Alannah and I have been encouraged by our first hat projects. As in, they actually fit people's heads. (we aim low lol) It was rather instant gratification as well since they came together inside an hour using this pattern.
We also got a little addicted to trying the sampler shapes from the Crochet Bible. There were hexagons, squares, circles, flowers in circles. Then I saw the African Flower pattern at Craft Passion and loved it immediately. Or maybe really loved her color scheme. Either way I tried one of those as well. Since I have only scraps yarn these serve little purpose other than to affirm to us that yes, we can follow patterns and make cool things. And some days, that little reminder is really plenty of project incentive. : )
Any new hobby worth it's salt involves favorite new blog bookmarks. Favorite new crafty blog is Rose Hip. Her whole blog looks like Moira's room. I want to make one of everything. Most definitely some edged pillow cases. Just as soon as I order the thread. (Let's pause for a little reality check here – this charmed country I find myself in is nearly devoid of craft stores. What there is smacks of 1983. Just saying. You mail order your craft supplies here.)
And on the real stuff – I will say too that I have started two sweaters since which have not materialized as yet. The first pattern I messed up and had to rip a bit out. And have not been terribly motivated to continue because the worsted weight yarn, even in a soft blend, feels poufy for a little girl. The second, from the Crochet for Tots book is true to its stated measurements, however it should be noted that those measurements are NOT typical for the sizes they are supposed to be. I realized a young teen could fit into the sweater at the size it was stitching up, which is a good 9 inches wider across the chest than most size fours.
So I am on the hunt for some cotton/bamboo blends in a lighter weight and patterns to work with. Or maybe just a candy colored assortment of yarn to make Moira the Rose Hip inspired afghan she requested. Really there is something so incredibly soothing about the repetitive motion and the delicious colors. I am glad we picked up the hooks again.
Starry Sky Journal 
Cute hats! Is crocheting easier than knitting? I have tried to teach myself to knit a couple of times, but can’t get any farther than one row! I wonder if I could teach myself to crochet?
I do feel your pain on the craft store thing. We only have one around here, and the prices make sewing and crafting more of a hobby for the rich than something for a frugal mommy! Yarn is much more affordable than cloth though, so I’d love to learn!
I learned to crochet granny squares before I was ten – which was some time before crochet was cool lol. I learned to knit as a teen in Holland but didn’t do much. I tried again as an adult. Got halfway through a large piece and the children I babysat for pulled the needle out. I was self taught and didnt know how to recover that nor dropped stitches in general. Knitting just seems to always involve expletives for me. I have heard knitters say the same of crochet though.
Crochet seems to be very beginner friendly. You have one hook and it easy to rip out and restart mistakes. And nowadays patterns are more plentiful. I decided not to fight with the knitting right now but to embrace what came easily and was fun. It has been easy to teach my kids too. You can watch a youtube video over and over.
http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/
http://crochet.about.com/od/learntocrochet/tp/crochet-for-beginners.htm
Only thing these don’t show is how to hold the yarn in the left hand. Wrap completely around your pinky finger and then bring it up and over your pointer finger. Hold your piece close to the new stitching between your left thumb and middle finger as you work.
When I learned how to knit, a friend taught me American knitting (aka right-handed). I could not get it — I was all thumbs. I retaught myself (using knittinghelp.com videos) Continental knitting (aka left-handed, though I am right-handed) in which one holds her yarn just exactly as in crochet, and grabs the yarn with the needle just like crochet. If crochet comes easy , so would Continental knitting (and it’s way faster than all that arm throwing!).
(Just in case you decide you want to try again.)
hmmm. I learned a funny way. I hold the R needle under my arm and throw the yarn over. Rebecca tells me it’s a bad habit but otherwise I am dropping needles all over the place. Will look at the continental hold again.
You have inspired me to get to my projects again! Except, now I want to go make some flowers and pillowcase edgings instead. 😛
Oh I love those hats! I MUST learn to crochet! Beautiful and inspiring. Seriously.