone else. Then you could deside if you really wanted to crochet the items for her.
@@pyenygren2299 I was very disappointed that she did that, especially since I don't usually work with lace-weight cotton, let alone create the pattern 🤯. That's just how she is. I'm going to make sure that I get all of that stuff when the day comes that she dies (I'm not in a hurry for that at all). Have a lovely day!
You're so respectful and light-hearted, you give your own reasons why you'll never crochet something but gives us hints in case we actually like it and want to do ❤
I agree with the shorts. I made a pouf for my daughter with 100% cotton t-shirt yarn and it was really fun. For the inside, I used an old pillow case, then I took a sheet of hard pink packing foam and cut two circles. In between the circles I stood six crystal light drink mix containers. Duct taped it all together. Put it in the pillow case, then filled in the gaps with stuffing, and closed up the pouf around it all. it really turned out great, and has lots of support and has kept its shape nicely. I wish I could attach some photos.
I agree! Make only patterns you love and yarn you love and colors you love! It's a hobby, it's for your own enjoyment. Thank you for another fun video.
I made a birthday gift for someone and they didn’t appreciate at all…I kindly took it back and will never make that person anything else again!! Some people just don’t appreciate the skill, time, or cost of handmade gifts / items. Their lost.
@@EliseRoseCrochet I've luckily never experienced this! The closest I came was a friend losing a scarf I made him, he was so upset he paid for more wool and begged for a new one! I Guess I have been very lucky!
It's heartbreaking when you spend your time finding the perfect yarn colours and pattern 😢 I was sick in the hospital and made a beautiful brightly-coloured shell blanket for my step granddaughter, Easter gift, step daughter got mad at me over something silly and she gave the blanket away to someone else ... that hurt so much so that I now make blankets and shawls for the elderly who are in homes ... it brings happy tears to me when I see their faces light up with a smile 💞💞
Another suggestion for making reusable grocery bags, you can find sewing patterns make them out of the big dog food bags. Our pantry is full of the ones my mom made years ago and they're SUPER sturdy
I recently had my first experience with gifting one of my handmade items to someone who ended up giving it to their cat as a cat toy (which it CLEARLY wasn't meant or made for) and I was a little surprised at how intensely my anger and resentment spiked. I now am writing up a disclaimer for all my future projects/gifts that explains that my handmade items are not pet toys or toys for young children. I still feel a spike of rage every time I think about the person who took my handmade item that I spent time and money on and gave it to their damn cat. Like, I want it back now please... and I also worry about anything repercussions if anything were to happen to that cat because of the toy (i.e., they swallowed the yarn, they swallowed a safety eye or ingested some of the stuffing, etc.) which results in an expensive vet visit. I in no way want to be held responsible for that nonsense.
I once made a scarf for someone who gave it back to me a few months later in a bag of hand-me-downs for the kids. I gave it back to them again the next Christmas. They pretended to like it all over again.
@@jennamakesbugs that made me laugh out loud! I'm sorry all the time you spent on making that scarf for them wasn't appreciated though. But at the very least, you saved time, effort and money on them the next Christmas.
Girl. I had a store bought crochet bikini when I was TWELVE. It was white with rainbow stripes. I adored it. And TWELVE was the last time I had a figure where I could consider wearing a crochet bikini. LOL. Agree with your whole list! :D
Oh my god I have a horror story. My mom made me an adorable little crochet bikini when I was 11 and I wore it to the pool and as soon as it got wet is just absolutely drooped and was completely falling off and everything was on full display 😂 horror story. But now, even though I know how to pre-treat yarn to avoid that sort of thing, I would NEVER wear a crochet bathing suit.
are they for actual swimming? or just...being small tops? cos everything I know about the properties of conventional swimwear fabric doesn't match up with the properties of any crochet fabric I've seen or made.
The last one hit hard. My sister was into those ball joint dolls and wanted a cute knitted sweater for one. She said since grandma taught me how to knit I should make one. I was in my mid twenties and the last time I knit with grandma was when I was 10 and all I did was 5 inches of a straight knit scarf, so no, I did not know how to knit. But I love my sister so I jump on to youtube and learn how to knit and make a doll sweater with a cable front pattern. I was so proud. Took it over to my sister beaming with pride. She was packing up stuff to make room for the baby and said thank you. Then proceeded to throw it into a box right there and then and stuffed it into her closet. I never got to see it on one of the dolls.
I’ve made like 3 of those shrugs and I actually get so much use out of them! I find them really perfect for that transitional time where it’s not too cold and not too hot. It’s all about personal style 🥰
They also have a lot of artistic potential. I had made spiderweb ones and Ive been planning to make one with leafy sleeves and flowery shoulders. Easy thing to slip over a tee shirt and brighten up your outfit
I had the same reasons for not crocheting a temperature blanket plus being anxious I won't get to use certain colours. Then a friend said "why don't you just do the last year" and they were so right for that. It solves basically all the problems that I had at least and I'm on my third temperature blanket now.
I think discussions like this in craft circles is so useful. We can be ambitious people but there's only so much time in a lifetime, so having some discernment about what projects we choose to take on is kind of like it's own skill that augments whatever arts and crafts we do. It's also great that our individual discernments are different, so everyone makes a variety. So while one person can't crochet everything in a lifetime, a bunch of humans over history can encompass a whole world of possibilities by all tackling different realms and styles.
I started a temperature blanket for my very first crochet project using a moss stitch. I figured only having to do a row a day didn’t seem overwhelming and, occasionally, I’ll let it get behind and do several rows in a day because crocheting is so soothing for my anxiety. So I get the “overwhelm” thing! I love your page! ❤
A lot of the things I thought I'd never make (like doilies) I've embraced as I've gotten older! 😊. Sometimes it's very liberating to free yourself from trendy makes that everybody else is making.
doilies were the same for me. i never saw the use for them, so why would i make them, right? but then one day i was literally just looking to challenge myself with something new and made a doily and i'm obsessed eversince lol. 3 years ago i never saw myself making one, and now i'm working on my second tablecloth sized doily!
My mum tells a story of BEGGING my grandma to make her a crochet bikini in the 70s. One wave in the surf and she was left starkers in the ocean with her brother, sister and dad laughing uproariously. I've taken this to heart!
I ẁas laughing all the ẅay through this video! I agree with you on all of them. I was feeling guilty about not making a temperature blanket, but I know myself, and a year-long project is not for me. Thank you for letting me give myself a break and for being like-minded! 💜
@@user-Elle41 I don’t have the time to research the temps or average them or whatever they do. I can barely get done in a day what I have to do. I also don’t want a year long project. I like some detailed small projects, but mostly I love mindless knitting and crochet, to de stress and unwind.
That last point about gifting is very relatable. Having only picked up crochet a few days ago, I am a true beginner and haven't had the time to make anyone anything yet, but I also do a little embroidery, and when I was about to meet a close online friend of mine for the first time near their birthday, I set to embroider a decently sized Starwars ship for them as I know they are a huge fan of Starwars. Because I am a beginner and not very fast at embroidering, the project took me tens of hours (and some sleepless night to finish it on time) and before I gifted it to them I was very nervous if they would even like it and was half expecting them to toss it in a corner. Lucky me, when I finally met them and offered it to them, they were so emotional I had spent so much time on a gift for them, they loved it and immediately hanged it on their bedroom wall ToT Now when we call, every once in a while they remind me how much they like seeing my embroidery on their wall everyday! I will definitely craft for them again
I just spent 2 months and around 27 skeins to make a blanket large enough to fit on our queen sized bed with 2 people under it and it's amazing. I was definitely ready to be done with the project many times throughout the process lol.
I did a king sized one that nearly reaches the floor on both sides. Quite warm, very heavy. We pull it out every winter (and really appreciated it when we lost power for hours in subzero temperatures) l just say I was ahead of the weighted blanket curve. 😂
I was still new to crocheting when i decided to make my sister two 12 inch amigurumi bunnies. They were customized with a pink dress and green overalls. Im usually a slow crocheter and i had never made clothes for my amigurumis but i was able to do this in two days. I was so proud of them. But they sit in my box of projects now. They werent loved like i thought theyd be. I dont make gifts for people since then. I look at them today and think they were still pretty good for being some of my first amigurumis.
Made my daughter a queen size blanket. Perseverance is definitely a requirement. A deadline helped too as I was travelling to see her and wanted to take it with me. Meanwhile my own blanket gets put on hold all the time....
I have been crocheting for 47 years. I was 10 when I made my first granny square baby sized blanket. I have tried to complete a bed sized blanket a few times, but I have found, if it can’t be completed in a week, it just ain’t happen’!!! I totally agree with your whole darn list and the reasons are the same for me! Thanks for the videos. ❤
My first two crotchet projects, two and a half years ago, were actually full sized blankets. Honestly, I think they will be the two projects I will be the most proud of. They are not the best made blankets, but they are (were) loved. But im not going to make more blankets for a while because of the stories they already have. And I don't need more of these kinds of stories. The first one was for my granma from dads side of the family for when she was in a care home. It was the last gift she ever got. She couldn't enjoy it for long, but it made her incredibly happy and proud in her last couple of weeks. Dad said the day that I gave it to her.'If it is nealy done, you should give it today, I think she is not going to make it to Christmas.' So I actually reduced the border from my planed 10 cm to just 2 rows and completed it in her room. It was not big enough to tuck in, but it was big enough to lay atop of the covers for a little extra warmth and colour. She died not even a month later in November. My second blanket I actually made straight after the first for my other grandparents, for their twin bed. It's a whoping 220x240 cm, nearly 4 kilo, and even on a hook size 21 it was a pain to make. Because well, it was my second project, and I honestly didn't know what I was starting when I began. It was completed 2 days before Christmas, which was incredibly stressful. But its still at the bottom of their bed now 2 years later, and it will probably stay on the bed until granpa dies (my other grandmother passed away last September). He had an accident two months ago because of a mistake by the general practitioner. (They didn't inform my grandad that he had a urinary infection and just emailed the pharmacy for the antibiotics he should have taken.) He collapsed right next to his bed, because of the size of the stitch used in the blanket and the weight of it, he was able to use it to make it back onto his bed eventually. It took his neighbour 2 days to figure out that something was wrong and got him to the ER. My grandad is currently well onto his way of recovering. Luckily, we all got away with a fright (and a new alarm watch because he couldn't reach his cellphone). So, while it will be quite a while before I will make a blanket again, I'm really happy with the two I made.
I am so glad that your grandfather is doing better. I believe that very few can claim that their second crochet project has probably saved a life.... ❤In Germany there is a so-called house emergency call. It's a small device with a red button that you wear around your neck or wrist. There is a permanently installed base for this. If the button is pressed, an emergency call is automatically sent. The base asks if there is an emergency. If this is confirmed or there is no answer (e.g. if you are in another room), the emergency doctor will come automatically. We had such a device at home at the time because my father had multiple sclerosis and was in a wheelchair. That was a great help when my mother went shopping, for example. And later, after my dad died, my mom had one too because she was alone. Many best wishes to your grandpa!❤
I love that she doesn’t just bash these crochet projects, but says what she likes about them, and has her reasons why she doesn’t like them or they won’t work for her.
This is a quilting related comment, but as long as we're venting... Many years ago, a young friend BEGGED me to make a quilt for her coming baby. I spent several months lovingly stitching pieces together by hand and then quilting the top to the lining, also completely by hand. The quilt turned out very beautiful, with bright primary calico squares and careful stitching. I was so proud of myself! She accepted it happily and I thought she really liked it. Then, on a visit to meet the new baby, I saw the quilt I had worked so long and hard to make sticking out of the dog's house! I slipped out the back door and pulled the quilt out of the doghouse. It was filthy and covered with what I hope was mud. I quickly stuffed my treasure back in the doghouse and made my way into the house, my eyes filled with tears of sadness and wounded feelings. I managed to get through the visit, though I wanted to tell her what I found. I left her house and I never returned. When the harried life of a young mother doomed our friendship, I didn't try to revive it. The dog house...REALLY?!
100% agree with this entire thing. I'm a beginner-ish crocheter with a short attention span, so when I start projects, I always consider functionality and practicality first and foremost, then the cost. What I'll never really understand, though, is the appeal of amigurumis, but that's just me. 😅
When I was 11 (I'm 64 now), I crocheted my mother a lovely shawl in ecru for Mother's Day. It took a long time. I never saw her wear it and when I asked why about a year later, she said she had given it to Goodwill.
I stopped crocheting gifts, because of this very same reason. I still crochet, however, I look at what is trending, and I crochet that. More times than not, they do sell.
Oh yes that last one! No one REALLY understands how much work goes into a item. And it’s easy to get my feelings hurt because of it no matter how much I told myself ahead of time “they won’t understand but, that’s okay” 😰
A note about Tony's temperature blanket patterns: they're really good for people who get behind! I understand if it's still not your thing, but unlike the traditional big stripe temperature blankets, getting behind on the linen square blanket is no big deal. I re-did three whole squares in a weekend. All that to say: If you *want* to do a temperature blanket, but are worried about getting behind, there are patterns that are super friendly to that!
I started crocheting literally last night so was recommended this video since TH-cam knows I was looking at tutorials. It's cool to get an idea of all the things that I could do (even if you aren't a fan of them) once I develop skills. I really love the shrugs (my wardrobe is often the antithesis of practical) and hope I can make one one day. Gonna watch your other videos so I can keep learning about crochet. Edit to add: Since you mentioned bed sized blankets, my mum's best friend made me one for Christmas last year. I think it took her around 7 months or maybe longer. It's incredibly beautiful and warm and one of my favourite things that I own since so much love and time went into it, but I couldn't fathom ever making something like it myself.
I really appreciate how you confidently put out your opinions. There is not anything for anyone to disagree on in this list because these are your limits and choices. No one can or should try to make you do anything. Take care! ❤
This was a fun video. I've actually made one of those poofs for my daughter to use as a footrest by the nursery rocking chair. I stuffed it with old quilts and blankets that were never used anymore. It stored a lot of these. But, I won't every make one again. The shape was wonky. A REQUEST FOR A FUTURE VIDEO: I've been making things to donate to a hospice center. They like some of the fidgety things like the magic fidget. I made a tiny octopus with curly legs and a rainbow with curlies hanging down. Great stash busters for dementia patients. HOW ABOUT 10 CROCHET FIDGET ITEMS???
I've made two and I stuffed them with two old sleeping bags and some pillows. They tend to get out of shape, but I can live with that, after all it only takes 30 seconds to puff it back in shape. And the cats and the kids love them
I made a king size blanket for my in-laws for Christmas one year. I kept it simple by only using basic single crochet (or maybe it was double, it's been a few years) and adding interest by making chunky grey and white stripes. It was still a lot of work, but enjoyable as I could mindlessly crochet while watching tv.
I felt that way about those giant temperature blankets. But finally I made one, a C2C blanket and I only did 8 squares a day which only took about 5 minutes. If I went on vacation or something I could catch up a couple weeks in a half hour. I used two strands of yarn, one color for low and one for the high temp. My blanket came out just afghan sized and was super fun!
I was leaning towards never making the sleeves too, but I potentially found a way to make them functional for certain people. I was thinking of making my mom one for mothers day out of cotton yarn as she tans REALLY easily and she hates the tan lines she can get from driving. So she'll cut up old sweat shirts and try to hold up the arms so she doesn't get a tan but I think with a tight stitch it might be easier to drive in than one handed a lot lol.
I have made myself several of the sleeves out of fabric. I get cold easily and sometimes adding a cardigan or sweatshirt is too much. So the sleeves are just enough to keep me warm until I get too warm and need them off. So much easier than changing shirts 4x a day.
@kaymingo6051 yeah. Just think of it as a cropped sweater. I live in Georgia. It was difficult to functionally use and wear crochet for me. Over the years I've learned what's good and this is definitely on my list. Sometimes wearing one of these over a t-shirt is all you need on our hotter winter days. Plus they're super cute!
Being aware of ourselves as makers is how we keep our joy in this craft. I agree with a majority of the projects on this list - bikini top, shrugs, shorts, socks, cat sweaters (have made a hat for one with hydrocephalus), but I have to add amigurumi to my personal list. The finished objects are so cute and really special; however, I have such a mental hurdle when it comes to assembly.
I agree with not making blankets. However lately, I decided to make one for therapeutic reasons and its helped so much. I call it my hope and sadness blanket. Whenever I'm so depressed that all I can do is lie in bed, I get it out and work on it instead. Its really helpful to still be productive even in those times and provide the time to quietly think through whats upsetting me. I don't know when the blanket will be complete, but I'll know that every stitch was made with love, pain, and hope for a better future. Good and bad make a life fully lived, and the blanket will be a reminder to all I've experienced through the time I was making it.
The last one 😢. I made my boyfriends mom a starburst granny square blanket to match her new living room set for Christmas and not a thank you or so much as acknowledgement of it. A week later, on new year’s, we were bringing stuff to her car and it was thrown in the backseat like she was sneaking it out of the house. NEVER AGAIN 😂. on the other hand my boyfriends sister had a baby and I made him a baby blanket that they use all the time. It’s hard to know who will appreciate it until you try.
I can understand the pain of not having the attention span for a bed blanket. I tend to pick patterns/stitches that I don't actually have to pay attention to. I finally decided one day that instead of always making stuff for other people that I would make something that I would keep. After looking around I landed on an infinity granny square blanket, and I didn't even really have to look at my work while watching TV, as the holes where the next cluster would go was easy to feel. Even now working on a full sized spiral circle blanket in DC, I barely have to look on where I place my next stitch before I looking back at youtube. And I've also had 2-3 blankets going at the same time with different patterns and or stitches so if I get bored of one, I can then just switch projects
This is the first video I've seen by you and you are so lovely to watch! You give off such fun, lively energy. All my attempts at crochet have been a disaster so far; knitting makes a lot more sense to me and I'm decent with some similar crafts, but I get completely lost with crochet. Though I'm getting into tatting at the moment and it's making me feel a little more confident that I should tackle crochet again. I'm very much going to watch more of your videos to continue to help motivate me to try crochet again. Thank you so much for making such lovely videos! It's very clear that you put lot of effort into them.
About blankets- I made myself a granny square blanket this year that was almost bed sized. It's the biggest thing I've ever made- my own pattern- and I was so proud of myself. Then I put it on my bed and realized it was so warm I was never going to use it because I run so hot. I'm not going to say never again because my mother runs very cold and I have other older family members, and I actually like a long-term project, but boy did I learn my lesson!
I'm 100% with you on temperature blankets. Bed sized blankets don't scare me, but I start a bed sized blanket knowing that it is going to be a project that takes me years to complete. Having a deadline of 12 months on the reason for a blanket just doesn't jive with me. I am however currently working on a bed sized blanket that I started back in 2021 and I'm not even a quarter of the way through, but I give myself permission to put it away for 6 to 8 months at a time once I start getting bored with the repetitive nature of the pattern, and then once we've had a nice break from each other, I'll pick it back up and do some more on it.
I would add it's the only way i know for these projects... i know it will take time so i allow myself some breaks when needed. Feel free to take your time! ❤❤❤
I think you're 100% correct about all of these! Although it's true that I have wasted hours of my life making under-appreciated crochet/knit gifts as well as never-ending blankets that barely get used because they're too heavy anyway.
What a fun video! I agree 100% with your list. People who don't appreciate handmade gifts... I made baby blankets for all of my grands and one mama has no idea where they are (one is now 7 and the other 4). On the other hand, I add a row every year on my OTHER grandbabies' birthday to their "Yaya blankets" and they use them every night.
I love this idea! I can imagine making a colorful blanket and then each year the new row could be the child's favorite color at the moment, or represent something they like. Kind of a growing up "temperature" blanket.
I'm currently working on a temp blanket and, like you, I'm easily overwhelmed. Some people put so much thought into it using equations, spreadsheets, websites, measurements, dousing rods, moon phases, tealeaf readings and who knows what else, I was almost put off! Slight exaggeration, but you get my drift. So I simplified mine and gave myself permission to alter as I go. I picked out yarn I already had and could easily get more of, splitting them into temperature increments of about 5 degrees. If 2 consecutive days are in the same high temp slot, I go for the low temp, all using the standard weather app on my phone. I do 1 row of moss stitch before I settle to do my bigger projects, and Bob's your uncle (as we say here in England 🤭) If I put pressure on myself to stick to rules, I'll jack the whole lot in and I don't want to do that. I know some may think it defeats the purpose, but it's my first time and I want to enjoy it. If I survive this one, I may be more specific next time. Doubtful, but possible 😝
I completely understand people who aren't into temperature blankets, personally I found it a really fun way to get familiar with local weather patterns, and I really enjoyed feeling like each row I did on mine was an accomplishment, unlike when you're working on a project where it seams to take forever to finish a single section and the reward comes so late
I made a toilet paper basket that holds 2 rolls side by side in the basket. It’s really cute. I got tired of only having a little paper left on the roll. Now when that happens I have a cute basket that sits on a stand with other toiletries that can be reached.
Probably like most crocheters, I started out doing the easy stuff, like hats, shawls, and afghans. One Christmas, I declared an "Ugly Hat Christmas" and crocheted everyone a red beanie. We took a group picture and it was great fun, but beanies are not something I'll be making anymore, unless someone specifically asks for one. I made 2 afghans for my 2 daughters-in-law and their sisters, one for Summer and one for Winter. I will not be making anymore afghans unless someone specifically asks for one.😊 I started a bed-sized granny square coverlet for my guest bed, completed all the granny squares, and sewed about half of them together. The project's been sitting in a plastic bin waiting for me to finish for about two years now. I won't be making any more bed sized coverlets, even if someone asks for one. 😉 None of the things you mentioned will be on my to-do list, because I've found my passion! It's amigurumi! I've made Marvel characters, Harry Potter, Santa, elves, Pooh characters, Nativity scenes, Mario, Peanuts, Mandalorian, Safari! My to-do list will last me into the next decade and I keep seeing new patterns I want to make. My grandsons are growing out of them and I may take my overflow to a craft show in the fall. As I write, I'm finishing up a Manchester City soccer player for my soccer-playing grandson and he's seventeen, a bit old for stuffed toys, but he can set it on his desk for inspiration while he plays FIFA soccer on his X-Box. Love your channel and all your work on the shelf behind you!
I made a king size flag afghan for a wedding gift without a pattern. It took a long time and was very stressful. Then once the afghan was finished i had to crochet 50 stars, lay them out and then sew them on. The afghan was beautiful but never again!!!!!
@@EvieBear236 I hope not because my daughter is 51 and I make her amigurumi stuff all the time. She has several characters from the Iconic Women pattern book and a whole group of gnomes. I just finished a gnome "Gnina" the ballerina, tutu and slippers and all! All for my "girl."
I love how much effort she puts into her videos and ofcourse she gave her great reasons and I love how she included the patterns even for the things she is never going to make💗
I like your positivity, and pointing out sources of patterns if someone wants to make any of the items on the list. I agree with most of these for a variety of reasons. My projects are on the small-ish side: pot holders, dish cloths, crossbody bags. I made a cocoon cardi, which isn't small, but was pretty uncomplicated, and I love wearing it. I'm working on potholders & scrubbing dish cloths to give as gifts Christmas 2023, and I will likely not even know if they're not used, tbh, unless I'm told outright. 3 each to each recipient, so they won't take up much space, and they're useful. A bed size blanket?!?! It will need to be washed at some point, and just the thought of the weight of such an item when wet is overwhelming. A temperature pillow cover is my idea of a doable project, even taking a year to gather the data, though the data might be sourced online for a previous year, idk. Opinions on crochet projects differ from person to person, and they're all valid.
I’m with you on all of these except the shrug thing - I’m such a horrifically sweaty person but also my shoulders are constantly freezing, so those things were made for me. My back and armpits can avoid the extra layer while my shoulders and arms can be warm!
I adore the community and just how different our thoughts and styles are, but that our love for the craft is with us all.🥰 Thank you so much for the video !! I’m so new to it all, this brought me a lot of ideas, (I’m so sorry🤣) and things I never knew existed ! I personally would never do anything for a cat either, or the produce bags!! Sending love, thank you for the video~
I'm 100% with you on all of these. Another thing I personally will not crochet is a thread crochet table runner. I have some that were made by my grandmother and they are beautiful, but I lack the commitment to do it myself. I tried making a bed sized blanket in the past, but got bored and it ended up as a lap blanket. Currently, I'm working on a granny square blanket with my leftover yarns. I purchased "The Ultimate Granny Square Sourcebook" from Meteoor Books and I'm making each granny square in the book. I'm not sure how big the finished blanket will be, but it stays fresh and interesting because each square is different and a small project in and of itself.
Omg, totally this! My friend has a table runner she made and while it looks beautiful, it’s impractical because your glass doesn’t sit on it properly. Crochet can be bumpy, and that texture means it’s not flat enough for stemware.
It's useful to look at the patterns for some of these projects and understand how they are made, even if you don't actually make them. I've got patterns for shrugs from the 1950s. So, they might be practical sometimes. The trouble is that some items are best not crocheted, at all! Most of the re-usable net bag patterns, that I've seen, are from the 1940s (UK, wartime). These are made from coarse hard wearing materials and using techniques that are more like macrame. Socks are always best knitted.
Tbh, I'm not too fond of hand knitted socks either, at least not the ones I got as a child, which suggests to me that there is a lot that can go wrong . I should still learn it, because it's a useful skill and handmade socks are better than no socks but I like store bought socks best.
got into crochet a couple of weeks ago bc it looked so fun and i wanted to be able to make gifts for people, making a star blanket as a christmas gift for a friend and i’m so excited to finish it and give it to her!! i KNOW she appreciates handmade gifts bc the last gift i made her (3d origami swan that took me ~2.5 weeks) made her emotional, and it made me feel so seen knowing that she understood the time i committed to making her something (:
My first crochet project was a queen sized granny square blanket. I learned how to crochet from my college roommate's mom teaching me the granny square and I wanted to make something I could use. I have used it for about 15 years and it's still in great condition, despite the number of washes. Now I have a tradition of making twin size blankets for each niece and nephew when they are young. I love it when my projects are used.
PS - I also like that you post links to the projects you mention even though you will never crochet them yourself. Very fair of you to do that for viewers who might like to try them. 👍😊
I'm working on a temperature blanket right now! But yeah, there's a lot of fortitude and planning, and they will be bed-sized no matter what. After learning about using weather underground to get historical temps for nearly any place, I realized that it didn't have to be this year! Agree about the bikini and shorts. I have made market bags but I use them for hanging yarn storage.
I had started knitting some sweaterless sleeves right before watching this video, so I audibly gasped when you mentioned them! They look so impractical, but they’re great for layering over form-fitting athletic duds and still being able to move freely. But I’ll admit: These are my go-to when I just want to make pretty sleeves and without committing to a full sweater.
Really enjoyed this video...and yes, it really resonates with me about crocheting something that takes literally months and in the end is not appreciated...crocheted a blanket for a family member who requested it, and on receiving it, handed it to another family member. Learnt my lesson.
I thought I would never make crocheted socks. I couldn't imagine walking on all those little knots. I learned my lesson LOL! I just finished my first pair and I am getting ready to start my second pair, I absolutely love them and how comfortable they are. They were a little fiddly because I have extremely small feet with a very large heel through ankle crotch so it took a little altering to get them to fit right but I am so happy I did. As to the full length blanket. I did that too. I joined a year long MKAL because I just learned to knit and I figured that would be a fantastic way to get some experience under my belt. 1 section per month was just the right amount and because I was looking for something else to do while I was waiting for the next section I joined the year long MCAL as well now I have 2 bed size or large couch size blankets and I can't wait for cold weather to use them they are so soft and cuddly!
I truly hated and didn't understand the shrug/sleeves trend but reading these comments opened my eyes to some cool reasons why they're useful! nursing moms, medical issues, it's actually pretty cool to me now. not something I'd wear but I'm glad people get use out of them coz I thought it was so wasteful to make something trendy just for the trend
That's exactly how I felt! I had no idea how practical they are! Now I think they are amazing, although I probably would never wear them. My arms don't get cold, but I can see why others would need them. ❤
As a note of trivia: the ideas of the arm "shrugs" is incredibly ancient. They've been found with bronze age bog bodies and archeology sites. It's suggested that they were worn in cool/cold/damp weather over a basic bod dress. I find that they provide just enough substance to cut a chilly draft down your neck or across your shoulders without letting you get hot enough to sweat outright.
My mom used to say "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." This is what comes to mind when I see crocheted shorts.
Lol! I know some people really like them, but my thighs are too chubby for that! 😂🧶😂🧶
I agree.
I just finished a pair 😅
I actually really like this idea 😂
AMEN!!!
I'm with you on never crocheting or knitting for people who don't appreciate it. I gifted a very complicated baby blanket to a close relative a few years back. She had picked it out, so I gladly spent dozens of hours on all the colorwork. A couple weeks later, I stumbled across it at a local thrift store!!! Needless to say, I bought it and have kept it for myself as a lap blanket. I'll never make anything for that ungrateful witch ever again!
Oh my goodness!!!! That would have broken my heart too!! 💔💔💔
Goodness, that's so much worse that she picked it out - I am so sorry!!
😮
Did you ask the person about it?!? Tell me more!! I’m so sorry but this is juicy and heart wrenching at the same time!! What an ungrateful biznotch!
@@symoneprice798 It came up when she had her next child, and I didn't offer to knit anything. Her dad asked if I was going to offer, and I said no. He asked why, and I just stared straight at his daughter when I replied, "because I found the last one at the thrift store."
The other family members present hadn't realized the blanket had been hand knit, which I took as a compliment on my skill, so it was a whole explanation and drama fest. The wretch and her husband were both publicly embarrassed, which felt a lot better than it probably should've! 😆
I crocheted a blanket for my grandmother that was based on her Tartan (she was of Scottish heritage) as a Xmas gift. She burst into tears when I gave it to her (happy tears). It made the many hours worth it.
Awwww! What a wonderful moment!! 🏴
Aw, that's so sweet!
i like that your reasons are “it’s not my style” and not “that’s just the ugliest thing i’ve ever seen, i hate it” lmao. very respectful
Thanks so much!! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochetI also love how you didn’t shame anytime for wearing those clothes- but mainly I love that you included the article of the bikini shirts- thank you for sharing resources for folks! (I won’t be using it but still I appreciate your kindness in this video)
Yes, I think we have to listen what our heart say including in crocheting :) without underestimating others.
From the list above I only choose bucket hat and grocery bag to make. For bag I always put inner to make it stronger and not for heavy duties but only to carry 3-4 item. It is not practical though but I love it so much. 😊
Your blanket comments hit a note for me. My grandmother crocheted afghans for my 3 children when they were little. Full size afghans, not baby blankets. My mom told me to “save” them for my children to “ keep them nice” so they languished in a storage bag for many many years. I finally gave them to the kids but I felt like they could have been enjoyed all those years.
That's such a good point! I have a very hard time using "nice" things, but I'm working on it! 🧶🧶🧶
My grandmother made twin-size bed Afghans for each of her 13 grandchildren when most of us were teenagers, but there were a few small grandchildren too. I still have mine, and use it when the weather is cold enough to put an extra blanket on the bed. It's made of red heart super saver, and it seems to be indestructible! One of my cousins got a granny square Afghan which started to unravel. I repaired it for her a couple years ago.
Oops, should add I'm going to be 62 this year!
I would say you’ll get more joy out of using them than storing them. I just think about my great grandmother’s quilts that only came out if we had company. They were made for double size beds. As an adult I only sleep in a king size. So if my parents thought they’d save them for me, they thought wrong. They should have been used when we had the appropriate size beds. Maybe they’ll end up in a museum someday because they are pristine.
@@ElainefromPenguinPlaceCrafts that's wild! happy early birthday! so happy to hear that if i make my projects correctly they should last for a really long time!
I love that this isn’t like a “these things are so horrible“ video but instead you just talk about what you like and why you dont like certain things for yourself this was lovely to watch ❤
Thank you so much! 🧶🧶🧶
Such a green flag
Agreed. We all are drawn to different projects, or turned off..for different reasons. It’s interesting to see different viewpoints.
I’ve made blankets for my house in my favorite colors. I feel so good about them because I made them with my favorite colors. It’s like a hug to myself
@@r.carmichael4236 thats so cool what colors did you choose?
Yeah I feel that last one. Learned that the hard way. When my brother and his wife were expecting their first baby, I made several beautiful baby items for the photos (she is a professional family photographer, I thought she’d love them) and also a toddler size cardigan and matching hat. I never saw any photos of the baby in the items and I had to practically beg for a photo in the cardigan when she grew into it. It broke my heart. I wish people understood the thought and the time that goes into handmade gifts.
Awwww, it really is sad when people don't appreciate handmade items! 🧶🧶🧶
I felt that way at first about my crochet projects but thankfully my children helped me get over it.
Lol! Nothing survives them. I've come to enjoy the craft and the making far more than what I actually made.
And the cost. Cashmere yarn can be as expensive as buying a finished product. Add in the time taken to make the item and it can really add up. I make for me only. If someone says “oh, I love that. Could you make me one?” I offer the item they’re talking about. If they take it, fine. If not, so be it. Or I tell them the cost of the yarn and they back out.
@@caracunningham9210yeah. I saw on Amazon people take advantage of charisma cashmere yarn and sell one skein for up to 20 bucks. While regular yarn is sold for the regular price on there. Just another reminder to shop for yarn in person.
This is why I don't crochet for relatives. They tend to think gifting something you made is being cheap, even if every skein is hand dyed and had to sell a kidney to pay for it
The just sleeve shrug thing is so great for nursing moms at night! Keeps our arms and shoulders warm while letting everything else hang out for baby haha
That's smart. My only excuse is that my medication makes me sweat buckets while my arms and shoulders are freezing. And it's not an either-or thing, both happen at the same time. I'll give into a silly trend if only for the sake of my water bill and not smelling like someone's gym bag.
Those sweaters are just what I’m looking for. My arms get cold, but my torso is too hot, so I’m sweating like crazy.
Or in the summer, when I need to keep my skin covered, as sunlight is painful, but a full sweater is too hot. I would love to make a sleeves only sweater!
Also good for nursing home residents, though I’d choose a pattern that was open in the front. They are also a nice alternative to shawls for dress occasions.
Great point!!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
You folks have inspired me to actually give them a try to make for others. Thank you for that! 🙏❤️
I've never knitted/croched anything for other people before this experience, but I'm an artist and I painted a card for my ex (took me close to 6 hours) and then I saw it next week on the floor all scratched up from dirt on that floor, thats when I realised I'm not making anything ever again for others without them asking me first and me clarifying that its a lot of work
Thankfully my now fiancé appreciates my work a lot more than anyone else ever did, every card I ever made and sent him is displayed, the little 3d printed figurine is displayed on his pc and the little croched fox I made him as a surprise he put right next to his keyboard. It's so nice to have someone appreciate your work to that extent ❤️
Awww! That's wonderful! Thanks for sharing! ❤️
So disheartening he did that to your card. :/ I made my ex partner a box once and painted it with a video game reference and even though I'm free from talent when it comes to painting and it looked like it was made by a child, they kept it on display and used it.
@@juulian1306 that's really sweet to hear❤️
The mesh shrugs and sweaters are actually super practical! I am someone who iver heats easily and has sensory issues when exposed to warm temps but i also often feel anxious and uncomfortable when i am not “ covered” so the mesh shrugs are a perfect middle ground
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I really felt that last one, I have a close friend who thought it was awsome that I was learning to knit and crochet, so I took some time and made her a long and super soft scarf with a simple border. I gave it to her and it seemed like she liked it, wasnt super excited or anything, but seemed to think it was neat. But then I went over to her house and I saw it laying on the floor under other junk covered in cat hair :'( it really upset me so now Im super selective about who I gift projects to
Awww, that would be very upsetting. Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I've noticed that many people who know nothing about crafts see a handmade gift as "inferior", like when children who don't have money draw a picture or make a collar from pasta... Once I went shopping with a friend, she saw lovely knitted dresses for her daughter but, strapped for cash as she was, she said "If I only knew someone who can knit, they could make them for cheaper." I explained to her how expensive yarn is and how much work goes into every project, that's why handmade items cost much more that mass-produced ones. It was an eye-opener for her. And I knitted two dresses for her daughters for Christmas, they loved them!
She's now my best friend and I love making things for her, because she really appreciates them.
But as to the cats... She was cold at work so I crocheted her a wrap - that now serves as blanket in the cat basket. But it's because for an unknown reason her cats fell in love with it, when she takes it they follow her around the house, and when she goes out with it they sit at the door and cry😼 I'm not angry because I clearly see the cats appreciate my work, as does my friend. I made her another one and she keeps it hidden...
She's also a bit like Elise: I love crocheting towels, washcloths, potholders and similar, made her several but they only serve as decorations. She's afraid they'd get dirty🤣
Omg cats just adore yarn 🧶 omg 😱
Our old lady cat is ok with it now and barely touches it anymore well…….my husband found her wrapped up in a few of my projects I left out lol
I make my cats toys out of yarn and every single cat loves them including the friends kitties too
Anyway our new cat is learning the ropes
And my dogs love my yarn blankets and it drives me crazy
So what I did was I wet to a bunch of yard stores and thrift stores and bought tons of baby blankets and lap blankets that were just fabric due to our dog at the time having bad issues so we would just toss the blankets that were bad
We got a lot of them for $1 or a few bucks no big deal
Anyway I’m the same way I made 7 blankets for Xmas one year while working I was staying up till midnight working on these blankets full size blankets and they ended up on the floor and then at least one got lost 😡 and that was that never again only for my Kids and husband and if someone wanted to pay me and that still hasn’t happened
People are very sad
They don’t value our work
@@barborahedbavna8170 That is so very true. I love making craft stuff for people and love receiving things as well. I keep all my hand made cards even the ones just drawn on a sheet of paper because I know someone gave me the precious gift of time. Mind you there is no way on earth I would have put a coat or vest on one of our cats. I would have lost the battle and it would have been a trip to A&E, bless their furry selves.
I like crocheting infinity or Mobius scarfs and big cowls to keep out the winter cold. Fortunately my friends seem to appreciate them. I also love knitting socks (my daughter-in-law loves hers) and one friend laughingly took a photo of me knitting as I propped up a wall in a bus station whilst I waited for a long haul coach to arrive.
Knitting and crochet are international, have a project on the go as you travel and it will often bring a new friend who wants to chat. One chat went like this, I'm knitting socks and Albanian woman is asking questions (she's an avid knitter, socks included) she speaks in Albanian to her friend, who speaks in Russian to my friend who speaks in Bulgarian to her daughter, who speaks to me and back and forth it went. Memories are made of knitting and crochet.
@@barborahedbavna8170 Your friends cats remind me of my dog. My sister was crocheting a blanket and he just loved the yarn. Whenever she was working on it he came running. So she made him a sweater and he totally loves it. I’m sure he knows it was made just for him!
my little sister started crocheting during quarantine and for my birthday/christmas that year she made me a pink teddy bear with a music box inside, she recorded a lyric of a song i absolutely adore and when i opened my gift i literally burst into tears. it now sits on my shelf with all of my favourite lil trinkets and the only reason i don’t sleep with it is because i’m so scared of ruining it 😅 so yeah, i understand the ‘not giving it to someone who wouldn’t appreciate it’ because one of her friends started asking her to make her some tops and then got mad when they didnt fit perfectly or if the yarn wasnt of the best quality. i absolutely despise people like that
Awwww!! What a beautiful gift!!! 🧶🧶🧶
That is so cute and precious, I'll have to figure out where I can find a music box like that!
I had a friend who would turn her nose up at handmade gifts. In her opinion, they weren't real gifts. It broke my heart when I found her son's baby blanket (that I worked on for weeks) in the bottom drawer of her guest room dresser still in pristine condition when her son was 7.
Awww, that's heart breaking! 🧶🧶🧶
Wow what a stupid thing to say. If anything, handmade gifts are "the only" real gifts, since they are 100% unique and crafted by the very own hands of a person who loves you... How heartless you must be to not appreciate that!
@@martamork5858 sadly, some people have shifted over to the "cost = amount of love/care" way of thinking, and for some reason don't think cost of materials counts :/
@@martamork5858 I made my mom gloves for Christmas whole everyone else bought some for her she only wears mine, that proves handmade gifts are still appreciated by certain people
My close friend at the time gave me back the blanket I had made for her son and my daughter, who is named after that friend also gave me back the items I had made for my grandson. I kept my grandsons blanket so he could have it for when he has a child. People are just not cool sometimes.
I love that everything was basically "this is really cute, just not for me" and you even gave links for how to make them! Very respectful and sweet video❤
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🧶🧶🧶
The fact that you still provides links to those that want to make these project is so good i really like this content
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet I don't see any links to those projects?
they are all in the description box! @@WobblesandBean
I made both of my daughters a queen size blanket for their beds. They were HUGE! I don’t have ac and started working on them in the summer. They were Christmas gifts. NEVER AGAIN!
Oh my goodness!!!! What a good momma you are!! 🧶🧶🧶
That is a labour of love ❤️ ❤️
Love all of your reasons for not crocheting the projects you mentioned. Laughed at several. Don't think I would ever crochet something for the bathroom like a basket to hold washcloths or other supplies or a cover for toilet paper. I want things in my restroom that can easily be sanitized. I'd want to wash them all the time.
I took two years to crochet a quilt. The squares 2" squares were crocheted in hot weather and stitched together in cold weather. It disappeared along with a few other treasured items when one of my family members moved across country.
I made afghans for my Daughter and 2 grand kids when they were little. I did it because I love them!
The last one hit home hard. I'm crochet beautiful, durable items and I'm also an excellent seamstress. When my brother and his wife were expecting their first baby, I made a gorgeous set for the baby bed. I used a white background with little sailor bears all over it. The back was bright royal blue with white stars and I used red piping. I even made a diaper holder. I mailed it and my sister-in-law mailed it back saying it was too dark but she kept the diaper holder because she needed one and could be hidden away. The time and money I put into it was unbelievable. I was so heartbroken that when I ran into a young pregnant girl at the apartment complex that was expecting a boy, I gave it to her. At least she was thrilled. After that, I never made anything for my nephews and didn't even send the one of a kind baby quilts I made them. I even stopped crocheting blankets for our grandchildren because our daughter would let them get dirty or peed on by their cats. She would throw them away instead of cleaning them because I could always make them more. It doesn't make sense in causing yourself heartache when the person you make the gifts for cannot appreciate them or take care of them.
Awww, I'm so sorry. I can understand how heartbreaking that was. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you. It was hard but I've learned to make things for those that appreciate it and dnate a lot of items for those that need it or are used in auctions to raise money for worthy causes.
@@memmie1104 When making items for someone specific it's a good idea to find out what they like first. A lot of people won't use things -- bought OR handmade -- that don't go with their style and existing colors. Pretty tacky of her to keep the one item because it could be "hidden" though! Glad you found someone who enjoyed it!
I am sitting here in tears because I thought I was the only one whose daughter in law and grands did not appreciate the effort not to mention the expense/time expended. Doesn't matter now cuz I am pretty much blind and I do not see these people. Still, your comment made me feel better, oddly enough because others were treated in a similar way. Thank you.
The "Just sleeves" are actually based on arm warmers often worn by ballet dancers, and been around for generations. My kid sister had one but it wasn't netted, it was full on sweater sleeves. She wore it to keep her arms warm without having to wear a full on bulky sweater during dance class, which wasn't allowed anyway. The way it's made keeps the sleeves from sliding down, like they would if arm warmers were made the way leg warmers are.
That's great to know! Thank you! 🩰
Ooooh this is so interesting! Im planning on making one for me cos I love dancing when we get together with friends to party. I usually go with layers and as I dance I take them off. Its a bit annoying to take some out then on again as I go out for a break of fresh air or just stop dancing for a bit. I think a layer like that would be perfect as I already use a crop top like it
That's _exactly_ how I used them! In ballet class! It's too warm to wear a sweater or blouse which also covers the body and it's difficult to correct the alignment. So these sleeve things are perfect!
I like making Historical Temperature blankets, not current year ones. I made blankets using the data for the years my niece and nephew were born and let them pick the yarn, which made it fun & even more personal. I used the data that corresponded with the first year of their lives and they both love their blankets. The next one I am making is going to be using the data for the first year of my marriage. :)
That's a lovely idea! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
thanks for this idea, i want to make one but wasnt sure when to start and this is nice!!
you know... that is actually an interesting idea! I think I would love to do that, especially if I incorporate the colors my husband and I used for our wedding!
I was thinking about making ones for my grandkids in this fashion. Never thought about having them help pick yarn colors - thanks for the great idea
I don't even know what a temperature blanket is. I'll need to google it. 🙂
So happy to hear that I'm not the only one to NOT make bed sized blankets. I gave up on crochet several times when I was younger because I compared myself to my grandmother who only made blankets... everything from baby blankets to bed sized blankets and in between. I just can't make myself do large projects like that. Came back to crochet and just made my daughter a beanie, now making myself a tote bag, and have a list of small projects I want to make and I'm finding it so refreshing and relaxing!
That's how I feel, big projects are hard for me too! 🧶🧶🧶
See I’m the total opposite! I’d rather just get into the groove of long, straight lines of crochet and make a blanket to zen out. Small projects with lots of different steps stress me out 🤣
Same, I gave up crochet the moment I started a sweater. Now I just do amigurumis or small things (like granny squares and one day I will make something out of my granny squares)
Coaster and washcloth gang rise up
Yeah, my projects as a kid were all attempts at blankets that I would quit only a few rows in each time. I’m able to take on some bigger projects these days (like sweaters) but a full size blanket is still daunting
The last one. I was once making something for my sister as a surprise. I thought she'd think it was really cute. She found it before I was done and, not knowing it was meant to be her Christmas present proceeded to belittle my lack of talent.
Ooof.😊
Awww, I'm so sorry. That sounds so hurtful. ❤️
Hope you broke off with her, she seems like a bad person !
@inihilisme1511 she's not a bad person, she just has a lack of appreciation for the crafty stuff. Plus it was nearly 25 years ago by now and I'd hope to think our entire relationship wouldn't crash over a stuffed bear in a hat.
I spent months as a teenager crocheting a special wedding ring blanket for my elder sister when she got married. I have been crocheting since I was 5. I used my own money from my part job to buy the quality cashmere yarn, bought the pattern, and worked on it after school every evening when she was not around. I was so pleased with the end result and was confident she would be so pleased with it. Wow was I wrong. She gave it to our Mother the following week and told me next time don’t bother giving her a gift if I could not afford to buy something from the shop. I was so hurt and absolutely outraged, it is 38 years on and I am still hurt and angry over it. Mom kept it tucked away while I calmed down. My English teacher, who was my home room teacher and my study hall teacher had seen me working on it when I had free time close to the wedding as I was desperate to finish, wash and block it before the actual wedding day. She had fallen in love with it and was working up the courage to ask if she could hire me to make one for her Grandson and his fiancé. She asked how much my Sister loved the blanket, all excited to hear about such a special gift. I was embarrassed because I burst into tears, thank goodness it was just her and I in the room at that moment! I told her what happened, she gave me a hug and said well, if she doesn’t want it would you like to sell it? I told her she could have it, I never wanted to see that thing again. She asked how much I wanted and I insisted nothing.so I brought it to school the next day and gave it to her, still insisting I wanted nothing for it. She took it and about a week later I received a beautiful thank you card from her and a check for $250!!! 😮 (that is a lot of money even now, but this was in the 80’s it was a HUGE amount). I ended up keeping the money after a lot more arguing lol and I went on to make baby blankets for her great grand babies a few years later, as well as a lap blanket for her when she retired.
I never made my sister ANYTHING after that and never will despite her asking me to make things once her friends were so shocked I crocheted and knitted. She started taking orders from them and expecting me to make them for these people for free, nope didn’t happen. I told her I would be happy to teach her so she could make them for her friends but unless they paid for the, I was not doing it. I made things for free for friends and family only. She ended up paying me to make the things she had promised lol 😈🤣 My mother insisted I should just charge her for the yarn but I refused. I probably would have done just that had she not hurt me so much, but I am a petty person when someone hurts me. So petty in fact that I charged her $3 an hour plus costs to make the items 🤣 mom understood my pettiness but tried to teach me to rise above it rather than teaching my sister to actually have consideration for others, etc. so all this time later I still do not feel guilty in the least. 🤣😉
As for making blankets for beds, I have no issue doing it for theirs f that is what they want but I made one for my husband about ten years ago. It was for a queen sized bed. Holy **** that thing was so doggone heavy that the only way I would make another for us to use would be f I did it was sport weight yarn or crochet thread. It weighs you down and you can hardly move and certainly not without a lot of effort. So I am with you n blankets for beds. And the one I made for hubby? Ot comes with us when we go on a vacation in Scotland where we live now, when our dog comes with us. Her bed is too chunky to bring, so the blanket gets folded into a bed for her and she just loves it. It is easy to wash (well relatively). I had made it in acrylic yarn as yarn is soooo expensive in Scotland. So I can put it in the dryer to get all the dog hair off it when we return home. She is a lab so sheds all year round. Some family came over from the US to surprise me for my 50th and I kept complaining as I was vacuuming that Nutmeg’s hair got everywhere, one said it is not hair, it is glitter, so we now refer to all the shedded hair as Nutmeg glitter 🤣
I agreed with most of your other never’s also. The reusable bag was the only me I disagreed. We live 2 hours from the nearest proper grocery store and so we go shopping once a month or two. We have a small shop, like the size of a gas station convenience store back home in the US, about 12 miles away and they carry the absolute basics. So we do big shops as well. And you have to pay for your bags (works out to about 25 cents a bag). So most folks, including us, just. Ring our own bags. I have a variety of bag types depending on the weight and things. But I use these bags for produce, bakery items, Chips (or crisps as they are called over here as chips are fries), eggs, etc. all the fragile or lightweight things that you want to keep from putting heavier stuff on or that bp real easily, or get squished. It makes life so much easier as it is easy to identify them and put them in the car where they won’t get damaged. I make small ones instead of using plastic for putting loose produce in also. It is light weight and works great at farmers markets as they can zero out the weight of the bags. I have made a couple other more enclosed shopping bags, similar to crocheted shoulder bags, for using when we go to farmer markets, garden shows, etc. I have recycled fibre boards , glued some left over fabric all over it to use as an insert and with double thick cotton yarn or double thick twine (macrame cord works well too), I made a bag just a wee bit bigger than the fabric covered plywood/fibre board. This way if the bag gets cruddy, I take the misery out and throw the bag in the washer while hosing down the insert to put in the sun to dry quickly. I usually make a thick, double strand cotton I-cord for the handle so it does not stretch and stitch the i-cord around the edges top and bottom as well as along the sides to reinforce the bag. Recently I have, however, begun buying fake leather handles as I am not all that keen on making I-cords lol.
Thanks so much for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶 I can imagine how hurt you must have felt, but your teacher was such a gem! ❤️
@@EliseRoseCrochet Thank you, she truly was. It is quite funny, she was the most feared teacher in the high school, everyone thought because she was very strict that she was mean. But she was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. ❤️
Your story gave me all the feels! I would have charged her way more than $3/hr (I'm clearly more petty). I love your teacher. I'm so glad I read your comment.
@@caramiahunter-hope5019 aww, thank you! Lol had I been older, I would have charged her much more 🤣 she still asks once in awhile how much I would charge to make something and I make sure it is eye watering lol, and then offer to teach her. But she never takes me up on it. I have made baby blankets for her 2 kids, and for their kids. And have taught my Niece how to crochet. I have been amazed, within 30 minutes of showing her a ss, ch and an sc, she was making her first blanket and she seemed to have a natural talent for keeping even tension! It was amazing! She is now making different beanies, toques and ear warmers to sell for winter and making a pretty good profit. But she only works with chunky yarn and a big hook so it does not take long. Last time I saw herI was working on an intricate lace tablecloth. I was using a 0.75mm hook and she gave it a try and declared she was not advance enough to use fine yarn, lol as it took far too long to make.
My teacher was amazing and just so kind and generous! I think everyone deserves at least one supportive, kind and generous person like her in their life. She turned what would have likely been a bitter bone of contention into something that warms my heart every time I think of what she did for me. I am happy that you were happy to read it. Thank you!! I hope you are keeping well! ❤️
i love the pettiness (sorry not sorry) 😂😭 in my case, my older sis is the one encouraging me to sell my crocheted pieces while my friends expect them free of charge 🥲
I know Toni from TL Yarn Crafts chose a significant year in her life for her temperature blanket and is using the temperatures from that year. Selecting an already completed year can allow you to work on a temperature blanket whenever you like with no guilt. Also, I will likely never crochet a chunky sweater/ cardigan or mesh/ incredibly see-through wearables, as they are not my style, and I like to have coverage.
That's a really wonderful way to make a temperature blanket!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Exactly the way to do it!
Genius
Yes I want to do the the year my boys were born for them.
The tops that are more open are great for an accent with a shirt underneath. Just recently found a crop top that was mesh with bell sleeves. Im going to make it and leave the front open and use it over camisoles with my Darn Good Yarn recycled sari fabric skirts
Every cat is different, naturally. I also have a grey fur baby, and she's SO aggressive. Unless she's wearing a sweater! I bought a shirt for my sister's dog, and the dog didn't like it/was too small, so as a joke and to see what would happen, I put it on No.3113. All of a sudden, this demon nightmare of a cat was gentle, tender, kind, and happy. My hypothesis is that she has anxiety and the sweaters/shirts help her feel more secure in her body.
Very interesting! Our kitty is on anxiety meds, but I wonder if a sweater would help her! ❤️
You accidentally gave her a thundershirt! We had a grey cat with anxiety and we used a thundershirt with him. We bought the proper thundershirt specially designed for anxiety, though. They are mostly used for dogs during thunderstorms, but they can work for both dogs and cats that are anxious about anything.
That last one hits home! I knit my 8 year old a beautiful hat only for her to decide she "doesn't wear hats" any more when I gave it to her. I vowed Id never make her anything again, but shes my kid so Im working on a dress for her. She said she likes it so far this time 😂
Kids change their minds so quickly!! And that's wonderful that she loves the dress you're crocheting her!! 🧶🧶🧶
I still remember (25 years ago !) a guy in my primary school. Whole class was kinda jealous of his pullover handmade by his grandma, with a movie character.
I even asked my grandma to knit one for me, and couldn't understand that she indeed could knit a little, but couldn't knit clothes
This kid's reaction to our "waaaaaw" : "meh".
25 years ago, I can't even remember what kind of clothes myself had, but I still remember very well his pullover. 😂
Speaking of very large projects, one day maybe 20 years ago while browsing through Joannes yarn department, I picked up a leisure arts booklet for a sampler Afghan. I think it has 63 squares, and each square is a different stitch and pattern, and each square is about 8 in.². The color is suggested for ecru, sage green, and rose, at the time I love the colors, but by the time I finished, I wasn’t so crazy about it. I would put it away for years at a time, but then about two years ago, I dragged it out and counted out my squares and was dismayed to find I wasn’t even halfway through! But I started on it again and within a couple of months I finished all the squares! But then came the joining! But first I discovered blocking because every square was misshapen and some were larger than others but when I steam blocked them, they all turned out perfect! After I joined them all, then I had to do the edging, so it was quite a project but now that it’s finished my husband looked at it and asked who it was for and I said well, do you want it and he said yes I love it so I gifted it to him! It sits on our couch, so it can be grabbed on a chilly TV night. So don’t give up on your projects, just put them away for a while and you never know when you get the interest to pick them up again and end up with a beautiful heirloom project. I’m 69 now and I started this probably 20 years ago.
Wow!!!! I am so impressed with your perseverance!!! 🧶🧶🧶
I think I have that same pattern. I actually gave the book away when I finally realized I was never going to do it. Then a friend of mine found a copy at a library sale. Not knowing the history, she bought it for me. I’m going to have to make it now at some point. It’s meant to be 😂
I also have that Leisure Arts book. I take it out every so often and admire the squares, but I have yet to make a single one. 🙂
I have had that book for probably 20-30 years. I’ve never made that blanket, but I’ve made several blankets using one of the blocks that can be enlarged to a baby blanket size.
I have the same book and every time I am thinning my patterns dither as to wether it should go. I always keep it saying someday … I’m 73 and I suspect someday
Is not coming
ive crocheted since i was 7, but my sister started learning when she was 15. she didn't want to make any dolls or clothes at first, so she insisted on making an 8 ft by 6 ft temperature blanket for her very first project. 8 months later, she made it.
Wow!!! That's amazing!!! Good for her!! 🧶🧶🧶
I’ve been crocheting for 60 years. If I can image it I can make it. I so agree with every single one of the “never projects” on your list,! I’ve hand many people break my heart over gifted projects. My on exception is a couple of years ago I did make a crochet short at the request of some older women at my church to gift to our pastor as a gag gift. It became the most popular and most liked photo on my Facebook. 😂
Haha!!! I absolutely love that!!!! Sounds like he is a good sport!! 🧶🤣🧶🤣
I agree with all of your choices. One I personally don't like doing is the Chevron blanket. To me, it's a tedious pattern. Not complicated, but very tedius. My grandmother made dozens of these blankets for the grandchildren back in the 1970s. I still have mine. I hate it when people ask me, "Can you make me a twin size blanket?" I am like, uh, NO.
Haha!!! I totally understand!! 🧶🧶🧶
yes! This! I I made a chevron blanket once, just a lap blanket, and never again. It's so boring!
I love that you have expressed your opinions with your valid reasons without saying everyone should feel the same way. We should all do that. The thing I don’t ever want to do is amigurumi projects. I hate, hate making tiny thing with small pieces that have to be sewn together and stuffed. People are all the time wanting me to crochet small animals or Star Wars characters (ugh!) and I just can’t bring myself to do it. As you said, if it becomes a chore, it’s not a hobby.
Thank you!! And I totally agree, if it feels like a chore, what's the point!! 🧶🧶🧶
I totally understand the amigurumi thing. I have a bear and a rocking horse in my WIP'S for the last 30 years that are probably never going to get finished. I much prefer triangle shawls. If I need instant gratification I crochet bags, pouches, hair ties, etc.
I made these little octopuses you can turn inside out, and it was SUCH a chore. You have to use a too small hook for the yarn, or else the surface won’t be dense enough to not show stuffing. And it’s 100 % single crochets - which are just the worst. Sc takes ages to complete…
I understand the 'not wanting to use/ruin' a large blanket, but I got over that quick once I finished one. It's so cozy under a massive blanket. Also, loved seeing Catventurous Crochet get a little shoutout here by being included as examples! She's such a sweetheart and her stuff is so cute! It always depends on the cat for those sweater projects. Some don't mind and some REALLY mind.
I love Catveturous Crochet too. Such sweet patterns and her cat Melba is dear. 😺
Those cat sweaters are absolutely adorable!!! And her little models are just the cutest!!! Wish my kitties would cooperate! 😂
🐈🐈⬛🐱❤️
As long as the cats wear them only for posing for the pictures, all is well. But for a normal hairy cat it is bad for their health. It might be fine for a hairless cat......
This is such a good video! It's not because of what you won't do, but the purposefulness of choosing what to do and why. It's all about the fun!
Thank you!! I think it's good to think about these things too! No need to waste time and energy on something that should be fun! 🧶🧶🧶
A project must bring me joy and excitement to make it. In today’s environment, yarn and your time are to precious to waste. I can’t see myself doing a temperature blanket either.
The crochet shorts! My grandma used to knit undies with cotton yarn in garter stitch. Made a nice pattern on my bum, lol.
that last one point is so relatable. I made my mom a pillow and she asked me if this was all that she was getting for Christmas. Needless to say, I was destroyed.
Awwww, I'm so sorry. ❤️❤️❤️
I made a warm bottle cover for MIL, and she immediately put it next to the trash can in her kitchen and never used it. Maybe one, I'll just take it back, I'm petty like that. Thank god it's removable, so I can definitely wash it! Btw sorry, your pillow wasn't appreciated 😕
I've made so many projects for step mom - as gifts and one item that she asked me to make and I had to actually write a pattern for as I couldn't find one (before the Internet). I've never seen any of the items again. I actually found out that the item she asked me to make FOR HER had been given to one of her sons wives. I won't make that mistake again!
Oh no!! I think people just don't understand all the work that goes into handmade items! 🧶🧶🧶
So sorry to hear that - that was simply unacceptable of her - she sounds awful
@@verabritto9759 she is. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you! 🙂
That's rude to do that! 😢 At least she could have told you that she would give the items to someone else. Then you could deside if you really wanted to crochet the items for her.
@@pyenygren2299 I was very disappointed that she did that, especially since I don't usually work with lace-weight cotton, let alone create the pattern 🤯. That's just how she is. I'm going to make sure that I get all of that stuff when the day comes that she dies (I'm not in a hurry for that at all).
Have a lovely day!
You're so respectful and light-hearted, you give your own reasons why you'll never crochet something but gives us hints in case we actually like it and want to do ❤
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🧶🧶🧶
I agree with the shorts. I made a pouf for my daughter with 100% cotton t-shirt yarn and it was really fun. For the inside, I used an old pillow case, then I took a sheet of hard pink packing foam and cut two circles. In between the circles I stood six crystal light drink mix containers. Duct taped it all together. Put it in the pillow case, then filled in the gaps with stuffing, and closed up the pouf around it all. it really turned out great, and has lots of support and has kept its shape nicely. I wish I could attach some photos.
I agree! Make only patterns you love and yarn you love and colors you love! It's a hobby, it's for your own enjoyment. Thank you for another fun video.
Totally agree! 💯
Wonderful list! I agree about not making things for people that don’t appreciate the love that goes into handmade things! ❤
Exactly!! 🧶
I made a birthday gift for someone and they didn’t appreciate at all…I kindly took it back and will never make that person anything else again!! Some people just don’t appreciate the skill, time, or cost of handmade gifts / items. Their lost.
I’m coming to this realization too
@@EliseRoseCrochet I've luckily never experienced this! The closest I came was a friend losing a scarf I made him, he was so upset he paid for more wool and begged for a new one! I Guess I have been very lucky!
It's heartbreaking when you spend your time finding the perfect yarn colours and pattern 😢
I was sick in the hospital and made a beautiful brightly-coloured shell blanket for my step granddaughter, Easter gift, step daughter got mad at me over something silly and she gave the blanket away to someone else ... that hurt so much so that I now make blankets and shawls for the elderly who are in homes ... it brings happy tears to me when I see their faces light up with a smile 💞💞
Another suggestion for making reusable grocery bags, you can find sewing patterns make them out of the big dog food bags. Our pantry is full of the ones my mom made years ago and they're SUPER sturdy
That's wonderful!! 🧶🧶🧶
I recently had my first experience with gifting one of my handmade items to someone who ended up giving it to their cat as a cat toy (which it CLEARLY wasn't meant or made for) and I was a little surprised at how intensely my anger and resentment spiked. I now am writing up a disclaimer for all my future projects/gifts that explains that my handmade items are not pet toys or toys for young children. I still feel a spike of rage every time I think about the person who took my handmade item that I spent time and money on and gave it to their damn cat. Like, I want it back now please... and I also worry about anything repercussions if anything were to happen to that cat because of the toy (i.e., they swallowed the yarn, they swallowed a safety eye or ingested some of the stuffing, etc.) which results in an expensive vet visit. I in no way want to be held responsible for that nonsense.
Good point!! 🧶🧶🧶
I once made a scarf for someone who gave it back to me a few months later in a bag of hand-me-downs for the kids. I gave it back to them again the next Christmas. They pretended to like it all over again.
@@jennamakesbugs that made me laugh out loud! I'm sorry all the time you spent on making that scarf for them wasn't appreciated though. But at the very least, you saved time, effort and money on them the next Christmas.
As long as u not wishing harm to that poor cat not its fault
I'm so sorry! What was the project intended to be?
Girl. I had a store bought crochet bikini when I was TWELVE. It was white with rainbow stripes. I adored it. And TWELVE was the last time I had a figure where I could consider wearing a crochet bikini. LOL. Agree with your whole list! :D
Haha!! That's sounds like an amazing bikini!!! 🌈
Oh my god I have a horror story. My mom made me an adorable little crochet bikini when I was 11 and I wore it to the pool and as soon as it got wet is just absolutely drooped and was completely falling off and everything was on full display 😂 horror story. But now, even though I know how to pre-treat yarn to avoid that sort of thing, I would NEVER wear a crochet bathing suit.
are they for actual swimming? or just...being small tops? cos everything I know about the properties of conventional swimwear fabric doesn't match up with the properties of any crochet fabric I've seen or made.
You don’t have to swim in them. I made several for under shorteralls or for lounging outside and always get compliments and requests!
@@aShadeBolder a lot of people just wear them to walk around or tan or for photos, but I feel like they’re still not practical.
The last one hit hard. My sister was into those ball joint dolls and wanted a cute knitted sweater for one. She said since grandma taught me how to knit I should make one. I was in my mid twenties and the last time I knit with grandma was when I was 10 and all I did was 5 inches of a straight knit scarf, so no, I did not know how to knit. But I love my sister so I jump on to youtube and learn how to knit and make a doll sweater with a cable front pattern. I was so proud.
Took it over to my sister beaming with pride. She was packing up stuff to make room for the baby and said thank you. Then proceeded to throw it into a box right there and then and stuffed it into her closet. I never got to see it on one of the dolls.
Awww, I'm so sorry. 💔💔💔
I’ve made like 3 of those shrugs and I actually get so much use out of them! I find them really perfect for that transitional time where it’s not too cold and not too hot. It’s all about personal style 🥰
Glad you like them! 🧶🧶🧶
They also have a lot of artistic potential. I had made spiderweb ones and Ive been planning to make one with leafy sleeves and flowery shoulders. Easy thing to slip over a tee shirt and brighten up your outfit
I had the same reasons for not crocheting a temperature blanket plus being anxious I won't get to use certain colours. Then a friend said "why don't you just do the last year" and they were so right for that.
It solves basically all the problems that I had at least and I'm on my third temperature blanket now.
Great idea!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thats what im doing! Im doing a 2022 with boho esk style and i can do as much in one sitting as i want
I think discussions like this in craft circles is so useful. We can be ambitious people but there's only so much time in a lifetime, so having some discernment about what projects we choose to take on is kind of like it's own skill that augments whatever arts and crafts we do.
It's also great that our individual discernments are different, so everyone makes a variety. So while one person can't crochet everything in a lifetime, a bunch of humans over history can encompass a whole world of possibilities by all tackling different realms and styles.
That's such a great way to look at it!! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I started a temperature blanket for my very first crochet project using a moss stitch. I figured only having to do a row a day didn’t seem overwhelming and, occasionally, I’ll let it get behind and do several rows in a day because crocheting is so soothing for my anxiety. So I get the “overwhelm” thing! I love your page! ❤
Thank you so much!! 🧶
A lot of the things I thought I'd never make (like doilies) I've embraced as I've gotten older! 😊. Sometimes it's very liberating to free yourself from trendy makes that everybody else is making.
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
doilies were the same for me. i never saw the use for them, so why would i make them, right? but then one day i was literally just looking to challenge myself with something new and made a doily and i'm obsessed eversince lol. 3 years ago i never saw myself making one, and now i'm working on my second tablecloth sized doily!
yo thats lace weight yarn KILLS me. Im 24 and im like "too old for this sht!" XD
My mum tells a story of BEGGING my grandma to make her a crochet bikini in the 70s. One wave in the surf and she was left starkers in the ocean with her brother, sister and dad laughing uproariously. I've taken this to heart!
🤣👙🌊
I'm looking for a pattern for a cardiganmade with squares
❤😂 😊
099 12:07 12:07 12:07 12:07
It would be really easy for this video to be negative or mean, so I really appreciate how positive and wholesome you try to be throughout
Awww, thank you!! 🧶🧶🧶
I ẁas laughing all the ẅay through this video! I agree with you on all of them. I was feeling guilty about not making a temperature blanket, but I know myself, and a year-long project is not for me. Thank you for letting me give myself a break and for being like-minded! 💜
I'm so glad you felt the same way!! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I agree. It would be too stressful for me. I wouldn’t put myself through that. Kudos to the people who can 👏🏽
@@user-Elle41 I don’t have the time to research the temps or average them or whatever they do. I can barely get done in a day what I have to do. I also don’t want a year long project. I like some detailed small projects, but mostly I love mindless knitting and crochet, to de stress and unwind.
Well said 👌totally agree!!
That last point about gifting is very relatable.
Having only picked up crochet a few days ago, I am a true beginner and haven't had the time to make anyone anything yet, but I also do a little embroidery, and when I was about to meet a close online friend of mine for the first time near their birthday, I set to embroider a decently sized Starwars ship for them as I know they are a huge fan of Starwars.
Because I am a beginner and not very fast at embroidering, the project took me tens of hours (and some sleepless night to finish it on time) and before I gifted it to them I was very nervous if they would even like it and was half expecting them to toss it in a corner.
Lucky me, when I finally met them and offered it to them, they were so emotional I had spent so much time on a gift for them, they loved it and immediately hanged it on their bedroom wall ToT Now when we call, every once in a while they remind me how much they like seeing my embroidery on their wall everyday! I will definitely craft for them again
Awww! That's wonderful! ❤️
I just spent 2 months and around 27 skeins to make a blanket large enough to fit on our queen sized bed with 2 people under it and it's amazing. I was definitely ready to be done with the project many times throughout the process lol.
Wow!!! I'm impressed!! 🧶🧶🧶
I did a king sized one that nearly reaches the floor on both sides. Quite warm, very heavy. We pull it out every winter (and really appreciated it when we lost power for hours in subzero temperatures) l just say I was ahead of the weighted blanket curve. 😂
I was still new to crocheting when i decided to make my sister two 12 inch amigurumi bunnies. They were customized with a pink dress and green overalls.
Im usually a slow crocheter and i had never made clothes for my amigurumis but i was able to do this in two days. I was so proud of them. But they sit in my box of projects now. They werent loved like i thought theyd be.
I dont make gifts for people since then. I look at them today and think they were still pretty good for being some of my first amigurumis.
Awwww, I'm so glad you kept them!! 🧶🧶🧶
Made my daughter a queen size blanket. Perseverance is definitely a requirement. A deadline helped too as I was travelling to see her and wanted to take it with me. Meanwhile my own blanket gets put on hold all the time....
Lol! I totally get it!! What a wonderful gift! 🧶🧶🧶
I have been crocheting for 47 years. I was 10 when I made my first granny square baby sized blanket. I have tried to complete a bed sized blanket a few times, but I have found, if it can’t be completed in a week, it just ain’t happen’!!! I totally agree with your whole darn list and the reasons are the same for me! Thanks for the videos. ❤
That's wonderful! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
My first two crotchet projects, two and a half years ago, were actually full sized blankets. Honestly, I think they will be the two projects I will be the most proud of. They are not the best made blankets, but they are (were) loved. But im not going to make more blankets for a while because of the stories they already have. And I don't need more of these kinds of stories.
The first one was for my granma from dads side of the family for when she was in a care home. It was the last gift she ever got. She couldn't enjoy it for long, but it made her incredibly happy and proud in her last couple of weeks. Dad said the day that I gave it to her.'If it is nealy done, you should give it today, I think she is not going to make it to Christmas.' So I actually reduced the border from my planed 10 cm to just 2 rows and completed it in her room. It was not big enough to tuck in, but it was big enough to lay atop of the covers for a little extra warmth and colour. She died not even a month later in November.
My second blanket I actually made straight after the first for my other grandparents, for their twin bed. It's a whoping 220x240 cm, nearly 4 kilo, and even on a hook size 21 it was a pain to make. Because well, it was my second project, and I honestly didn't know what I was starting when I began. It was completed 2 days before Christmas, which was incredibly stressful. But its still at the bottom of their bed now 2 years later, and it will probably stay on the bed until granpa dies (my other grandmother passed away last September). He had an accident two months ago because of a mistake by the general practitioner. (They didn't inform my grandad that he had a urinary infection and just emailed the pharmacy for the antibiotics he should have taken.) He collapsed right next to his bed, because of the size of the stitch used in the blanket and the weight of it, he was able to use it to make it back onto his bed eventually. It took his neighbour 2 days to figure out that something was wrong and got him to the ER. My grandad is currently well onto his way of recovering. Luckily, we all got away with a fright (and a new alarm watch because he couldn't reach his cellphone).
So, while it will be quite a while before I will make a blanket again, I'm really happy with the two I made.
That's amazing!! Thank you for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I am so glad that your grandfather is doing better. I believe that very few can claim that their second crochet project has probably saved a life.... ❤In Germany there is a so-called house emergency call. It's a small device with a red button that you wear around your neck or wrist. There is a permanently installed base for this. If the button is pressed, an emergency call is automatically sent. The base asks if there is an emergency. If this is confirmed or there is no answer (e.g. if you are in another room), the emergency doctor will come automatically. We had such a device at home at the time because my father had multiple sclerosis and was in a wheelchair. That was a great help when my mother went shopping, for example. And later, after my dad died, my mom had one too because she was alone. Many best wishes to your grandpa!❤
I love that she doesn’t just bash these crochet projects, but says what she likes about them, and has her reasons why she doesn’t like them or they won’t work for her.
Thank you! ❤️
This is a quilting related comment, but as long as we're venting...
Many years ago, a young friend BEGGED me to make a quilt for her coming baby.
I spent several months lovingly stitching pieces together by hand and then quilting the top to the lining, also completely by hand. The quilt turned out very beautiful, with bright primary calico squares and careful stitching. I was so proud of myself!
She accepted it happily and I thought she really liked it. Then, on a visit to meet the new baby, I saw the quilt I had worked so long and hard to make sticking out of the dog's house! I slipped out the back door and pulled the quilt out of the doghouse. It was filthy and covered with what I hope was mud. I quickly stuffed my treasure back in the doghouse and made my way into the house, my eyes filled with tears of sadness and wounded feelings.
I managed to get through the visit, though I wanted to tell her what I found. I left her house and I never returned. When the harried life of a young mother doomed our friendship, I didn't try to revive it.
The dog house...REALLY?!
Oh my goodness!!!!!!! That is awful!!! I'm so sorry that happened! 🧶🧶🧶
Oh hell na. I woulda started throwin hands!
100% agree with this entire thing. I'm a beginner-ish crocheter with a short attention span, so when I start projects, I always consider functionality and practicality first and foremost, then the cost. What I'll never really understand, though, is the appeal of amigurumis, but that's just me. 😅
Thanks for sharing! I'm obsessed with amigurumi, but that's just me! 😂🧶😂🧶
For me it’s just that they’re uh. Tiny circles, I’m a bit lazy /j
When I was 11 (I'm 64 now), I crocheted my mother a lovely shawl in ecru for Mother's Day. It took a long time. I never saw her wear it and when I asked why about a year later, she said she had given it to Goodwill.
Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry. I can imagine how painful that was. Hugs to you. ❤️❤️❤️
I stopped crocheting gifts, because of this very same reason. I still crochet, however, I look at what is trending, and I crochet that. More times than not, they do sell.
Oh, that was so hurtful for you.
Horror! I'd rather they give it to anyone else, out back to me.
I hear you. That was pretty insensitive.
Oh yes that last one! No one REALLY understands how much work goes into a item. And it’s easy to get my feelings hurt because of it no matter how much I told myself ahead of time “they won’t understand but, that’s okay” 😰
It's so hard to put your heart and soul into something only for it to be looked down upon! 💔💔💔
A note about Tony's temperature blanket patterns: they're really good for people who get behind! I understand if it's still not your thing, but unlike the traditional big stripe temperature blankets, getting behind on the linen square blanket is no big deal. I re-did three whole squares in a weekend. All that to say: If you *want* to do a temperature blanket, but are worried about getting behind, there are patterns that are super friendly to that!
That is very good to know!! Thank you for sharing!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I started crocheting literally last night so was recommended this video since TH-cam knows I was looking at tutorials. It's cool to get an idea of all the things that I could do (even if you aren't a fan of them) once I develop skills. I really love the shrugs (my wardrobe is often the antithesis of practical) and hope I can make one one day. Gonna watch your other videos so I can keep learning about crochet.
Edit to add: Since you mentioned bed sized blankets, my mum's best friend made me one for Christmas last year. I think it took her around 7 months or maybe longer. It's incredibly beautiful and warm and one of my favourite things that I own since so much love and time went into it, but I couldn't fathom ever making something like it myself.
I'm so glad you found the video helpful!! And you'll be surprised how quickly you will learn how to make things like shrugs! 🧶🧶🧶
I really appreciate how you confidently put out your opinions. There is not anything for anyone to disagree on in this list because these are your limits and choices. No one can or should try to make you do anything. Take care! ❤
Thanks so much! I can appreciate why others would enjoy making those projects, but they just aren't for me! ❤️🧶❤️🧶
This was a fun video. I've actually made one of those poofs for my daughter to use as a footrest by the nursery rocking chair. I stuffed it with old quilts and blankets that were never used anymore. It stored a lot of these. But, I won't every make one again. The shape was wonky.
A REQUEST FOR A FUTURE VIDEO: I've been making things to donate to a hospice center. They like some of the fidgety things like the magic fidget. I made a tiny octopus with curly legs and a rainbow with curlies hanging down. Great stash busters for dementia patients. HOW ABOUT 10 CROCHET FIDGET ITEMS???
Oh wow!! Great video topic!! Thanks for sharing!!! 🧶🧶🧶
I've made two and I stuffed them with two old sleeping bags and some pillows. They tend to get out of shape, but I can live with that, after all it only takes 30 seconds to puff it back in shape. And the cats and the kids love them
I love how u don’t diss any of them at all u just explain ur reasoning it’s like a breath of fresh air tbh hahah
Thank you so much! 💛
I made a king size blanket for my in-laws for Christmas one year. I kept it simple by only using basic single crochet (or maybe it was double, it's been a few years) and adding interest by making chunky grey and white stripes. It was still a lot of work, but enjoyable as I could mindlessly crochet while watching tv.
That's wonderful! 🧶🧶🧶
I felt that way about those giant temperature blankets. But finally I made one, a C2C blanket and I only did 8 squares a day which only took about 5 minutes. If I went on vacation or something I could catch up a couple weeks in a half hour. I used two strands of yarn, one color for low and one for the high temp. My blanket came out just afghan sized and was super fun!
Oooh! I bet it turned out beautifully! 🧶🧶🧶
I love that, even though these things agent your preference, you still show patterns and creators that people who do like them can make them.
Thank you! ❤️
I was leaning towards never making the sleeves too, but I potentially found a way to make them functional for certain people. I was thinking of making my mom one for mothers day out of cotton yarn as she tans REALLY easily and she hates the tan lines she can get from driving. So she'll cut up old sweat shirts and try to hold up the arms so she doesn't get a tan but I think with a tight stitch it might be easier to drive in than one handed a lot lol.
That's a very ingenious idea!! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I have made myself several of the sleeves out of fabric. I get cold easily and sometimes adding a cardigan or sweatshirt is too much. So the sleeves are just enough to keep me warm until I get too warm and need them off. So much easier than changing shirts 4x a day.
@kaymingo6051 yeah. Just think of it as a cropped sweater. I live in Georgia. It was difficult to functionally use and wear crochet for me. Over the years I've learned what's good and this is definitely on my list. Sometimes wearing one of these over a t-shirt is all you need on our hotter winter days. Plus they're super cute!
Being aware of ourselves as makers is how we keep our joy in this craft. I agree with a majority of the projects on this list - bikini top, shrugs, shorts, socks, cat sweaters (have made a hat for one with hydrocephalus), but I have to add amigurumi to my personal list. The finished objects are so cute and really special; however, I have such a mental hurdle when it comes to assembly.
I totally understand! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
If you ever do get the urge, no-sew/no-assembly patterns exist and they are FANTASTIC
I agree with not making blankets. However lately, I decided to make one for therapeutic reasons and its helped so much. I call it my hope and sadness blanket. Whenever I'm so depressed that all I can do is lie in bed, I get it out and work on it instead. Its really helpful to still be productive even in those times and provide the time to quietly think through whats upsetting me. I don't know when the blanket will be complete, but I'll know that every stitch was made with love, pain, and hope for a better future. Good and bad make a life fully lived, and the blanket will be a reminder to all I've experienced through the time I was making it.
I love that! ❤️ Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
This made me tear up this morning... what a beautiful project
The last one 😢. I made my boyfriends mom a starburst granny square blanket to match her new living room set for Christmas and not a thank you or so much as acknowledgement of it. A week later, on new year’s, we were bringing stuff to her car and it was thrown in the backseat like she was sneaking it out of the house. NEVER AGAIN 😂. on the other hand my boyfriends sister had a baby and I made him a baby blanket that they use all the time. It’s hard to know who will appreciate it until you try.
Awww, I'm so sorry! I'm so glad your boyfriend's sister liked the blanket you made them! 🧶🧶🧶
I can understand the pain of not having the attention span for a bed blanket. I tend to pick patterns/stitches that I don't actually have to pay attention to. I finally decided one day that instead of always making stuff for other people that I would make something that I would keep. After looking around I landed on an infinity granny square blanket, and I didn't even really have to look at my work while watching TV, as the holes where the next cluster would go was easy to feel. Even now working on a full sized spiral circle blanket in DC, I barely have to look on where I place my next stitch before I looking back at youtube. And I've also had 2-3 blankets going at the same time with different patterns and or stitches so if I get bored of one, I can then just switch projects
That's amazing!! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
This is the first video I've seen by you and you are so lovely to watch! You give off such fun, lively energy. All my attempts at crochet have been a disaster so far; knitting makes a lot more sense to me and I'm decent with some similar crafts, but I get completely lost with crochet. Though I'm getting into tatting at the moment and it's making me feel a little more confident that I should tackle crochet again.
I'm very much going to watch more of your videos to continue to help motivate me to try crochet again. Thank you so much for making such lovely videos! It's very clear that you put lot of effort into them.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy them! And I hope crochet starts to feel a little more natural! 🧶🧶🧶
About blankets- I made myself a granny square blanket this year that was almost bed sized. It's the biggest thing I've ever made- my own pattern- and I was so proud of myself. Then I put it on my bed and realized it was so warm I was never going to use it because I run so hot. I'm not going to say never again because my mother runs very cold and I have other older family members, and I actually like a long-term project, but boy did I learn my lesson!
Oh wow! I beta it's gorgeous!!!! Maybe you could fold it and just have it decoration at the end of the bed? 🧶🧶🧶
Every day throughout this year I make a granny square to make the blanket at the end of the year
I'm 100% with you on temperature blankets. Bed sized blankets don't scare me, but I start a bed sized blanket knowing that it is going to be a project that takes me years to complete. Having a deadline of 12 months on the reason for a blanket just doesn't jive with me. I am however currently working on a bed sized blanket that I started back in 2021 and I'm not even a quarter of the way through, but I give myself permission to put it away for 6 to 8 months at a time once I start getting bored with the repetitive nature of the pattern, and then once we've had a nice break from each other, I'll pick it back up and do some more on it.
That's a great idea!! I would definitely have to shift my perspective to make a bed sized blanket!! 🧶🧶🧶
I would add it's the only way i know for these projects... i know it will take time so i allow myself some breaks when needed. Feel free to take your time! ❤❤❤
I think you're 100% correct about all of these! Although it's true that I have wasted hours of my life making under-appreciated crochet/knit gifts as well as never-ending blankets that barely get used because they're too heavy anyway.
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
What a fun video! I agree 100% with your list. People who don't appreciate handmade gifts... I made baby blankets for all of my grands and one mama has no idea where they are (one is now 7 and the other 4). On the other hand, I add a row every year on my OTHER grandbabies' birthday to their "Yaya blankets" and they use them every night.
What wonderful idea to continue to add rows every year!!! 🧶🧶🧶
I love this idea! I can imagine making a colorful blanket and then each year the new row could be the child's favorite color at the moment, or represent something they like. Kind of a growing up "temperature" blanket.
I'm currently working on a temp blanket and, like you, I'm easily overwhelmed. Some people put so much thought into it using equations, spreadsheets, websites, measurements, dousing rods, moon phases, tealeaf readings and who knows what else, I was almost put off! Slight exaggeration, but you get my drift. So I simplified mine and gave myself permission to alter as I go. I picked out yarn I already had and could easily get more of, splitting them into temperature increments of about 5 degrees. If 2 consecutive days are in the same high temp slot, I go for the low temp, all using the standard weather app on my phone. I do 1 row of moss stitch before I settle to do my bigger projects, and Bob's your uncle (as we say here in England 🤭) If I put pressure on myself to stick to rules, I'll jack the whole lot in and I don't want to do that. I know some may think it defeats the purpose, but it's my first time and I want to enjoy it. If I survive this one, I may be more specific next time. Doubtful, but possible 😝
Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I completely understand people who aren't into temperature blankets, personally I found it a really fun way to get familiar with local weather patterns, and I really enjoyed feeling like each row I did on mine was an accomplishment, unlike when you're working on a project where it seams to take forever to finish a single section and the reward comes so late
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I thought you were reading my mind as you shared your list. I would add bathroom tp covers to mine. Thank you for sharing.❤️
Oh those should have been on my list!! 🧶🧶🧶
I made a toilet paper basket that holds 2 rolls side by side in the basket. It’s really cute. I got tired of only having a little paper left on the roll. Now when that happens I have a cute basket that sits on a stand with other toiletries that can be reached.
Probably like most crocheters, I started out doing the easy stuff, like hats, shawls, and afghans. One Christmas, I declared an "Ugly Hat Christmas" and crocheted everyone a red beanie. We took a group picture and it was great fun, but beanies are not something I'll be making anymore, unless someone specifically asks for one. I made 2 afghans for my 2 daughters-in-law and their sisters, one for Summer and one for Winter. I will not be making anymore afghans unless someone specifically asks for one.😊 I started a bed-sized granny square coverlet for my guest bed, completed all the granny squares, and sewed about half of them together. The project's been sitting in a plastic bin waiting for me to finish for about two years now. I won't be making any more bed sized coverlets, even if someone asks for one. 😉 None of the things you mentioned will be on my to-do list, because I've found my passion! It's amigurumi! I've made Marvel characters, Harry Potter, Santa, elves, Pooh characters, Nativity scenes, Mario, Peanuts, Mandalorian, Safari! My to-do list will last me into the next decade and I keep seeing new patterns I want to make. My grandsons are growing out of them and I may take my overflow to a craft show in the fall. As I write, I'm finishing up a Manchester City soccer player for my soccer-playing grandson and he's seventeen, a bit old for stuffed toys, but he can set it on his desk for inspiration while he plays FIFA soccer on his X-Box. Love your channel and all your work on the shelf behind you!
I totally agree on the amigurumi!! Nothing quite as fun for me as crocheting toys! And my son is a Manchester United fan!! ⚽️
You are never too old for stuffed toys !🤩
I made a king size flag afghan for a wedding gift without a pattern. It took a long time and was very stressful. Then once the afghan was finished i had to crochet 50 stars, lay them out and then sew them on. The afghan was beautiful but never again!!!!!
@@EvieBear236 I hope not because my daughter is 51 and I make her amigurumi stuff all the time. She has several characters from the Iconic Women pattern book and a whole group of gnomes. I just finished a gnome "Gnina" the ballerina, tutu and slippers and all! All for my "girl."
I've fallen in love with the creativity of amigurumi too. I'm currently on a kick making play food for my grandson & great-niece.🍪🥕🍌
I love how much effort she puts into her videos and ofcourse she gave her great reasons and I love how she included the patterns even for the things she is never going to make💗
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
I like your positivity, and pointing out sources of patterns if someone wants to make any of the items on the list. I agree with most of these for a variety of reasons. My projects are on the small-ish side: pot holders, dish cloths, crossbody bags. I made a cocoon cardi, which isn't small, but was pretty uncomplicated, and I love wearing it. I'm working on potholders & scrubbing dish cloths to give as gifts Christmas 2023, and I will likely not even know if they're not used, tbh, unless I'm told outright. 3 each to each recipient, so they won't take up much space, and they're useful. A bed size blanket?!?! It will need to be washed at some point, and just the thought of the weight of such an item when wet is overwhelming. A temperature pillow cover is my idea of a doable project, even taking a year to gather the data, though the data might be sourced online for a previous year, idk.
Opinions on crochet projects differ from person to person, and they're all valid.
Thanks so much for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I’m with you on all of these except the shrug thing - I’m such a horrifically sweaty person but also my shoulders are constantly freezing, so those things were made for me. My back and armpits can avoid the extra layer while my shoulders and arms can be warm!
That's great!! Thanks so much for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️
I adore the community and just how different our thoughts and styles are, but that our love for the craft is with us all.🥰 Thank you so much for the video !! I’m so new to it all, this brought me a lot of ideas, (I’m so sorry🤣) and things I never knew existed ! I personally would never do anything for a cat either, or the produce bags!! Sending love, thank you for the video~
You're so welcome!! 🧶🧶🧶
I'm 100% with you on all of these. Another thing I personally will not crochet is a thread crochet table runner. I have some that were made by my grandmother and they are beautiful, but I lack the commitment to do it myself. I tried making a bed sized blanket in the past, but got bored and it ended up as a lap blanket. Currently, I'm working on a granny square blanket with my leftover yarns. I purchased "The Ultimate Granny Square Sourcebook" from Meteoor Books and I'm making each granny square in the book. I'm not sure how big the finished blanket will be, but it stays fresh and interesting because each square is different and a small project in and of itself.
Oooh! I need to check that book out!! 🧶🧶🧶
Omg, totally this! My friend has a table runner she made and while it looks beautiful, it’s impractical because your glass doesn’t sit on it properly. Crochet can be bumpy, and that texture means it’s not flat enough for stemware.
It's useful to look at the patterns for some of these projects and understand how they are made, even if you don't actually make them. I've got patterns for shrugs from the 1950s. So, they might be practical sometimes. The trouble is that some items are best not crocheted, at all! Most of the re-usable net bag patterns, that I've seen, are from the 1940s (UK, wartime). These are made from coarse hard wearing materials and using techniques that are more like macrame. Socks are always best knitted.
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Tbh, I'm not too fond of hand knitted socks either, at least not the ones I got as a child, which suggests to me that there is a lot that can go wrong . I should still learn it, because it's a useful skill and handmade socks are better than no socks but I like store bought socks best.
Amen on the unappreciated items handmade. Love your channel!
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
got into crochet a couple of weeks ago bc it looked so fun and i wanted to be able to make gifts for people, making a star blanket as a christmas gift for a friend and i’m so excited to finish it and give it to her!! i KNOW she appreciates handmade gifts bc the last gift i made her (3d origami swan that took me ~2.5 weeks) made her emotional, and it made me feel so seen knowing that she understood the time i committed to making her something (:
Awww! Wonderful!! 🧶🧶🧶
My first crochet project was a queen sized granny square blanket. I learned how to crochet from my college roommate's mom teaching me the granny square and I wanted to make something I could use. I have used it for about 15 years and it's still in great condition, despite the number of washes. Now I have a tradition of making twin size blankets for each niece and nephew when they are young. I love it when my projects are used.
Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
PS - I also like that you post links to the projects you mention even though you will never crochet them yourself. Very fair of you to do that for viewers who might like to try them. 👍😊
I'm working on a temperature blanket right now! But yeah, there's a lot of fortitude and planning, and they will be bed-sized no matter what. After learning about using weather underground to get historical temps for nearly any place, I realized that it didn't have to be this year!
Agree about the bikini and shorts. I have made market bags but I use them for hanging yarn storage.
That's such a good idea to do them for different years! That has peaked my interest! 🧶🧶🧶
I had started knitting some sweaterless sleeves right before watching this video, so I audibly gasped when you mentioned them! They look so impractical, but they’re great for layering over form-fitting athletic duds and still being able to move freely.
But I’ll admit: These are my go-to when I just want to make pretty sleeves and without committing to a full sweater.
Sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Really enjoyed this video...and yes, it really resonates with me about crocheting something that takes literally months and in the end is not appreciated...crocheted a blanket for a family member who requested it, and on receiving it, handed it to another family member. Learnt my lesson.
Oh wow! They requested it and then just handed it off! Just wow! 🧶🧶🧶
I thought I would never make crocheted socks. I couldn't imagine walking on all those little knots. I learned my lesson LOL! I just finished my first pair and I am getting ready to start my second pair, I absolutely love them and how comfortable they are. They were a little fiddly because I have extremely small feet with a very large heel through ankle crotch so it took a little altering to get them to fit right but I am so happy I did. As to the full length blanket. I did that too. I joined a year long MKAL because I just learned to knit and I figured that would be a fantastic way to get some experience under my belt. 1 section per month was just the right amount and because I was looking for something else to do while I was waiting for the next section I joined the year long MCAL as well now I have 2 bed size or large couch size blankets and I can't wait for cold weather to use them they are so soft and cuddly!
Thank you so much for sharing!! I'm glad to know crochet socks are so nice!! 🧦🧦🧦
Any suggestions on patterns for the socks? And are they wear in shoes socks, or wear around the house socks?
I truly hated and didn't understand the shrug/sleeves trend but reading these comments opened my eyes to some cool reasons why they're useful! nursing moms, medical issues, it's actually pretty cool to me now. not something I'd wear but I'm glad people get use out of them coz I thought it was so wasteful to make something trendy just for the trend
That's exactly how I felt! I had no idea how practical they are! Now I think they are amazing, although I probably would never wear them. My arms don't get cold, but I can see why others would need them. ❤
Love that you're still super respectful of all the patterns despite them not being for you!
As a note of trivia: the ideas of the arm "shrugs" is incredibly ancient. They've been found with bronze age bog bodies and archeology sites. It's suggested that they were worn in cool/cold/damp weather over a basic bod dress. I find that they provide just enough substance to cut a chilly draft down your neck or across your shoulders without letting you get hot enough to sweat outright.
Thank you so much for sharing!! So interesting! 🧶🧶🧶