Life constantly reminds me of how crochet unites us. It can bring us together and help us working through difficult times. This I learned decades ago. I continue to be reminded of it over the years.

When I was a teenager, my brother used to joke that if you were cold have someone break my heart and you would have a blanket shortly after. In some respects that might have been true, and thus some feel I need to thank my old boyfriend for furthering my crochet career.

There have been several times when I have used crochet to work through difficult times. I recently lost a long-time student to cancer and crochet has shown itself, yet again, as a therapeutic response.

This time, I did what I usually do, I ask for any of their unfinished projects. I work them, working the stitches and completing the project for my friend’s family and loved ones. It is a cathartic event for me. It slows me down and allows me time to focus on the friend that I have lost.

I don’t rush this process. The projects do not have deadlines. They are just an opportunity for me to reflect. Recalling why they would choose the colors or particular pattern. Why they told me these stitches were one of their favorites.

Something a bit different occurred with this friend’s passing, she was part of a larger crochet community for me. We divided up her unfinished projects, allowing each of us to take this journey.

A new way to process and honor

In addition, we spent an afternoon crocheting flowers. Flowers were then attached to a circular form to create a wreath. The wreath hung as a display at her funeral service and was given to her family to adorn their wall as a remembrance of the bright joy our friend gave us and the world that knew her.

Crochet is in my life for milestones, accomplishments, joys and sorrows. I feel fortunate to have this skill in my life’s toolbox, and I feel blessed to share it with others and have them share their lives with me.