Loopy Biker Knits: So You Think You Can Crochet?

I have to say, I’m really digging this new crochet thing. I’ve been a knitter for years but couldn't get the hang of crochet for the longest time. It’s like I had some sort of odd crochet mental block—like the knitting needles were forming a big X in front of all other fiber crafts. My grandmother, an avid crochet blanket maker, had tried on two occasions to teach me to crochet. After the second attempt, she simply said to me “you’ll never learn to crochet, just like I’ll never learn to knit.” She’s a wonderful woman but won’t exactly win any awards for patience.

So, I signed up for a crochet 101 class last Fall during Stitches Midwest’s visit to Schaumburg, IL. It was great. There were only two of us in the class and we were able to sit side-by-side with the instructor. She was patient, her instructions were clear and before I knew it I had finished my first single crochet row. Understanding the additional patterns and terminology just came with time and I'm still learning.

To date, I’ve only ventured as far as scarf making with crochet (4 projects), but I’ve been seeing some really stylish sweaters, hats and accessories, so I expect my experience to continue growing.

I’d highly recommend everyone to do something that they think that can’t do (or someone else tells them they’ll likely never do). The sense of accomplishment is really positive and powerful.

Happy knitting, crocheting or whatever makes your heart happy!