Thursday, 8 May 2014

Beginners' crochet classes - what can you expect?

Every teacher is different. I can only speak for my own classes - and they change every so often. I watch what causes problems, and try to think of a way to overcome them.

So this post applies to the current model.

When you arrive, you'll be welcomed - probably by Julie - and sit down while you wait for the rest of the group. There are usually crochet books available to look at, to whet your appetite.

When everyone is here, after introducing ourselves, you'll learn two basic stitches, the double crochet and the treble. There'll be a little swatch for you to work on, so you don't have to struggle with starting.

When you're comfortable with them, you'll have a choice of 3 projects:


This is the basic granny square, sometimes called Old America, with a final round of double crochet for more practice.

The second one:


Sorry about the awful photo - the light is terrible today. They are strips of trebles and chains, plaited together. Good practice for trebles, and a technique that can be used for all sorts of projects, from baby blankets to waistcoats.

The third choice:



You'll notice he has no nose or mouth yet; I'm getting up my courage! This is a straight piece of double crochet made up into a cat - or bear. You need to be confident about identifying stitches before you go on to amigurumi in the round; this little mouse is available, and involves using different techniques common in the many amigurumi patterns available.



You'll work on your chosen project until time is up, or you have had enough. The concentration is intense.

When you go away, you take with you a handout for the basic stitches, and for the project you have chosen; your crochet hook, and the yarn you have been using. And, of course, whatever you have made.

I've  met such nice people in the classes. Everyone is helpful and supportive. Don't be nervous - just come and play!

Monday, 5 May 2014

One down ...

events, I mean.

I'm going to use Sally's photos for this update. Hope she won't mind. (Too late if she does!)

Saturday was Love your yarn shop day.



The sign was made by Caroline.

The shop was empty (well, except of us) when I arrived at 9.40. Promptly at 10, it filled up with people come to see what we had to offer.

We had a lot!

Leona was making felt hearts in the work room. I can't find a photo of Leona, but here is one of her guests enjoying the workshop.


Dee was demonstrating finger knitting. She made yards during the day, and we had a happy conversation with 2 youngsters about different ways to use the knitting.



Promptly at 11, the bell was rung - oh OK, it was dinged:



A guest was invited to pick out a ticket, and that became the offer for the next hour, with discounts on different brands. Have I mentioned the goody bags? One for every customer who spent over £10.

There were cakes



Made by Sally and carried down from Scotland in her suitcase! They were beautiful, and delicious too.
Not sure how Eric found his way onto the plate; perhaps to remind us that Catherine was with us in spirit.

Drinks were made (and washing-up done) by our lovely Doreen


She and the girls did all the work getting the shop ready.



Caroline, Julie and Sally.

You could also learn about Tunisian crochet and have a go. It's amazingly simple, and quite a few people went off vowing to try it.


That's me showing Laura.

Our headliner was Val Pierce, best known perhaps for her toy patterns. She was there with lots of her creations. I was fascinated by the Christmas ornaments; the photos in the book really don't do them justice. She very kindly advised me on how to improve the faces on things I make.


I chose this photo of Val with Dee because it shows some of her designs. The snake is brilliant, the way she's used slip stitches to create the scales.

It was a very happy day; even the weather co-operated.

Many yarn shops made this day an opportunity to raise funds for charity. We didn't, - all our workshops and tasters were free - because it's only a month to our major fundraiser, our Blooming Great Tea Party. Stay tuned as we prepare for that - if you're lucky you might see photos of some amazing tea cosies, and cute doll's clothes.

So one down, and one to go.