Welcome
This web site is dedicated to one of my favorite hobbies: Crochet.
Reaching back though the shadows of time, crocheting is an art form that
is often passed down from mother to daughter. We see crochet as a family
tradition well worth preserving.
This site is a tribute to the teacher who influenced me the most -- a
dear old lady I always called Aunt Sadie. Mrs. Sadie Taylor was not my
real aunt, but I wouldn't have traded my time of knowing her for
anything in the world. Her crochet work was sold to help the missionary
fund at her church -- her own personal mission in life. She passed many
years ago. So Aunt Sadie, I know you're watching from somewhere --
here's to you!
Getting Started
Starting crochet is easy. You will need a set of needles to start and
some yarn. I prefer to start with a set of large needles -- you only
need G and K for most of my patterns, but since other patterns require
other sizes, I suggest that you buy a set containing C - K. The smaller
the letter, the smaller the hook.
When you get more advanced, you might want to tackle thread crochet and
will need steel needles. These are numbered. I suggest you buy sizes 4
- 7. The larger the number, the tinier the hook. Most of my patterns are
done with a size 7 hook. You can buy thread at any place you buy yarn.
My favorite place is Wal-Mart. They also have plenty of beginner books
that show you step by step how to begin crocheting. If you have never
crocheted before, I highly recommend one of these books. If you
have a hard time holding the hooks, there are also sheaths you can buy
to cover them.
One of the most common problems people tell me that they have is
following the patterns. To read patterns, you must first know the
meanings of the abbreviations. It will help to know that
c means
crochet. The other letters added to the
c refer to the type of stitch
you will make.
S means
single, so
sc refers to
single crochet. There are
also
d for
double,
hd for
half-double, and
t for
triple. Since I am not
set up yet for teaching beginning crochet, I again refer you to a good
beginner book. They are not very expensive. You can get very good
instructions in a tiny paper booklet.
Another difficulty some people have in following directions is that they
sometimes have trouble keeping up with their place. I suggest that you
copy off the pattern on a commercial copier. You can enlarge it making
the print easier to read. Then, without marking up your book, you can
highlight as you go so you will always know where you left off.
Some people think that they can't crochet if they are left-handed. I'll
admit that most instructions for beginners are shown for right-handed
people. You will have to find a way to hold the needle that works for
you. You might also try using a mirror while learning. I heard it helps.
If you are learning from someone, try sitting opposite them. That helps.
Check out our
Bookmarks page in our
E-group and our
Links page for links to
sites that teach left-handers!
If you are finding that your work doesn't come out even -- in other
words too tight or too lose, you will have to adjust your scale until
you get the right size. Most books offer a scale of how many stitches
equal an inch. If you take more stitches to get that inch, try a larger
needle than the author uses. If your stitches are looser, you might try
a smaller needle. Eventually, you will level out and will find a good
scale for you. It takes time and practice.
Following Patterns
Our New Site
Penni's Crochet Club is proud to announce that we now have a new site at
www.pennicrochet.com. We
are still a Yahoo E-group and will still use this site for joining the
club and the guestbook. Clicking on the links, however, will take
you to our new site. We hope you enjoy it and visit often.
