About 2 years ago I decided I wanted to learn to crochet, so I bought learn to crochet book. I started out too difficult, though, I think. I had seen this beautiful pair of baby booties done with small crochet thread so I practiced a few stitches and did them. However, the next bootie pattern I tried to crochet was too difficult and I couldn't figure it out so I quit. Do you think if I start again with just some regular crochet yarn and start more simple this time, I will have better success. There is really no one to teach me. Has anyone been successful teaching themselves?
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Some people collect stamps and coins--I collect shoes.
I don't do a lot of crochet, but I taught myself to knit. I crochet just enough to do edgings on my knitting and such. From what I know, a lot of Crocheter's are self taught. A lot of people like the Debbie Stoller book "The Happy Hooker." I personally don't like the patterns, but I think she does marvelous how-to's. The forums on craftster.org are also pretty friendly. I'm sure the folks over there could point you in the direction of other crochet sources.
Also, do any of the yarn or craft shops in your area offer classes? I've taken some advanced knitting technique classes and I really like them. It is also a great way to meet people w/ a common interest.
My mom taught me. I am no expert though, I stick with 1 or 2 styles of stitches and use regular or fluffy, soft yarn. I think creating a tiny item with a tiny yarn and tiny needle is very difficult. Why don't you try a blanket instead? Try to find some videos on you tube.
I taught myself to crochet. I started out very simply with a scarf. I picked up a simple book too. After I got the hang of the very basic stiches I started practising other crochet stitches. I still have my test scarf, it looks like the dog ate it or something but I found it very helpful to try some things, screw up and not really worry about it too much. I am a "show me" and I get it kind of a person so the trial and error method worked well for me. I say try again.
On a side note, I have been trying to teach myself how to knit and that is not going as well. I started looking at some of the craft and yarn shops in the area and there are quite a few 1 or 2 day classes for beginner crocheting and knitting that look like they would be helpful and fun!!