Monday, March 01, 2010

National Crochet Month (YEAH, RIGHT!!)




OK, March is finally here, and it's the beginning of National Crochet Month.

For the last few years I've tried to see what's going on in the city (Philly)regarding anything crochet......and each year it's the same...


NOT A DAMN THING!!

Most people either don't know anything about it(some they get 'conveniently stupid'), or, they just don't care about it.

The only concern I might get if they hear that's something free to get!!

I try to go around the city, stopping the few places where crocheters gather, to see what people are doing, and it's pretty much the same thing. They're mostly beginners who mostly just sit around,chit chat and eat (oh yeah, gotta have some food!). And wait to see what everybody else is doing (mainly to see what patterns they can get free copies of.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't come out to gossip and feed my face. Sure, I like to see what everyone else is doing, but that doesn't mean I want or need to get a free copy of the pattern. I can get my own (I might want to know where they got it from, like if it's online).

I want to learn as well as to see what's new and what's going on with crochet. Trying to learn and see other people's perspective on what's important to them regarding crochet.

And as a former teacher, it's gratifying to show someone either something new (to them), or a different way to do a specific technique or stitch.

But as usual, I find myself being asked to teach the whole class(for free?), or constantly being bombarded with requests for 'free copies of patterns!! UGH!!

So, this year you can count me out for National Crochet Month here..!!!


I'll just deal with my online friends and groups. It seems to be more people of the same interests there.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been crocheting for 30 years and I never realized that a National Crochet Month even existed.Ken in MN

Unknown said...

I have only just picked up crochet again. It has been since I was a young teenager that my Great Aunt Dorothy began to teach me what she, my Grandma, my Aunt Mary (who insists that I call her just Mary, but I can't)know. They have created such beautiful pieces that is beyond any description I can give. All but Aunt Mary, my best friend, are gone. I yearn to have their knoweldge of crochet. I must say I flounder and as Aunt Mary lives so far away now, I think it wonderful that people are so giving of their prescious patterns for free to teach myself,it is truly a gift indeed. I did not know it was national crochet month. I will check around my neck of the woods and see what might be going on.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear of your woes. Have you ever considered around this time of year to make plans in advance & make your own meetings(idea?) You could even make the rules yourself. Just a thought.

Maybe you could start planning NOW and just think and share ideas with fellow crocheters, that way you'll have plenty of time to organize and plan the things you'd want in your meeting(s).

'THAT CROCHET GUY!!' said...

Hi Anonymous,

I used to volunteer & teach crochet around the city for over 10 years, and each year I bring up the subject, and get the same response...."why don't you put something together?"

Well, from my experience, most people wait till someone else tries to put something together, then start to nick pick about every little thing, but aren't willing to help.

Most people just expect just to get something for free.

It may be different in other cities, but most people are down right 'lazy' regarding doing something like that.

If I'm wrong, I'd like to hear from other crocheters here in Philly!

Anonymous said...

Hello again,

Thanks for your comments, but, my point of my suggestion is that you seem you want something more fulfilling in your crochet endeavors.

Thanks for clarifying though. You seem you really want to do something "more" regarding your crochet "career".

Just think about what made you happy in the past with your crochet endeavors and maybe just try to go that route. I really don't know, I'm a newish crocheter somewhat. So don't have alot of experience.

I guess what I'm trying to say is just look for what makes you feel happier and avoid those annoying situations where people are getting on your nerves. We can't really change people but, we can improve ourselves I believe which is what will make us happier people in the end.

Regards.

'THAT CROCHET GUY!!' said...

Hi Anonymous,

I just wanted to share my experience and meet other intermediate/advanced crocheters.

Most crocheters I've met are either mainly beginners. Any other ones tend to keep to themselves (which I used to do for years when I first started to crochet).

As far as my crochet career is concerned, I'm happy where it is.

So maybe it'll be better to just forget the idea, and go back to doing crochet just by myself.