Amy Lu's View

I finished the latch hook project I’ve been working on for over a year! No, not a year straight–I’ve taken many breaks. I’m not very dedicated to my crafting endeavor. But thanks to lockdown, I’ve had more time to sit inside and listen–to meetings, to the radio, etc. while needing something to do with my hands.

I’m not sure there’s much that can or should be said about latch hook– it’s goofy and does not result in a terribly attractive final product. Its main appeal is that it’s super easy to do, and the tactile experience of playing with the yarn is pleasant.

My latch hook career began in the late 70’s/early 80’s, of course. It’s a craft I learned and/or pursued because of 4-H. I actually did other arts and crafts as a kid to varying degrees of success: macrame and sewing were too hard and frustrating, but I did like decoupage (it’s clear this was the 70’s, right?) Surprisingly, I was damn good at leather craft.

Latch hook has been the craft I return to because it is the simplest and requires very little thought. It’s probably as close as I come to a meditative practice (until I start worrying about running out of a particular color of yarn because I followed the pattern wrong, but then I find leftovers of the right color in another kit. Oh, the drama!) I can’t imagine trying to pickup something complicated like leather work again–that definitely feels like it belongs to a past life Amy.

My latch hooking has also been jumpstarted by the availability of kits that are already finished–no sewing is required to turn them into rugs or wall hangings or, in the case of my most recent endeavor, a pillow. I used to hate that sewing step (my downfall when it came to 4-H latch hook and leather work glory) and as an adult would just try to use duct tape to finish up my projects.

I was stunned a few years ago when someone actually bought one of my Winnie-the-Pooh latch hooks at our church silent auction. I’ve given others away as gifts to kids (and the young at heart). Not sure where the pillow will end up… just need to make sure StanLee doesn’t eat it.