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SparkleyC
New Pal
6 Posts |
 Posted - 08/25/2005 : 06:31:35 AM
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Hello
As you can tell from the subject line, I am a complete novice, so I really need some advice.
I'm looking to buy some "How to..." books for crochet and have seen a few on the Rowan site, and on various other sites too. The trouble is, I have no idea which ones are best.
Please could someone kindly let me know of some good books - I'm really excited to learn a new skill! 
Thanks everso
C |
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knittynoddy
Gabber Extraordinaire
460 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2005 : 10:37:22 AM
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I carry an excellent crochet reference book in my store called The Crocheter's Companion by Nancy Brown.
She has instructions for the basic crochet stitches, as well as the more advanced stitches, illustrations, thread and hook charts, abbreviations, etc. The book is sized and bound to make it easy to carry in your project bag!
Evelyn
Knitty Noddy
www.knitty-noddy.com |
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Patience
Permanent Resident
USA
1076 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2005 : 07:56:07 AM
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C,
You might also consider purchasing a "how to crochet" video. I found it very helpful to actually SEE the techniques being done when I was learning, and I could follow along, pause, and rewind, if I didn't quite "get it".  I guess it all depends on if you're a visual learner or if you understand the directions in a book. There are a couple available at www.patternworks.com along with a few crochet basic books. Good luck, and let us know what you decide. |
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origami
Chatty Knitter
170 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2005 : 12:28:24 AM
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| See http://www.stitchguide.com/ for online how-to videos for crochet (and knitting and plastic canvas and tatting and cross stitch). Between that and a basic book (try the local library), I quickly figured it out. |
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zzzreading@yahoo.com
New Pal
8 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2005 : 1:22:22 PM
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| I am a librarian, and often will turn to a children's book first when I'm looking for an introduction to anything--gardening, astronomy, etc. The explanations are clear and concise, illustrations are usually good. The information is the most important, the extraneous left out...So I recommend you go to your local library and look for something in the kids' section. There is one I really like which is new, Kids Crochet: Projects for Kids of All Ages, by Kelli Ronci, from which I can't stop myself making the cupcake pincushions. Good luck! |
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comfybev
Chatty Knitter
USA
256 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2005 : 2:39:48 PM
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I agree with the suggestion of using a children's book, though I haven't seen the one Julie reccommends. I have seen the book Evelyn suggests and I do think it's a good one too.
You didn't mention if you are already a knitter, but for anyone I know who tries crochet after knitting, I always reccommend a few things. First, if you are a visual learner you may just want to ask around and get someone to show you. I know a lot of knitters who've been turned off crochet because images of loops were hard to change from knitting images. Secondly, go easy on yourself ... like any new skill it takes time, patience, and practice to get it in your head and to train your hands. Third, knitters are used to manipulating yarn and the needles stay (somewhat) stationary. In crochet, you will be manipulating the hook, not the yarn... so conceptually try to focus on the twisting of the hook, because otherwise it may be difficult to pick up.
Good luck!
Take care, Bev
http://bwdiaz.blogs.com/comfybev/
OTN: KR Gift Exchange project for Andrea "mtnknitter", Elizabeth I "Dainty Bess" lace scarf, "Go With the Flow" socks, "Classy Slip-Up" socks
2005 FO Count: 7 |
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pianogal
Seriously Hooked
629 Posts |
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KrazyKim
Chatty Knitter
USA
240 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2006 : 3:47:06 PM
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Julie,
Thanks for the great advice about libraries! I learned to knit from a library book, and then took crochet from an instructor. I've recently discovered the ease of ordering books from other libraries in my system (I'm lucky to live in a city with lots of branches - LA!), and so now, I have to try to find the one you recommended. Cupcake pincushions! A friend gave me a commercially crocheted cupcake Xmas ornament and I love it. Can't wait to try it myself! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Libraries!
Kim, Playa del Rey, CA |
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KrazyKim
Chatty Knitter
USA
240 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2006 : 3:54:11 PM
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What a coincidence... I just went to the KR section on free crochet patterns, looking for a particular topic, and it leapt out at me - a crocheted cupcake pattern! So, I've bookmarked it, but I still want to see Julie's recommended book. Can't have too many cupcakes!
Kim, Playa del Rey, CA |
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KnittingLiz
Chatty Knitter
United Kingdom
147 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2006 : 08:07:22 AM
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I've been trying to learn crochet for years but find it hard to pick up as I'm a knitter by nature. Anyway, I went along to a workshop at my lys ('Yarn' in Beeston, Notts) and did the 'Miss Bell' workshop and after 2 hours could miraculously crochet a flower! Thing is now I can't stop crocheting flowers and the house is full of them and I have even put away my knitting to do them! I bought the Debbie Stooler book and it is very good but I still needed someone to show me. I think that crochet is something that is hard to learn from a book but a lot easier to pick up by someone showing you how to do it. Good luck with it and I hope it won't be long before you become a 'happy hooker'!
Liz |
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sgoldfried
Seriously Hooked
Canada
769 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2006 : 07:17:58 AM
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hi all
all of the above are good suggestions learn the basic stitches or at least one of them then sit down crochet it doesnt matter what you do just crochet back and forth make mistakes lots of them but continue the more you crochet the more you will start to recognize stitches mistakes how to rectify them or not
crochet is very visual do what you like dont look at the fancy stitches or patterns make yourself familuar with some of the basic stitches
i could only double crochet at the b eginning and i still dont use a pattern or fancy stitches but i improvise with the single half double and double crochet
i made a lot of blankets until i got used to crochet
learned how to make an even edge all by practicing
remember once is mistake twice is a mistake three times is a new stitch
try
sylvia |
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sgoldfried
Seriously Hooked
Canada
769 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2006 : 07:54:35 AM
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hi
i forgot to say google crochet stitches there are some pretty clear pictures of each stitch
remember nothing is written in stone
sylvia |
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PBELKNAP
Permanent Resident
USA
1127 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2006 : 08:09:02 AM
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Believe it or not, despite all my books on crocheting, I still recommend one thing to people starting out with crocheting -- the Coats and Clark pamphlet "Learn to Crochet" (or some such title) at the local store (Michaels, AC Moore, Walmart, etc.). It has no nonsense instructions, plus a few easy projects.
I also like the idea of the on-line videos...I was having a tough time getting the hang of Triple Crochet until I saw the video demonstration on Stitchguide.
PAM
WIPs: One crocheted sweater and one knitted sweater (Christmas present). |
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Stitching Fool
Chatty Knitter
196 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2007 : 4:05:05 PM
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Attention novice or wanna-be crocheters:
I recently got the crochet bug since I kept seeing patterns in knitting mags&books that were crocheted. When my LYS was showing a gorgeous capelet made in cashmere that was crocheted, I knew it was time I moved beyond just putting a simple crocheted edging on my knitted sweaters. "The Happy Hooker" by Debbie Stoller will put you on the right track--it is just as well written, user-friendly, and upbeat and hip as her knitting books (which I also own). My 14 yo daughter and I basically taught ourselves all the stitches she presents in this book in a span of an evening and following morning this week (yup, school's out). I know went and bought (what more yarn) yarn for a new crocheted project and I am so excited to branch out! Give this book a try. I will also check out the other sources mentioned here--nothing a free videos and patters--love the internet!
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