Lara in Colorado, Featured Crochet Hobbyist

Welcome to our blog tour! Here at Crochetville, we celebrate National Crochet Month with our NatCroMo Blog Tour. This year, we’re interviewing crochet designers, teachers, and hobbyists throughout March and our theme is crochet memories. You can browse all of this year’s blog tour content on our page NatCroMo Blog Tour 2020.

About Lara in Colorado

Please allow me to introduce our featured hobbyist of the day, Lara in Colorado. She enjoys crocheting most things, but spends most of her time on baby blankets, afghans, amigurumi, and kitchen items (but no scrubbies yet). Today Lara will share some of her crochet memories with us and we’ll showcase three of her crochet projects.

Lara’s Crochet Memories

Would you share with us one of your earliest memories of crochet?

I learned to crochet when I was four years old. Mom was making a poncho, and I was hooked (well, you know…). To keep me out of her hair, she handed me a size 4 steel hook and some red thread. That did not deter me. I quickly learned to make circles, and soon my dolls all had skirts. Instead of reading, I would crochet. I haven’t forgotten since.

Would you share with us one of your most memorable experiences as a crocheter?

The hardest part of always knowing how to crochet was not knowing how to read patterns. One of my first grown-up gifts to myself was a class at our local yarn shop. The next thing I did was spend hours at the library and yarn stores going through pattern books and fliers. There’s something exciting about looking at a picture and being able to say I’m going to make THAT. My nieces and nephews got some of my first patterned projects. My kids, too. The only thing better than making cute things is giving them away.

Would you share with us another crochet memory?

My first amigurumi dog was finished just as a friend had to put one of her dogs down. The first thing my kids asked was if we could give it to her, so she wouldn’t be so sad. As they ran into her house to joyfully tell her we brought her a dog, they didn’t tell her it was stuffed! It was the perfect gift, and a story we still laugh at together.

Showcase: Crochet Projects by Lara

Thanks Scarf

Pattern source: Stitchboard, my own picture

About the project: As a thank you gift, I planned and made this scarf for my son’s physical therapist. It was my first graph, and so much fun! I went on to make another graph, from my own graph paper: a “CAUTION” tape, extra long scarf. The hardest part: letter Q for “QUARANTINE.”

Let’s Beat Lupus

Pattern source: Butterfly Stitch Prayer Shawl (on Ravelry)

About the project: My friend has Lupus. Their symbol is a butterfly, and as soon as I saw this pattern I knew I wanted to make it for her. It looks more complicated than it is. So many people have wanted to learn this pattern! Shawls are some of my favorite things to give, even if few people really wear them anymore. Why is that?

Cutoffs Made Cute

Pattern source: Around the Corner Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman

About the project: Border 22. So I had these cutoffs, and I wanted something cuter. It’s surprisingly easy to stitch with steel hooks through fabric. Working with thread is still more comfortable for me. Some projects take forEVER in small hooks, but I love the look. Shortly after I made these, I started seeing clothes with crochet inserts in the stores. Did I start a trend? 😉

Follow Lara Online

Here’s where you can connect with Lara online if you’d like to see more of her crochet projects!

• Ravelry: https://ravelry.com/people/Boyita

More About Lara

I’m a wife, daughter, sister, volunteer… I used to teach, but was promoted to mom and never looked back. When I’m not crocheting, I’m taking photographs, reading, or driving. I love cross stitch, crosswords, and puzzles. And I work hard at laughing every day. ?