u/amberlouiseb

I’ve recently been clearing out a lot of old stuff and found my vintage Pokémon card collection from the 90s. There are A LOT in here (pages and pages plus cards stacked behind some in the sleeves). I’ve taken a few pictures of ones that at odd out - a lot of sparkly Japanese ones. I grew up near a great specialty store so we used to get some quite pricey packs from there on special occasions! The condition seems ok on most although probably not ideal as they’ve just been stored in flimsy sleeves. I guess I’m wondering if this would be worth getting graded? Or just selling as a big bundle? I have no idea where to start basically.

I said to myself: no more motif blankets. They take forever and the ends are a nightmare! But still, last year I decided to finally make The Shining blanket by Kraftling that had been sitting in my project list for years. I made 9 motifs last summer, realised this would take me forever and put it away. I picked it up again at the start of the year and finally finished it tonight! It’s riddled with mistakes and the border was confusing so mine turned out wonky. I also realised the dye lots changed so the orange looks different in sections. But it’s done! Still trying to stop picking things apart so much and just embrace all the unique flaws instead.

I learnt to crochet during the pandemic.

After making a bucket hat I felt unstoppable and was so excited to dive straight in and make a blanket. I found a vintage 70s pattern, ordered all the yarn and got started.

It took me about two months, with lots of mistakes in between, but I finally finished it and felt so proud.

It was my first big project, but as with all longer term craft projects, it also has so many memories stitched into it. It was a tie to who I was and the people in my life before everything fell apart in 2023 and I lost my home, partner and step dad. All that to say, it’s extremely meaningful to me.

Fast forward to last week. I was sorting through some things and decided to wash the old blanket as it’s been stored for a while.

To my horror, I realised multiple sections were unravelling. I quickly put stray loops on thread and secured them with some botched sewing. I then realised the problem was widespread. Due to the construction of it requiring so many granny pizza slices connected in discs, there are so many fragile parts.

All of this is because I didn’t know how to properly sew in ends back then 🤦🏼‍♀️ and I’m so mad at myself for it.

I’m not sure if I’m sharing this for advice or for commiseration. But I would love to hear if any of you have had beloved crochet objects unravel too?