So I have wanted to learn how to crochet for a long time now. I have grand dreams of crocheting gorgeous afghans that look like they came right off the shelves at Pottery Barn and giving them to all my loved ones for Christmas. Or perhaps scarves for everyone on our list. Or big scrumptious flower pins like I bought not long ago. Or maybe even cute stocking hats or ear warmers. Or even fingerless gloves for all the iPhone users I know. Can you crochet fingerless gloves, or do you have to knit those? I don't even know. But I have big plans. In order to ever achieve any of these plans, I'm gonna need to learn how to crochet. And so, I had my very first lesson not long ago, from a dear, crafty friend from church. Judy gave me my first crochet lesson and I'm so, so grateful. We met at Starbucks, got our big, festive coffees (because every first crochet lesson should involve a delicious festive coffee, don't you think?) and set to work learning the basics of crochet. When I left, I had fully come to the realization that I have a LOT to learn and I need to practice crocheting a tonnnnn before I'll be making ANYthing worth giving away, but I'm more determined than ever to practice and improve! But in order to do that, I must first make a trip to the yarn store and choose some yummy yarn and my very own crochet hook. Let's face it, shopping for crafty supplies is half the fun, right? I know you all know what I mean. :)
(My nail polish color: Chinchilly by Essie) (...because I have a feeling someone will ask! Wink.)
I'm excited to get to practicing and it's got me to thinking lately that crafty endeavors outside of the ones you're most familiar with, really are good for the soul. They're good for our creativity. If you're a paper crafter, try crochet or knitting. If you're a knitter, try painting. If you're feeling a creative block, do something creative using a completely different medium than you're used to working with. It's the creative process that's so good for us, regardless of what type of craft it is. Sometimes working on a completely different craft can help to re-energize our creativity in our main craft.
If you're looking for another great crafty blog to follow, check out my friend, Judy Sturman's blog. She's super crafty, is an amazing seamstress, has her own business, is a fellow lover of all things pink, is very stylish & trendy and is as nice as they come. I love her a lot. She posts all sorts of great crafty projects....a little something for everyone. :) Pop over to her blog and leave her some comment love. Tell her I sent you!
(Judy's nail polish color: You Don't Know Jacques by OPI)
So what about you? Are you crafty? If so, what's the main craft you focus on? And if you were to try something new, to learn a new craft, what would it be? What other craft would you love to learn?
I'll have to keep you posted on how I progress with crocheting, but for now, a trip to the yarn store is in order for me. :)
Oh, and if you crochet and have any tips for me, I'm all ears. Any tips for getting the perfect tension on the yarn in your left hand? (That's assuming you're a righty.) Any great videos or books that have really helped you learn to crochet? Any super easy patterns you'd recommend? Any favorite places that you buy your hooks and yarn? Leave any tips you'd like to share, here in the comments section so we can all chat and learn from each other!
Happy crafting,