I've been wanting to learn how to crochet for ages, so today I took a day off work and did just that.
I'd booked myself a place on a Rowan beginner's crochet course that was held in the Brent Cross John Lewis and had a fantastic time. There were only six of us on the course (they limit the number of places to eight so that enough one-on-one tuition and help can be given) and I found that I was able to learn so much.
I'd tries teaching my self from a book a couple of times, but after the basic chain I just found myself getting so confused about what to do next. Our trainer explained everything so simply and hence it all now makes sense! We were all provided with a hook and a yarn and were taken through everything from starting chains through to the afghan square that you can see on the right hand side in the above photograph.
Whilst on the course quite a few of us asked about good books to help beginners when they forget the useful things that they learn on the course and also with some nice simple crochet patterns in them. The recommended solution was Erika Knight's
Simple Crochet
. This book contains some fantastic step by step instructions for learning to crochet, along with some fabulous clear photos of each step. The patterns look fantastic and simple, and use a range of materials instead of just yarn (parcel string, fabric scraps and leather thronging for instance!)
Simple Crochet. This book contains some fantastic step by step instructions for learning to crochet, along with some fabulous clear photos of each step. The patterns look fantastic and simple, and use a range of materials instead of just yarn (parcel string, fabric scraps and leather thronging for instance!)If you're looking for a book to teach yourself then I'd highly recommend this one. I don't think anything quite beats going on a course though and the Rowan one was certainly excellent and also very good value for money.
That sounds great! Books can’t do everything! I went to a Rowan knitting clinic once! It was hilarious..people coming in off the street to ask about certain stitches etc. randomly pulling half finished projects from their bags. The other shoppers looking and pointing but the Rowan people calmly and patiently sorting us out. They really did know their stuff!
Will you keep going with the afghan square? a blanket etc? Love the colour by the way!
I too was certainly impressed by the skills of the Rowan staff!
I’m not to sure what to do with the afghan square. I was practicing a bit more last night when I got home and it’s grown some more. I may just continue until I run out of yarn and then just see how big it’s got and keep it to remind me of learning the skill.
I’ve got something in mind for a first project already though. I saw a crochet blanket in Jane Brocket’s Gentle Art of Domesticity and have been collecting some yarn for a while to do something similar but in a different palate. There’s then a pattern for a cushion cover in the Erika Knight book that I think I can adapt to make it happen. All quite exciting to feel that I’ve now learnt a skill to be able to make something that I’ve been wanting to make for about a year!
PS – the yarn was Rowan Cotton Glace. It didn’t come with a wrap with the shade name on it, but looking at their website I’m guessing it may be “blood orange”. A beautiful rich and warm colour though.
Congratulations on the crochet!