I quit crochet a few years ago– that was entirely intentional. For many different reasons I decided to hang up my hooks: the main one being I had hit a wall in the creative journey of it all. I crocheted like a madwoman in my 20s, finishing over 30 blankets that were full or even king-sized (and that was just the blankets!) I learned to create my own patterns, create without a pattern, attempt any stich arrangement, Tunisian crochet, Irish lace crochet, amigurimi, and even freeform. Could I have gone further– I’m sure, the parabola never fully reaches zero– but it felt like I had finally exhausted the art form. I like to learn new things, and challenge myself. The crochet also became a very addictive, almost STIMMING-like activity. I needed to move on if I was to continue to grow as a creative human being.
That’s why I decided to move my focus from fiber back to paper. I returned to my love of drawing from childhood, which has evolved into watercolor and now even oil paints. I am revived, creatively– stimulated by a beginner’s mindset and surrounded by new things to learn. I love it.
But lately I’ve had times where I longed to pick up the hooks again. Particularly in the evening, if I want to watch something on TV. Crochet was the mindless activity that transformed “watching television” into a productive time of my day. I think I could pick up a small crochet project to do in these times– but I dont want to fully jump BACK into crochet.
SO! I found the perfect project. A few months ago I learned that Houston has completely stopped recycling plastic– and I also came across a TikTok of a girl transforming plastic bags into yarn. The lightbulb went off! I have always saved up any plastic bags to use as trash bags, etc. But I save way more than I ever use. I can transform them into plastic yarn! Once I have “enough”, I think I’ll crochet a basket or reusable grocery bag out of it. Turning a plastic bag(s) into a plastic bag!