The last few weeks of 2019 saw Gill kindly hold some extra Crafty Crew sessions to share her love of crochet and to pass on her skills. Her patience and enthusiasm saw everyone progress well. When it got out to the rest of Pewsham Belles, there was such an enthusiastic response that a new group The Happy Hookers was formed!
There's now an active Happy Hookers chat group on Facebook Messenger, where Gill shared the pictured useful guidance on the hook size for various wools for everyone before they got started. Later, she shared a link to how to crochet picot stitch (used for decorative edging) in response to Diane's question. Last night saw their first meeting at Gill's, with an equally happy response to that from the original group. On Facebook Fiona B said: "Thank you Gill for a lovely, informative evening. I definitely made progress and feel inspired for next time" and Pauline added: "Thank you for getting me started, a lot more practice required I feel, starting today." Gill's message to everyone is: "We had a lovely evening crocheting tonight and felt we made some good progress. Here is a link to Bella Coco beginners crochet (pictured above), to help with your practice." For those who find the YouTube adverts frustrating, here's the link to Bella Coco's written instructions which in turn also links to her tutorials on YouTube. Since then Gill has also recommended Ravelry as a good source of free patterns - you will need an account to join this free online community of knitters and crocheters. She also uses Pinterest to find ideas, then searches for the patterns elsewhere on the internet (Pinterest often doesn't have that information). The next meeting is Wednesday 11th March at Gill's. Some additional findings from last year We found the following additional useful resources (google the terms if the link no longer works):
Getting started - holding the hook and yarn, making a slip knot, making a foundation chain, double crochet (aka single crochet as it's called in the video - this is what it's called in the US - Visual Sense Crafts has a handy printable UK/US conversion guide if you need it)
Create a magic circle, or the easier foundation ring for those who don't have any magic. NB many of us have struggled with the magic circle or ring method, so here is an additional tutorial with not one, but two ways to try
Our ultimate aim was to make a length of Christmas tree bunting (or try this link instead) using the basic skills taught and lots of practice! Watch this space for the results later this year. We also found the choice of wool and hooks used can make a world of difference in progressing this craft. Plastic hooks are out and metal ones with a good curved hook are in. Gill uses ergonomic hooks which are much more comfortable to use. We've started with better quality double knit wool (i.e. not too fine, nor too chunky) and found acrylic is better for beginners as it tends not to split. The guidance in magazines and books for the basic techniques can be a bit confusing for beginners as quite often there's a crucial photo missing making it much easier to take a wrong turn. Instead, Gill's link to Bella Coco's Absolute Beginners You Tube videos was much more useful.
Gill gave us a link to BeCraftee for the hooks she uses - google crochet hook set with ergonomic handles should the link no longer work. Michelle has taken out a subscription to Simply Crochet magazine after seeing Gill's copy. It has plenty of simple makes for beginners which Michelle feels she needs as goals to help with her practice.