Casting Your Vote, Stitch by Stitch: The Power of Choice in Crochet

When I went to vote early this year, I noticed how similar the process of preparing to vote felt to planning out a crochet project. Now, I know free-handing in crochet often means diving in without much pre-planning—stitching as inspiration strikes. But after spending my morning researching candidates and free-handing my own skirt, I realized that just a little preparation can make all the difference, whether I’m casting my vote or crafting a new design. With a solid plan, even the most free-spirited projects (or votes) have a better chance of coming together beautifully, with fewer surprises along the way.

Research and Planning: Math in Crochet and Research in Voting

To start, every crochet project has a foundation, and so does every election decision. In crochet, planning out the math for a piece is like researching candidates before you head to the polls. You gather resources, measure out your plan, and ensure you know enough about what you’re creating or who you’re voting for to make the best possible choice.

In my case, I spent all morning on vote.org researching the various candidates. As I dug into the local level elections, the information became more difficult to find but felt even more essential to making informed decisions. By the time I went to vote, the process was pretty straightforward, even if a few unexpected propositions popped up.

Flexibility in Both Crochet and Civic Duty

Crochet and voting also require a certain degree of flexibility. Even with all the prep work, sometimes we have to adjust our plans. In crochet, free-handing a project means being open to tweaks along the way; frogging, increases, and recounting are to be expected. In voting, it can mean going with your gut on those last-minute propositions or unexpected ballot items. The experience reminded me that, just like with crochet, our civic participation doesn’t always go exactly as planned—but preparation helps ensure the best possible outcome.

The Power of Small Decisions

Every stitch we make is a choice, and so is every vote we cast. Small decisions build into something bigger. Just as stitches come together to form a pattern, every vote contributes to the fabric of our communities. Whether it’s a project you’re free-handing or a decision at the polls, each choice matters.

Don’t Forget to Vote!

If you haven’t yet, get out there and make your voice heard! Whether you vote early or on election day, planning and preparation make the process smoother. I recommend resources like vote.org, but also take a look at your local sites to ensure you’re ready for any surprise items on the ballot.