I have always loved teaching. Even as a kid, I learn more whenever my friends and I play pretend teacher. Each of us will take turns being pretend teachers then we will discuss our favorite subject. It's a practice for me to narrate my learnings plus, I get to have the lessons that private schools do because my neighbors study in private schools.
Now that I'm a mom, I get to do that too with my kid. It seems like we're only playing when we are in our study time but we get the job done. I mentioned in my previous needleworkmonday post that I am prepping for the mini workshop. We were able to finish the first one, but it was not easy. There were so many obstacles but the moms pushed through. I'm so proud of my mom students!
Before the workshop day, I prepped all the papers that we need to use. I printed out a copy from one of my crochet books which I shared to them during the workshop. Aside from that, I also prepared all the crochet hooks I have in my stash. In my bag, I also included a couple of different kinds of yarn just so the moms will be introduced to the different types and what projects they may look forward to making once they already know how to crochet. Talk about hyping them up about crochet. I myself am so excited!
But not everything always goes as planned. We were met with a lot of challenges.
It rained!!!
We did our usual morning routine that day. The sun was up, I was even able to hang some clothes to dry outside. My daughter and I did some study time before having our lunch. But come an hour before the workshop, it started pouring. There was even some thunder and lightning. I was thankful that we chose a venue close to most of us but there are some who lives a bit far so I was worried if anyone would even make it. Then one of the moms messaged that they're already there and her kids are already playing in the play place. It's a clear sign that they are really willing to learn. Rain or shine this mini workshop will push through.
There were so many kids.
Out of 7 moms there, only one mom did not bring her kid. Plus, there were other kids outside of our circle so you can imagine the chaos in the play area which was just a few meters away from our table. We're not complaining, we're just happy that we still get to have our motherculture and still have our kids within our reach. You know how it is with moms, we could never really fully enjoy our time away from home fully because our kids will always be in our minds. It was a bit of a challenge though to compete against the noise but you know us moms, once we put our hearts in to it, we push forward no matter what.
It's a good thing some of the dads were there to help. We have our guards out there in their own corner, chit chatting but still has their eyes on the kiddos. They were like referees and bouncers who were on the lookout for any kids that would cry or anything. LOL. Really thankful for these dads even if they're not remotely interested with what the moms were doing, they were still there.
I was contemplating about teaching the mommas the basics of the basics. But I thought it would be a good way to gauge their skill, patience, and willingness to learn if we do something fun but a little bit complicated. I had them do a basic granny square. I myself do not personally like granny squares even if I have already created a granny squares bag before.
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I started by introducing the different crochet hooks I have in my collection, the different types of yarns that they may use and what projects they are most suited for, the two different ways of gripping the hook while crocheting. Then I proceeded with showing them how to properly hold the yarn. They gave it a little practice and it looks like we're good to go.
I am a left hander, all my students were right handers. what a challenge! But in my head, my mom is a right hander but she was able to teach me, a left hander 9-year old how to crochet successfully. Sure, there were some shouts and cries and hits but all I remember really is the bonding time and the joy of crocheting. In a way, this crochet 101 mini workshop is an nod to my mom for patiently teaching me despite the differences of our dominant hand. And hats off to the moms that were there, I know it was really challenging to watch a left hander do the steps, then translate it in your head so it would suit a right hander, then try it yourself. I really appreciate you all.
I told the mommies, crocheting is a form of meditation for me. It brings me zen. They jokingly said it's kinda bringing them stress at the moment. LOL. But some of them did find the relaxation when they got the hang of it. It took some time but they got there. Some of them had to figure things out on their own in their homes because we ran out of time at our venue. They were sending me their process pics, asking me their questions and showing me how they figured it out. I love how my messenger always alerts when a new message comes in because I know it's one of them that are sending me either a question or expressing their happiness.
The outputs!
Oh, I'm so proud of my students. They sent me their outputs. It has been days and days after the crochet workshop but they are still at it! It just proves that they really want to learn. Oh, my heart!
We are going to reschedule a session 2 of our crochet 101 mini workshop. This time, we will dive deeper into each of the stitches, crochet terms, symbols, and abbreviations. I'm sure they'll be able to get the hang of this much quicker than the first session because they already did a pattern that is a bit more complicated than a basic pattern. One of my crocheter friends is encouraging me I set a fee for the sessions but I'm really just happy with coffee for now. Haha! I guess if I get more students be it moms or kids, I'll set a minimal fee for every crochet 101 sessions.
