Handmade Monday 42
It’s only a few weeks since the summer holidays ended; at that time I couldn’t crochet. Wool just kept slipping round and round my hook; every attempt to make a stitch ended up with split yarn and more knots and holes than nature ever intended.
The internet is a wonderful thing. A friend pointed me in the direction of Attic 24 and Annie’s lovely creations made me determined to succeed. She recommended a book Learn to Crochet by Sally Harding and with a that book, the excellent instructions on Annie’s website and looking at some videos on youtube, I finally succeeded. It’s only a few weeks as I said but I’ve become somewhat obsessed. In addition to blankets, bags and hats in a variety of sizes and styles I have now completed a lady’s shrug. It’s a gift for someone special and it’s completely handmade from another book called The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller.
Please visit my talented friends over at Handmade Monday and look at the crafty loveliness.
the life and loves of a sheweevil 
Oh my giddy aunt, you have really conquered the crochet, what a fabulous shrug… I am amazed that you are letting that leave the house! Well done, it is really beautiful and you should be extremely proud.
Thank-you so much, praise indeed. It’s (ssh!) for my sister’s Christmas present – hence the lime green, her favourite colour. And I am quite astounded and not a little proud!
Well done, love the ‘shrug’, I’ve never mastered crochet … have had a few half-hearted attempts though. Must take a look at that book, if that’s the sort of thing you can produce. Thanks for the links.
The Learn to crochet book is excellent; the Happy Hooker is equally excellent but has American crochet terms, so requires a bit more thinking but they are just different names – once you can do the basic stitch you can do it. I found a chunkier wool with a smooth finish really helped to be able to see the individual stitches, I had been using leftover 4 ply before and it was too fiddly and thin to learn with.
Thanks for your lovely comments – give it another go; I’m now smitten.
I too am a recent crochet convert – it’s fab isn’t it! Not done as much as you though and that shrug is gorgeous, well done you.
Thank-you very much; if you get a chance do some more. Don’t bother with the Cath Kidston crochet tin though, very disappointing.
It’s lovely, and very ambitious! Congrats on becoming a crocheter.
What a great birthday present (I hope I didn’t say that too loud). Well done.
Jan x
Well done I can knit but crochet is beyond me, maybe I will have to have another go
Totally love the shrug. The colour is great too. Will have a look at the books you suggest (I’m a self taught but not sure on the different stitches) Mich x
If this is your first crochet project it’s amazing! You’ve really cracked it well done!
Looking at that lovely shrug one wouldn’t have known that you have only just learnt how to crochet if you hadn’t mentioned it. Congratulations you’ve done a great job. One day I will re-learn how to crochet.
Gosh, am very impressed. Can’t crochet myself, but it looks very complicated. Your item looks lovely
Thank-you all, it’s not complicated at all – have a go you’ll love it.
Wow that shrug is gorgeous!
Thank-you!!
I am impressed. One day I will learn to crochet (I think that will be on my headstone, actually…)
I thought “She never crocheted” would be on mine!
Beautiful cardi! Thanks for visiting my blog, i have added you to my blog list. Look forward to reading your posts.
Thanks for stopping by Joy and thanks, it is very addictive. A new book today and my palms are literally itching to have a go!
Will add your blog to my links.