Stitches

What's the best book to learn this kind of Crochet?

I'd like to make a basic hand towel size piece, the crocheted holes (not sure what that's called) with scalloped edges around all sides. I've had a square version as a blanket since I was a baby. I have chronic pain & during flare ups I find the soothing motions of my fingers winding in and out of the holes of the soft yarn takes my mind off the pain. The first one disintergrated, my mother made another with the holes a little larger for my now adult fingers. My cats however, have taken over this one & my husband definately doesn't fancy it's size. My husband's biological mother crochets, but I would rather learn to make it myself (after all people move, and face it, the die too I need to know how to do this). I've heard of the Stitch and B*tch books, but not sure I want to go beyond beginning stage - I already have way too many crafts & spend time on (& money too) - I don't know where I'd find time if I started another hobby. Thanks! I'm definately a visual learner, I'm good at following patterns and I do see the world in pictures. Yes I think that's what I've heard it called before, a giant granny square - it was made as my baby blanket originally (the one the disintergrated) and my mother made another but it's too big and the cats have claimed ownership. A towel size would be fine for it's purpose - I can toss it in my nightstand and not feel embarrased when company comes over and sees a 'baby blanket' on my side of the bed (hard to explain to those that don't 'get it' yanno?)

Public Comments

1. sounds like a big granny square check out www.crochetcentral.com for free patterns
2. Are you more visual or auditory, when it comes to learning styles? Go to the crafts supplies store and look at the different books they have available for beginning crocheters. If you're a stronger auditory learner, get one with more words and good descriptions on how to do things. Read it aloud to yourself as you learn. You'll feel a little silly, perhaps, but the cats won't mind. Do this when only you and the cats are home, of course. If you're more of a visual learner, get a book with good illustrations and less writing. That will make more sense to you if you're a visual learner. I knit, but was taught by a friend. I still think that's the best way to learn a new skill. Maybe your local crafts supplies shop is having crocheting classes sometime soon. It can't hurt to ask. I have found the repetitive motion of knitting to be very good for my stiff, sore hands and fingers. When my arthritis gets too uncomfortable, I get the knitting back out, even in the summer! It really helps.
3. Hi: Here are some books and website that might interest you: They also have various crochet and knitting patterns and tell you how to make them. Websites: http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php http://www.crochetdesigns.com/patterns/set48/default.htm http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?cat_id=307 http://www.bsu.edu/web/jmsutton2/cr/cr/people.html http://www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/freepats.asp https://www.frugalhaus.com/Scripts/default.asp http://www.allfreecrafts.com/charity-crafts.shtml http://www.knitwhits.com/ http://www.interweave.com/knit/projects/children.asp http://www.lovinghugsfamily.com/Patterns.html http://www.bernat.com/whatsnew.php http://www.hookmeupcrochet.com/Create/Patterns/default.htm http://home.swbell.net/amjack/ http://www.shadylane.com/ http://www.monstercrochet.com/Patterns.html http://www.crochetkim.com/ http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/ http://www.dovetaildesigns.com/ http://home.att.net/~shannonms/Pages/patternlink.html http://barbscraftbooks.tripod.com/barbscrochet/ http://www.freecrochetlibrary.org/ http://www.smartcrochet.com/ http://marniemaclean.com/patterns/index.html http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/product.html http://cache.lionbrand.com/content-crochetPatternIndex.html http://www.cm-crafts.com/CMCraftsCrochetFreePatternsIndex.htm http://www.crochet.com/FreePatterns/FreePatternsIndex.html http://www.vintage-crochet-patterns.com/royaltable-11.html Books: All books are available at any library or bookstore: Crocheting School: A Complete Course by Sterling Publishing Company, Fabbri Editori Dream Toys: A Collection of Knit and Crochet Fantastical Toys by Claire Garland, John Garland (Photographer) From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet by Donna Scott Cool Crochet by Melissa Leapman, Joe VanDeHatert (Photographer) Not Your Mama's Crochet: The Cool and Creative Way to Join the Chain Gang by Amy Swenson Candy Blankies: Cuddly Crochet for Babies and Toddlers by Candi Jensen 100 Crochet Projects by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss Crocheting for Dummies by Susan Brittain, Karen Manthey, Karen Manthey 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix and Match by Jan Eaton The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stiches: Over 900 Great Stitches Detailed for Needle Crafters of Every Level by Reader's Digest Editors (Editor), Reader's Digest Editors 100 Afghans to Knit and Crochet by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss Geometrics: A New Way to Crochet by Ruthie Marks, Ruthie Marks (Editor) Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting by maranGraphics Development Group, MaranGraphics Development Group Staff Learning to Crochet by BarCharts Inc (Manufactured by), Kaaren Ashley The Easy Learn to Crochet in Just One Day by Bobbie Matela Crochet Your Way by Gloria Tracy, Susan Levin, Susan Levin - a excellent book on the subject. Learn to Crochet by Sue Whiting Learn to Crochet by Sally Harding (Editor), John Heseltine (Photographer) Basic Crocheting by Sharon Hernes Hernes Silverman, Sharon Hermes Silverman, Annie Modesitt, Marjorie Leggitt (Illustrator), Marjorie Leggitt (Illustrator) The Encyclopedia of Crochet Techniques: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Creating Unique Fashions and Accessories Crochet Basics: All You Need to Know to Create Beautiful Crocheted Garments by Jan Eaton Knitter's Lib: Learn to Knit, Crochet, and Free Yourself from Pattern Dependency by Lena Maikon The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face: Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask by Edie Eckman 300 Crochet Stitches: Includes Basic Stitaches, Lace Patterns, Motifs, Filet, Clusters, Shells, Bobbles, Loops, Vol. 6 by Staff of Collins and Brown Limited Lion Brand Yarn: Just Gifts: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet by Shannon Okey (Editor), Shannon Okey (Editor) 220 More Crochet Stitches, Vol. 7 by Collins & Brown Ltd (Manufactured by) Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting by maranGraphics Development Group, MaranGraphics Development Group Staff Crochet (Portable Crafter Series) by Carolyn Christmas hope this helps
4. Hi: You might go out on youtube and do a search for crochet. I found some videos from people who show how to make various stitches. The basic crochet stitches are probably all you need to see, and then getting used to following any shorthand instructions in patterns. I am very visual, and taught myself how to crochet, and I am left handed. Hope this helps.