Need help with crocheting-NEWBIE

[natty68]

Hello!
I did some crocheting as a kid and want to get back into it. Didn't do anything fancy, I was just handed yarn and a hook.
I would love to start crocheting and want to make afghans. Can anyone help me? I would appreciate any tips, websites or tutorials. Please PM me with any info!

P.S. Heading to Walmart on Friday nite and would like to pick up basic supplies. What do I need? What yarn is best?

Thank you!

[chitownmelli]

Natty, the only yard I have seen at Walmart is that red heart stuff. It is very economical. In other words, you will get a lot of practice for your buck. I still say to head to Hobby Lobby though, and just pick some yarn that you really like. Something soft is what I always go for, and this is for the simple fact that this yarn is going to be passing through your fingers for hours on end.... I like it to be soft lol!

[Cynthiabutterfly]

I agree that getting some of the cheap red heart at walmart is great to get some practice in. Make a throw or a blankie for your dog, or even a small scarf to start.

I found some great free patterns at www.bernat.com I think you have to sign up for their newsletter to access the patterns, but they have lots of good ones, and even have them sorted by progect type or skill level.

And post some pics of your finished work!

[natty68]

Thank you! I have signed up at Bernat! Can't wait to head over to Walmart. Need to get alot of stuff tomorrow. And it's all for ME! lol!!

[saving-n-va]

The best thing to do is just google it. There are all sorts of videos, photos etc to help you. Start with something very simple. A single crochet or double crochet at the most until you get used to the feel of it. And don't be afraid to rip something out and start over. We all do it.

Start small, but if you are wanting to make say a pot holder or dishcloth you will need to use all cotton thread. The Red Heart or others will melt with the heat of a pan and doesn't make a good cloth either. A scarf is an easy thing to start with and you can hide flaws easily with it.

Or if you want to "practice with a purpose" check out the Warm Up America website. You can make rectangles to send and they will make blankets for those in need. There are several places you can help out if thats something that interests you.

Good luck, take your time, it will come back to you. It did for me.

[natty68]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH EVERYONE! Can't wait to get my supplies. Looking forward to a Sunday cuddled on the couch crocheting! Or maybe work on that cross stitch kit? :) Yes, I take on alot but I love my life!

[chitownmelli]

I think I'll sit here on sunday and crochet too :)

Hope you will let us know if you pick out a pattern to do. I would love to see what you are working on!

[natty68]

Well, I am off to Walmart tonight! Got my girls at home excited to learn this craft! I do remember a little bit and I'm hoping it will be like riding a bike.
So I printed off instructions, pictorials, glossaries and some easy patterns and put them in folders for the girls. We're all going to start off with small blankets.
The BERNAT website is AWESOME! That's where I got my patterns. And I did some googling too. Going to go on cleaning rampage tonight so my house is fresh and spotless tomorrow and I have all weekend to crochet, clip coupons and RELAX!!

[chitownmelli]

those bernat patterns are just plain gorgeous natty. I like their yarn too, they have nice patterns on the labels. I get mine at Joann's since we don't have a hobby Lobby down here. I'm thinking the one nearest to me is around west bend.... :(

[rrpate]

i love to crochet...made a kazillion afghans for all my kids . grand kids and some even have 3 or 4 .. made and sold some for christmas... (cant get much but it gives me more $$ for more yarn!) any way recently i wanted to try that loom knitting.. it looks just like needle knits.. i found on you tube videos to show how to do it.. they have videos on crocheting also