Crochet Extra – 164th Edition – April 2020

The world has changed in such a very short time. All of us here at Crochet Australia hope that you and your family are keeping well and safe. Staying safe for everybody means more time at home. And I hope you’re all getting some time to work on your craft.

When you combine our time at home with the upcoming Easter and ANZAC breaks it’s a good time to consider learning new skills. Whether that be to learn to crochet or knit or if you already know how to, learn new techniques and stitches.  Hence our theme this month is learning new skills.

However if you are increasing your time spent crocheting it is important to consider the health affects. Check out our tip this month for improving your ‘crochet fitness’.

Many of the upcoming events that we were expecting have been cancelled or postponed.  Ones that Crochet Australia were to be involved with have changed as follows:

• Craft Alive Sunshine Coast is now 27 to 29 November;
• The Sunshine Coast Crochet Retreat is now on the weekend of 7 and 8 November (bookings can be made now with no deposit due until August);
• The Crochet Guild Australia conference is now 3 – 6 June 2021;
• Knitfest is now 19- 20 September; and
• Many of the regional agricultural shows have also been cancelled for 2020.

Sadly we have suspended our in store workshops but it is giving us the opportunity to try out and finesse the online interactive workshops for wider roll out in the near future.  In the meantime we have an exciting new crochet adventure coming – a Crochet Tournament.   We have lined up some fabulous prizes that can be won and some fun patterns.  Full details will be released later this week.

Enjoy having a quiet Easter break with your family and stay safe.

Until next time.

Lynda

Theme—Learning New Skills

Learning a new skill can be both frustrating and rewarding, just as it is to teach someone a new skill.  A few pointers I have picked up along the way for learning something new (or teaching somebody):

·   Don’t give up.  The first time trying anything new is going to feel awkward and difficult and will take time and practice to feel normal.

·   Everybody learns in different ways, so if one way doesn’t work, find another way.  Some pick up written instructions very well, while others need to see and do. Some need someone with theme to check they are getting it right, and the method you use may change over time and for different skills.

·   If it is getting too frustrating, take a break and do something else to clear you mind then come back to it when you are relaxed again.

·   Don’t start with too thin a yarn, nor too thick.  I find 8 ply yarn is a good  size to be able to see what is happening.

Learning something new is a great way of using up your stash—make squares and put them together for a sampler blanket or throw.

For the crocheter I have also put together a table of some of the different crochet techniques and methods and the tools you use.  We  have  the  tools and  pattern books  for almost all  of  the types  noted, so  if  you  do  want to  explore  new techniques,  grab  some  new  tools  or  books.  See the collection of books and other resources to help you learn new skills, whether it be to learn crochet, knitting, tatting or new techniques and stitches.

Have fun with your family this Easter with this free egg and chick pattern.

Tip of the month

Crochet Fitness

When you increase the amount of time you spend crocheting , just like with anything else, you should take precautions and prepare yourself. 

Book of the Month

Crochet Workshop

This crochet book is designed to help you learn and expand your crochet skills. It is a comprehensive book featuring step-by-step tutorials that contain detailed instructions including pictures. The difficulty level for majority of the patterns is intermediate.  Learn over 15 new techniques and follow the projects included to put your new techniques into practice.

Learn over 15 techniques and use them in over 20 projects

Look What We Found