The only things you really need to start are yarn, a crochet hook, and scissors. To start I recommend a medium weight yarn (check the back of the label for a 3 or 4). Hooks come in a large variety of sizes and types. I prefer the aluminum hooks, but you can also buy plastic or wood. Sizes are in letters or millimeters. A good size to start out is H or I. Look for a package of hooks with several sizes.
Let's not get too excited and start on a big afghan right away. To start, get a skein of yarn, a hook, and just practice. With a few exceptions, all of your crochet projects will start the same way: the chain stitch. This is commonly abbreviated as ch in patterns. You know those ribbon shaped magnets on the back of everyone's car? Make your yarn look like that. Then, grab the longer end of the yard and pull it though the middle of your ribbon. Hold the hook in your left hand and the yarn in your right hand (remember, I'm left handed) and pull it tight. With your right hand, bring the yard around the back of the hook and around. This is called yarn over or yo in patterns. With your hook grab that yarn and pull it though the loop on your hook. That is your first chain. Continue on until your chain is as long as you want or as long as the pattern states. Below are step by step photos and a video. :)
Several years ago when I was pregnant with my second child it became apparent that I was outgrowing my winter coat. I was not about to buy a maternity coat that I would only wear for another month or so and I decided to crochet a poncho. Of course, this left me with some leftover yarn. What to do with it? I made ear warmers! I used Paton's Classic Wool in dark grey mix. This was really simple and only took me a few hours to make. To make, chain 15-20 (depending on your gauge, hook, and width preference) and single crochet on the back loops only until desired size then slip stitch the ends together. My next project is to make appliques. A coworker suggested buttons. You could also crochet flowers, hearts, whatever you want! The smaller one is about 14 inches around, the larger about 16 1/2 inches. I had 2 coworkers try these on and the larger one fit comfortably on a woman with a large head (her words) and the other lady has a self proclaimed small head and said it fit perfectly. If you decide to make one I think you can use any stitch you like as long as you crochet on the back loops only (makes the warmer stretchy).
Welcome to my crochet blog! This is my way of sharing and teaching something I love. I learned to crochet about 15 years ago. My mother-in-law tried to teach me, but there was one big problem: I'm left-handed and she's other-handed. I was determined to figure out how to crochet left-handed rather than give in (as us left-handers often do) and learn other-handed. Most lefties I know crochet other-handed and I want to show you that you don't have to do that! In the last 15 years my life has gotten busy and I don't crochet as much as I'd like. Back when I had no kids and 1 cat I loved to crochet afghans. I just don't have that kind of time these days and I'm trying to change my focus to smaller projects. So my mission is to crochet more, learn new techniques, and teach others. Enjoy!
Jennifer
