KAELYN GUERIN
Following the end of my first tour as a commissioned officer with the United States Marine Corps, I found myself back in the States, married and with a newborn son out west in California. It was there, over a Thanksgiving holiday, that I was taught to crochet by my mother-in-law, Cindy. A seed was planted that would grow deep roots over the next six years. Much like everyone else, my novice crocheted pieces didn’t respect gauge or proper yarn weights, let alone good tension or proper stitch counts. I was a mess, but I just couldn’t stop! I was obsessed.
Now I continue my yarn obsession across social media better known as iiirdwind (pronounced ‘third wind’). There are loads of crochet pattern testings, the occasional knitting attempt and lots of punch needle. Crochet is and always will be my go-to craft though. There is something extra special about being able to create anything – clothing, toys, blankets, hats – with a single crochet stitch.
My love for crochet is rivalled by only two things: my passion for social advocacy through crafting and my love for music. I think of music as the best answer to life’s puzzles, so I retreat to it often. Good music can make someone recall magical moments. I make my crochet with a mood in mind and I hope that it creates a lasting, pleasant memory too.
If there’s anything I could reveal from the last six years, it’s this: crochet only what you love, especially if you sell your work. Then you’ll have no regrets. I’ll never forget my first successful sweater pattern. It still isn’t published, but I love it anyway!
For more on Kaelyn follow her on Instagram at @iiirdwind and read on her thoughts on craftivism at www.bit.ly/LoveCraftsKaelyn