I Can Crochet!

Hello everyone...that's if anyone's out there still checking in on this blog.

I'm so sorry to have abandoned you all for a while. I know it's been ages since I updated but the thing is after I'd left it a for a week or so the task of bringing it up to date and the length of post I'd have to write started to seem humungous so I kept putting it off even longer. It's been playing on my weird mind as I didn't want to abandon it entirely. So, guess what? I've decided I won't bother trying to update everyone on the past few weeks, instead  I'll just pick up from here and now. Well, from yesterday actually.

The title says it all. I finally got the hang of crocheting. After years and years of trying to teach myself by book and video, I took the day off from my usual Thursday volunteering and went to a workshop at the Sewing Space in Hythe where last year I learned to use my sewing machine and make bags, and also where I did a beginners patchwork and quilting course. Within 2 hours of meeting the lovely, patient Mandy I was making granny squares like this.

And last night I did this one all by myself. 

Now, I'm not sure I could follow a pattern or make anything more complicated, but then all I really wanted was to be able to make granny square blankets and now I can. Plus it will be a great way to use up all those odds and ends of yarn I have stashed away. I must admit I'm quite chuffed with my little self. 

This just goes to show that everyone learns differently because I know Pam over at A Good Life In Tydd very cleverly taught herself to crochet, but obviously I need someone to show me how and to patiently sit down and talk me through when I make mistakes. Once I learn something then I'm off and running and will try out variations on my own, like I did with bag making. I learned to make a basic lined tote with boxed corners at my beginners sewing class last year and now I'm on to turning out bags like this one I made recently from a pattern in Lisa Lams Bagmaking Bible book.

 

 

I've also sadly neglected reading a lot of other blogs I enjoy, so I'm going to spend some time catching up and find out what everyone's been up to while I've been gone.

It's been glorious weather all week down here in the Dover area, although still a little chilly. With DH on Easter break, we've been getting out and about walking and visiting some local attractions like the East Kent Steam Railway at Shepherdswell and a stroll along the pier at Deal. Today, once the washing's finished and on the line, we're just going to wander down to the seafront, walk along Dover pier and then treat ourselves to coffee.

That's all I've got for now. Promise I'll try and update more regularly again. I hope everyone else is well and happy and getting a chance to enjoy some lovely weather.