Yarn, Hooks, and Books: Crafting at the Library

By Tatyana Ramirez

Broome Library Student Assistant

When I first started crocheting in 2023, I never considered how happy a ball of yarn could make me. At first, I struggled to create simple chains; which are the foundation of most pieces but the more I practiced, the better I got. In no time, I was making headbands, plushies, bags, and flower bouquets. If I could think it, I could make it. 

While working as a library assistant here at the Broome library, I’ve had the opportunity to view many different types of resources. While limited, I was happy and shocked that our college library had crocheting and fiber art resources. The library has more than just academic articles, but also resources on my hobbies! I’ve listed some I found interesting below, but I would really like to highlight one book called The Complete Stitch Directory: Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, and Needlepoint, which is a great resource for beginners and pro fiber artists alike. This book dives into the art of crochet, knitting, and embroidery, and the reader can learn about beginner stitches to become a professional with enough practice. 

In the beginning, I refused to buy yarn until I fully committed to learning the basics. So, I was always on the lookout for yarn and supplies at thrift stores or yard sales. Secondhand is always a great way to go, especially if you're like me and jump around from hobby to hobby. For some reason, crochet stuck. Now that I have more than two years of experience, I feel like I can justify spending more money on supplies that I know I will use.

When you’re crocheting, you use one hook and one strand of yarn to pull up a loop and make a series of stitches. Crochet is a bunch of loops linked together, and the size of your hook and yarn can change how your project turns out. Bigger hooks and chunky yarn make soft, cozy pieces, while smaller hooks and thin yarn are better for more detailed stuff. There’s a lot of little technical things that can affect your work; like how tight you pull or what kind of yarn you use but honestly, figuring it all out as you go is part of the fun, don’t let all the details dissuade you from trying it out. To make awesome designs, you can use a pattern or create one from scratch. Most of the crochet patterns I’ve found are from Pinterest or YouTube and are free to use. 

Don't be intimidated by starting a new hobby; crocheting is a fun way to relieve stress and clear your mind. One of my favorite things to do after a long day is bring one of my works in progress to the library, find a quiet corner, and settle down to crochet for hours. The Broome Library offers many comfortable and quiet areas, not only for studying but also for relaxation.

Selection of Broome Library Items on Crocheting