Perhaps I’m dating myself with the above title, but it’s true…
My crochet skill has come a long way, and that makes me feel great!
I started crocheting in December 2011, it didn’t come easily for me. That was frustrating. With crafts picking up a new hobby (sewing, cross-stitch, knitting, jewelry making) has always been easy, so going full speed ahead was rarely an issue.
Not so with crochet…
My first few weeks of crochet were frustrating!I was struggling with the hand placement, my single crochet stitches were too tight, or too loose! sighs
There were many occasions when I wanted to pull out my dreadlocks, or just abandon crochet, and I did for a few days, but I always returned. I’m stubborn after all, also I had inspiration from gorgeous crochet creations I’ve seen, and the helpful crochet video tutorials made those first weeks a bit easier. But I’m persistent, and kept practicing, and in time my crochet improved.
Amigurumi crochet octopus
Now I’m at the point where I can make quick crochet projects such as this amigurumi crochet octopus above. It took about thirty minutes to make. My daughter was thrilled, when she awoke this morning, and saw this amigurumi.
I attached it to her backpacks zipper, using a simple chain stitch, I then added slipstitched that entire row; to make it sturdy.
The facial expressions were embroidered before stuffing the amigurumi crochet octopus. I didn’t use a pattern, I’ve seen many pictures of these adorable critters and decided to create my own.
I still have a long way to go; after all there’s seems to be hundreds of crochet stitches to learn; and yes some of the new stitches I’m learning now. Like the shell stitch and broomstick lace…
If you’re new to crochet, don’t get discouraged, keep practicing, if you know someone who crochets, ask them for pointers, or check out videos on how to crochet. The videos I link to in my how to crochet post, were the ones I used when learning how to crochet. I enjoyed the fact, that Teresa does part of each video in slow-motion; perfect when learning something new.
You’ve come long way baby, was an ad campaign for Virginia Slims cigarettes. It was created by the Phillip Morris company. It began in the late 1960s, and I believe it continued into the 1980s.
I (vaguely) remember seeing the ads in magazines during the late 1970s. The target group was young was professional women. Although I’ve never smoked cigarettes, I remember that slogan.
You really have come a long way in a short time. I remember all the frustrations of just starting to crochet, too. Getting those singles right so you could actually fit the hook into them again to create the next row, and then having to deal with counting the stitches, turning chains, etc. Fortunately, I was stubborn and really wanted to do it so I persisted and it did pay off. I learned how to read patterns that my mother couldn’t read and soon was showing even my grandmother new tricks. I guess it is just one of those things. If you can get through those first few hurdles, you are well on your way to making lots of useful or just plain cute things. I love your little octopus, by the way. I can see why all the kids want them. 🙂
Ughh… @teeni, I remember those singles; I was making mine too tight. I was tempted to use a smaller crochet hook to get past that hurdle, but I knew whether I did that, I’d still run into problems, since I’d make tight stitches with the smaller hook. 🙂 See, being stubborn pays off (sometimes) I’m the same way, and just worked through it, although I did get tired of ripping out the stitches, these days I don’t have to do that with the basic stitches, but do that with the new fancy stitches I’m learning.
Thanks, I’m having so much fun with crochet, my only regret is I waited this long to learn…
Aynaria recently posted..Crochet Amigurumi: Coraline update
Ah!!! An octopus, a pink one. My girl loves everything green but I wouldn’t think that colour’s appropriate for an octopus. LOL!!!
suituapui recently posted..Two as one…
Hi @suituapui, I was going to make a grey octopus, but that wouldn’t have matched my daughter’s backpack, and so I chose pink. She has the Monster High backpack, and it has a lot of pink. Green would work too, in a cartoon sort of way. While crocheting this octopus, I was thinking of the squid in Finding Nemo. I’ll have to add her to my list. I thought she was adorable. 😉
Aynaria recently posted..Amigurumi: Crocheted Coraline
That is so cute. You’re really doing great to crochet. I like your work keep it up.
Thanks @Mia! I’m having a lot of fun with crochet, so as with anything else, I’m trying to do it regularly, even if it’s only a few rows. 🙂
Aynaria recently posted..Work In Progress Wednesday: Crochet Amigurumis; Bunnies and Monsters… oh my!
[…] projects, devoured forums, and literally hundreds of crochet videos, so I have indeed come a long way with crochet. The beauty is, there’s still so much more to […]
[…] I’ll look at the hat and marvel at how much my crochet has improved in a few short months. I’ve come a long way. So much so that I’ve gifted a few recipients with them; father, daughter, and, nephew. Oh, I […]