So, I’ve been learning to crochet for about a month. Slow and steady wins the race, I always say. (I’m seriously containing my laughter at typing that, because I am so far from ever saying or following through with that mantra.)
I took my first crochet class in January at a lovely local yarn shop. I learned to begin and the double crochet. I’ve been back once to refresh and get more help and my next class is next weekend to learn more.
This is the start of my second scarf. Which I’m actually thinking I may make short and with a toggle button. But, I’m trying to be very careful that it’s even. Which so far, has proven successful. My first scarf didn’t turn out well, it was very uneven. But, it’s all for practice, right?
Anyhow, I thought you may be interested in my progress. Especially for those who have crocheted or knitted or would like to learn.
If anyone is interested, the two books that my teacher recommended for picking up crochet are Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Happy Hooker and Crocheting: In Plain English. I’m planning to get both after checking them out in person.
So far, I’ve found crocheting to be much easier than knitting, which I learned briefly but never stuck with for a longer period. I’ve been attempting to practice at least 3 times each week, which hasn’t been a problem. Even 15 or 20 minutes helps. I find crocheting much more relaxing than knitting and it was easier to pick up (which my teacher told me is probably because I have knitted and done needlepoint).
(Ryan took the photo above. After snapping the first shot, he said, “That one was perfect. We make a great team.” That boy makes me laugh. I would have taken 150 photos before deciding one was perfect.)
And, for kicks, let’s show the picture of Lola giving me the STARE DOWN while I crochet. Stare.down. If she were a human, she’d be that creepy guy who doesn’t understand that you should break eye contact. It’s like she thinks it’s a staring contest. And, she has definitely won that contest.
(And, let’s all pretend that Kim actually does not have a double chin in this photo, mmmkay? Unfortunately, my non-existent photo editing skills do not extend to removing double chins. Which is a shame. A crying shame.)
(And, if you are wondering where one can find such a hip and happening fleece sweatshirt from Old Navy, which is my second favorite behind my Woodward University sweatshirt, I’m afraid you are out of luck. I got this sweatshirt when I was in 7th grade. And worn it regularly since then. It’s practically vintage and no one would ever give it to Goodwill. So, sorry about that friends. Some looks are just unattainable.)
If you’d like to meet my friend who is an pro crocheter, go see Kellie. Β She’s one who inspired me to take up the art.
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Mom and Dad says
There ain’t ANYBODY who has a better sense of humor than our daughter. We didn’t even notice the double chin honey!
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
You are doing better than me….I tried crocheting and got very frustrated. So I tried knitting and the exact same thing happened. But maybe my problem is that I am relying on crocheting/knitting for dummies and not actually taking a class. Something to think about.
Love the fleece (and Lola). I have a pair of Old Navy fleece pants from high school that I still pull on after work. They are all stretched out but oh so comfortable.
Rebecca McKanna says
Your crocheting looks so good. Mine is still very awkward looking. I need to have you tutor me. π
P.S. I still owe you lunch. I think there’s a trip to Huckleberry’s in our immediate future.
Laura says
Your scarf looks beautiful! I love the color. I would love to learn how to crochet. I’ve been trying to learn how to knit forever and I still can’t get it.
Remodelaholic says
Kim-
I love crocheting! I took a continuing ed class at the local community college and it was so worth it! Keep it up it- is the perfect craft/activity for keeping busy while watching useless tv shows! or traveling in the car (if you don’t get car sick!)
And I must say I also love that sign above your head! (and your dog)
Melissa says
Another book that you should take a look at is Teach Yourself Visually Crocheting (http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Visually-Crocheting/dp/0764596411/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267155795&sr=1-2). I am by no means a pro crocheter like Kel, but that has helped me alot.
Scarf looking good π
Leigh says
That yarn is a great color. I learned basic knitting about 7 years, so then about 3 years ago I tired to learn crocheting but kept getting confused with knitting. I didn’t last long.
Joi says
You’re too funny. I had that same Old Navy fleece. ; )
Freckles Chick says
You never cease to amaze me w/ your skills. I’m dying to learn how to crochet/knit.
Double chin? Whatever, you are adorable!! Mr. FC has NO chin. We always joke that we had to cancel his violin lessons. Plus he can’t keep helmets on.
Mrs. 5C says
I lived in the teeny tiny town of Lynchburg at the time that fleece was hot (but less hot than now, OF COURSE!), and we didn’t have an Old Navy, but MAN did I want a fleece like that!!
I LOVE the blue color you’ve picked! And most craft projects give me a double chin, so no worries. π
Robin says
I love to crochet. It’s so relaxing! I only know one stich and can never get it started (sister has to help) but I love it.
carrie says
I’m pretty sure EVERYONE had that same exact fleece. I know for a fact, mine was navy with gold/yellow lettering & Rob’s gray with navy lettering (exactly the one you’re wearing).
The scarf is looking great!!! Great job!
Michael - Innkeeper says
good luck! looks like your doing great! seems like everbody is chatting about knitting and crocheting. i’ve actually been seeing a lot of granny square quilts and have really been inspired to try. there is a great blog… http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/
they recently posted several video tutorials on how to crochet… speciffically how to make a granny square quilt. and the videos are free! too cool.
anyway. good luck.
Ashley says
By photo #1 I was dying to comment on the Old Navy sweatshirt. A Kimmy classic!!! I was so happy to see at the end that YOU commented on it yourself! π
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
Your skills are endless Kim!! I took up crocheting when I was ten or eleven…my mom taught me. She attempted to teach me to knit, which was a HORRIBLE failure. I don’t have enough patience. She knits fabulous things…alas, I will never attain those skills. But I agree, crocheting is so relaxing….you don’t really have to think about it too much, eventually your fingers just do what they’re supposed to. And the photo with Lola…hilarious.
Kathy V, PA says
I have that same fleece sweatshirt. And yes, mine is that old, too. But I like to think it’s a “vintage classic.”
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
I have absolutely no patience for knitting or crocheting. My girlfriend knits fabulous things, and my aunt has crocheted like a master for as long as I can remember. This is one crafting skill that I will not be conquering. You, on the other hand, are doing a fantastic job!
Kelly says
Lola DOES look intimidating! haha
I also love that sign above you! How did you make it?
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
Knitting and crocheting are definitely things that are really hard to learn to do unless somebody shows you. My freshman college roommate taught me to knit but I haven’t done it in a few years. My mother-in-law taught me to crochet but I never really practiced or tried to make anything. I can only do the basics with knitting, but have made 3 hats and 1 sock. Not 1 pair of socks, just 1 sock.
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
LOVE Lola giving you the stare down! I’ve never learned to knit, but my mom taught me to crochet growing up. I definitely have a problem with keeping things even, though. And I have no patience, which may have contributed to my troubles. : ) Can’t wait to see the finished prodcut! And I love that color. So bright and cheery.
Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy says
I tried to crochet once when I was pregnant with our oldest son. We had gotten this “make-a-baby-hat” kit for his shower and I thought, “How hard could it be?” I followed the beginner’s instructions and could. not. do it. I literally struggled with the damn thing for HOURS, even looking up alternate instructions on the Internet. Finally I gave up.
That day when my husband got home from work, I relayed my frustration to him, and he was like, “Let me try.” And you know what? Curtis, a novice knitter like me (and a GUY to boot!) glanced over the instructions once, picked up the yarn and the needles, and started knitting like a pro. I was sooo irritated. π
Love the yarn color, BTW!
Shannon says
This all just made me laugh.
Amy says
I absolutely love the sign above you! Do you have a post about it? Tell us more!
Jordan says
haha, I remember in 7th grade when all of a sudden EVERYBODY had to have an Old Navy fleece. I’m pretty sure the gray and blue one you’re wearing was the most popular. So you must be very cool π
Good luck crocheting!!