Crochet or knitting?

Here we are again, the sun is shining and the sky is blue, the buds are breaking out and the blossom too.  Sounds almost like a poem.  But that is just how it is this morning.  Okay, had a bit of a frost but the sun is spring like warm so the frost will soon disappear.
You may remember that I finished the 'Bump Jumper' a few days back so now I sitting twiddling my fingers whilst watching TV in the evening.  So, what does one do?  Well obviously you go on Youtube.com and do a bit of searching around to find a new skill or technique.    I have recently noticed a general trend for crochet work.  There you go then, the answer, Crochet.  
I can remember my granny doing some lovely, fine lace crochet with a really fine crochet hook making doilies to place around her house under pots and photos.  Being a child of the 70's granny squares, made up into a waistcoat, was so hip and now it's back.  From jewellery to cushion covers.  Brilliant.  
I remember watching a lady called Margaret Bathgate crocheting at work during lunch times and it was one of those 'Eureka' moments when I thought I could do that.  With crochet hook and ball of wall in my hand I started out trying to decipher the 'language'  chain, double crochet (dc) treble crochet (tr) etc.   But, and here's the oddity, I don't hold my wool correctly and use a sort of knitting style with hook and wool in the same hand.  Anyway, it works for me and I think that is true of anything you have to find a style that suits you.  

Blooming lovely

The art of crochet.  It would seem you can use anything but I'm not that adventurous yet.  Last nights project was to produce flowers.  The one on the right was my first attempt at a flower and the left was my own design once I knew what I was trying to do.  Now bad for a beginner. Now to decide what do with them; headband, brooch, bracelet.  
Its really quick to achieve results with the minimum of fuss and bother.  Just beware there is a difference in terminology between English and American patterns.  try this link.

http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/includes/chart_crochetterms.php

A couple of recommendations for you: 

• The Art of Crochet - http://goo.gl/QSBd7

This is the Youtube site where Teresa clearly explains and demonstrates how to produce the above flowers and others.

• Booties By Dannie   -   http://goo.gl/WKPDD

This designer makes me laugh.  She is so creative with her crochet work.  From Harry Potter/Star Wars figures to the cutest of babies booties.  

Give it a go.  Fancy doing a workshop  Get in touch.  Have a great week and thanks for your ongoing support.