The more I looked, the more complex the design felt. I was beginning to lose my mind because I had only five hours to finish this project. What did I get myself into!
I took up crocheting as a hobby early this year and I kept my designs simple. My projects ranged from beanies, to scrunchies to scarfs; quite easy with very direct patterns. Along the line, things began to feel very monotonous. It felt like I was always repeating my previous project so I opted to make something different. Something complex.
I surfed the net for ideas and after hours of surfing, I settled with the turtleneck halter top.
"This would be easy," I said to myself, trying to gather enough courage to begin a journey that I was very uncertain of. I sketched a picture of how the crochet top would look, inserted the measurements and after that I got to work.
The glee to make this top was in full swing the first day. I started making the top, stitch by stitch, row by row. I got a particular point and decided to check if my stitches were tight enough and also check if I was in the right direction. It turned out that the stitches were very loose and one could see through the holes. This left me with no other option but to loosen and start from scratch.
Day two, I was still at it. I managed to make my stitches a bit tight but I was stuck. The design suddenly felt too complex. The more I looked at it, the more confusing it got. My palms were all sweaty and I was very nervous; I had only a few hours to submit this project. At this point, I decided to go for a coffee break. Coffee always comes in very handy whenever I get really nervous.
I made myself a cup of coffee and took it back to my work space. I remember sitting opposite the table I work on, taking sips of my coffee. I knew I had limited time but even in the middle of a storm, I would never rush over my coffee. With each sip, new ideals and revelations enveloped me. Whenever something new came to mind, I would quickly sketch it out. This kept going and even after I finished my cup of coffee, the ideas kept coming. I felt this surge of energy; surge of determination maybe, because to be honest, I had thought of giving up and accepting my fate.
After my brief coffee session, I got back to work. Time seemed to be flying fast but I showed it that I had wings too. In no time, I was done with the crochet turtleneck top and it was time to make the fastening straps. While making the straps, I had a brief reflective moment. What could have opened my mind up to so many possibilities and ideas? Was it the little walk to the kitchen or was it actually the coffee I took. This wasn't a hard answer to decipher as I had taken a few breaks during intervals and nothing happened till I took the coffee break. Coffee was indeed my saving grace that day.
The crochet turtleneck halter top
The fun part of this project was the fact that I actually beat time. I took a few pictures of it and submitted them to the designated community. After this last minute discovery, it wouldn't be so much of a shocker if I said that each and every one of my crocheting sessions have been accompanied by a cup of steamy hot or tepid warm coffee, depending on the weather.
However, I prefer to take my coffee alone. Moments when I sit back to sip on my cup of coffee are very special moments for me. I do not think that there is a specific word to describe how I usually feel but if free, open minded, happy, energetic, elated, alert, bold and refreshed could be fused into one word, then, that would be the right word.
On this note, I would like to wish all coffee lovers a happy international coffee day. Here is a cup of coffee for you☕. We all have our stories about coffee, what's yours:)
This is my response to the Coffee contest option two. All Images used are mine except stated otherwise.
Love, Wongi ✨