I remember my last day of college like it was yesterday. I filled in that last bubble on that last exam and walked out the door vowing to never ever take any more school. That was the end of standardized tests, scantrons and blue books for me, but not the end of learning. I really love to study and learn, just no tests please!
Last night I decided to teach myself something new... crochet!
I was a little distracted by some cute cheeks. But wouldn't that little head be adorable with a new hat? So I press on...
I'm still very much a beginner, but it's fun to learn and the nice thing is my tight stitches and tiny little holes won't be tested. I don't think I would make the grade yet. 
Time to hit the library for some crochet books. Do you all have any favorites?
My mother-in-law taught me to knit about 5 years ago and then I self-taught to crochet. It is a wonderful hobby to have during the winter months when you need cute hats to cover sweet little heads! My favorite crochet book is 'The Happy Hooker'. It shows you how to make all the basic stitches and a few projects with great pictures. You should go check out the pumpkin/berry hat that Little Birdie Secrets recently posted on her blog. It looks like a pretty simple design to tackle with a newborn! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI too taught myself how to crochet and I love it (I crochet in spurts though). http://www.lionbrand.com/ has some great free patterns and also has a learning center. Just keep going (my first stitches were so tight it was pathetic - took me forever to get the tension right - I still get it too tight if I'm tense or stressed out). You have wonderful inspiration, so you will do good at it.
ReplyDeleteGREAT suggestions Wendy and Jena! I just requested Happy Hooker from the library and I'm off to check out your site suggestions now. Thanks for taking the time to pass on your wisdom.
ReplyDelete-Sarah
I love videos for knitting and crochet so you can see it in real motion--and you can pause, rewind and play over and over until you get it! Just google and there are several sites dedicated to knit and crochet or there are tons of YouTube videos. Obviously this would be best for technique and not patterns. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou holding that baby and sewing is so sweet!
ReplyDeletesandy toe
Yea! Encyclopedia of Crochet! Its a great book divided in sections, first section is a how to, second has patterns and last has all different pictures of patterns.
ReplyDeleteNo hats in it, but ravelry is a good source for patterns!
I made 4 newborn hats in 2 days, they are super simple!
allthingsfee.blogspot.com
i've been crocheting since i was about 9 but i'm still mostly self-taught because i always forget how to do it when i first start a new project! :) crochet today magazine has lots of great projects, and there's a book called uncommon crochet that shows projects crocheted out of fun unusual things like twine. love me some crochet!
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ReplyDeleteMy mom taught me to crochet about 25 years ago and I've done it on and off ever since. With 4 kids, I don't usually spend the money on books because you can find almost any pattern you are looking for online. crochetville.com has tons of info
ReplyDeleteI have to really suggest Ravelry and the super awesome forums there for as much knitting/crochet help as you want. And the patterns. Ok, I have a deep and sincere love for Ravelry. It's like Facebook for a fiber artist. (I'm PrincessOnica on there if you need to stalk someone. :))
ReplyDeleteAs a knit/crochet teacher the one thing that I like to say over and over again is... PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Work on it a little each day and you will be amazed at how quickly you become awesome at it.