Thursday, April 12

Road Trippin

I'm on a business trip for the rest of the week and I knew I'd be missing my sewing machine, so I decided that now is the time to introduce myself to the art of crochet. I don't have the interest right now to become expert at it like I want to with sewing, I just want to make myself some cute hats, add crochet details to some of my sewing projects and (maybe) an occasional gift for a loved one.

A couple of weeks ago I purchased Get Your Crochet On by Afya Ibomu because she was such an inspiration (in many ways) when I saw her on the DIY channel not long ago. I like her style, confidence and I admire how she lives off of what she loves to do.

This morning picked up a packet of aluminum needles I had seen (been obsessing over) at Walmart, even though I already had a plastic needle I could have used to practice with. At least I didn't buy any extra yarn......or a magazine...

On the 3 hour drive I used the book to learn the slipknot and chain stitch. It took me about an hour and a half to grasp those concepts and I still need more practice before I try to move on. I have a hard time maintaining a good grip on the yarn and getting the "tension" right on the stitch -it's loose and tight in different places on the chain.

I considered (obsessed over) getting the Dummies book, but decided for now that I'll just compile some free Internet info to study. I also practiced on my left & right hand because I have Carpal Tunnel so maybe that is making it complicated for me as well. (I am left handed)

It works for me to cover the same info stated different ways so here's a list of links for me to study and update to my home bookmarks later...

http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=53
http://crochet.about.com/od/learnbasics/a/beginners.htm
http://www.learntoknit.com/instructions_cr.php3
http://www.crochet.org/lessons/lessonl/lessonl.html

5 comments:

Adrienne said...

Great links! I'm trying to "re-teach" myself to crochet as well! Have a great weekend!

Erica Bunker said...

Those are excellent links. They should help you a lot.

faya said...

Peace!

Yay! I love crochet as you already know! I've recently taken up sewing and i'm very very excited. One warning on the crochet. Be VERY careful with the carpal tunnel. Crochet can really work the wrists, as they do mine and I don't even have that condition. But I basically wanted to offer some encouragement with your crafting. you're such and inspiration to me.

feepee

Jada said...

I tool up some crocheting classes and love it. I took up crocheting because you can't take sewing with you when travel or what ever. You will love it.

.x.Helen.x. said...

I found your site through Patternreview and am glad I did! Thanks for the crochet links - I really want to learn but dont know anyone who can teach me. (and thanks for the link!)