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As an artist and art educator, I am constantly surrounded by creativity. I create curriculum for K-6th grade students, paint landscapes, and I love the outdoors. For my creative project, I want to branch out from those creative outlets and pursue a practice that is three-dimensional. As such, I want to pursue crocheting.

I didn't start my Padlet until later.

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When I was about ten, my Grandma Nancy attempted to show me how to crochet. She was a wizard with the needle, and could create almost anything using yarn. She didn't even need directions! I thought that, I too, had the amount of patience necessary to be good at crocheting. However, ten-year-old me got through about one small square and put the crotchet needle down.

For my beginning action steps, I decided to talk to my grandma about what kind of tools I should purchase. I also wanted to have her show me how to do simple stitches again. A week later, she was put in ICU, so I turned to YouTube instead.

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My first steps:

1) How to make a "slip knot"
2) How to hold the hook
3) How to crochet a simple chain
4) How to single crochet and weave ends

This process reminded me of why it was so difficult when I was younger. It requires a great amount of patience! I like to work fast and sporadically when I am creating, hopping from task to task until the whole thing is completed. Crocheting requires a different kind of attention. One that is more methodical and focused...

With time, it became easier to maintain the pace I set. I made 20 chains to practice my new skills.

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How to Crochet for Absolute Beginners: Part 1

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These were my first attempts at a simple chain. Every time I made an attempt, I got faster and my technique got better!

Now, I am going to try to make a square using the "single loop" technique.

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Here is a short update about my problem solving process!

1) I decided to stick with one stitch instead of learning how to do 5 different stitches.

2) My first attempt was a triangle instead of a square...

3) My second attempt had curvy, uneven edges...

4) I am now working on my third attempt!

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Update!

I made a "granny-square"! I also decided that I am not going to try to master crocheting within this short period of time, but I am going to continue to practice and learn new stitches.

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I decided to make a simple blanket that builds on the knowledge I already have. It uses a chain and the single crochet that I learned making my potholder.

I practiced a slip stitch back loop, half double crochet, and a half double crochet back loop until I felt comfortable.

I also learned that certain crochet patterns have abbreviations!

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I think I am pulling the knots too tight, so I am going to pull some out and try again.

Next action steps: finish two skeins of yarn by the end of this week.

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Here are some details of my slip stitch back loops! I have taken the blanket apart several times, but now I am starting to make progress!

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I did it! (Kind of.)

Crocheting has been a journey. Every time I made something, I wanted to try again and make it better! Even though I only made one major thing, I think that I learned a lot of techniques, tips, and tricks along the way. It also got me thinking about how I could apply what I learned to other projects. I want to make another blanket over the summer- this time with "granny squares." I am also looking at using the attachment techniques I learned to make a stuffed animal. So many possibilities!