Crochet Taster

Crochet Taster

21 July, 2008
by: Mandie

So, your flirtation with meditation came to an unceremonious end when you were chucked out of class for falling asleep… and snoring… loudly. And your enthusiasm for yoga has waned ever since you dislocated a hip during your attempt at the triple-lotus legs-akimbo stance. At the end of it all, you are left with the question that has puzzled Londoners since the dawn of the Blackberry – how am I supposed to relax? What will really wind down my brain after the 80 hours a week I've spent at work/revising/writing essays/other*. Open your mind for two seconds – crochet!

Initially, images of old grannies seated around a coffee table in a Christian bookshop, chin-wagging about their wartime ration of wool, may infiltrate your mind. But hold it right there. Go with this…

Crochet truly does offer an opportunity to clear your mind and focus solely on the task in front of you. Think about it like Suduko with a creative edge. You are bestowed with a 'hook' (a bit like a mini knitting needle with a – yes you guessed it – hook at the end), and a ball of yarn. You will soon be consumed with hooking your thread, pulling it where it is supposed to be pulled, and creating, if you go at it for long enough, something that could be sold in Top Shop for £50!

And where better to learn? All the Fun of the Fair is a precious little craft shop located in the quaint Kingly Court near Carnaby Street. The nic-nacs and gift ideas on display are complimented by a warm welcome. Seated, comfortably, in the middle of the small shop, each client receives a one-on-one lesson about the basic stitches and ways in which they can be put together.

Even as a beginner, you will leave with a section of crochet that could easily be fashioned into a bracelet or chocker – how retro! Not only are you learning a new skill but you'll spend an hour or two of your life in wonderfully friendly company, and, if you are interested, learn about the vast 'underground' world of crochet. There are books, events, exhibitions – a whole community with which you could become involved.

And don't be put off by the seemingly un-work-friendly times that are advertised on the website. They are very flexible (although the days are set) and really keen to get people involved in their beloved hobby, so give them a call and see if they can fit you in.

Crochet seems to be an excellent and easy way to forget yourself, and, if you can rise above the judgemental frowns of your fellow tube passengers, it is simple enough to grab out of your bag on your way to work.

Give crochet one chance and you'll be hooked (pun absolutely intended).

*delete as appropriate.


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Mandie