Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[abwsco]

OK, I can knit and do tapestries but haven't for many years due to neck problems. However, I have a yearning to learn to crochet. Can't ask my Mum to show me as she's no longer here so can anyone recommend me a good beginners book. I used to have all of my Mum's patterns, hooks and needles but passed them onto a charity shop years ago. Wish I'd kept them now.

 

Ta

[eeyoreshunny]

you tube is a great place to learn to crochet, as you can watch it I found it much easier than trying to look at pictures in a book.

[craftyhunnypie]

I learnt from you tube. Just beware that American people use different terms for their stitches. For example an American double crochet, is a UK trebl e. etc. You can just pause & rewind..it's great - I can crochet anything now & you will too soon!

Emma.x

[Egluntyne]

**This** super little book will get you started. It explains the basics very clearly.

[abwsco]

Thank you all

[abwsco]

Won the book on ebay last night for £1.99 + p & p

[Egluntyne]

Brilliant.

[emily95]

I learnt to crochet about a month ago, and I bought this book....http://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-cute-Crochet-Make-Amigurumi-Family/dp/1906525390

 

I can only knit a little bit, so I wasnt expecting to be able to crochet, but the book is really easy to follow and the creatures are adorable - even with my wonky crocheting!

 

So far I've made a mouse and a guinea pig, I might post pictures later

[bluekarin]

I taught myself last year. I borrowed this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Learn-Crochet-diagrams-instructions-projects/dp/1904485324/ref=sr_1_105?s=STORE&ie=UTF8&qid=1283461606&sr=1-105 from the library and eventually bought it off ebay. Took a couple of weeks or trying to do stitches, and un-doing and redoing, but it helped me understand what each stitch was doing. I also use a lot of websites especially this wonderful blog http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/ I *heart* her stuff Lucy does some really good close up, step by step tutorials and I think thats how I have learnt really.

[abwsco]

My book came really quickly but I've forgotten to get my hook and wool everyday this week since then

 

It was seeing a link to Lucy's blog on here last year that has had me hankering to try. Only problem is I want to be able to do a huge granny square blanket straight away-lol

[eeyoreshunny]

granny 17 by eeyoreshunny, on Flickr

This was my first ever crochet project so you may manage your granny square blanket very soon after you've learnt the basic stitches

[abwsco]

Oooh, that looks lovely Steff There could be hope for me then.

[Couperwife]

wow thats brilliant

 

good to see that the kittykat approves too

 

cathy

x

[Egluntyne]

Beautiful. Well done.

[Plum]

That blanket is lovely. The colours look so good together

[abwsco]

Well, I now have my hook and also some cotton yarn to try to learn-lol

 

Mind you I have a banging headache, stress related, which I've had on and off since Thursday so not sure if I will try tonight.

[Couperwife]

Mind you I have a banging headache, stress related, which I've had on and off since Thursday so not sure if I will try tonight.

 

hmmm, you never know it might help - sometimes something simple yet repetitive is just enough for a tired brain

 

(((hugs))) hope you feel better soon

 

cathy

x

[abwsco]

Mind you I have a banging headache, stress related, which I've had on and off since Thursday so not sure if I will try tonight.

 

hmmm, you never know it might help - sometimes something simple yet repetitive is just enough for a tired brain

 

(((hugs))) hope you feel better soon

 

cathy

x

 

Thanks Cathy

Edited September 6, 2010 by Guest

[Couperwife]

No problem

 

I find that when im knitting, a basic knit pattern is easy enough and makes me feel like i have achieved something

 

i keep trying to crochet, maybe ....maybe

 

cathy

x

Edited September 6, 2010 by Guest

[abwsco]

OK, I'm stuck already but I think it's because I've got cotton yarn and there's no give. Got the first loopy thingy done but can't pull a second one through Assume I've also got the first loopy thing too tight

[Olly]

I would guess so - there's a sort of balance between having it too loose and too tight to get the hook through - you will soon get a feel for it. Sorry, it's hard to explain - I can picture it, but not describe it. I'd allow yourself a little room for trial and error, it will take a few goes but you'll soon be flying away, I bet.

[abwsco]

I think this is why I gave up before Olly when I tried years ago. I'm going to give it another go tomorrow

[Egluntyne]

I'd practice with a small square or two first, just to get the feel. TBH cotton is not the easiest thread to use, for the reasons you describe. Have you got a few tag ends of double knitting knocking about that you could practice the basic stitches on?

 

Here is the ripple blanket I am working on at the moment. (Inspired by Snowy at Omletstock) Double bed sized. Already my daughter and my best friend have staked claims. No chance.

 

 

I manage 2 stripes an evening, and have added 2 more to this tonight. I expect to finish around July.

 

Easiest pattern in the world. Fantastic Instructions **here**

[Olly]

Gosh, thanks for posting that Egluntyne - what a brilliant blog! I've just bookmarked that. Can I just ask ... for a double blanket, how long is your chain?

[Egluntyne]

280 stitches. My eyes were spinning when I counted them, which I had to do several times.