11.16.2011

Playing Hooky

Over the past several days, I have been playing hooky from my knitting (and the housecleaning). Because crochet has totally consumed my every available spare time. See this?


My first granny square! It was hard to come by, let me tell you. I learned how to crochet a few years ago by taking a class at my LYS. But lack of practice had caused all of that knowledge to fly out the window. So this week, I have been revisiting all of my crochet how-to books/online resources** and practicing ch, sc, hdc, dc, tr, dtr, ttr, etc. etc. Which might explain the flying hook and ball of yarn incident that occurred a few nights ago. I can definitely say that wielding the hook does not come naturally to me. But like all things that take a bit more effort to accomplish, the feeling of finally learning it is beyond rewarding. My first granny square might be wonky, but that isn't going to stop me from proudly displaying it on my desk.


Right now, I am working on a project for something that is very near and dear to me.


It isn't a blanket. Although someday I hope to make this one mine. I'm dreaming crochet dreams already!



 **Crochet Lyceum with Underground Crafter. Detailed and clear instructions accompanied by helpful illustrations and videos...all for free!



(check out WIP Wednesday with TAMI'S AMIS for cool knitting AND crochet inspirations)

18 comments:

  1. Gah! Once again I am in utter awe of your color sense. How about next time I decide to knit a fair isle sweater I let you pick out the colors? Ok? Good. Meanwhile, whatever that little square is going to be a part of will totally rock. Awesome.

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  2. Yay, your squares look fab :) I am not great with a hook, everything feels slightly unnatural as I'm so used to knitting, and I still haven't tried a granny square, but I did manage a tiny ripple blanket ;)

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  3. It's ALWAYS acceptable to play hooky from housework.

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  4. I understand what you mean about it not coming naturally - I have the same challenge. I just learned how to do a granny square this past May and while I don't know the names of any of the stitches that I am doing, I can produce a fairly decent end result - most times... lol.

    I am just so stubborn though that I will master it.. one day - I just have to realize that today may not be the day (most days).

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  5. Beautiful! I love seeing them against the stark white. And personally, I think that knitting is much more cut-and-dry... maybe more left brained than crochet?

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  6. I learned how to do very basic crochet years and years ago with my granny. I have never learned much more than the absolute basics but have a niggling need to learn more...

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  7. That is a gorgeous couple of squares, I would love to learn crochet but I'm only just learning knitting, so one thing at a time! Well done!

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  8. Anonymous11/16/2011

    I swore I would never be a crocheter--and then I discovered the attic24 blog. (Warning--don't go there unless you want to get totally immersed in crocheted blankets and goodies!!!!)
    (Drogerie was closed for Veteran's Day while we were in Paris--I was really disappointed. Another reason to go back!!!!)

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  9. Is it sad that the only reason I want to learn to crochet is so that I can make an awesomely retro granny square blanket?

    If you're on twitter you can follow me at @herroamy for the un-hidden photo of my little secret project...Otherwise I won't be posting until after my recipient receives her gift :(

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  10. A big shout out for your first granny square!! I got the crochet bug last spring and decided to make a granny square afghan while on a family trip to St. Lucia. It was such a joy to make and you look well on your way to mastering the technique. Looking forward to seeing your near and dear project.

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  11. Anonymous11/17/2011

    I learned to crochet several years ago, and like you, I got hooked! It's faster than knitting and though I'll always love knitting, crochet has its own unique charm. Congrats on your first granny -- I'm sure there will be many more.

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  12. I was eight when my mother tried to teach me how to make a granny square. It took several "fits" before I got the hang of it.

    Just love the color arrangement of that second square.

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  13. Thanks for the link to my Crochet 101! I love grannies too and am in complete approval of playing (crochet) hook-y at all times!

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  14. Good for you for picking up your skills again! I wish I could crochet too. And I love the shot of your square on your desk. Your workspace is so tidy and appealing. You have a lovely aesthetic in your crafting and in your home!

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  15. Crochet doesn't come entirely naturally to me either, and I just don't have the patience to make it feel natural. I love the colours you have chosen for the secret project, really really beautiful.

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  16. Your square certainly doesn't look novice to me! I am a lifelong knitter and only taught myself crochet a couple of years ago. It still doesn't feel that right and I'm still doing it as a knitter, guiding he yarn round rather than hooking it....
    Practise, practise, practise lol.

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  17. Love all the retro patterns with great fresh colors available right now in the crochet world...which is how I got hooked myself! :-)

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  18. Oh my gosh - i am in a granny square nightmare right now! I am determined to teach myself to crochet and make a granny square blanket!

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I would ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ to hear from you!