Crochet

4:28 pm



blanket 2, originally uploaded by indiaeden.
I have tried and failed many times over the years to master crochet. I'd tried following books, and online tutorials and videos, but I just couldn't seem to hold the hook and yarn quite right, and I just felt so clumsy and strange.

trim 2

The release of Kat's book and wanting to take part in a very special crochet-a-long though spurred me on to having another stab at it.
My patient and lovely friend Mary came over one day and helped me figure out how to crochet a granny square. Things were going along quite well, I was starting to get the hang of things, but then it all went a bit wobbly again. Mary helped me see where I was going wrong and then another lovely friend Cybele helped me even more.

Crochet

Against my usual instincts,I bought some cheap and cheerful acrylic yarn from Simple Crafts, a hook I could hold more easily, and finally a couple of months later I have a blanket.

crochet 2

It's an ugly little thing, too garish and stiff and squeaky, and sums up pretty much everything I dislike about crochet, but I'm proud of it nonetheless.
This blanket has been my companion for several weeks, worked on during scarce nap times, and in snatched moments, but finally finished on the eleven hour journey home last Friday from Cornwall.
It is far from perfect, I'm still not sure I'm joining the change of yarn correctly, and I've spotted a couple of mistakes, plus I sort of guessed at how to do the trim, and I've no idea whether it is right or not.
What I have discovered about crochet that I do like is that it's easy to frog if you spot a mistake, and if when Ernest gets hold of it, he can do a lot less damage with crochet than he can with my knitting.
I'm ready now to tackle a new crochet project, preferably using nicer yarn and in a colourway I like, maybe even something for me.
Any crocheters out there want to suggest something?

blanket 4

Don't be shy, say hello!

12 comments

  1. Yay! you finished it! If it is anything like my acrylic yarn it will soften up with washing.

    Will watch the answers with interest as I haven't really moved on from the granny square yet!

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  2. It's lovely and bright! If you don't like it, I bet you could find someone who does.

    I can't see any mistakes from here, but we're always our own harshest critics.

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  3. It looks good to me! I like crochet because it is so forgiving (and easy to frog). I also don't think there is a right or wrong way to hold the hook and yarn - you are holding your yarn differently to the way I hold mine and my mother (who presumably taught me to crochet) thinks I hold my hook in a weird way - whatever feels comfortable is 'right'.
    As to what to make next... I'd flick through a couple of books if you get the chance and see what takes your fancy.

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  4. It reminds me of the blankets my mum used to make. check out attic 24 blog she is crochet mad, offfers tutorials and yarn hints.

    I am having an early morning cuddle with Gracie, Benedict and Pip!!

    Have a good day

    San xx

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  5. Anonymous12:32 pm

    It is so funny that we are doing exactly the same. I could have written the first part of that post myself. I am making a prayer shawl for a friend right now, using granny squares, and I am enjoying it so much. Did you see the pictures of the coat I put on FB? I would really like to try that, in greens maybe?
    http://paulineetmarie.canalblog.com/albums/quand_je_crochette___/photos/60896157-gilet_granny_square_3.html

    Valerie
    xxx

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  6. I'm loving crochet, having like you struggled for ever to hold the hook and yarn. I love the granny chic granny square.
    www.blackberryandcrumble.blogspot.co.uk

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  7. I'm way behind on blog reading, as per usual, but it looks perfect to me. And as long as you like the edging, does it matter if you've done it the right or wrong way? I don't think there is a right or wrong way - same as in knitting. All that matters is that it turns out how you want it to turn out.
    A bag next...?

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  8. Oh Honey, I think it is beautiful :) My first project was a granny blanket exactly like it. Your colors are much nicer though..mine was made using scraps from my mothers projects.

    Scarves made with a nice yarn are a very nice beginners project and not nearly as large as another blanket.

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  9. Well, I think it is lovely and I'm wondering if you might consent to it being featured on the page that sells that cheap and cheerful wool to show what can be done with it :)

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    Replies
    1. Very happy for you to share Merry.

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  10. PS... who would you like me to get an account with so I can supply the next stash too? ;)

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