Anyone know how to crochet?

[HeyWayne]

LadyWayne has decided to try her hand at crochet-ing. She visited her Gran earlier who gave her some wool and a basic step-by-step guide.

Just wondered if anyone knew of any resources or online places she could look for materials/ideas/patterns that kinda thing.

Many ta's

[Pootle]

I love crochet! Its so much quicker than knitting and more 3D possibilities are open to you LadyWayne! Welcome to the world of the slightly obsessive

As a start point I can recommend a book by Jan Eaton called "200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans" published by David & Charles at £12.99.

It has lots of ideas for colourways/mix and match squares which can be combined - the smallish sizes of the squares mean that you can try lots of new things without getting bogged down into having to produce a whole item if thats what takes your fancy. Plus there is a great 'how to' section in the back with really clear pictures of how to form each particular chain/stitch.

Once you've got the hang of the basics - let me know and I'll point you in the direction of some really funky books/projects!

[HeyWayne]

LayWayne here: Thank you very much Pootle, I'm thinking of plunging in at the deep end and going straight in for a pattern, ideally I'm looking for a website with modern jackets/long cardigan type things.

Do you know any good sites please?

[Pootle]

Hmm...your best bet would be one of the American sites - like Crochet Today magazine or Knitting Daily which has links to more crochet sites. The USA is a lot more with-it in terms of style than we are, you'll have to either use the diagrams or translate the patterns into English (their terms are slightly different to ours!!) The Japanese are very funky too...Our local knitting shop is a good source of inspiration - theknittingparlour.co.uk

Once I've put the kids to bed I'll look at what I've got on the shelf and let you have some more ideas...my fingers are twitching already (may have to start something myself tonight )

Do you get any of the knitting mags? I have a stash here which probably have some crochet patterns in them - I could post them to you if that would help?

[Seahorse]

Hello LadyW

Try having a look at Ravelry (you have to sign up but it's quick and painless!):

http://www.ravelry.com/

It's *the* happening place for crochet and knitting inspiration and advice.

[HeyWayne]

LadyWayne passes on her thanks again - I just had a look at that site you mentioned Clare, seems you need to be "invited"?

[Seahorse]

Ah, just looked again and they do seem busy at the mo - you don't need to be invited by an existing member though, you can just add your name to the queue. Tis worth it, really

[HeyWayne]

Waddya reckon to this as a starter kit?:

12pcs bamboo 15pcs steel 9pcs aluminium crochet hooks on eBay, also, Crochet Hooks, Crochet, Crafts (end time 19-Apr-08 23:18:03 BST)

[Herbie]

When Lady Wayne gets the hang of it, perhaps she could crochet some nets for holding melons in the greenhouse

She could make a fortune, only wish I knew how it was done

[Seahorse]

Assuming the bidding doesn't suddenly shoot up, I'd say that was a very good deal. I can only get on with metal hooks but plenty of people only like wooden ones. I think it would be a good 'see what suits you' buy.

[HeyWayne]

Here's her first project:

http://www.spotlight.com.au/__data/p..._long_card.pdf

Looks like a challenge to me.

[Herbie]

Love the pattern and the colour. Definately a challenge.

Goodluck Lady Wayne

[Pootle]

Must admit - I can only get on with metal hooks too. I got some lovely Brittany Birch ones, but the movement just wasn't fluid at all. Might be my technique though - their knitting needles are the best I've ever used when knitting socks.

Its worth putting your name forward for Ravelry - it took me a month to get my invite (which didn't seem too bad) and there is some great inspiration there. Its also worth looking for downloadable patterns on Etsy

OH is now looking concerned - he can feel a new project coming on (I'll be blaming you LadyWayne!!)

[Pootle]

Sorry - forgot to say, love the cardi pattern. Should be reasonably quick too. Let us see the finished result!

[Alice]

Looks lovely Heywayne. I'm sure Lady Wayne will be very succesful. I used to crochet and it really is quite easy. Not nearly as complicated as it looks. Be sure to let us see the finished items.