Time is the most valuable gift of life. Some folks spend their moments scrolling online thoughtlessly, others sleep for half of the day or work a job they don’t enjoy. I was all of the above, but my perspective shifted when I found the textile art of crochet.

It was around holiday time and I wanted to make budget-friendly, personalized gifts for my loved ones. With zero ideas of how to start but a whole lot of curiosity and excitement, I walked to the craft store and picked up some basics: two skeins of yarn, a set of hooks, yarn needles, and some stitch markers. The entire trip cost me less than $20.

I tried my hand at my first-ever project, a beanie, after following a YouTube tutorial late one night. I crocheted for five hours straight. It was the most interesting, challenging, and thrilling practice and I couldn’t keep my hands away from the hook and yarn. (As you can see, I over-estimated the length but it looked okay rolled up.)

The very next day, I watched another tutorial video and what started as a small checkered rectangle turned into a large book bag over a couple of nights and days.

The following week I found the mothership of crochet artistry fun: the granny square. The granny square is a pattern that is highly enjoyable, simple and takes very little time to make. You can craft a variety things out of the squares, which come in all shapes and sizes. Clothes, hats, book bags, home decor, the list goes on and on… What CAN’T the granny square do? Out popped another bag made of two panels of these.

These first three projects changed my life for the better. I was hooked (both literally and figuratively).

All you really need to learn how to start crocheting is yarn, a hook, and patience. With these tools, any person can quickly grow their skills. My previously perfectionist self approached the hobby with intimidation and frustration, but like with most things, time and resilience opened my eyes to a new world. These days, I can crochet just about anything I want, any time I want. I’ve also taught a few of my friends how to crochet! I’m about seven months into this hobby, and can confidently say that the learning curve is quick and the projects are rewarding.

All are welcome in the world of crochet- I hope you stay a while!