Crafting a Better World: Connecting Through Crochet by Melissa Langer

 

The art of crochet has been an excellent way for me to connect not only to myself, but to the world around me in ways that I never thought possible.

In 1990, I had just graduated from the university of Michigan and began my adult life away from the enriching life of a student which I had always known. Entering the work force was exciting and challenging, but I felt the need to learn something new that I could continually expand and enjoy.

Being someone who has always loved crafts, I was drawn to a colorful crochet kit in a catalog that provided everything I needed to make a beautiful granny square afghan.  The colors and textures of the yarn along with the fascination of turning a single string into a woven fabric with a hook soon turned into a passion.

I always feel happy when I am crocheting, and I quickly realized that it was a wonderful way not only to help me process things in my own life, but to have a  piece of art when I was done to share with someone else. The rise of the internet and Yahoo Groups was a perfect way to meet new friends and trade squares with people all across the country.  From that positive experience, I decided to reach out and share my crochet with less fortunate children all over the world.  Through some research, I found two incredible charities, The Mother Bear Project and Knit-A-Square.

 

They both work tirelessly to collect and gift knitted or crocheted teddy bears and squares to children to keep them warm and comforted in what can sometimes be a harsh world. It is an uplifting feeling to create something for someone I do not know, but who I can visualize enjoying something I made with love.

Each package I send, I wish it a safe journey and give it to the post person with a big smile.  Imagine my joy and excitement when I recently received photographs from both charities showing me the teddy bears and squares in their new homes!

 

What a wonderful reminder that even the smallest things we do can make a difference in the lives of others.

My name is Melissa Langer.  I am an artist whose passion is to create happiness through my art for people to deeply connect to and enjoy.  Please share in on the fun by seeing what my pug, Emmitt, and I are doing daily on my blog, Life is Art...Art is Life.

Comments

[manon doyle]

Melissa is a constant inspiration to all of us! The work she is doing for those in need is wonderful!! She makes me want to be a better person!!

[wrigglebutts.blogspot.com]

Well said, Melissa.

Ane

[Laura Kelley]

Melissa and Emmitt make us smile every day. Melissa has even inspired me to pick up my long forgotten crochet hook and start practicing some basics again!

[Sue]

Melissa has inspired me to crochet. I just need to practice a bit more so I can contribute to projects like the Mother Bear Project.

Thanks Melissa!
Sue

[Rebecca]

Melissa is such a generous and passionate artist. Her blog keeps me energized and inspired each week.

[Rebecca Collins]

Great post. Thanks for featuring Melissa as a guest blogger. Her blog always makes me smile. She is a terrific writer and artist.