There are few things as challenging and engaging as learning a new skill.
The internet is flooded with ‘how to videos’ and ‘6 best ways to…’ blogs. However, on twitter one woman shares her charming real time journey as she takes on the challenge of learning to crochet. Learning a new skill is always exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting. Especially when it comes to something like crocheting, which requires a lot of patience and practice. This Twitter thread by @reeves_bronwyn perfectly captures the ups and downs of learning to crochet.
It all started with a package full of yarn. The excitement of a new project and the determination to learn how to crochet was palpable. But as soon as the crocheting process began, the difficulties surfaced. Fingers feeling knotted, yarn tangling up, and the crochet hook conspiring against the learner. It’s a familiar struggle that many beginners face.
But despite the challenges, the determination to learn how to crochet prevailed. The satisfaction of creating the first chain stitch was like a small victory. The Harry Styles crochet sweater was the ambitious goal, and with hours of YouTube tutorials, the learner was getting closer.
One stitch at a time, progress was being made, and the crochet swatch grew larger. The support of a furry friend was there, but even with a feline companion, the exhaustion of crocheting was real.
The day ended with exhaustion, but the determination to continue improving was still strong. Crocheting may not be as easy as it looks, but with practice, progress is possible. Even if the Harry Styles sweater isn’t a perfect masterpiece, it’s all about the journey and the satisfaction of learning something new.
This Twitter thread used storytelling principles and techniques such as a beginning, middle and end, relatability, and a build-up of suspense. The beginning starts with the trigger, an unexpected event (receiving yarn in the mail) that hurls the main character into a quest (learning how to crochet). Throughout this quest there are many surprises such as fingers feeling knotted, yarn tangling up, and the crochet hook conspiring against the learner. However, finally, a decision is made to create the Harry Styles sweater. With this decision, the main character has successfully learned how to crochet and creates squares to start the process of making the sweater. This arc brings the reader through a full story and the challenges of a new student to the craft of crocheting.
Moreover, this story uses relatability to draw in the reader. The humour in learning a new skill is apparent. We have all been there trying unsuccessfully to master something we have seen others do before. It is a relatable struggle which allows readers to emotionally identify with the main character making it a central principle to story telling.
Finally, this story uses the technique of suspense to draw readers in throughout the journey to discover if the main character is successful in learning the skill or not. It is unclear until the end that the character has accomplished their goal of learning to crochet which pulls the reader in so that they can discover information that they are not yet aware of.
In conclusion, this Twitter thread is relatable and inspiring to anyone who has struggled to learn a new skill. It reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes and embrace imperfection. Learning is a journey, and even if it doesn’t go as planned, the experience is still valuable. So, whether it’s crocheting, painting, or playing an instrument, keep practicing and enjoy the process.
EXSM 3989 - Digital Storytelling Class Blog 