I had a number of babysitters growing up. Young ones and older ones. Regardless of their age, the majority of them felt the extent of their duties involved sitting me in front of the television and providing the occasional cheese sandwich. Annie was not one of those babysitters. She was a cute middle aged woman who always had a bun on her head and a ball of thread in her lap. I could sit for hours watching her crochet the most detailed doilies and tablecloths from off white to multi-colored thread.

One day, early in our relationship, she came over with a plastic bag just for me. Inside I found a metal crochet hook and a ball of white thread. It was her intention to teach me to crochet. Even now when I think about this it brings up such feelings of gratitude. Firstly, that she would take the time (and money) to buy me supplies; and secondly, that she thought I was worth the time and effort to teach a new skill. Little did she know that I would build on this skill throughout my life and pass it along to others.

Looking back, trying to engage an awkward handed child, who had not even reached ten, with thread instead of wool probably wasn't the best idea but it really was the thought that counted. To say I did terribly is an understatement but it kept me busy and gave her some teaching experience (and probably some freedom to get her own projects done). I learned some vital techniques from her that I still carry today and she is the one who fueled my life-life interest and desire in crocheting. I have passed on many needles since then.

Today I'm able to make my own doilies and tablecloths without much effort but with lots of satisfaction. Despite this my personal addiction leans more toward afghans. I don't know what happened to Annie but I am sure thankful for her time and effort. I still have the metal needle she gave me and continue to use it today but she really gave me so much more than a needle and thread and I will be forever thankful. If you remember anything from reading this then let it be: no one is too young to fall in love with crochet.

M. E. Wood lives in Eastern Ontario, Canada. She has been the
Large and Lovely Editor at BellaOnline for four years. If you are going to find this eclectic reader and writer anywhere it is probably at her computer or playing with the wool hiding in her hassock. For more information visit her official website.