Hello again, I was just on my favorite site Crochetville and I was reading a post called Three things about you that people don't know about you. I found it rather enlightening that these people would open up their lives and share such private details about themselves. So many things we all have in common, not just crochet, but moments in our lives that touch us. I am really shy by nature, being raised in the Army and all and through this website, I found myself talking with other people who are human, like myself. Not afraid to laugh at ourselves, or afraid to ask questions, well a little timid at first but the answers were not harsh or belittling. I feel like I have an online family when I sign on and read the posts and I get all excited when I know an answer that could be shared or giving some thought to an idea. I actually, for the first time in my life, feel like I found a place where I am accepted for who I am. I......I'm Proud to be a HOOKER ! ahem! a person who crochets, that is Melannie

Hello everyone.... Just thought I would let you all know that I joined my very first Crochet A-Long! Snowflakes in July. So far, I have made three snowflakes. I love the pattern. Its so simple and easy that I couldn't stop at one. I wish that I had a web cam so I could post them on line. They are so pretty and I even put silver glitter on one. My cat, Kaleigh really likes it so I have to keep it up and away from her little reach. I just got on the tailend (no offense, Kaleigh, lol) about a doily swap. If I knew about it sooner, I would have signed up. I have three doilies ready to be made that would be out before the August deadline. Really, I am not whining but I will just make the doilies and randomly send them to someone in the group who would be interested in having them. I need to get on the ball with the forum at times. I really hate to miss the doily swap!!!

Today I thought I would just write about crochet patterns. I have several crochet world mags, 3 crochet pattern books, a binder full of patterns that I downloaded off the internet, 2 very old doily books. One might say (especially my husband) that they are worthless junk. Au Contraire, I believe these items to be my textbooks and worksheets into being a creative woman. To people who possess no such imagination view my hobby as a waste of time. I see it as a creative outlet. One that a person can do when they are 1) Lonely
2)Bored out of their mind
3)Nothing on TV is good enough to keep the mind captivated
4)Hit with a creative streak.

Now, I am not trying to brag or anything, but I have made dozens of afghans, doilies, potholders, etc; but I want to keep making them. I had a client who used to knit. She was in her 80's and she told me that knitting is ok for a while. But it really is useless if you have no one to pass it down to. I agree with her to a point. There are countless charities in need of items such as blankets, hats, gloves. So, for those people who say that crocheting is pointless, go down to the local shelter in the winter time, and tell me what you see. Just because someone is making some article that may seem useless to one, in our hearts we know our gifts will be thoroughly appreciated and worn or used to keep someone warm. That is why I collect patterns. Because I know, while I am crocheting, I will be giving a part of myself as a gift to people in need. When I crocheted my daughters afghan, using a size Q hook and three strands of yarn (yellow, pink, light yellow), my husband thought it was a crazy idea to make an afghan for a 3 year old. I kept my mouth shut(which was difficult) and kept working on it. Sarah, patiently watching me work, asked me if that was for her. I told her that it was and it was my hug to her. When it was finished, Sarah's eyes lit up and she smiled and thanked me and proceeded to wrap herself up in the afghan. I brought it back up to Canada (I was in Montana when it was finished), my hubby saw it and immediately put it on the back of the couch. I just looked at him and was wondering what in the world he was doing. He turned around and smiled at me and said that it looks wonderful on the back of the couch, so when he is laying down, he just has to pull it down and cover up. Sarah came over and immediately took the afghan and said "Bad Daddy! This is MY hug. You don't get to use it" and off she went into her room and laid it out on the floor and played with her toys on it. I thought "Good for you Sarah!". So now, I have to make an afghan just for my dd. Will wonders ever cease?