Painful Crochet

No pain – No gain?

I have been crocheting for about a year and a half. When first learning to crochet I would get hand cramps and minor blisters but would power through them. My hands were getting stronger with every knot and the skin on my thumb was building strength also. Every so often the pain would come back but would fade away as I would continue with my crochet item.

Then I discovered Amigurumi!

The first few amigurumi pieces I made were a few cats and a toy airplane. When crocheting the cats I discovered a new level of crochet pain but the projects were small enough that I could still get through the aches and blisters.

My most recent project that consisted of tight single crochet through out the entire project were the Lalaloopsy dolls and the free pattern. After each one I told myself I would take a break from using tight stitches until my hands had time to heal but the outcome of the dolls were so rewarding that I could not help but to keep making them! After the third one I made a promise to myself that I would make something with looser stitches. But that promise was broken quickly when my sister-in-law requested a Mickey Mouse doll for my nephew who is having a Mickey Mouse party to celebrate his first birthday.  I thought about finding an alternative project but then I visualized him smiling from ear to ear while chewing on Mickey's nose. How could I miss out on this opportunity?!

Sometimes writing it out just isn't going to happen…

With every project I do, I do my best to write out the pattern step by step to share with all of you. Sharing my patterns are just as rewarding as gifting the crochet item to people I love.  I truly cannot put into words how rewarding it feels to share my God given gifts with the world. BUT this darn Mickey Mouse had me ready to chop off my hands! All I could think about was getting the doll done so I can take a couple day break from crochet and have the doll ready in time for his party. So I am very sorry to say, half way through Mickey Mouse I stopped writing the pattern out. 🙁 And of course, now that I am done… I wish I would have just written it out 0.O

There is always a bright side.

I am one of those people who look at the bright side of EVERYTHING. I cannot help it. I can come up with something positive from almost any situation… to the point that I kinda creep myself out. Not that this is one of those times 😉  Anyhow, I now have all the mickey mouse colors and I am hoping to have the chance soon to sit down and make a smaller version of Mickey…. and Goofy because that is what my daughter is begging me to make! Also, now that I have made this GIANT Mickey Mouse.. I have a better idea of what I am getting into and how to get the shapes correct and simple. But, before I can attempt any more items with tight stitches.. I have a few other things on my list that will be easier on my hands… so my hands can come back to them stronger than ever!