Time for men in Hastings to start crocheting

I’m lucky. For the past 50 years I’ve been crocheting. My brother taught me when I was about 22. I would love to hear from other ‘male hookers’ but judging from what I’ve seen on YouTube and elsewhere, the craft is mainly done by wonderful women. Men may be missing out.

I have created lots of lovely presents for my family, friends and for the house. I soon started crocheting ponchos and scarves. I’ve made a bedspread showing the outlines of an Italian cathedral and a plate with a ‘full English’ - eggs, bacon, mushrooms, sausages and baked beans.

I’ve turned Barbie dolls into princesses and Ken, her mate, into a knight in armour. I’m starting on historical figures: I’ve done Henry VIII using an artist’s wooden manikin and basing it on a portrait by Holbein.

Now that I’m ‘forced’ to stay at home, I’ve even more time for crocheting. It’s a wonderful thing to do. To get to sleep I think of crochet stitches. I dream of trebles and magic circles. And every morning I get up and look at what I’ve done the day before. It’s good for well-being. It must help to keep me sane in these weird and difficult times.

My granddaughter Cassie has a King Charles spaniel called Star. So I’ve just made her a coat starting out with a small star and then radiating out into larger stars – each in different colours of blue. Star loves it and feels very proud. As do I.

My son-in-law has a birthday coming up. So I’ve made him a bespoke roll of comfy woollen loo paper with his name on.

I would like to teach more men to crochet. So - as I’m not very good at these things - my son has set up an Instagram account for me. It’s called: men_should_crochet. I’ve posted my first two lessons. We’re making bracelets.

Like cycling it’s a little difficult to learn at first. But once you’ve learnt the first few stitches – you’re off on your journey and need never look back!

Obviously it’s not just for men. Women - please join in and encourage your menfolk too. It’s yet another crusade that started in this historic town and when things get better we can have a lovely exhibition of all the wonderful things we’ve managed to crochet during the crisis.