As someone who also knits and crochets I have plenty of sympathy with you! I found that getting my hands to learn and be comfortable with the crochet positions a lot harder than with knitting. I’m not sure if it’s actually harder or just my experience, but I can relate. I’ve also tried Tunisian crochet, but only briefly, I really didn’t take to it but to be fair I could have been stumbling with that feeling of being a beginner at it too.
I’ll sometimes get confused when starting a crochet chain and my hands think I’m doing a long-tail cast on for knitting. There’s always a pause and a bit of a disconnect before my brain gets the message.
She does a brilliant job of breaking down complex stitch patterns into manageable bites. Her how-to photos are clear and complete.
And, I just read something this morning that seems apropos: If something seems too difficult, it simply means the first step isn't small enough. Find yourself a step-stool.
This was a timely reminder for me this morning. One of my big goals for this year is to finally learn to drive, and I'm currently in the week after my very lesson. It was so terrifying to suddenly be in control of a car, but also feel extremely not in control. Working hard to remember that being new at things *always* feels awful, and the second lesson will be a little better.
Oh, sending so much love. I hated learning to drive, I was physically sick before lessons and didn't drive again for years afterwards. Now I fine, mainly because we moved to an area where car ownership was essential but it took a while before I stopped feeling anxious. It's a great skill to have and it never leaves you once you've got it.
I learnt crochet as a child from my mum but only trebles and how to make a granny blanket. I wanted to learn a bit more when I retired and have since made cushions with puff stitch flowers. Two poppy brooches. Several blankets for a charity. My new aim is Brioche. I went to a workshop last year and got on fairly well but must get back to it. My mum was a good crafter and made many things. Even going into her 80s she was trying Tunisian crochet. So I will take a leaf from her book and continue to learn.
I have started learning how to crochet during the Holidays, my mom is teaching me and I feel sooo clumsy. We spent the first 10 minutes trying to figure out why the thread was constantly falling from my hands 😂 I don't have much time to dedicate to it but I'm attempting to create a skeeve to keep my Kindle, we'll see how it will turn out.
That’s fantastic. It’s so good to have a small project to keep you motivated. And ‘little and often’ is far better for building muscle memory than long (frustrated) sessions.
I'm not sure whereabouts you are but a lot of local yarn shops offer beginner classes. If you are the kind of person who likes a physical class it might be worth a look to see what is on offer
So excited about your crochet I just got the card deck. I’m doing a book blanket and creating a square for every book I’ve read this year using the colors of the book cover to create the square. And I’ve always wanted to try tunisisan
I’ve signed up to a Welsh conversation class so that’s my brain food this year. I admire the determination to crochet - I’ve never managed to master doubles and trebles although my daughter and friends swear crochet is easier than knitting!
My knitting aims are to continue making things as random gifts for friends - I have made seven tank tops in the last year and a couple of jumpers - an achievement I would have thought impossible even five years ago (when one jumper had been on the needles for 15 years!) But chunky wool and big needles are a game changer!
I so get this in a different context - I’ve played the piano for decades and last year decided to learn the violin. I don’t think I’ve ever been so uncoordinated in my life! I can crochet, but also find charts beyond me, and as for Tunisian crochet…I shall look forward to seeing how you get on with it!
I learned crochet as a child and knitting as a middle aged adult and I love both equally. I’ve designated this year as my year to conquer and master Tunisian crochet. So far I’ve been enjoying learning various Tunisian stitch patterns and experimenting with yarn weights and needle sizes.
I definitely want to learn Tunisian crochet, plus knit some more hats, but my New Years resolution is to make more of a dent in my needlepoint stash. Hoping to get back to knitting and crochet next year!
As someone who also knits and crochets I have plenty of sympathy with you! I found that getting my hands to learn and be comfortable with the crochet positions a lot harder than with knitting. I’m not sure if it’s actually harder or just my experience, but I can relate. I’ve also tried Tunisian crochet, but only briefly, I really didn’t take to it but to be fair I could have been stumbling with that feeling of being a beginner at it too.
I’ll sometimes get confused when starting a crochet chain and my hands think I’m doing a long-tail cast on for knitting. There’s always a pause and a bit of a disconnect before my brain gets the message.
If you haven't found her yet, check out Shelley Husband's crochet tutorials and instructional books. https://shelleyhusbandcrochet.com/about/
She does a brilliant job of breaking down complex stitch patterns into manageable bites. Her how-to photos are clear and complete.
And, I just read something this morning that seems apropos: If something seems too difficult, it simply means the first step isn't small enough. Find yourself a step-stool.
Oh, that's brilliant. Thanks for the link 🧡
This was a timely reminder for me this morning. One of my big goals for this year is to finally learn to drive, and I'm currently in the week after my very lesson. It was so terrifying to suddenly be in control of a car, but also feel extremely not in control. Working hard to remember that being new at things *always* feels awful, and the second lesson will be a little better.
Oh, sending so much love. I hated learning to drive, I was physically sick before lessons and didn't drive again for years afterwards. Now I fine, mainly because we moved to an area where car ownership was essential but it took a while before I stopped feeling anxious. It's a great skill to have and it never leaves you once you've got it.
I hope the second lesson goes well and you are soon confident in driving.
I learnt crochet as a child from my mum but only trebles and how to make a granny blanket. I wanted to learn a bit more when I retired and have since made cushions with puff stitch flowers. Two poppy brooches. Several blankets for a charity. My new aim is Brioche. I went to a workshop last year and got on fairly well but must get back to it. My mum was a good crafter and made many things. Even going into her 80s she was trying Tunisian crochet. So I will take a leaf from her book and continue to learn.
That sounds like a great plan, learning really does help to keep our brains young.
I have started learning how to crochet during the Holidays, my mom is teaching me and I feel sooo clumsy. We spent the first 10 minutes trying to figure out why the thread was constantly falling from my hands 😂 I don't have much time to dedicate to it but I'm attempting to create a skeeve to keep my Kindle, we'll see how it will turn out.
That’s fantastic. It’s so good to have a small project to keep you motivated. And ‘little and often’ is far better for building muscle memory than long (frustrated) sessions.
My daughter is about to start crochet for D of E so I'm grateful for the link. Thank you
Oh fantastic. If she needs any help or resources please just let me know
Oh, thanks for the Tunisian crochet link - I would like to learn that too
I’d love to knit but don’t know where to start!
If you are looking for beginner friendly patterns I can highly recommend these guys https://tincanknits.com/collection/the-simple-collection
I'm not sure whereabouts you are but a lot of local yarn shops offer beginner classes. If you are the kind of person who likes a physical class it might be worth a look to see what is on offer
Thank you, good idea I will have a look around
So excited about your crochet I just got the card deck. I’m doing a book blanket and creating a square for every book I’ve read this year using the colors of the book cover to create the square. And I’ve always wanted to try tunisisan
I’ve seen a few people doing a book blanket now and I’m itching to try that too - so many ideas, so little time 🤣
It’s been easy to,work into my schedule since I do the square after I read the book and it doesn’t take long. Hope you can try it
I’ve signed up to a Welsh conversation class so that’s my brain food this year. I admire the determination to crochet - I’ve never managed to master doubles and trebles although my daughter and friends swear crochet is easier than knitting!
My knitting aims are to continue making things as random gifts for friends - I have made seven tank tops in the last year and a couple of jumpers - an achievement I would have thought impossible even five years ago (when one jumper had been on the needles for 15 years!) But chunky wool and big needles are a game changer!
Oh, and duck feet bootees. Why not?
Oh wow - that’s impressive. Welsh must be a real challenge.
I so get this in a different context - I’ve played the piano for decades and last year decided to learn the violin. I don’t think I’ve ever been so uncoordinated in my life! I can crochet, but also find charts beyond me, and as for Tunisian crochet…I shall look forward to seeing how you get on with it!
I learned crochet as a child and knitting as a middle aged adult and I love both equally. I’ve designated this year as my year to conquer and master Tunisian crochet. So far I’ve been enjoying learning various Tunisian stitch patterns and experimenting with yarn weights and needle sizes.
I definitely want to learn Tunisian crochet, plus knit some more hats, but my New Years resolution is to make more of a dent in my needlepoint stash. Hoping to get back to knitting and crochet next year!