(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - The Crochet Lady - Maurita Way)

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Maurita Way. I am writing four crochet pattern books, share ideas online, am a crochet vendor, and teach random classes. I hope I can entice you to join me on my artistic journey, and let me teach you along the way. I see myself as a crafty “Jack of all trades,” but my passion is crochet. In the art world, I am known as “Maurita the Crochet Lady.”

I learned to crochet when I was 18. At the time, there was not an online crochet database, but I still managed to learn stitches and techniques quicker than anyone expected. I began designing my own projects and writing patterns. I began teaching classes. My younger students (under age 12) took classes with a parent or guardian to ensure the lessons could be practiced over the week until the next class. My students loved that they could hear my soothing words that I repeated over and over until it became second nature.

One of the funniest things a student ever said was, “I thought crocheting was supposed to be relaxing.” I smiled and replied, “Yes, but it is NOT relaxing to LEARN to crochet.” Everyone giggled.

Normally, I might start with beginners, but experienced crocheters sometimes get comfortable with what they already know. I encourage you to have fun learning more with me. I not only learn from other crocheters, but I also practice what I know so it feels more natural, and pick up speed.

For anyone who is just starting their crochet journey, I recommend going at your own pace. I have had some students who physically could not crochet fast, so they took their time enjoying their progress and were proud of their work.

Maurita Way with some of her favorite crocheted creations. (Photo provided by Maurita Way)

I start every class with a few guidelines. The most important is “NEVER CUT YARN TAILS!” They can be knotted extra, but the excess needs woven into the project. Other advice would be: 1, start with light colored yarn; 2, do not crochet too tight because it causes stress; 3, relax … your shoulders, your back, and even your face.

As for holding the yarn, project, and hook, everything is a personal choice. I would avoid squeezing the “ball yarn” between two fingers because it causes many to cramp. With the hook, I prefer to hold it with my thumb and middle finger on the “thumb spot” (indent approximately one inch below hook). I hold the project with my other thumb and middle finger. Both of these allow one pointy finger to feed “ball yarn” and the other to hold “yarn overs” on the hook for certain stitches. One last thing before the fun, right or left handed only matters when reading patterns.

Now the exciting part — beginning projects. Something as simple as a few circles and squares can start a fun project. Practical items like a dish cloth or coasters can be made with cotton yarn. Cute little creatures like a ball with legs and sewn-on face or even a caterpillar are also options. Pieces can also be sewn or crocheted together to make things like afghans (blankets) or even vests. A plain hat can also be an exciting design idea.

I realize my introduction was long, but now that it is over, all that is left is to get busy with new stitches, techniques, and project ideas. I hope you will accompany me on my crochet journey, enjoy a few crafting stories, and have fun learning.