Crochet = Love

I enjoy making things. I always have. Whether it was playing with my Light Bright set or coloring my Fashion Plates, I have always been a crafty girl. But it was when I learned to crochet that my creative juices really started to flow. 

Learning To Crochet
I learned to crochet through an online course almost 10 years ago. It was actually around the same time that I started craft blogging. I had tried to learn to crochet several times before, but I just couldn’t get it. For some reason, that crazy slip knot was so tricky. But one day I stumbled across a blog that had just started a 6-week crochet course. Unfortunately, the blog is no longer around. As are many of the blogs I have grown to love. I joined in, followed along with all of the steps, and practiced. And at the end of the 6 weeks, I was crocheting. 

It might not have been the prettiest thing I had ever done, but I was super excited that I was actually crocheting. The above pictures are from the very first crocheted items I ever made. 

The first picture is my very first “square” if you can even call it a square. I had issues with tension and have since realized that I am a very tight crocheter. I think that was pretty apparent from the beginning too.

In the second one, I had started to master the square and made more of a rectangle. This was a month or so after my first square. I also did my first button loop and circle and had to whip stitch the sides together. 

The third picture was a pretty challenging car toy with different shapes. I think this was about 6 months after my first square. I had to stitch all of the pieces together by sewing and crocheting. That was difficult. But, this was when I realized how much fun crocheted toys can be.

Refining My Craft
Over the past 10 years, I have really refined my craft. I learned what I am good at (small items like scarves, toys, and potholders) and what I’m not good at (hats!). And I am okay with that. My family and friends know that they won’t be getting any crocheted hats from me anytime soon. 🙂  

I’ve come a long way from my wonky first crocheted square!

I have also learned a new stitch here and there, although I still have a long way to go. Along with the very basic stitches of slip stitch (ss), chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), and triple crochet (tr) I learned a few advanced beginner/intermediate stitches, like the picot stitch (p), v-stitch (v st), shell stitch (shell), and puff or bobble stitch (ps).  The bobble stitch has really become one of my favorite stitches. 

I haven’t made too many things using the bobble stitch, except for my little bow and my totally awesome Gator scarf. I need to see about making something else. Maybe for myself this time.

What Are You Waiting For?
If you are struggling with learning how to crochet my advice to you is to not give up! Just look at where I started. It has taken some time and lots of practice, but it is totally worth it. I’m now making circular potholders and bobble stitched alligator scarves. 🙂 

If you want to learn but don’t know where to start there is no need to fear. There are lots of resources out there to help you.

Mollie Makes magazine is currently hosting their 12 Days of Crochet video tutorial series. You can find the first few days on their website, here. Mollie Makes is a British magazine, so if you are an American crocheter like I am, the terminology might get a little confusing. But don’t worry. I’ve put together a handy dandy crochet stitch conversion chart for you.

You can find other crochet video tutorials by searching online. YouTube has some great ones. There are some very useful ones here and here.

Also, try your local craft stores and yarn shops. A lot of them offer beginner crochet classes. You can also check out some beginner crochet books at the library or online. My favorite is Teach Yourself Visually Crochet by Cecily Keim and Kim P. Werker. I am a very visual learner, so I need to see exactly what they are talking about.

I hope you give crochet a whirl. You can really make some fun and cute crocheted items if you just give it a try!