My father has never wanted to learn how to crochet. He would be really good at it because of the math involved and he would really want to create uniform stitches. (He likes things organized and lined up.) He has never wanted to crochet but has always supported me in my craft. When I was younger, I asked him to drop off a bag of scarves at a shelter because it wasn’t too far from where he worked. He said that the people he gave the bag to were really excited and still talks about how he doesn’t think the intended recipients got all of the scarves, because the workers all exclaimed – “these are new” when they looked into the bag.
Just because my father doesn’t want to learn to crochet doesn’t mean that he isn’t supportive. He proudly wears things that I have made and wants people to compliment what he’s wearing – generally a hat or scarf so he can say that his daughter made the item. He talks about what I make for other people. He has bought me yarn and still drops off things to shelters.
Having a supportive parent is wonderful, even if you can’t share the activity or have no interest in it. My father doesn’t wear sweaters that often, but I’m sure if I made him one, he would wear it. He is excited when I give him something made especially for him in a color that will match a certain jacket or coat. Everyone should have that feeling that someone has made something for them.
I may never meet many of the people I make scarves for, but my dad is a great cheerleader… “How many scarves have you made? How many afghans have you made? What group are those for? They are going to like those.” It’s nice to have someone say so.
