|
At Home With Jesus!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Summer school - Mom style.
The kids may be taking a little break from their studies, but that doesn't mean that the learning has stopped here at our house.
It's time for summer school - "mom style."
I'm using this time off to teach an old dog some new tricks.
That's right ...I'm the one learning...I'm teaching myself to crochet! 
Now, actually I have been crocheting for years...
but everything I've made has always been either a square or a rectangle:
blankets,
scarves,
ponchos (made of 2 rectangles sewn together,)
dishrags,
potholders
You get the picture... straight rows. all the same length. back and forth. repeat.
I've made some nice things over the years, but every time I go to the yarn section of the store I drool over all of those fun little "free with a purchase" pattern fliers.
So I would take them home and look them over and my eyes would glaze over as I studied the 'foreign language' that was written on the back.
Ch 8. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 ch. 3 sc in next ch. Sl
St in last 3 chains. Sl st is same st on ridge.
Repeat
 Huh?
So this summer I was determined not only to learn to to 'speak' that language,
but in the process to actually teach myself to crochet as well.
First, I bought this book for myself, and I reviewed the basic stitches.
 It has been very handy and helpful!
Then I got several more books from the library.
I looked for books with cute/easy projects -
(because I'm not going to jump right into sweaters and giant afghans.) 
These three I thought looked especially fun and interesting.
For my first non-rectangular project I chose a simple flower.
 It was fun. It was easy. I felt empowered - LOL!
So next I cracked open one of the books above and I attempted to 'speak' pattern.
First I figured out how to increase and decrease....and then....
I made these!
 (I know it's silly..but for me...this was a huge step!)
And then...I did it. I finished my very first project! 
Presenting...... "Ollie the Octopus" (as Annabelle has named him.)
I'm still not ready for sweaters and afghans...
but I just might have enough courage to try "Henry the Hippo"
(Edited to add: We decided to skip the hippo, as Katie wanted a koala)
I'm loving this! 
|
| • Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!
|
Comments
|
Posted by
Sally 
Posted by
Posted by
Posted by
Posted by
Posted by
Thursday, June 18, 2009 - Untitled Comment
I can't knit or crotchet and I haven't even sewn on a button in about 10 years . . . so any sort of craftiness is awe-inspiring to me.
Looks like you're off to a great start!