Learning to Crochet

I decided at the beginning of the year that I wanted to learn how to crochet.  I don't know why, it just looked like fun and I am intrigued by granny squares.  I remember my grandma made a granny square blanket for us that we had around the house when I was a kid and I want to make one for myself.  My mom can crochet some beautiful stuff, so I'm hoping her talent didn't fall far from the tree and that I'll be able to do it half as good as she does.

So first I got a book out of the library "Crocheting for Dummies."

It's a pretty good book and I ended up making that my one purchase so far this month.

I spent the entire month of February practicing the basic stitches.  I'd crochet a couple of rows, rip them out, and do them again.  I made a washcloth and a headband, and then started a scarf, but it's looking pretty good, so I decided to just keep repeating the pattern until I have a blanket.  It's going to take awhile to finish, but I figure I'll work on it in between some of the more interesting things I want to make.

I got extremely lucky because Anneliese over at "Aesthetic Nest" decided to start a tutorial program on how to crochet.  Her brilliant idea could not have come at a better time for me.  I learn much easier when I can see something being done, and she is doing a written tutorial and some videos.  Genius!  So easy to follow!  You can see her first lesson here and then follow along if you like.  I highly recommend it.

I had pinned a bunch of cool looking projects onto one of my Pinterest boards and one of them was a cowl.  Coincidentally, it was one that Anneliese had posted on her blog along with the instructions.  Chablis happened to see it on my board and fell in love with it and begged me to make it for her.  Since winter is just about over, I thought I'd better get cracking on it, even tho I felt it was beyond my talents at this point.  It wouldn't hurt to try it right?

We went to the store and Chablis picked out some yarn and I sat down and started crocheting.  I got about half way done and realized that it wouldn't be long enough.  I think I still have to work on my gauge.  I compensated for it by just starting out with a longer chain, and in a few hours I had completed the cowl.  Now, I know there are probably some mistakes, but I think it turned out pretty good.  What do you think?

All I know is that Chablis is happy with it, she wore it to school today and 3 different girls commented on it, so I think I am on my way.  I have to say, it's very addicting and I'm enjoying it very much.

Anneliese, keep going with those tutorials, because they are such a huge help!  In the meantime, I'm on my way to the yarn store again....Tony wants a skully cap.