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Original poster

Crochet Chat Anyone?

56 replies

frazzledblob · 23/09/2010 10:17

I have recently taught myself how to crochet and I am really enjoying it so wondered if anyone else out there fancied chatting about what they are upto?

I also thought writing down what projects I am working on would help motivate me to complete them as I seem to spend ages looking at ideas online rather than finishing what I have started Blush

At the moment I am working on a couple of hats for family, DD wants some more animals, and I really want to start some fingerless gloves for me and perhaps for others as xmas presents.

I also have a couple of books from the library on working with wire so I am eager to give crochet jewellery a go.

So does anyone else have some exciting projects on the go that I can add to my to do list? Grin

OP posts:
rocketleaf · 29/09/2010 19:35

Exactly!! and not only that, if you make it into a gift it will save you money in the future and also bring more joy than a bought gift. :)

Bumperlicious · 29/09/2010 19:37

That mixed pack is just asking to be made into this. I've started a bunch of squares already from scraps.

polkadottytotty · 29/09/2010 21:40

Thats gorgeous Bumperlicious, I would love to make that but I just don't think I've got the patience.
Congrats on the baby.
I'm currently making these booties for my bump - almost finished one and they are super-cute, and pretty easy.

Niecie · 30/09/2010 09:30

Bumperlicious that blanket is lovely.

I was considering doing a ripple throw/blanket if I got that pack. Not really done a lot of that so it would be good.

But I would also like to do the granny square type thing......

Maybe I need to get 2 packs.HmmGrin

rocketleaf · 01/10/2010 08:01

Impatiently waiting for my delivery now, have today off, the weather is rubbish and I just want to make a start!

I think I am going to try and line my blanket with fleece when its finished to make it extra cosy.

Niecie · 01/10/2010 13:44

Rocketleaf - has it arrived yet?

I like the fleece idea too. We will need pictures of the finished thing, you know. Does Monday suit for those? Smile

I couldn't wait for the weekend, I ended up ordering the pack last night plus a couple of other balls in contrasting colours like a cream, a dark purple and navy. I thought I might do a border or something in one of those colours. I will have just the plans for my own torture if it arrives tomorrow because I have to get my course work finished by Tuesday so all I can do is look at it occasionally. I kind of hope it doesn't arrive until Monday.

Niecie · 01/10/2010 13:46

'I have just 'laid' the plans' ..... that should be.

If I type my coursework like I am typing posts at the moment, I'm in Big trouble.

rocketleaf · 01/10/2010 17:19

Yes, it came about an hour after I posted that but have been out all day since then. DH just said "thanks a BIG bag of wool!" Very excited I am envisioning a happy evening laying it out and deciding what colours to put with what. Because I started with some wool I already had that are tones of each other I think I am going to stick to the same vein. I'll post some pics a bit later. :o

Good luck with the course work (quick get it done so you can get back to far more important stuff like crochet Wink)

PiggyPenguin · 01/10/2010 17:26

So how did you all 'teach yourself' to crochet? I have looked at a few online things but am finding it really difficult to pick up. Any tips?

Thanks!

rocketleaf · 01/10/2010 17:31

My husband bought me a random Amigurami book with a hook, a few balls of wool and loads of patterns in it. It taught you how to do the basic stitches and then started with a couple of really simple patterns. The first thing I made was a bit odd as instead of crocheting thru the whole loop I only picked up one side (this is a stitch you needed later in the book so, I realised my mistake and the second one looked much better.

After that it was online tutorials. I find videos the easiest as you can actually see and the repeated look at how something is down, whilst being talked thru the 'jargon' it makes reading patterns easier later on.

rocketleaf · 01/10/2010 17:37

this is the lady who has posted the most useful ones IMO. This is how to make a

if you don't know how to make a chain then there is a tutorial

Hope this helps :o

PiggyPenguin · 01/10/2010 17:38

Thats really kind of you rocketleaf I will try them tonight! Thanks.

Original poster
frazzledblob · 02/10/2010 09:12

Hi everyone

Had a busy week, back at work so not much time to myself.

I am currently working on a sonic the hedgehog toy for DD. pattern here There are some fab patterns on this blog - i just want to make them all though!

How is the crochet going sybilvimes? I think the best thing I did this time around was keep practising. I read the pattern through, give it a go and if it does'nt seem right I undo and restart.

rocketleaf your plans for the evening sounded like bliss Grin I am now planning on sorting my wool stash out tonight with a nice cup of tea and no kids - heaven. What poor DH is going to make of these actioned packed plans for a saturday night who knows?!

OP posts:
Niecie · 02/10/2010 11:09

No sign of my parcel yet which is a disappointment and a relief at the same time!

frazzledblob - DS2 would love Sonic. I have bookmarked that one. Thank you.

Sybilvimes - hello. I learnt through a couple of books. One was The Stitch and Bitch Crochet book and I can't remember the other one so I will come back to you on that one.

I found that, for me, videos and Youtube didn't work. I couldn't see clearly enough what was going one or it moved on too quickly and I needed to peer at a page occasionally but for that you need a really clear book. Having more than one book helped too but do be aware that UK and US names for stitches aren't the same so you have to be careful

The only other thing is keep practising. The sock I am making has been pulled back several rows more times than I care to remember. Keep going until looks right. I have given up several times before thinking I couldn't do it because I couldn't get it right first time.

Good luck.

rocketleaf · 02/10/2010 11:30

Thanks for that link, Frazzle, there are some brilliant patterns and I love the gaming influence. DH has a bit of a thing about Mario (games in general) so I might make him one for xmas (in between making my blanket!)

I've sorted my yarns and now have A Plan. I got a fair few granny squares done last night while watching a film. Fun times!

Niecie · 02/10/2010 13:34

The postman tried to deliver a parcel for me but I was in the bath and there is only one thing it can be.

But its a good thing right? I don't need the distraction, not until Tuesday.

rocketleaf · 02/10/2010 13:59

Ah Niecle, I would NOT be happy but I suppose under the circumstances it's for the best :o

Niecie · 03/10/2010 20:48

Finished your blanket yet rocketleaf?! Wink

No I wasn't happy about missing the postie. Left the bath late as the rest of the family were out and I thought the postie normally comes relatively early on a Saturday and I didn't want to miss him. But no, this week he comes at 1pm! Tsk.

chickbean · 03/10/2010 20:57

I want to learn - where's the best place to find instructions? I have just bought the pattern for the most gorgeous baby hat on Ebay - it looks like a bluebell. Someone will probably tell me that I could have got it for free, but I had to have it - see here

rocketleaf · 04/10/2010 09:53

Niecle, I've got 12 squares done and I am a bit bored already :o I am NOT looking forward to weaving all the ends in. Think this os going to have to be a long term project interspersed with instant gratification little ones.

Chickbean, that is very cute! (don't those baby manikins freak you out tho?) Looks like it is only single crochet or half double crochet. If you google 'how to...' both of those stitches and also 'how to increase' etc there should be videos on line that will show you how. Trial and error is the best bet tho

Niecie · 04/10/2010 10:30

Bored?! Sounds like you need another project going at the same time so you can alternate - you better order another pack!Grin

I keep meaning to find the book I learned with. I will do it later because it worked for me. Off to the Post Office to reclaim my parcel! Yay!!

Original poster
frazzledblob · 04/10/2010 20:29

chickbean that hat is lovely, second rocketleaf's advice about watching videos online and then keep trying to follow the pattern

I don't think I could manage a blanket. I get bored with hats Grin I am more of a starter than a finisher!

DH is asking for an ideas list for my birthday. Are there any books, accessories I should add to my list?

I am thinking of getting new hooks, I have some lovely coloured plastic ones but they seem to heat up and crack and some have snapped. Anyone have any recommendations?

OP posts:
rocketleaf · 04/10/2010 21:40

metal ones are better if you can get them also book wise I would ask for this

or this

People on ravelry are always bigging them up although I dont own them myself.

Niecie · 04/10/2010 22:20

I got these hooks as a present last Christmas. Very lovely - handle is comfortable with a metal hook.

Niecie · 06/10/2010 14:19

Chickbean, if you are still out there, I remember the book that I learnt from. It was The Encyclopedia of Crochet.

I didn't get anywhere with the videos but each to his own - it might be ideal for you. Sad to say my brain couldn't cope with it!Smile