The Om of Crochet

Hello everyone...I went to a great yoga workshop last weekend and after the class, some of us ladies got to talking about why we love yoga so much.  Of course, there are may physical benefits to practicing yoga (no matter what style), such as stretching and strengthing of the muscles.  It can do wonders for back pain, stiff neck and shoulders, bad knees...the list could go on and on.  Yoga is also great for stress, another widely agreed upon reason by the group for attending classes. 

Personally, since my very first yoga class, I have treasured how it brings focus to my mind.  I literally do not think about anything else, other than what I'm doing in the class in each moment that passes by.  Many people love yoga for it's meditative qualities...it frees the monkey-mind, if not temporarily.  I find doing crochet also to be extremely meditative.  There is something about crochet that is so soothing for the mind.  Not to mention, that I totally get a kick out of creating something, anything.  I think we as humans crave creativity and being able to focus.  We have so many distractions these days, it's nice to sit quietly and concentrate on just one thing.

I'd love to hear why you enjoy doing crochet, or why you practice yoga, or whatever it is that helps you to slow things down a bit.

Welcome...What's In A Name?

Hello out there...this being my first ever post, not sure if there is anyone here yet. I am writing with the intention that someone will read this one day...So, welcome to my little slice of the blog world. Here is where I share all that inspires me, my passions, what I hope to accomplish and any useful tidbits that I have gathered along the way, that I deem useful and fun to share.

Speaking of passions, you will find posts about crochet, yoga, home life, family, books, eating, caring for the environment, design, my favourite things, lifestyle, and everything in between.

Modern Grace...the name I've chosen for my blog and my crochet shop, was inspired by my Grandmother, Grace (which is also my middle name), who was a very talented knitter and crocheter. I have some experience knitting, as a girl, but I always wanted to learn to crochet. I just thought it was so cool the way they put those holes in the piece...how did they do that? Long story short, about 6 years ago, I decided I would teach myself, with Debbie Stoller's amazing book, The Happy Hooker...could crochet really be this easy? I've never looked back, I've learned so much since and just keep learning. Crochet is so simple, with really just a few basic stitches and variations on those. Simple is so beautiful...just as my Grandmother was. Take a look at some of my creations over the past few years..