New year, new me, right?

As we all hope for some relief in 2022, we also need to be realistic. This pandemic is far from over, with a new mutation every time the virus visits a new country and many people refusing to vaccinate (for whatever reason, valid or not), we still have a long way to go. Whilst we write endless lists of goals that need reaching and boxes that need ticking in the optimism and motivation that a new year brings, we also hope; we hope for the best. Life can be so unpredictable and so unfair that hope is the only sliver that keeps us going, and has saved many a man. 

Hope, the very last thing to leave Pandora's box. I want to challenge you this year, instead of making lists filled with goals (some more easily attainable than others), why not make a list of values. Values that will guide you to be a better person. These can be rooted in whatever you feel passionate about. I have always found comfort in crochet and when I say that crochet makes me a better person, I am always frowned upon. So hold up, let me tell you what I mean... Here are just five ways in which crochet makes me a better person, just five ways in which this craft has led me on a journey of values instead of goals. 

1. Frogging has taught me that errors are okay and second chances often lead to great outcomes. Be patient with yourself and with others, we're all still learning. 

2. When you crochet you very early on learn that every hook size has a preferred yarn weight. This has taught me that even though I am not noticed or praised, I still have a place in this world just like everyone else. Your time will come and you will be needed, but there are also times when you simply need to step back and observe. 

3. I love feeling different yarns and creating different stitches. This reminds me to appreciate the finer details. Sometimes we are so focused on the bigger picture, the end goal that must be reached, that we tend to overlook the here and now, the present, the only thing we have. Crochet has allowed me to be more mindful and focus on the present. 

4. Knowledge means nothing if you do not share it. As a teacher this has always been my mantra, there is no point in learning something if you cannot pass it on. Through crochet I have learnt so much from so many different people and I have had the privilege to share my knowledge with others too. 

5. Time is so, so valuable; you have to spend it doing things you love with people you respect. Crochet has reiterated the importance of time for me. Making things (toys, clothing, blankets, pillows and more) with your very own hands is time consuming as fuck, so you have to be willing to spend your time on that and do it with love in your heart, it also helps if you make things for people whom you love. 

With that, I challenge you to find your own passion and create your own values from what you hold dear to your heart. 

As this is a crochet blog, here are my first makes for the year (two little dino friends), I hope to share many, many more with you, not only of my makes but also of this journey. 

Strap yourselves in, this might get a little crazy! 

xx

Adel