What Are You Looking At?

Recently, I've been getting better at my technique. So much so, that once I've memorized a pattern, I can look away from my dcs (double-crochets) long enough to get a glimpse of who's been looking at me.

I work and work and work and pretend not to notice others staring. First of all I'd say that it's quite mesmerizing once you find a rhythm. The crochet hook almost seems to dance through the loops and the hand is simply a following dance partner. I get so lost in this that sometimes I "over-crochet," (I'll put too many stitches in one loop or ring). So, I can't fault anyone else for staring. And they do stare. Once I know someone is staring, I glimpse up just to see the face of the person looking turn bashful. If I see a friendly face, I smile back. If not, I just return to my work.

Really? You do it on the subway?

People are not often surprised by the fact that I know how to knit and crochet (and hopefully I will soon know how to spin). However, they are often surprised to find out that I crochet on the train. I guess it is in fact unusual to see a man crocheting on a subway train. As a matter of fact I rarely see people crocheting or knitting on the train at all, men or women. So after all, I guess that I should not be surprised by the reactions others have to me.

One night in particular, as I was knitting on the train (a rare occasion; I usually crochet), I noticed that I had attracted the attention of a man across the train. He eventually sat next to me and inquired about my knitting. He asked what I was knitting. I explained that I was knitting a washcloth. He reached out and felt the fabric I had knitted so far. He told me that he wished he had a camera because his friends would never believe that he saw a man knitting.

In no uncertain terms, I let him know that I wasn't the only one.

But he persisted and because of his bizarre line of questions, a woman across the way began to laugh at him. He pointed and said "She's laughing at you, that doesn't bother you?" My initial thought was "No, why should it? She's not laughing at me." But I recovered my control and said "No, why should it? Why should I care what other people think?" He then affirmed that I shouldn't care what others think. Then I laughed at him.

I regularly encounter people who are inquisitive and I enjoy talking about what I'm working on. Most of my experiences are pleasant or comical. I hope to bring you more of both.

Home Ergonomics

Looking for a way to make those crochet hooks a little more comfortable?

There are many options out there for those of you who find some discomfort in holding a crochet hook. Through my search I have found the following options.

Foam Sleeves

You can purchase foam sleeves from medical supply stores. These sleeves are designed to make using forks and knives more comfortable. Your best bet is to search for "closed-cell foam tubing."

Stress Ball/Foam Toy

Take a stress ball or some foam ball or toy. Drive a knitting needle or a nail through the center (be sure to use a nail that is smaller than the hook you are planning to use). Then insert your crochet hook.

Polymer Clay

This was sent to me by Tom on menwhoknit.com. There is a video on this page that explains how to make a comfort grip for your own hand.

http://tapestrycrochet.com/

Good luck to everyone out there who might need a little bit of crochet comfort. Please, post your replies and any ideas you have or ideas you have tried, good or bad.

David.