CROCHET SEMINAR
Learning the Stitches
We began the crochet seminar by learning the how to chain and make the basic stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. We then practiced these techniques at home, making various swatches of the stitches. We eventually also learned how to do the magic stitch and work "in the round" for a circular pattern.
Reading Patterns
Once we knew the basic stitches, we then were taught how to read patterns. This includes practicing stitch placement (front, back, both) and looking at written and mosaic patterns, preparing us for our own project.
Final Project
In the final few weeks of the crochet seminar, we each found our own pattern. For my project, I decided to make a crochet baby blanket for my dog, following a pattern I found online. The pattern involves a simple alternation between the single and double crochet to create a puff stitch, as well as a border.
Crochet as a New Experience
Crochet is an entirely new experience for me as I have never crocheted before. I enjoy crafting, making bracelets, and drawing screensavers, but have never gotten the chance to learn to crochet. This seminar is both fun and challenging for me since I can build my skills up by trying different patterns, techniques, and designs. I am learning how to make a crochet baby blanket by the end of the seminar to have something to commemorate this new experience. The crochet seminar is helping me to grow as an individual by making me more comfortable with trying new activities and learning through hands-on learning. Crochet will eventually give me another way to deal with stress as it can be calming in the moment and rewarding when the final product is produced. I hope that this will allow me to give more meaningful gifts to others around the holidays since they are handmade rather than bought.