Crochet Creatures Book

 I know there are lots of free patterns around but I still like to get books. If I like a pattern then I'll like the rest of the patterns in the book by the same person and I also get to support the artist. So it's a win-win.This is one of my favorite designers, she has so many great patterns and so many that aren't in this book. Megan Lapp is know as Crafty Intentions on Facebook, ravelry and Etsy. The patterns look like they'll kill you but I promise they're easy! Not beginner level easy but still easy. She hs so many fantasy creatures done in a unique way so you won't cringe when you see one of her patterns.

Library As A Resource

Don't forget about your local library! These can be great sources for new patterns and ideas. It's a great place to go an unwind for a bit, search through books, sit and flip through them. Or if you're still not ready to go to a pubic place, many offer curb side pick up when you reserve online. I have access to so many books through my library network. Some books I think I want to buy to keep I end up passing on when I check them out from my library and find out it's not for me, some I end up loving and get right away. 

Most libraries in the US are linked to the CAT system. It's basically a nation wide system so libraries can loan out books to other libraries in other states. Shipping may take a while but it does work. 

Do you go to your library often? Do you have more than one local library?

A Shirt

 I've been trying to branch out in to more useful things with my crochet. Things other than dish clothes/dusters/etc. So I've decided to try clothes. Now I've made a few things like sweatshirts before but nothing that really needed to fit. I think starting with shirts is a good, simple idea. This is my first try. I'm not thrilled with the yarn but it's what I had one hand.

GRRRRR!!

 So the last yearish I've been having problems with my hands. These problems usually end with me in a brace of some sort. I can't really hold a hook so I can't crochet. Someone had suggested a "knitting machine" to use during these times. I'm not too sure but got one anyway to try it out. It is easy to use without having to be very dexterous and it does let me do yarny things when I can't crochet but it's just not the same. Also, not sure why the parts are called needles cause they're hooks.....

Have you had to adapt your crafting for an injury, illness or other? What was it and how did it work out? At the moment I'm using the "knitting machine" to stash bust and make a ton of hats and stuff for donations.

YouTube? Tik Tok?

 So I see a lot of people say "I just learned to crochet. I'm going to start a YouTube channel and teach people how to crochet/my patterns/etc!" Please don't do this. If you're new to crochet, or any craft for that matter, don't make a social media account to "help" or "teach" people how to do it. I would encourage a social media account to show your journey with this new craft and let people know it doesn't happen over night and takes persistence. It would be beautiful to see someone's journey and watch them get better and better! Practice makes progress!

However, it's infuriating to see someone who can't tell their ass from their elbow in a craft trying to "teach" people. Please learn the terminology, how to move fluidly and to proper way to do things. Also, if you have small kids, please try to record when they aren't screaming. I would love to see an account that blossoms from "Learn with me!" to "Here's a simple pattern anyone can do and one I started with." Instead of frustrating veterans in the craft, encourage and stand by new people. Let them know they aren't alone and they have someone to learn with. Only a newbie can fully understand, even though we were all new once, it's not the same.

Do you have a crochet social media account? Please share!

Getting Started With Crochet

 Ok, you've been lurking, looking, gathering your thoughts and information. You are now ready to venture in to crochet! But....What do you do? Where do you start? It's ok, we got you. Here's a very simple list to get you started. It's not carved in stone and you can do what feels best for you, this is just what I use when I teach people how to crochet:

Yarn-I recommend acrylic and size 4 or "worsted weight" yarn.  It's just the cheapest and easiest to find plus it's a good size to learn with.

Hook-Size 5MM-6MM as anything smaller or bigger can get fiddly. The type of hook will be trial and error as hooks are very personal. I recommend a Bates or Boye metal hook to start. They're cheap and easy to find and metal usually works with whatever yarn fiber you want to try.

A large eye/tapestry/plastic canvas needle-Can usually be found in sets with different sizes and a container.

Scissors-Any that can cut yarn.

Optional-A row counter. You don't need this to learn how to crochet but it will come in handy when you start making projects.

YouTube is also your friend. There are tons of videos for beginners and most are very well done. I'm going to start my videos here in a bit, after I get my phone stand to record so I can help you there too.

I hope you share your crochet journey with us!

My Current Project

 So my current project is a sapphire blue dragon bag. I wrote the pattern myself and no the pattern will not be for sale. Too many people steal and sell patterns claiming they wrote them.

Anyway, I'm kinda stuck on what color to make the belly of the bag. I haven't found a green that looks good with this particular blue. I can't come up with another color that might look even half way decent and it's making  me sad. Any suggestions would be helpful!