I learnt to knit while I was at primary school, I think I was 8 years old. My mother taught me using squeaky green acrylic and red plastic needles that would bend when I tried to pull my stitches through. I hated those needles but in a funny way I wish I still had them! I remember one of my first projects being a garter stitch scarf for my teddy made in pastel pink, blue and purple. It was a little wavy with dropped stitches but I was very proud of it.
I re-discovered knitting after university. Someone gifted me a copy of Stitch n Bitch by Debbie Stoller, I bought a big bag of yarn from a charity shop and knitted a
cat bed.
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| My cat, Tilly and her kittens using the fugly but wonderful cat bed :) |
It made me deliriously happy at a time when nothing else seemed to. It continues to make me happy and has introduced me to a lovely community of crafters through Craftster and then Ravelry.
When it comes to crochet, I can crochet...........a chain. I have heard that the first row of crochet after the chain is the hardest row, and this is definitely true. I did try making a granny square but it was misshapen, so I put down the hooks feeling that I had made a real effort to learn. This was in February 2011.
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| (c) Betsi Brunson |
I have seen some beautiful crochet projects, amigurumi and jackets and hats - oh my! I love the fact that crochet is so quick and has real substance to it, without having to use bulky yarn. The portability of crochet is also appealing, and the fact that it's more difficult to drop stitches, since you only have one live stitch on your hook (I think Tunisian crochet is different). I am planning on taking a learn to crochet class in the summer at a local college, because I am a kinesthetic learner, I need to physically do things to learn. Watching Youtube and reading books doesn't seem to be working.
So, to sum up, at the moment I'm a knitter through and through but I hope to be a crocheter too! This may take some time though as I seem to have more plans than time or money!
3KCBWDAY7
You can totally learn to crochet! I bet you'll do great in your class :)
ReplyDeleteYou were gifted a book by Debbie Stoller?! I can't quite get past that sentence. You know her? Wow! Cool!
ReplyDeleteOops! My bad, that sentence was rather unclear. I don't know Debbie Stoller but I think we're friends on Ravelry! :) I wish I could remember who actually gave it to me, it was so long ago!
ReplyDeleteI've edited it now! I wish I did know her, she's an amazing lady and I'm forever thankful to her for writing that book!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about the crochet Ellie, I've managed a little, but would love to move on a bit. Think me and youtube are due a crochet session! x
ReplyDeleteI don't think that cat bed is ugly at all, and in fact the pretty calico kitten matches it nicely :-)
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