Mad about crochet

[feedme]

Is it just me, or is crochet really taking off at the moment?
After years of knitting and other fibre crafts I've discovered crochet and love what it can do. I think my problem in the past has been that I saw it as a version of knitting, when they are, in reality, so different. I've got piles of wool that I span and dyed and was far too coarse for clothing, but makes lovely crochet bowls. Also, there are such inspirational blogs around -I love attic24.
My mother has promised to teach me tatting. Has anyone else tried this?

3D crochet, that sounds amazing. Please tell us more when you do it

I will do feedme. I feel such a fraud going on it as I am such an amateur (only just mastered the granny square).

However it says it's for all abilities so I will take the course description at face value and challenge the instructor in every which way possible (I will be banned from future courses due to my crapness :o).

banned from a crochet course, now that would be something to put on your CV!

Oh, just the thread for me! Was inspired by a crocheted blanket I got from MIL that was done by DH's great granny, and it looked so fab on DD's bed that I wanted to do one for DS. Have just mastered granny squres and am so proud of myself! However then I read somewhere about blocking squares and am a bit worried. Any advice? The book said to get a pinboard and cover with wadding then material, then pin out squares - I just want to get joining them together! Is blocking really necessary?

I think it depends on you. Proper blocking gives a professional finish, but I just pin the square out on the ironing board, cover with a tea towel, and give it a quick blast with a steam iron, then let it sit. That is really quick and, IMO, is worth doing. Just try one and see what you think.

I'm in the middle of making a granny square throw and I'm not planning on doing any blocking. I connect the squares by crocheting them together which seems to give them enough of a stretch.

I am truly addicted. I'm driving DH crazy cos there's wool everywhere. DD (12) loves it too, and she's very good at it.

I'm going a bit mad at the moment too. I'm making a hat with cat ears, face and tail for a friend in America, a mint green fluffy shorty sleep suit for a friend's as yet un born baby, and have a plan to make a brown hat with bear ears and face to match the ugg booties and waistcoat I made for another pg mate I'm also making tiny hats and booties to send to my local SCBU...

Yes, the great thing about crochet is it's so versatile, I'm making bowls. I've done some with fabric I've cut into strips and it looks really good

Ok - i'm hooked groan!

I've never crocheted in my life, but i've read this fab thread and you gals have spurred me into action, i mean as much as i'e just watched a couple of utube videos! I'm dying to give it a bash though.

I have no equipment or yarn... gah!

So, what are the best crouchet hooks to buy and cheap but nice yarn? Guru's - work your magic on me, i'm such a novice!

I want to make flowers, butterflys and snow flakes! (I'm now wincing at that girly statement - but i don't care, you gals are my kind a people!)

Double knit wool is the most common, and the hook size will be written on the label - most likely 4mm.

I absolutely adore using Sirdar Snowflake, it gives a fluffy velvety feel although it's an absolute bastard to unpick. I'm trying to pluck up the courage to make something with Snowball, which is effectively bobbles on string and you crochet in between

I'm currently using a 6mm hook and Sirdar Escape Chunky to make a blanket for a mate's unborn baby boy (she's 24 wks) and finding that the fatter the wool, the more obvious the mistakes! Snowflake is very forgiving

I've bought wool all over the place - including the 99p shop - but most department stores will have a haberdashery department. If you don't have a local independent wool shop (mine is awesome) then try John Lewis. I go to Bradbeers (New Milton and Romsey in Hampshire) and they're lovely, very helpful

Local shops are the most likely to know about classes or meet-ups if you want a bit of company or advice

I'd start with a thickish cotton-based yarn that won't split as you work with it. Charity shops may also a good source of hooks (and knitting needles). You have to ask for them, as they don't keep them on open shelves. I'd get a thick one, a thin one, and one in the middle.
Don't be afraid to experiment, if it isn't right just unpick it and start again. And let us know how you get on!
ps I use wool that I spun and dyed. I never knew what to do with it as it's too course to wear in a garment, but it's perfect for bowls. As I said before, when you get more confident you can cut strips of fabric and use that.