By: Ameera Vergara
Let’s face it. Have you ever scrolled through Tiktok or Instagram, looking at the current trends, thinking, “I want to be part of that!” Have you ever listened to Taylor Swift’s “cardigan” wishing that you were snuggled in one as well? And have you ever wanted to do something fun and new with this quarantine?
Well, if you answered yes to any of these questions, then look no further because this summer’s fashion trend is a hobby just for you!
With only a hook and some yarn, you can create various handicrafts ranging from hats, sweaters, tops, and more! Three Rosehill students share their experience and love for crocheting.
“It may seem like a lot of work, and it may take a lot of time, but I promise you once you start crocheting, it’s going to be super entertaining and super pleasing once you see your output!” says Keanna Araneta, an incoming Grade 11 student.
Gaining Inspiration from Social Media
Recent fashion designs showcase the technique of looping threads and yarn to form chains. But how did this seemingly dead hobby regain its popularity?
“I was growing tired of my usual routine during quarantine,” Keanna Araneta says. “When I saw a ball of yarn and a crochet hook lying around, I decided that why not start crocheting?”
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to spend more time at home, therefore, opening avenues for the exploration of new hobbies and other forms of creative self-expression such as baking, gardening, journaling, and now, crocheting. A lot of these people with a newfound love in these comforting hobbies share similar sentiments and post about it to their friends online.
“I’ve seen them everywhere [on] social media before, and that inspired me to do them someday for my own enjoyment,” says AC Rebosura, also an incoming Grade 11 student, about why she wanted to start crocheting.
Celebrities and other social media influencers have also spurred the public’s renewed interest in crocheting. From Bella Hadid’s crochet bucket hat to Harry Styles’ JW Anderson Patchwork Cardigan, these celebrities’ wardrobe choices have piqued people’s interest to purchase or create similar products.
“To be honest, I started crocheting to create my own JW Anderson cardigan,” incoming Grade 9 student Hannah Bayhon says. “After that, I kept seeing different designs and Tiktoks about it on Youtube, so that’s what I think kept me crocheting.”
Creative Handcrafting for Enjoyment
Of course, just like any other hobby, it takes much time and patience to create a masterpiece from yarn. Nonetheless, these students have determined the art of crocheting as something very much worthwhile and even enjoyable.
“It’s very relaxing, and you don’t need a lot of concentration to crochet,” Hannah says.
One can easily begin learning by practicing a few basic stitches, then eventually forming some crochet patterns until one can finally complete and revel in a finished handmade product.
AC says that it takes her around 40 to 50 minutes to crochet a simple granny square.
“Your ideas are endless, and that excites your imagination, the thought that you can make anything you want. That’s probably the reason why I still continue this hobby,” she says.
With each individual’s ideas and creativity, the possibilities are also endless once one gets the hang of looping the yarns with each other. One can easily find ways to incorporate elements from various sources of inspiration online into their creations to craft something trendy, innovative, and truly one of a kind.
According to Keanna, all it takes is plain determination to create something out of almost nothing.
“When I started crocheting, I was honestly worried that I wouldn’t be able to create great products or projects like the others, but I realized that this is all for enjoyment! And once I get used to crocheting, I could possibly be as good as them!” she says.
Finishing the Handicraft
Overall, crocheting seems to prove itself an ultimately fulfilling experience. Not only because the crocheter can feel productive or an extremely gratifying sense of accomplishment, but also because the outcome can serve as a precious token of appreciation that one can gift a loved one.
“I would really want to encourage everyone to try it out, especially since crocheting gives you concrete results,” Hannay says. “It is also really calming and helps me when I’m a bit anxious.”
Unarguably, this quarantine has kept many of us glued to our screens for unhealthy, copious amounts of time. However, Keanna, AC, and Hannah show that crocheting might just be the trick to a technology detox and an effective outlet for rest, relaxation, and boundless creativity.
“Crocheting is a good activity to do during free time because you can be productive, and it would give an opportunity for anyone to make something while they spend their time at home,” AC says.
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