Knitting and Crocheting have to some degree become a lost art ~ however, it’s nice to see that they are starting to make somewhat of a comeback in today’s culture. A little over a year ago I set out on a mission to learn how to do them both and then build upon my skills. I learned a few things very quickly; 1 I forgot how to make a slip knot (pretty sad when you Father was a Scout Master too), 2. not all knitting/crochet hooks are created equal, and 3.never presume that simply because it looks easy that it is even close to easy. Thus my journey started to learn what has quickly become a beloved hobby. Well maybe bordering on a slight addiction when I see new projects and so many beautifully crafted yarns in a vast array of fibers and colors.
However back to my challenges. I had completely forgotten how to make a slip knot. I was horrified, dismayed, embarrassed, and determined. After a couple hours searching the web I resorted to my all time favorite YouTube. Yup found so many different ways to make a slip knot it was amazing, Thanks to a few great channels like Very Pink Knits, New Stitch a Day, The Crochet Crowd, and a few others I learned the art of a slip knot again plus had several new resources at my fingers for my next lessons.
When I first began I thought oh any needles will do not such a big deal. Though for a while when first learning it was not such a large issue, in fact I think it helped me get the basics down and not focus on how pretty the block looked, because let’s be honest the blocks were pretty ugly ~ the fact they held together amazed me. After a few months I began to see that the needle design could make a difference. So I ventured out and bought a little more expensive set of needles – still the regular long needles just a bit better. So now I had a cheap plastic set, a nicer metal aluminum set, and a better wooden set. Yup sure enough quality does make a bit of a difference but let’s not get carried away with the price my skills over the past few months had improved too. So yes start learning with a fairly inexpensive set and move up. Both Knitting and Crochet have what I call “Luxury” needles that will cost you a pretty penny but before you invest hone those skills.
Finally never presume that because all those skilled men and women make it look easy that it is even close to easy. I planned to start my journey with a simple crochet project – that was shortly lived because the pure frustration of making that starting chain and foundation row drove me to distraction. After a few days of frustration (and not having found the Crochet Crowd) yet I set crochet aside and figured I’d tackle knitting. This proved much easier and I tackled the knit stitch quickly, then the purl stitch came relatively easy after. However, in the process I discovered many different ways to “cast-on”, knit, purl, feed the yarn; My suggestion to people is find one that works for you and stick with it ~ some were so difficult to follow it was comical.
How after almost a year has past I have started to take up the art of crochet – Mikey on The Crochet Crowd has become my YouTube favorite. I have fallen in love with so many projects and stitch patterns. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me over the next few moths. Come along with me and see how it goes. My first large crochet project is a wavy blanket I will keep you posted. The pattern I’m going off of is the one from YouTube posted on a channel by Fuad Azmat.
I’d love to see everyone crochet with me and check out Fuad’s YouTube Channel there are so many wonderful projects and such a wonderful shop at YARNuptopia.
I look forward to seeing your projects and comments. Don’t forget to join our newsletter and check out the new items in the Soap Shop. DK4 Designs studio will open this Fall with a great selection of fun projects for all ages.