so you wanna crochet?

We've been riding out a winter storm here for the past few days and I managed to finish up my first 2 crochet projects in the meantime. I can't think of a better craft for those cold, dreary winter days. Well, other than knitting maybe but I don't know anything about that! I just picked up my first crochet hook a few weeks ago and while getting started was a bit tricky, it really is easy once you figure out the basics. I suggest picking up a book or one of these to refer to you while working on your first few projects. You can also drag your lap top in bed with you like I did! Anyways, I thought I'd share some links that helped me learn and post some photos to inspire you.

My completed projects {so far}:

I finished up both of these cowls today.  Yay, go me! I really, really tried to get photos of me actually wearing the cowls {as in I even put mascara on and everything} but I just don't have a clue how to take self portraits with a DSLR. Nothing turned out in focus. Thus, I give you cowls modeled on my lovely Ikea dining chair! Eventually, when the husband is home on a day where there is good light and I'm feeling model-y, I'll have him try to take some photos and post them here for your perusal. In the meantime, click the links below to check out the patterns and see photos of the cowls on people.

Convertible Cowl

pattern by The Crimson Owl

 I used about 3 {maybe 4, can't remember!} skeins of Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn in Dallas Grey {found at Walmart} and a size N-15 {10mm} hook. I made mine just a bit longer than the pattern and maybe just a few rows shorter. You'd think I'd write these things down. Basically, you can make this as short/long and as narrow/wide as you want. Whatever works. Hard to tell from the photo but this cowl is worn as one loop.

I found a stitch a long for this cowl on The Dainty Daisy blog that really helped out. All the pattern directions are written out here vs just abbreviations. Lots of video how-to also. 

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Oversized Ego Scarf

pattern by Topherco

Let me just say this shop is awesome. I found it while searching Etsy and it really caught my eye ~ great photography and beautiful items. Christopher also offers gorgeous finished items if you're not in the mood to diy!

I used 2 and 1/4 skeins of Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn in New Orleans French Berry and a size Q hook {the big turquoise hook in the photo above}. The pattern actually calls for a larger size hook but I had trouble using it so I swapped to the smaller hook. I made my scarf longer and a bit slimmer than the pattern as well. It is super cozy but not too heavy and loops around twice. Really simple pattern - great for beginners!

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Here are some more links for how to's, ideas, and patterns:

Lion Brand - this is a yarn website but there are tons of free patterns for all skill levels along with video and illustration instructions to help you learn crochet stitches. You do have to sign up but it is super simple.

Ravelry  - community based site with lots and lots of free patterns, patterns for sale, and more. Sign up also required.

Knit Simple - beginner basics

Martha Stewart - illustrations and diagrams

Annie's Attic - how to decipher those crochet patterns

Etsy - there are many pdf crochet patterns available on Etsy for purchase



A few cool free patterns I've come across {beginner friendly}:

Infinity Scarf Pattern by brooke ann dove

Here Comes Treble Cowl  by thisisknit

Crochet Open Knit Handwarmers by creativeyarn

And to get you inspired to crochet, I created my first Etsy treasury! I've include both listings for pdf patterns and pretty finished items. Each item is clickable if you want to take a closer look:

'Warm and Cozy Crochet' by LBGstudio

Pink Scarf Cowl- Extra... JarvisGift $40.00	Lacey Handwarmers in Mu... rebekahshaddy $17.50	crocheted bow/bowtie PD... babesofsweet $4.00	crochet pattern / the O... topherco $2.00
Mustard Yellow, Dusty R... MissMisoDesign... $38.00	the friday harbor beani... blackhairedbro... $20.00	Crochet PATTERN (pdf fi... monpetitviolon $3.99	The Flapper Bow Beanie ... InnerHooker $3.99
Crocheted Fingerless Mi... FrougesArt $3.95	Cowl/Neckwarmer in Hone... yarnplusyarn $25.00	Crochet Bangles in Brig... glaccessories $15.00	a cabin wrap blanket in... thehouseofhemp $95.00
Yellow Neckwarmer FR... hannahmchipman $17.00	Prima Ballerina Dot - W... aCatsNest $35.00	buttoned gloves // navy... kmknits $35.00	Silver Bamboo Child Sca... ZayneeDesigns $23.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Feel free to share any crochet related links in the comments below {tutorials, patterns, helpful sites, etc}.