Good news! I crocheted a hat (and it actually looks kind of good)!
This quick video shows how I've progressed from a washcloth to a face scrubbie to a hat!
It's been interesting to blog my experience in my journey of learning how to crochet. For the most part, I have only shared my successes with you but there were actually a few frustrating times behind the scenes. Learning something using internet-based resources is incredible and I don't take it for granted but that typically was the reason for my frustration. Maybe I'm a bit old school, maybe I ask too many questions or maybe I simply didn't like the process of searching the internet for answers to my questions that could easily/quickly be answered by an actual human. It's probably a bit of all of those things combined. I'm the type of learner that needs some kind of classroom and interaction with an expert - not simply the expert talking and demonstrating. This project, however, brings me to an opposing point. If it weren't for online based resources, would I ever have learned how to crochet? There is little to no chance I would've ever signed up for some kind of class where I could have those interactions with an instructor. So, overall, I am grateful for having the opportunity to so easily access expert knowledge and learn a brand-new skill for free. I'd say the frustrating times I had experienced were definitely worth it in the end.
One other thing I'd like to point out about learning something using internet-based resources is the fact that you are essentially creating your own mini-curriculum on a topic you may have zero knowledge on. In my case, I had no preexisting knowledge of crocheting. My goal for this project started out pretty unclear in my first post because of this point exactly. I was really unsure of how difficult or how easy it would be to learn any part of the crocheting process. Would I be able to make a scarf by the due date? Is that too ambitious? Not enough? What about a hat? A blanket? ..See where I'm going here? I had to figure out where to begin and somewhat awkwardly map out a direction form there since there was no set path for me. For example, once I learned how to create a washcloth, I had to decide on my own what was the next step. So, learning something online definitely involves a lot of research, investigation, exploration and dedication. Which can be fun, frustrating and totally worth it in the end! Check out this video I created that is meant to show what I have learned on my crochet journey from the very beginning and give advice to anyone who may be starting their own journey. You could even learn how to crochet a chain, if you're up for the challenge!
If you're interested in seeing the website I used to get information on gathering materials needed to start, click here.
If you'd like to see the YouTube video I used to learn how to create a slipknot, hold my yarn and hook, to do very basic crochet techniques and to create my washcloth, click here. Want to learn how to create the face scrubbie I showed in my video? Click here. Want to learn how to create a super cool beanie? (This one was a lot of fun) Click here.
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Here are the three materials that I bought from Meijer which cost about $11 total. I bought two different types of yarn. The darker blue one is 100% acrylic and the lighter green one is 100% polyester. I heard that acrylic is better for beginners but I really liked the color of the polyester so I bought both. I also am curious to see what kind of difference there is between the two types of yarn. I bought a three pack of different sized aluminum hooks, as well.
Based off of the advice from a website called the Spruce Craft, I decided that my first goal was to create something simple and basic: a washcloth. It uses a couple of simple stitches and will teach me the basics of how to get started and get the hang of the crocheting process.
Based on what I know now, I don't think I'll be moving on to create a scarf or hat like I had mentioned in my planning post. There are so many other stitches and tricks I need to learn before moving on to something that big. I think my next goal will be to create something circular like the little face scrubbier you can find here. So far, I have learned quite a few things. I'll list them off one at a time.
The resource that has been the most helpful so far is this YouTube video. It was really helpful when I started the trial swatches which are pictured below. However, the video also has some shortcomings. In my opinion, the woman that is teaching in the video leaves out some small details that maybe an expert like she wouldn't think about. As a beginner, I had a few questions left unanswered while watching and copying her. I tried looking at a different video and it helped answer some questions.
The picture above shows my very first attempts from left to right at trying to create chains and single crochets.
The picture below is my very first finished piece. It is a simple square wash cloth. She isn't perfect but she is mine. Definitely need to work on getting my edges straight. Check out the video at the bottom of the blog post to see me actually creating this washcloth!
The thing that I find the most challenging about learning how to crochet using different technology resources is that I don't have anyone to check my work. When I have a question, I don't have an actual person to simply answer or show me; I have to type my question into google or do some research on another website or video and hope that I can find the answer. Sometimes I don't. For myself, I find that to be a major drawback because I am spending valuable time digging for an answer when, if I were learning this in person, I could much more easily and efficiently have my question answered and move on.
The beginning of my journey of learning how to crochet is learning the very basics. In this video, I am creating a small square washcloth using single crochet stitches.
My goal for the Network Learning Project is to learn how to crochet! I've always wanted to learn how and I am really interested in textiles, fibers and three dimensional art. As an art educator, this is something that I can easily incorporate into my classroom. Crocheting might be a bit complex for the younger elementary students but I know there are elements that I can bring into the fibers unit that we have. I have experience sewing and weaving so I believe I have a nice foundation set up to support my learning. After talking to some friends who know how to crochet, I think it might be best for me to set a goal of learning how to do different patterns and advance in difficulty with each try. I plan on probably sticking to making scarves but depending on how it goes, I could potentially make a small blanket or perhaps even a hat! There are plenty of sources online. I plan on using YouTube and other DIY websites. There are SO MANY sources! This should make it easy because I will have different people explaining the process in different ways and I can see which teaching style fits me best. Check out the sources below.
Youtube Resources: How to crochet for absolute beginners: Part 1 HOW TO CROCHET FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS - EPISODE ONE - Bella CoCo Crochet How to Crochet for Beginners - Easy and Simple Tutorial by Naztazia Websites: How to Crochet For Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bluprint The Spruce Crafts |
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