Like a challenge, Cox teaching free crochet class

This may look like written gibberish: "ch, sc, dc," but they are abbreviations for patterns of crocheting; chain, single crochet and double crochet. Some crocheters may say, when interrupted, "Not now, I am counting," or "I am not ignoring you. I am counting," because in crocheting you have to count every stitch; ch 3, dc 24, ch 3 turn etc... as you wouldn't want 24 stitches in one row and 30 in another. One can imagine how lopsided a blanket could be if rows weren't even.

Not only can a person get lost in the row they are crocheting in, but can easily lose train of thought as to which row they are in without keeping track. Experts say, though, that crocheting is great for maintaining cognition and dexterity as we age. Even so, for new and returning crocheters may need to mark their places. The voices of students in the middle of a row or project can be heard requesting assistance from a skilled crochet artist.

Linda Cox is the owner of Linda's Treasures in Superior and is teaching a crochet class from beginners to those who are proficient; young and old alike. There is an owl cookie jar to place a free-will donation as there is not a fee for the class. Crochet class is being held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Liz Kaldahl, 92-years-old, has knitted previously in a knitting club, but had not crocheted before, "You are never too old to learn," Liz said. In Linda's class, Liz is learning to crochet rows of single and double crochet stitches and wants to make dishcloths next. "This 'alt' crocheting really blows my mind," Liz said. She is joined by her granddaughter Jodi Fierstein, principal at Superior's elementary school.

The theme at the school this year is "cultivate a growth mind-set" with decor of farming, gardening and growing plants. Jodi went into each classroom and read the book Y is for Yet which encourages students to "view learning as a journey with limitless possibilities." Jodi shared with the student her example of learning how to crochet. It has been too easy for Jodi to open her laptop and continue working from home, so she decided to take-up another activity to keep a work-life balance. It is a time for her to unwind, the yarn ball too.

Jodi will be assisting Linda in teaching a crochet class at Kids Club after school. Some students are wide-eyed at the opportunity. An announcement will be forthcoming of dates and times.

Jocelyn Shroyer is appreciative of Linda's helpfulness and enjoys interacting with the women there (although boys and men are welcome too). "It's good to pick up my crochet hook again after many years of gathering dust," said Jocelyn.

There are a couple of other people from the community who have joined in as well, "My sister taught me to broom stick an afghan. In high school I crocheted a variegated purple afghan and still have it today. I wanted to get back into it so I can make doilies and tablecloths by reading directions," said Reta Boswell.

Beginner students don't become too unraveled when a row of stitching has to be removed because of a mistake. Some sighs can be heard, but mostly laughter and joking about it occurs. Linda enjoys assisting each person with their individual projects.

When Linda was pregnant with her first son, she took a knitting class but taught herself how to crochet. "My first project was a red, white and blue granny square vest-type garment that was long." She later began crocheting baby blankets, which was popular at the time. She crocheted a baby afghan for all eight of her grandchildren and more to give away as gifts or to sell them in her store. She also makes a variety of hats and other blankets which are also sold at her store on Central. One blanket is the complicated pattern of Home on the Range of rustic colors, fitting for a country home or log cabin, measuring 46 inches wide by 60 inches long and is for sale.

Linda's Treasures, or what students are calling "secret treasures" and hidden jewels," carries supplies for crocheting, knitting, embroidery and some things for quilting. Her shelves are like a colorful rainbow of skeins of yarn. There are hooks, needles, thread and some material. A shopper can find a boxed puzzle or a book or two as well.

Linda had opened her store in Superior in 2011 while simultaneously operating a shop, Granny's Yarn Shop, in Deshler from 1995 to 2021.

Pattern instructions may read "sl st" or slip stitch, which is used for different purposes, but sometimes to join a row together to create a circular connection, like for a doily. In class, you'll hear students call out to Linda, "I'm ready to join," in asking for assistance.What about you, are you ready to join? Linda may be contacted at 402-200-1035 or at 407 N Central Ave.