Six Grandkids, One Crochet Hook, and That Battered Octopus

Crochet has been woven into my life for years, connecting me to the people I love through every stitch. I've made countless handmade gifts for my family and close friends, especially my grandkids, and each project carries a little piece of my heart.

I've made things mostly for my family and close friends over the years, especially my grandkids. When my oldest grandson was born 18 years ago, he was my little baby model. I made him so many little hats, blankets, bibs, and other fun things, and he modeled them all so cutely for me.

I've had five more grandkids since then, and each one of them has gotten something from me over the years. I made a unicorn blanket for my oldest granddaughter, a dinosaur blanket for my grandson, and star blankets for my twin six-year-old grandkids. I've made various hats, baby sweaters, bibs, blankets, and many amigurumi projects: a dinosaur, a giraffe, an octopus, a cat, a dog, a fox, and so much more.

I've made each of my kids a blanket over the years. I've also made things to sell. I used to sell hats with attached beards and baby blankets.

I've made a lot of things for myself too. Blankets for the home, wall hangings, wind spinners, piano bench covers, rugs, baskets, slippers, Chapstick holders, AirPods holders, and much more.

Every Stitch Made With Love

The projects that have mattered the most to me are the ones that I've made for the people I love. I truly think of them with every stitch when I'm making something for someone. A lot of love goes into the projects I make for my family and friends.

I love seeing my grandkids' faces light up when I crochet a little stuffie for them. It makes me so happy! Kids are always so excited to receive something handmade, and it warms my heart.

The Octopus My Grandson Still Keeps

I recently went over to my daughter's house, and my grandson brought out the octopus that I crocheted for him about four years ago. It's seen better days, but it was so nice to know that he still has it and loves it.

The Gift That Ended Up In A Trunk

Of course, I've made things for people who didn't appreciate them, too. Some people don't like crochet or don't understand the work and love that goes into it. It hurt my feelings when I gave something to a friend, and they later put it in the trunk of their car like it didn't matter. That's OK. I just won't make them anything again.

Some people simply don't like the same things I do. Some prefer store-bought items, while I would much rather receive a handmade gift. Something that was made with love and from the heart. Not something bought in the store.

That Is Knitted Not Crochet

Sometimes people ask me if I can make them something. Occasionally they'll show me a knitted item and ask me to crochet it. Ha! I have to explain that it's knitted and that what I do is crochet.

I've had people offer to pay me to create something for them, and I don't mind if I have the time. But if I don't, I'll politely tell them I can't.

I Can Say No Without Feeling Bad

I have also had people offer to pay me and then balk at the price. They don't always understand how expensive yarn can be, or that my time is worth something too. I don't think they realize how much work goes into some of these projects.

If I'm crocheting something for a friend, I'll usually just ask them to reimburse me for the supplies, and most people understand that.

I've had people ask me to make things that look incredibly complicated and tedious. I politely tell them no because I'm at the age where I can say no without feeling bad about it.

And that's OK.

Flattered When Someone Just Asks

If someone asks me to crochet something simpler that won't take a whole lot of time, I'll usually say yes. I'm flattered that they asked me in the first place. It makes me feel good to know that someone sees something I've made and thinks, "I want one of those."