While browsing through the DVDs and books at the library, I noticed the stand of CDs to check out. In the stand, I found "Crochet Made Easy" by Coats and Clark, so I decided to check it out.
I'm SO glad I decided to use this CD. It has encouraged me to re-learn the basics of crochet. I've always had trouble at the end and beginning of rows. Sometimes, my projects get a little wonky, because I did a row wrong. So frustrating! :(
I was also unsure about how to work in the foundation chain. I didn't know if I should work under 1 or 2 strands of yarn on that row. Now, I know that I work under ONE strand on the foundation chain, then under TWO strands on every row after the first row is done.
The lessons on the CD are very easy to follow. You can pause the video when you want to think about something, then click "play" again when you're ready to move on. After just a couple hours, I had re-learned basic stitches, and learned some new ones as well!
Now, I know how to do SC, HDC, DC, TC, DTC, and TTC. Before today, I didn't even KNOW about Double Treble Crochet or Treble Treble Crochet.
While following the lessons, I took some notes about each stitch. I knew that I would never be able to remember everything later, so I decided to put my notes in spreadsheet form for easy reference later. Maybe it will help some of you also!
Now, I feel MUCH more confident about my stitches in crochet. And I think I will remember where to start and end each row better now.
My next lesson on the CD will be about increasing and decreasing. I've made these two little swatches to use for the lessons. The one on the left is all single crochet, and the one on the right is double crochet. Each swatch is 11 stitches wide:
I'll try to post some photos of my increasing & decreasing projects tomorrow. Wish me luck in remembering to do it! Ha!
2 comments:
I love your spreadsheet! I am attempting my first crocheted blanket and I'm struggling with what I'm doing. Your spreadsheet showed me that some things are "Set" directions, not just pattern specific, like the number of chain sts before turning. I thought that was just designer's preference.
Thanks Shandeh!
I'm glad you like it, Bethany!
It makes me feel SO much better, knowing EXACTLY how to start and finish each row now.
It really bothered me before, not knowing for sure. Now, my OCD can be satisfied when I have a crochet hook in my hand. :)
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