I decided to learn to crochet in college. Crazy way for a college student to spend free time? Definitely. I assure you that I was not as big a loser as it might make me sound though. One night, for some strange reason, I found myself on a creative kick. My mom had taught me to cross-stitch as a child but that wouldn’t do anymore. I was ready for something new and exciting.
I ended up at Wal-mart late at night (best time to go for a college student!) browsing through the craft aisles and inevitably drawn to all the cool yarns. Ok, so what to do with them? Knitting or crocheting? At the time, knitting seemed over my head and maybe even a bit “granny-ish”. Crocheting was so much… cooler. Yeah, that’s it.
So for whatever reason, I picked crocheting. I envisioned super trendy afghans and throws adorning my dorm room and great gifts to impress my fiancé’s parents. It was something that I could learn to do that could be useful in the future. I could decorate an apartment or house, clothe the children I’d One Day have, and even give great cheap gifts to all my friends.
Good in theory, but I never finished my first project — an afghan. What can I say? I was an easily distracted college student. And my reason for not having finished it since college? Let’s just say I’m an equally distracted adult. But despite my early failure, I did learn to crochet and, later, I even learned to knit.
Overall, there are two big things that I’ve taken away from my experiences in learning to crochet and knit:
First – you CAN be “self-taught” with the help of a good how-to book. There are quite a few out there. Just take a trip to any store that carries craft materials and patterns. Browse through the books to find one that is most user-friendly for you. One note — don’t be alarmed if some of the books with great instructions have patterns and pictures that take you back to the 70s or 80s. (My first how-to book had some real winners — cheesy vests and sweaters with terrible color schemes — but then again, 80s fashions are back aren’t they?)
Also keep an eye out for how-to kits. I started with a kit that included several crochet hooks and tools plus additional patterns — which were much needed! Except for yarn, these kits should provide you with the basics but don’t walk away from the store yet. It’s a good idea to go ahead and buy some additional crochet hooks or knitting needles since not all sizes are included in your kit. Other tools that could come in handy are: counters, markers, stitch holders, point protectors (knitting only).
Second — it’s good to have someone who can help you. This person does not have to be a full-fledged teacher, just a “consultant” — someone you can turn to when you have questions — because, let’s face it, even the best how to knit or how to crochet book can confuse you at one time or another. In my early attempts to learn to crochet I got stuck on a particular type of stitch. No matter how many times I read the explanation I just could not make it work. It just didn’t look right.
Lucky for me, I happened to be home from college on my winter break. I also happened to have what I was working on with me at a friend’s house (not sure why — again, I promise you I wasn’t a loser!). Her mother had been crocheting for years and I took the opportunity to ask for her help. She was able to show me exactly what I needed to do. That set me straight and I’ve been crocheting just fine on my own ever since.
My knitting “consultant” was (and is) my mother. After I got my first knitting how-to book, I knew I’d have some questions. I found out that some friends wanted to learn to knit too. So we set up a “knitting night” and all learned from my mom. A good social hour and quite educational! If you’re able to find some people to do this with, I highly recommend it.
Knitting and crocheting are great pastimes. I’m no expert, but I have learned how to do both. There are some great resources out there for anyone else to do the same. Find yourself a good how-to book, and that “consultant” you can turn to when you get stuck, and you’ll be well on your way. I never did finish that college afghan but since then I have crocheted several dish clothes, a baby blanket, a girl’s sweater, and now I’m knitting another girl’s sweater. If I could pull off these projects, anyone can! So go get started! Learn to crochet, learn to knit today!
Lorie Grant DeWorken left a career in advertising to become a stay-at-home mom. She’s always wanted to be a writer. So now she’s writing about anything she’s even remotely interested in. To find out what other topics are crossing her mind along with additional resources for knitting and crocheting – including free lessons, patterns, and troubleshooting – visit [http://www.whatIwannaknow.com/knitting_crocheting].
Speed Hook Afghan (Modified) with Rib Stitch Pt 1
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12 Tunisian Afghan Crochet Hook Collection – StitchBerry Bamboo Crochet Hooks $24.99 Experience the Tunisian Crochet craze with the entire Tunisian set! A unique hybrid of crocheting and knitting, Tunisian crochet is also known as Afghan Crochet, Afghan Stitching, and Tricot Crochet. These Tunisian Crochet Hooks are strong, lightweight, and durable, made from ultra smooth high quality bamboo. The set includes 12 individual 12in. Tunisian crochet hooks. Treat your hands to the bes… |
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Denise Interchangeable Crochet Hooks Cords Tunisian Kit $39.95 The Denise Interchangeable Crochet Hooks kit provide you with a complete set of 12 different hook sizes, 7 cord lengths, end buttons, extenders and detailed Tunisian Crochet instructions from Interweave Press. Afghan/Tunisian hooks from 8″ – 37″ can be made using different combinations of cords in this kit. With the unique connection on these needles, you’ll easily insert the correct size cord, tw… |
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Susan Bates Silvalume Flexible Afghan Hook 22- in your choice of colors A traditional crochet hook with the added feature of a flexible cable. Ideal for projects where many stitches are carried. The 22″ length is from tip to tip…. |
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The Silk Road: A Musical Caravan $15.21 “What if Marco Polo had owned tape recorder?” This intriguing concept is raised in the liner notes to this impressive two-CD set, which wanders along ancient Asian trade routes known as the Silk Road. The first disc, Masters & Traditions, deals with formal styles performed by and for sophisticated connoisseurs. Meanwhile, the music on Minstrels and Lovers is played by amateurs who are part of dail… |
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Afghan Hound 4 Hook Holder $19.00 The Four Hook Leash Holder has a lazercut design of your favorite pet. They are made of steel and finished with a black wrinkle powder coated paint, for a very rust resistant finish. Great for hanging up your pets leash or your keys. Measures 9.5″ x 11″…. |
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Foyo KE100A Afghan Hound Key Candy $15.84 Key Candy is an affordable charm that will save you from having to dig through your purse every time you want to get into your office, car or home. Countless times we’ve seen people tossing out the contents of their purses just to unlock a door. To borrow a phrase, stop the madness. Your time is too valuable, get your Key Candy today…. |
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Irish Crochet and How to Make It (Illustrated) $2.99 Bring back a dying art while providing wonderful crocheted pieces for pleasure and profit.Instructions that are so easy to understand that anyone can master these techniques, even if they have never crocheted a single stitch! If you’ve ever wanted to master this exquisite art, you’ll find this detailed manual provides all the instructional guidance you’ll need to make delicate and elegant crochete… |
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20 Wonderful Vintage Crochet Patterns! – The Patterns Provided Are Not Only Easy To Crochet, They Are Top Selling Items At Craft Shows, Fairs And Bazaars! Mission-Surf $2.99 Dear Friend,The patterns provided are not only easy to crochet, they are also top selling items at craft shows, fairs and bazaars. You’ll find your hook flying so fast as you stitch some of these projects. You’ll quickly build your stock in no time!!These patterns also make wonderful gifts for the special loved ones in your life.Patterns Provided In The ManualCrochet Work Bag ~ This bag makes a fa… |
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Afghans on the Double 5 Fantastic Reversible Afghans for You to Crochet Using a Double-Ended Hook and Worsted-Weight Yarn (Crochet on the Double) $5.95 … |
