Crochet, your way.

Kelly Lim from Singapore talks about her journey from being a fashion student to studying advertising and ultimately a crochet artist.

This advertisement for a documentary called 'The Originals' introduces us to Kelly Lim a crochet artist who talks about her struggles in convincing her family that crochet is a worthwhile art that many people appreciate.

This ad is a collaboration between Visit Singapore, Brand New Media, and Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. The aim is to show the world that Singapore is more than a vibrant destination and bustling business hub. But what makes this nation tick: the people. In the first of a three-part series, it tells the story of “The Originals” – trailblazers in their own right, guided by their passion. They represent Singapore's soft culture, its "heartware"; Singaporeans who define success on their own terms as they turn their passions into possibilities.

It shows Kelly Lim a young woman making a name for herself in the world of crochet, one that is thought to be a pastime activity for old women. It helps youngsters who might get inspired by her story to try it for themselves. At the same time the works created by her showcase the vibrant culture of Singapore.

The article explains the crocheting process from the author's perspective, how it has gained popularity among Generation Z, and the causes of its rebirth during the Coronavirus outbreak. The main ideas are broken down as follows:

Personal Crochet Journey: The author began crocheting when she was 14 years old, however she originally had difficulty. But when the pandemic struck when they were 21 years old, they went back to crocheting and discovered that it was calming and a way to deal with worry. Since then, they have produced a variety of goods and even sold some of them.

The message gives a quick overview of crochet's historical development and explains that it first appeared as an accessible substitute for traditional lace in the 1800s. It rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, and it is currently experiencing a significant resurgence.

The pandemic encouraged individuals to learn domestic skills and artistic hobbies, which resulted in a renaissance of crochet along with other pastimes like baking, knitting, embroidery, and cross-stitching.

The appeal of crochet: Making one's own garments helps to lessen the effects of fast fashion waste, and crochet has become fashionable because it adheres to sustainable slow fashion. The popularity of crochet is further aided by the 70s fashion comeback, which features flared trousers and platform boots.

Social media's impact can be seen in how TikTok and YouTube helped to popularise crochet among Generation Z. When viewers interacted with crochet content on TikTok, the algorithm exposed them to more of it, and YouTube has a huge selection of lessons and popular crochet designs.

Depop & Sustainable Shopping: Depop, a portal for the fashion market, features handmade and used crochet goods, supporting the sustainable shopping movement.

Positive Effect: The author is pleased that crochet is becoming more well-liked and emphasises how it has helped them manage their stress and anxiety. They also look forward to opening their own Etsy shop.

My journey with crochet started during the pandemic. I remember the day vividly when my school closed due to the pandemic, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from the world I once knew. For the first time in years, I was at home for more than two months at a time. Studying in a boarding school was a new experience for me and I found myself maladjusted, I could not cope with days filled with aimless scrolling and watching TV for hours without a break with the uncertainty and fear looming outside, I found myself trapped within the four walls of my small house which was so unused to having all the children at home, it didn’t have enough rooms for all of us, we found ourselves, me and my two sisters sleeping on mattresses on the floor of our drawing room. Soon enough overwhelming loneliness and boredom and lack of privacy got to a point where it was unbearable. It was during those seemingly endless days that I discovered a lifeline – crochet.

One afternoon, as I aimlessly scrolled through social media, I stumbled upon a video tutorial on crochet. The delicate artistry of the craft caught my eye, and I thought, why not give it a try? Little did I know that this decision would become a turning point in my life during the pandemic. I called my grandmother, my Amma, who had always been an expert at crochet. We spoke on video call as she guided me through the process of selecting yarn and a crochet hook. Her voice, filled with warmth and wisdom, gave me hope that perhaps this new skill could bring some purpose to my life.

At first, my attempts were clumsy, and I struggled to grasp the technique. But as the days passed, I found myself becoming engrossed in the rhythmic motion of crocheting. Each stitch seemed to carry away a bit of the loneliness and boredom that had settled in my heart. As I persevered, the connection with my Amma deepened. Through our video calls, we talked about more than just crochet; we spoke about life, dreams, and our shared memories. It was during those conversations that I realized how much I had missed hearing her stories, her laughter, and the comfort of her presence.

Amma shared tales of her youth, she spoke of the joy she found in creating intricate patterns, and how each piece held a story within its stitches. As she shared her experiences, I felt a renewed sense of purpose in my own crochet journey. Each time I picked up the hook, I felt a connection not only with the craft but with the woman who had passed it down to me.

The more I crocheted, the more my confidence grew. I experimented with different patterns, colours, and projects. I made granny squares, hats, and even little amigurumi toys that my sisters loved and asked me to make specific things once I had learned enough to venture into more intricate patterns. Crocheting became my sanctuary, a safe space where I could lose myself in the creative process and escape from the worries that surrounded me.

Amid the darkness of the pandemic, crochet became a beacon of light in my life. It gave me something to look forward to each day, a reason to get out of bed, and a way to connect with my grandmother despite the physical distance that separated us. It brought me closer to my sisters and helped us bond after years of living in different schools. This was the first time since I was 7 and my sisters 3 and 1, that we had been in the same house for more than a week at a stretch.

As the world slowly began to heal, I carried my crochet journey with me into the future. It was more than just a skill; it was a reminder of the resilience that lay within me and the enduring bond I shared with my Amma. Crochet taught me that amidst the chaos of life, we can find solace in the simplest of things, and sometimes, the threads of love that connect us are stronger than any challenges we may face.

Welcome to the wonderful world of crochet! Whether you’re a complete novice or have tried your hand at this timeless craft before, this blog is here to guide you on your crochet journey. With each stitch, we will unlock a world of creativity and find joy in the art of turning yarn into beautiful creations that are practical as well as mesmerizing.

Crochet is a versatile craft that allows you to create everything from elaborate blankets and trendy sweaters to adorable amigurumi toys and beautiful hats, bags and so much more. The possibilities are endless, and with a little patience and practice, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.

This blog will cover all the essentials one needs to know as a beginner crocheter. From understanding different types of yarn and hooks to learning basic stitches and techniques, we’ll break it down step by step. We’ll also explore various projects suitable for beginners, offering clear instructions and tips to help you succeed.

But crochet is more than just a craft—it’s a therapeutic and meditative practice that can bring calmness to your life. As you immerse yourself in the rhythmic motion of yarn over and yarn under, you’ll find yourself entering a state of mindfulness, where worries melt away and creativity flourishes.

Throughout this blog, we’ll delve into the basics of crochet, explore different crochet techniques available, and showcase the work of talented artisans who have mastered their craft. I will also be showcasing some of my own work and together we will learn many new techniques that can help you create almost anything you put your mind to.

So, join us on this crochet adventure, whether you’re seeking a new hobby, a creative outlet, or simply want to relax and unwind. Together, embark on a colorful and rewarding journey. Let’s pick up our hooks, select our yarn, and begin creating beautiful stitches, one loop at a time. Welcome to the world of crochet!