The Creatives of Sew Dandelions - part ONE - Crochet
Back to School Spotlight On Our Teachers: Carol Lenardson
At Sew Dandelions, creativity flourishes through fashion, sewing, yarn arts, and more. We provide a welcoming space for artists of all kinds to learn, share, and grow. Whether it's a fun-filled party or an inspiring textile arts class, our talented instructors help ignite the passion of the next generation and bring together creative individuals in our community.
In this special three-part "Spotlight On" series, we celebrate the artisans behind Sew Dandelions, highlighting the wonderful impact they have on our students and the local creative community.
First up is Carol Lenardson, our beloved crochet instructor. A long-time resident of New Providence, NJ, Carol brings warmth, experience, and an infectious passion for yarn arts. She's a wife and mother of two daughters, soon to be a proud, new grandmother, and a devoted fur mom to Casey, her Doodle. Beyond crochet, Carol is an avid coast-to-coast traveler, camper extraordinaire, and hiker, always ready for a new adventure. Her sharp mind and love for numbers add a unique twist to her teaching style, making her a true wizard with hooks, yarn and figures.
Carol, you have been crocheting since you were a young girl. What is the most challenging crochet project you have ever completed?
I made an afghan that was plaid and you had to have either eight or nine balls of yarn going at the same time. So, each section of the plaid was connected to a ball of yarn. When you flipped the afghan, you had to flip all nine balls in unison.
How long did it take?
Maybe six months of casual crocheting and it turned out beautifully.
Wow.
What do you like to crochet?
I like to crochet shawls.
What are you working on right now?
I just finished one baby blanket for my soon-to-come grandbaby but I’m not quite happy with it, so I’m working on a new one.
If you could crochet anything in the world, no matter how big or complex, what would it be?
(thinking and smiling) I’m hoping to crochet my daughter’s wedding dress… If she’s up for it.
What advice would you give someone piking up a crochet hook for the first time?
Take your time and be very patient.
If you could teach a crochet project to everyone in New Providence, what would it be?
Hmmm… what would it be? I guess it would be pot holders. (laughter)
What are some other fun projects?
Actually, handbags - you can make so many fun designs.
What is the funniest or most memorable moments you’ve had while teaching crocheting?
I guess teaching young students under the age of ten is great fun. They are really varied in their approach and you can see the personalities coming out very easily. Some kids just have a motor on and some are slow and meticulous. It’s great fun to see different personalities appear so strongly during a crochet lesson.
Thank you, Carol.
Currently, carol teaches her crochet classes on:
tuesdays (morning and evening)
thursdays (morning and evening)
and saturdays (afternoon)