Hi I've been offline lately so just got your note. All my Mom's sisters and Mother crocheted, so when I was 12 I asked my mom to show me. I seem to have inherited the bug. I stopped for a long time while I was working, but always had something going, either crochet, or needlepoint or even sometimes knitting. I had let it all go for awhile during divorce time, but when I saw a girlfriend with a skein of yarn and a hook, I knew I needed it. You cannot be tense when crocheting, or the work comes out messed up. You have to keep an even tension, and by making yourself do that, you ease the tensions in yourself.

People say, I don't have the patience, when they see me work, and I tell them It gives me patience. It's a great stress reliever. I found a book at any regular yarn/fabric store that was "ABC's of crochet (I think). It gives the basics, but first I'd suggest you find someone who does crochet and have them walk you through the basics.

You could probably find a site online you could use, but if you are serious about learning, please do yourself a favor and learn. It is one of the more relaxing activities, that will free your mind up to look a problems another way. It has saved my sanity through some really rough spots. Learn the basics, and make something simple, then use your obvious creativity to exceed yourself.

PS. Thanks for writing back. I'm retired officially now, and have moved into a home where I am taking care of an Alzheimer's lady so am saving on rent and doing a good deed. My current crochet project(s) are a coolie for AMP soda with the colors and number of Dale Earnheart, Jr., and a TP hat for my new bathroom.

Write soon.

Sally