I’ve been teaching an afterschool crochet program and was reminded of the power of shared knowledge.
“Who knows the story of Goldilocks?” I asked my class on the first day.
There were lots of hands raised and “I do!” or “Me!” called out. One girl threw her head back, “Ugh, I hate that story!”
Undeterred, I explained how our goal is to get Goldilocks stitches – ones that are just right, not baby bear or papa bear stitches that are too small or too big.
I showed them an example and encouraged them all to try.
Moments later, I hear “This is definitely a grandpa bear stitch,” in an enthusiastic voice paired with a wide grin from my student who “hates” Goldilocks.
I gave her a grin right back and a couple tips for moving towards Goldilocks stitches.
Making a long chain is a great way to get a feel for how to hold your yarn and your hook and your project and get your fingers and yarn and brain to all work together to make stitches.
And it gives a chance to get into a rhythm – to find the sweet spot, to move from baby bear or papa bear to “just right” Goldilocks.
Besides, who doesn’t want a friendship bracelet (or necklace?) to wear or give to someone special?
Give it a try! But, beware, you just might shift from a Goldilocks hater to a Goldilocks fan and find yourself spending all your spare time with yarn!
