It's been a lifetime of crochet. When I say I’ve been crocheting since the age of nine, it often doesn’t hit me just how long that’s been—52 years to be exact! For over five decades, crocheting has been my constant companion, something I’ve done weekly, if not daily. It’s not just a skill but a deep passion, a creative outlet, and a connection to the women who inspired me to pick up a hook and yarn all those years ago.
The Granny Square Blanket That Started a Lifetime of Crochet for me.
My crochet journey began on the farm where I grew up. Life was simple, and with few distractions, I found plenty of time to explore new hobbies. My first project was the classic granny square blanket. It wasn’t just my project, though—my brothers, Wayne and Gavin, decided to join in on the fun.
The result? A wonderfully quirky blanket made of granny squares in all different sizes and tensions! It was a patchwork of learning and laughter, but a few months later, I decided to unravel it. With newfound skills and determination, I re-crocheted the blanket and gifted it to my Ouma Summers. That blanket wasn’t perfect, but it carried the heartwarming story of three kids on a farm and the beginning of my lifelong crochet journey.
Learning from My Mother and Aunt Ella
My crochet education didn’t stop with granny squares. My mother, Joan Dehrmman, was my first teacher, patiently showing me the basics. Years later, my Aunt Ella took my skills to the next level when she taught me the delicate art of crocheting with fine cotton.
When my Aunt Ella and Ouma Summers visited the farm, they often stayed for months at a time. These visits were filled with love, laughter, and plenty of crochet lessons. One morning after breakfast, Aunt Ella announced, “Today, I am going to teach you how to crochet with cotton.”
Thinking it would be easy, I confidently replied, “That will be simple!” Aunt Ella just smiled and said, “It’s not the same.” And she was absolutely right.
She handed me a ball of Coats 8 Crochet Cotton and a small hook, instructing me to crochet the entire ball in chain stitch with perfect tension. I spent two days working on it, unpicking stitches countless times under her watchful eye until she finally said, “Perfect!” That moment of approval was worth every stitch.
Once I’d mastered the tension, Aunt Ella let me choose a pattern. I picked one that spelled the word “BREAD.” The finished piece was a heartfelt gift for my mother, who always ensured there was bread on the table for our family. It became a treasured addition to the breadbasket, a symbol of love and gratitude.
Passing the Craft On
The lessons my mother and Aunt Ella taught me were more than just technical skills—they were lessons in patience, persistence, and pride in one’s work. Today, I teach my students the same way. Whether they’re learning to crochet for the first time or refining their skills, I encourage them to embrace the process, mistakes and all, because that’s where the true beauty lies.
A Lifetime of Crochet
Looking back, crochet has been so much more than a craft for me. It has been a source of joy, creativity, and connection. From simple granny squares to intricate lacework, every project tells a story and carries a part of my history.
Now, I’m excited to share my knowledge and passion with others. Whether through my classes, patterns, or resources, my goal is to inspire a new generation of crocheters. I believe that anyone can learn to crochet and find the same joy it has brought me for 52 wonderful years.
If you’re ready to start your crochet journey, I’d love to be part of it. Let’s create something beautiful together—one stitch at a time.
Happy Crocheting,
Angela Bruce
REF: My crochet journey - true life story of Angela Bruce
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