The Sewing Place

The Emporia => A Good Yarn => Topic started by: Snowgoose on August 26, 2017, 16:00:28 PM

Title: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Snowgoose on August 26, 2017, 16:00:28 PM
I'm going to learn to crochet  - I hope :D  :P

Is it very difficult to make granny squares?  I'm torn between trying to make a granny square or, make this cushion cover http://vickymyerscreations.co.uk/tutorial-2/easy-crochet-cushion-for-the-none-crochetter/ I've purchased a hook and a ball of multicoloured neon dk!!  Crazy colour, but I need something bright as it's easier to work with, especially in the evenings!

I'm hoping that I end up with something nice for my little :meow: to sleep on  8)
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: toileandtrouble on August 26, 2017, 16:30:53 PM
Granny squares very easy!  And good for using up the last scraps of wool.  You will enjoy it, I'm sure.
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: wrenkins on August 26, 2017, 16:59:24 PM
My granny taught me to crochet simple chains and things when I was very young..she died when I was 8.
About 3 or 4 years ago I picked up a crochet hook, followed a youtube video and crocheted very acceptable granny squares! Easy peasy! Maybe because I'm granny aged now.  :)
I'm not quite ready for the dresses or gloves in crochet cotton (thread) that she did but I was happy with the result.  0_0
Go for it!
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Lowena on August 26, 2017, 17:00:24 PM
My d.i.l taught me how to cast on and do a row, but I never got the hang of it  :( I forgot what to do and even the internet didn't help me remember :( I never could turn a corner and come back :( I'd love to try again though, but it just doesn't make any sense to me :(
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Fiona M on August 26, 2017, 17:16:29 PM
Go you!  Crochet is MUCH easier than knitting, in my opinion.  Granny squares are especially easy, and you can find lots of tutorials on YouTube.
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Stitches on August 26, 2017, 18:40:53 PM
I have just learned to do crocheting with the aid of you tube.go for it.i found following the crochet crowd very helpful
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Sheilago on August 26, 2017, 22:31:11 PM
I learned to crochet from You Tube a couple of years ago. The main difficulty I found was getting used to holding the yarn in my left hand, whereas when knitting it's in my right. Once I got used to that, it was fine. I've done a lacy scarf, a few blankets, several toys.Your cat must be pampered, getting a specially crocheted cushion- don't tell my dogs!  :D
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: MistyRose on August 26, 2017, 23:59:53 PM
I hold the yarn in my left hand when I'm doing knitting or crochet.
There are patterns for Beginners including a tutorial for a granny square on this page.   https://diyprojects.com/amazing-crochet-patterns-for-beginners/
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Ellabella on August 27, 2017, 09:59:21 AM
Try the Attic 24 website for lots of patterns and ideas, she has some good tutorials and seems to explain things well.

One thing that took me ages to figure out, British and American crochet terms are different.  We have  similar names but they refer to different stitches, a British Double Crochet is an American Single Crochet.
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Lowena on August 27, 2017, 10:19:29 AM
You Tube is just so much fog ( on any subject ) to me  :D
I am not a visual learner...I need line by line written instructions to be able to do anything.
When I get something new, I read the manual from cover to cover before even unpacking the item..............but I skip any pictures  :devil:
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: maliw on August 27, 2017, 11:15:33 AM
DD has just started to crochet, she too has been looking at YouTube, last Sunday she raided my wool stash and crochet hooks  ><
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: BrendaP on August 27, 2017, 12:18:15 PM
My Grandma taught me to crochet when I was a child - I didn't think it had gone in, but a couple of years later the 'latest craze' at school was making granny squares.  A friend showed me just once and I realised that yes I did know how to crochet. 0_0

I found it was quicker than knitting when I was making baby jackets etc, but maybe a bit harder on the hands as they get older.

One thing to be very aware of if teaching yourself from YouTube or anywhere else on the web.  American names are a step less than English names; ie our treble crochet (as used in most granny squares) is what Americans call double crochet.  Our double crochet is their single crochet etc.

Much like their buildings go 1st storey, 2nd storey, 3rd storey whilst ours are ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor.
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Lowena on August 27, 2017, 12:53:50 PM
I've mastered the chain ... yeah!!  :D but, despite my book and You Tube I can't fathom out where to put the hook through to start dcs :( I "can't see" the V of the stitches they talk about :(
Off to try again  :ninja:
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Lowena on August 27, 2017, 15:10:14 PM
Think i might have mastered the double crochet stitch..... ridiculously pleased with myself  :D
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Pearl on August 27, 2017, 16:07:23 PM
I knit lots but cannot master crochet.  Most of my sewing room is full of hooks, yarn and "teach yourself to crochet" type books.  I have a craftsy course from which I have learned double crochet.  I think I have reached my potential.   :D
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Lowena on August 27, 2017, 18:59:05 PM
I know what you mean Pearl, but I'm determined to hang on in there  :D
You realise your age when you think you can remember what to do but have to keep referring to the book for every step  :|
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Snowgoose on August 28, 2017, 13:33:56 PM
This is so addictive  :D

My granny square is more of a squashed sausage  :o I can't keep count and the corners confuse me!!!  But, I think I can do double and half-double crochet stitches :D

I'm going to stay with rows at the moment, and not granny squares - my row ends look a bit tipsy, but at least there is a row!  Happy days  8)
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Snowgoose on August 28, 2017, 13:41:09 PM
Your cat must be pampered, getting a specially crocheted cushion- don't tell my dogs!  :D

My little  :meow: is very pampered!!!  She has only been here a few weeks and is settling in very happily  :) She had a rough start to her life, and deserves to made to feel a bit special - but if the cushion ever gets made I'm not sure  :meow: will approve, it may not look like a cushion, more like a neon blancmange :o  8) My little  :woof: will be wanting something, too, so as not to be left out!
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Lowena on August 28, 2017, 15:33:30 PM
I've reignited my knitting gene as well.....I haven't knitted for 44yrs and even then I didn't finish the matinee jacket  :|
I have ordered a small book of teddies and their clothes to knit... and joined a group for beginner toy makers on FB.
Still been persevering with my crochet too.......too hot to be indoors, sewing so the quilt is taking a back seat for today
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Ellabella on August 28, 2017, 19:44:26 PM
I've reignited my knitting gene as well.....I haven't knitted for 44yrs and even then I didn't finish the matinee jacket  :|
I have ordered a small book of teddies and their clothes to knit... and joined a group for beginner toy makers on FB.
Still been persevering with my crochet too.......too hot to be indoors, sewing so the quilt is taking a back seat for today
[/quote

Good lord Lowena, where will all this lead? ;)
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Lowena on August 29, 2017, 10:10:24 AM
Indeedy Ella....who knows what dizzy heights of creativity I can reach ? :D :D
Wonder if I'll actually ever produce anything ?  :D :D
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: b15erk on August 29, 2017, 14:57:44 PM
I don't know if it will help anyone, but when I'm sewing, knitting or crocheting, I have a piece of work on the side, where I can practise stitches or techniques.  To make sure it looks right, but also to help with the number count.  It's a right dogs dinner by the time I'm done, but it helps to be able to have a go at the stitches with out mucking up my 'good' yarn.

I suppose it acts a bit like a toile, letting me make mistakes where it doesn't matter.

I saw a lovely teddy at DD's this weekend, garter stitch, and appears to be all in one piece.  Just off to find the pattern.

Jessie
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: sewmuchmore on September 09, 2017, 17:48:34 PM
I recently started to crochet (when i had no access to my sewing machine) and have managed to complete a cardigan only to realise that i had gone wrong with the first dozen rows on the back. I will live with it though. Now started a jumper.
I have attempted granny squares with absolutely no success at all, muttering "why can't i b****Y do this" as i pull another dismal attempt out.
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Snowgoose on September 09, 2017, 23:23:33 PM
I can't do granny squares!  I've tried, but they don't make sense to me  :( I do like the half-double crochet stitch though  :) I was going to make a cushion cover for my little  :meow: but chained too many stitches, and it is growing into a  :meow: cuddle blanket instead  :D

I love that crochet grows so quickly and blankets are very forgiving of wonky bits  ;)
Title: Re: Taking the plunge!
Post by: Sewbee on October 05, 2017, 19:40:43 PM
I can't tell you how many afghan blankets I have made from granny squares - and even a long waistcoat in the 70s - from granny squares. Design your own with colour and they all look different. Granny squares are wonderful as something to do with your hands while watching telly!