Crocheting my first granny square

Crocheting was the first fiber craft I learned to do. My niece, yes my niece taught me some 40 years ago. She taught me how to make a granny square. How to crochet granny square After that I was "hooked". I still have that same "J" hook I first learned to crochet with.

Many many afghans, sweaters, baby blankets and hats have been made up since than. From the simple single crochet stitch to the treble stitch, I learned the crocheting basics. Once you have the foundation you can make just about anything.

I enjoy working with one hook, to me it just seems so much easier. My hands are not quite as flexible as they use to be. So the new wider handle hooks are as neat as sliced bread. Clover Steel Crochet Hooks I love the feel and grip of them in my hand. 

Basic Patterns Can Be Very Versatile

I have some very basic patterns that I use often. I change colors, I mix stitches, or I can use different yarns to make them unique. I like the basic patterns, for evening while being with the family, I than don't have to study the pattern.

So the beginner can have some variety in her crocheting. I love to see new people take up the craft. But they can get bored very easily if not shown the easy changes that can be made to a basic crocheting pattern.

Online is great for learning as you can check out information, any time day or night. But it also can be a bit difficult when trying to explain a stitch for a beginner.

My advice to anyone learning, is to take it one step at a time. Learn how to make a basic double crochet baby blanket. With todays variegated yarns you can easily make a very pretty creation with this one easy stitch, to begin with.

When you have completed this, you have learned how to make a nice item and have a completed project to be proud of. When I learned, I wanted to have something useful when I was done. Just making a square for no reason is no fun for me.

Another great thing about crochet is, if you make a mistake (and trust me, you will make mistakes). You can just pull it out and start over at the point of the mistake. Not so with knitting, you can pull it out knitting, but it is a job just trying to keep up which row you are on.

Learning to crochet can be fun, relaxing and profitable. You can make money crocheting or save money with it. You can save a great deal of money on gifts as you can make beautiful keepsakes for a fraction of what you would have to pay for them. Handmade gifts mean so much more than store bought. As there were thought out and created by you, for them and not mass-produced.

Crochet Stitches
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