Learning the Ropes

This was a slow week in terms of doing…but a great week in terms of learning. My “crochet elder” did not have much time to spend with me this week so I have been exploring online tutorials in order to learn on my own. I started off with a youtube tutorial that reviewed the basics for me such as the slipknot, some basic terms, how to hold my hook and yarn.

A new stitch

https://www.google.com/search?q=crochet+double+half+stitch&rlz=1C1CHBF_enCA811CA811&oq=crochet+double+half+&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.13975j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_XIW4XdzqBYHd9AOUp6bQDA22

Abbreviations came in handy!

https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/how-to-read-crochet-pattern

Now that I am reading crochet patterns and able to accurately make 12 of the same stitch in a row, the abbreviations are confusing me. I was able to refer often to the crochet abbreviations master list on the craft yarn council https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/crochet-abbreviations and also look at the crochet chart symbols https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/crochet-chart-symbols. I also found a great chart on the Craft Yarn Council Website that explains different Hooks and Needle Sizes https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/hooks-and-needles

This stitch guide has been a huge help while attempting to read patterns and decipher what is needed…

Social Media and The Crochet Community

I also joined multiple online crochet communities…

I really feel that it is time for me to spread my wings a bit more in terms of what I can do to make my blog more exciting and inject more learning.

This week my goals include:

• doing a time lapse video and inserting it in the blog
• researching how to start an afghan
• learning another new stitch
• spending more time on the online community learning
• discover some healing benefits to crochet

Critical Reflection

As I spend more time crocheting, I realize how good it is for my mind. The reason why I wanted to start this was to be able to sit with myself and keep busy…all at the same time. I am always the person on the go…up cooking supper, doing research for papers, working casual as a nurse at the hospital. This gives me a chance to sit and do. I have also seen it as a chance to network…tell someone you are learning to crochet and instantly they can relate. “My wife crochets baby hats” “You should try this pattern” “Have you been to this website” While working as a nurse this past weekend at the hospital I was able to have some therapeutic conversations, all because I saw the patient crocheting and it was their form of trying to heal.