If I Can Learn to Crochet & Knit - so Can You!
I started crocheting 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 makes 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 distractible 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 book can confuse you at one time or another. In my early attempts to learn crocheting 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 know about knitting 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!
Related Tags: how to knit, knitting, knit, crochet, crocheting, how to crochet, teach yourself to crochet, teach yourself to knit
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 www.whatiwannaknow.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Avebury Stone Circle - Does It Have Magical Powers?
Avebury is the site of an ancient monument consisting of a large henge. Its construction was spread - How To Successfully Manage Your Digital Photo Collection And Prevent Catastrophic Loss
Wow.... talk about digital explosion, progress in leaps and bounds. In just a space of 20 years we h - A Short But Fascinating Look At Tin Lunch Boxes
Tin lunch boxes went through a great period of revolution throughout the central part of the last ce - Buy A Unexpected Gift Not Your Normal Gifts
No matter what the personality of the person is, you can always opt for the personalized gift sets t - Laser Tattoo Removal Facts To Know
Untold numbers of folks, perhaps even more, walk around having tattoos. A few are visible, some are - The Reason For High Tattoo Removal Costs
Occasionally, you really need to need some thing really bad in your life to put up with the costs th - Honey Bee Magic - Controlling Taste, Texture, And Flavor
There is a great deal of pride that you get from making your own honey, plus it usually tastes bette - Toy Model Trains; The Coming Of Age.
Did You Or your children grow up with Thomas the Tank Engine? Did you ever read them the story of "T - Most Popular Woodworking Crafts And Projects To Do
Is it finally time for the yearly vacation? It's always very hard to wait for the vacation to take p - Scientifically Proven To Add Years To Your Life Keep Your Mind Active And Even Expand Grey Matter
Do it yourself homemade projects have always fascinated me and I always have something on the go.My
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Scientists Today are using Satellite Photos More for Humanitarian Need Rather Than Espionage
Have you ever had the opportunity of seeing real life satellite photos? Well, in the past few weeks, - Japanese Kanji symbol translation for your tattoo.
There are three types of Japanese symbols to choose from when considering a Japanese style tattoo. K - Holly 'red Beauty' (ppaf #14750)
>A Compact, Disease Resistant Holly - 22 Years in the Making! Dr. Elwin Orton of Rutgers University - Miroslav Klabal is an Art Dealer With a Difference
Giving a vent to one's feelings and expressions is not an easy task. Art is one form that can be mad - Find your Favorite Online Casinos
The interest of gamblers in online casinos is constantly on the increase and so is the number of cas - Understanding Dress Up Games
Some parents are concerned about their daughter's safety online. They wonder as she sits down at the - Ingredient of Indonesian Dishes
INGREDIENTS OF INDONESIAN DISHES Indonesia dishes are amongst the most delicious in the world, - Bass Fishing - Learn the Facts That Can Help you Catch the Trophies
In the fishing world largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are two of the more highly coveted fish ind - Giclee Prints - Affordable Fine Art
"Giclee" is a style of fine art, which incorporates the use of modern day printers, predominately 7- - Beach Decorating for Adults and Kids; From Bathroom Décor to Beach Dioramas
One way to bring back memories of a summer at the beach is through beach themed decorating. It is al