Long Ago, in a Land Far Away...

Long Ago, in a Land Far Away… How I Learned to Crochet

Every journey has a beginning, and mine started in 2013, in a quaint little village in Germany. It’s funny to think how a simple Halloween costume could set off a chain of events that would completely change my life. But that’s exactly what happened. Let me take you back to where it all began.

The Halloween Hat That Started It All

It was late October, and my daughter’s Halloween costume was missing one crucial piece: a hat. I had everything else sorted, but time was running out, and I had no idea how to make it myself. In a panic, I asked around my village, hoping someone could help. Luckily, I found a talented crocheter who agreed to make the hat. When she handed me the finished piece, I was in awe. The texture, the details, the fact that she made it with just her hands, yarn, and a hook—it felt like magic.

As I admired her work, a thought crossed my mind: “If she could do this, why not me?” That question lingered, and it sparked a curiosity that I couldn’t ignore.

The Struggle to Learn

Determined to figure out this craft, I turned to the internet. I searched for crochet tutorials and videos, eager to teach myself. But there was one big obstacle: the internet in my little German village was painfully slow. Watching a single tutorial was an exercise in patience, with endless buffering and pauses. But I wasn’t going to give up.

The first few attempts were… let’s just say, less than successful. My stitches were too tight, too loose, or just plain wrong. I unraveled more yarn than I care to admit, and there were times I wanted to throw my hook across the room. But with each failure, I grew more determined.

I spent countless hours watching tutorials, pausing, rewinding, and practicing until my hands started to understand the rhythm of the craft. Slowly but surely, I started to see progress. My first completed project was far from perfect, but it was mine—a tangible sign of my persistence.

From Hobby to Business

After about 18 months of practicing, I had reached a point where I felt confident in my skills. My creations had gone from wonky and uneven to something I could be proud of. That’s when the idea hit me: why not start selling these hats?

It began with a few orders from friends and neighbors. Word spread, and soon I was getting requests from people outside my circle. Each hat I made brought me a sense of accomplishment and joy. What started as a necessity for my daughter’s costume had grown into a passion—and eventually, a business.

12 Years Later… Here I Am

Fast forward 12 years, and crochet is now a central part of my life. I’ve gone from fumbling with a hook and yarn to running a thriving crochet business. I sell my creations online and at festivals, teach courses to aspiring crocheters, and design patterns that others can enjoy. It’s amazing to think that something I struggled so much to learn has become the foundation of my career and a source of endless creativity.

Crochet has given me more than just a skill; it’s given me a community, a sense of purpose, and a reminder that persistence pays off. Looking back, I’m so grateful for that Halloween hat and the slow internet that forced me to be patient. Without those experiences, I might never have discovered this passion.

The Lesson in My Story

If there’s one thing I hope you take from my story, it’s this: never underestimate the power of curiosity and determination. Learning something new can be frustrating, messy, and full of challenges, but the rewards are worth it. Whether it’s crochet or something entirely different, don’t be afraid to try—and fail—until you succeed.

So here I am, 12 years after that first Halloween hat, living proof that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations. And who knows? Maybe this story will inspire you to pick up a hook and start your own crochet journey. After all, if I could do it, why not you?