For my free inquiry project I’m going to teach myself how to crochet. I chose to learn how to crochet for a few reasons. First, I always find myself being drawn to the crochet businesses at markets or in gift shops and I’d love to figure out what it takes to make some of those pieces. Secondly I love hand making gifts for my friends and family and this is a great way to get a head start on making some holiday gifts. I also think this could be a great skill to teach in the classroom as an art unit or as a during/after school club. Lastly there is research that claims crocheting has a positive impact on mental and cognitive health.

This week I had my meeting with Rich, watched some videos to find beginner friendly materials and techniques and bought some of the materials I’ll need to get started. I’m not entirely sure of everything I’m going to try and create over the next couple of months so I bought a handful of  Holly Auna’s recommendations from her youtube video “Crochet shopping list! What to buy as a beginner crocheter!” just to get started. 

As previously mentioned, many claim crocheting is great for stress relief and can be meditative once you get the hang of it. I’m hoping crocheting can become a new relaxing hobby to help me manage the stress that comes with the busyness of school, work and life’s responsibilities. Over the coming weeks I will be documenting my progress in learning how to crochet, the different resources I use and keeping track of any mental health benefits I feel crocheting provides. 

Photo #1 credits

Photo #2 credits