How it feels to teach a crochet class-Part Two

As I ended yesterday, I finished by recounting that: I had to hear from the truly lovely secretary how much my class thought I was a "terrible teacher"...yes, even the lady who was from my beginner class now was disgusted with me. But my story doesn't end here! Part two tomorrow....
So, as I was trying to process this knife-like sensation in my stomach, the sweet secretary went on to tell me that I could just go on home and that I would be hearing from the lady who hired me soon. It is probably needless to say, but I sobbed all the way home. I went over and over what I had done wrong to these people to deserve such cold treatment and of course, I already pictured my immediate firing. I prayed for God to give me the right words when I called the office the next morning, but no one answered nor did they call back that day. Time seemed to tick backwards, and when I called the following day, the lady who I spoke with, in charge, I will call "Cindy", said that I would be receiving disciplinary action but they weren't sure what it would be at that point. The same day I received a copy of a complaint filed by the "sweet lady who did bead crochet". It was chock full of venom, and basically she tore me to shreds not about the granny square issue, but the prior episode where the directions for the pattern were wrong, I hadn't caught it earlier, so I said that we should scrap that and move onto another topic and I would research the problem later....wow, that was a true shocker to me. But, ok, now I had to accept and move on from here, make this a learning experience, and not dwell on the negative. I felt I should be grateful that I wasn't fired, and I was(am), and ask for and gladly accept whatever the "consequences" were for this debacle.
The remainder of the month, (yes, that is the time table this had taken on) I worked on other aspects of my life, my online business websites, etc...had taken a backseat to the crochet course, so I began to upgrade my sites, take on and complete new projects,began studying for web designing so I could create another website entirely on my own. Finally the word came, I was to take a class at BOCES and observe another instructor and how they taught...I had choices and I chose knitting. I really enjoyed it and what I learned besides some neat knitting techniques were as follows: this instructor was confident and authoritative but flexible-I wanted to mirror that more so than I thought I was. I also learned that I was teaching enough content, that it was perfectly acceptable to work on the concepts that I had in my class syllabus, and not go any further for students that felt that they "had this" and are/were impatient to move on when the majority clearly did not "have this". The students who excelled could look over materials that I always brought with me, or they could work on projects that they had been encouraged to choose themselves. Overall, this very frightening experience turned into a positive one.
In March, I will be taking a correspondence course offered though the CGOA (Crocheter's Guild of America) to become a "certified" crochet instructor. I know that for me, I need to have that extra confidence that the certification will bring. I have taught several classes successfully at BOCES since this incident, however, I have never been able to fully put the feeling of trauma/fear/distrust past me yet, but I am working on it and I keep on crocheting!

How it feels to teach a crochet class-Part one

How it feels to be a crochet teacher (PART ONE)-I would like to start this post with others comments from their experiences then go into my own
Teaching Crochet to Modern Stitchers
Posted by: "Becky Brent" handmadeheirlooms@sbcglobal.net HYPERLINK "http://profiles.yahoo.com/kraftwiz2"kraftwiz2
Sun Mar 9, 2008 10:46 am (PDT)
I have been a crocheteer for almost 40 years, but I taught crochet classes for the first time last Summer. I started with the chain and single, etc., the way I was taught. And many had trouble with it and did not come back for continuing lessons. I like your idea very much and will try it out this Summer. I can see where it would give the beginner a way to make projects and be successful without having to practice and practice. Thanks for sharing your Syllabus.Becky
Teaching Crochet to Modern Stitchers
Posted by: "VICTORIA CARROLL" victoriacarroll@sbcglobal.net HYPERLINK "http://profiles.yahoo.com/yrndsgns"yrndsgns
Sun Mar 9, 2008 5:56 pm (PDT)
The way that I see it is that not everyone is able to pick things up on the very first day no matter how you teach them. If someone was willing to quit after only 1 class then all I can say is that they weren't all that committed to begin with. Don't blame yourself for the few that felt they couldn't learn & gave up. A truly committed person would've asked a lot more questions & kept coming back at least 1 or 2 more times. The problem with today's world is most people want instant gratification & creativity takes more than 1 class to learn. I understand that everyone learns differently but that is where the extra questions come in if they were having a hard time with the way that you were teaching.Basically, I just want to tell you that it's great that you are out there teaching others & you should not feel like it's a reflection on you in any way that those few never came back.. Keep up the good job or passing along your skills to another generation of crocheters.Vikki
teaching and learning crochet can both be frustrating. i'll tell you thatafter the first 30 minutes of trying to learn cross stitch years ago, iactually threw down the sample piece and have never attempted again.however, crochet was different. i tried to learn years ago in college froma friend. no go. about 5 yrs after that, a course was offered at night atthe local high school. i attended all semester and learned absolutelynothing. i couldn't even make a good chain. not necessarily the teacher'sfault - and i recall absolutely nothing about her. again, several yearslater, i took a class at michaels. no go. then, i signed up for a crochetclass at a small local craft shop which deals mainly in beads and modelrockets (what a combo, right??). now, this was easily 20 years after myfirst attempt to learn to crochet. about 5 minutes after that teacherpicked up hook and yarn, i could SEE it and i have crocheted almost everyday since. the learning curve was very quick. as a teacher, tho' (which iam in real life and have taught crochet too), i would not feel a great dealof incompetence because a student failed to master crochet. sometimes themix of yarn, hook, student and teacher just isn't right. another time andplace might produce a diff result.i joke that learning to crochet (for me) is developmental - like learningalgebra. my mind wasn't ready for it til i was 50! that's the year ilearned to crochet. i don't think it was all the teacher(s) - AND i know itwas not for lack of motivation on my part as i kept coming back to it. now,knitting is a whole diff thing. had a good knitting teacher (several yrsafter learning to crochet) and actually did learn to knit and purl - butBORING....TENSE.... not for me. great for others, but i have no plans tomaster knitting. got too much crocheting to do!now, last weekend i learned to finger weave. hmmmmm. another great usefor my yarn stash - and FUN.jd in st. louis
Teaching crocheting
After years of teaching crochet I have found that the students are less frustrated if I make up a single crochet swatch first and teach them the stitches using the swatch vs starting them with a chain. After they get comfortable with holding the yarn and doing the stitches (usually the second or third class) I then go back and teach them to chain and do the first Row. They seem to have a better time doing that since they are now comfortable with the feel of things. Sheila Sanchez
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Hi, my left-handed friend taught me this trick: When teaching someone how to crochet and you are right-handed and they are left, have them sit on a chair right in front of you and just mirror your actions as you crochet right-handed. tingeys8@allwest.net
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John D." <Banacek@coslink.net > teaching some one to crochet a chain loosely & reading patterns When teaching some one to crochet a chain loosely, which is often times hard when first starting out. Have them use 1-2 sizes bigger crochet hook. When reading patterns, often times people have problems as they try to hard by reading a whole paragraph then try to work it. I found by first reading from beginning to the first comma then work that, then proceed in that manner until you're done.
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From: Roxannmoor@aol.com , SHi, I'm a lefty and was taught to crochet by a right-handed woman. She placed a mirror on her lap and had me watch her in the mirror and copy what I saw. I was three and don't really remember but my mom tells me the story often. Roxann
Reasons why potential students would like to learn to crochet (from www.crochet911.com )
Here are some of the reasons why over 24 million people say they love knitting, crocheting and crafting with yarn....
It has a calming effect -- helps relieve stress.
It feels good to work with beautiful yarn colors and textures.
Create sweaters and accessories for yourself.
Gifts "you make yourself" for family members and friends have special meaning.
It’s a social activity to share with your friends and family.
It’s portable -- take it anywhere.
Provides a sense of accomplishment when you complete a project.
Adds balance to a high-tech, fast-paced lifestyle.
Cost-effective hobby -- you can spend a lot or a little!
Maximizes your time while you watch TV or travel.
Carry on a family tradition.
Knit and crochet for charity.
Bazaars and shows -- sell your finished items to raise funds and for business.
Express yourself--design original garments and accessories.
Now as for myself, I have 34 years of crocheting experience and am in the process of becoming a certified crochet instructor by the CGOA (and I think as you read on, you may see why I beleive this is necessary!). So one day, when I was tired of feeling sorry for myself and my predicament (being disabled and unable to return to nursing, my fisrt love and passion,had too many children to even think of trying to go on and geteiter my P.A. or nurse practioner degree-and I had been online and doing craft shows in crochet/sewing under various venues with only sporadic success),I decided to write a letter of interest to BOCES in Liverpool,NY and much to my good fortune (actually all the credit goes to God), they were looking for an intructor as their long-time teacher was moving to something else in life. I was hired after the interview, reference check and of course, seeing pieces of my works, and began teaching shortly there after in January. My very first class was nervewracking due to it being my first time,having 9 students (fairly large, as most classes have 5 on average), and as I was to discover, I had a staff member in my class who belonged at a higher level as she had experience and this class was for people who never picked up a crochet hook before. I do need to stop here and fill in some past relevant points: 1) when I was in 6th grade, I belonged to F.T.A [Future Teahers of America], and I tutored a second grader in math and reading.2) When I was between the ages of 16-20, I would fill in while my mother (a high school English teacher) would run quick errands and help out with her classes, and more so, when she taught night school classes in "Positive thinking, achieving goals and meditation", I was her assistant many times and 3) I served as a tutor for nursing students in groups of 3-4 or one on one during my senior year in R.N school.
Back to my fisrt class-so there were 7 students anxious to learn, one who seemed to be very attatched to knitting and was very frustrated ;as a result she would make her stitches super tight and get into this self-fulfilling prophesy of failure (we tried the extra large "N" hook and she resisted)..and of course there was the staff memeber who tried to sort of "run the show", demanding special attention for her private questions in the middle of me trying to teach the majority a new concept, etc...she belonged in an intermediate class or a one on one situation, but there was nothing I could do about it. I should have been more authoritative and assertive, but instead I tried to use humor and reality centering to attempt get her to let the others learn at the pace of a beginners class...as a result, although my students graded me highly in all areas, they all pretty much complained about the one student who tried to "speed up" the class and requested special attention inappropriately. Many of them wanted the session to continue for another few weeks. The frustrated "knitter"? She eventually lightened up and actually enjoyed herself, mastering one of the stitches called "half double crochet" and went on to create some lovely blankets for her baby.
As I continued to teach, my classes went along very nicely,even as a reult of my students aptitude and newfound passion, we added "intermediate and advanced" levels to the core curriculum fairly quickly. this was beautiful, and I even applied to a local craft store to teach there but discovered they were not offering fiber arts. Then my happy little world came crashing down.
It was an intermediate level class that was seemingly "normal" in many ways...one student had liked me when I was her beginning crochet instuctor, 2 other ladies were very close friends I surmised by the way they behaved together, one student had recently suffered a terrible personal loss and asked if I could tutor her (so she left, understandably) and the final student was a sweet lady who did bead crochet and showed me some of her works (which were beautiful). So by the second class we were down to 4 students which was just fine, as that number is perfect for attention giving and such. I was following a course outline and left room for flexibility of course,and during that class, I made a mistake when trying to teach them something-it actually was that the pattern had an error in it that I had not caught before, so I said "let's scrap this and move onto something else and I will discover/go over it for next week"..for some reason, this turned the 2 ladies that were friends off immediately-I could see it in their body language, on their faces,how they left together during the break (which no one ever took normally) whispering and shooting looks at me. Well I had apologized profusely and tried to remain calm and light in good spirits. Then the stuff really went bad...I was teaching them how to follow a pattern for a basic granny square. I actually worked up a sweat because everyone seemed to be quite bothered by this initally as it doesn't look like a square until the corners are created. well, after a bit three caught on and held up their completed squares and some wanted to and did continue, but remember the "sweet lady who did beaded crochet"? She refused to show me her square and when I gently tried to persuade her and told her how I knew it was difficult for some, but I could surely and wanted to help her get through it. She refused and at break time, she and the rest of the class walked out, down the hall and said they would not be returning. I had to hear from the truly lovely secretary how much my class thought I was a "terrible teacher"...yes, even the lady who was from my beginner class now was disgusted with me. But my story doesn't end here! Part two tomorrow....

Teach one person or a class in beginning crochet

Teaching A Beginner Class or just a person...
Passing on your love of crochet is one of the greatest joys!
Since your class is free, I recommend you check out the site offered by the Craft Yarn Council of America called: "Each One Teach Two."www.eachoneteachtwo.com The idea is, after you teach them how to crochet,you challenge them to teach two other people. And with March, NationalCrochet Month, just weeks away, what better way to celebrate??? :)
I recommend keeping the first lessons simple, concentrating on the basics of crochet, explaining why such things as counting, turning chains & such are important. Let them each make a simple square and then as a collective youcan join them for a quick lapgan you can donate to someone in need (who perhaps attends your church/religious institution). After that you can increase the project difficulty based upon how quickly they progress withtheir lessons.
For supplies, there is nothing more gratifying to a beginner than watching aproject grow quickly... stick to large hooks (H, I, J) and worsted weight(size 4 based upon the yarnstandards.com measurement chart).
I also recommend you stop in at your local library to see what they have avaliable for loan, then take this information, along with the other booksalready recommended in this discussion, and create a handout for yourstudents to use as reference.
I hope this helps,~Dee StanzianoCGOA Professional Member/Mentor..
My two cents...spend an hour,depending on the student or class on holding hook (pencil like or knife like,teaching slip knot then chain, if things are really rough for the person, crochet off the finger to start and build confidence, if possible, let them get "good" at making a super long chain that is fairly uniform and untwisted, then begin to teach single crochet, explaining the concept that crocheting is building upon, hence our work is getting taller...First projects: cat or dog collar,hair tie,fancy tie to gift wrap, scarf,doll blanket)

The History and Mystery of the origins of crochet

Although no one is certain where crochet got it’s start,there are clues in archeological findings and historical references.
First, the word “crochet” is derived from the middle French word “croc” or “croche” meaning “hook” or “crooked”. The earliest solid evidence of what we understand as the fiber art crochet can be traced to 16th century nuns in Europe. This art form was refered to in France as “crochet lace” and in England”chain lace”.There are many sources that state that as far back as the 1500’s, crochet in Italy was known as “nun’s work” or “nun’s lace” where it was created by the sisters for church textiles.
However,interestingly research does demonstrate that the ancient Chinese and Persian form of embroidery called “tambour” (which in French means”drum”) probably is the most direct “parent” of crochet. Tambouring reached Europe in the 1700’s and is a technique in which a background fabric is held taut on a frame. This involved an underneath thread, the working stitch which was then pulled up through the fabric on a hook and drawn into another loop of the working thread that would create a chain stitch. By the completion of the 18th century,these very fine,thin hooks evolved into what the French called “crochet in the air”, wherein the background fabric was discarded and the stitch was worked on it’s own. And then evolved the separation of the classes where the well-to-do would work needlpoint,crochet and other such delicacies, as they has the time and the materials were expensive.
Today crochet continues to evolve although for awhile it was becoming a “lost art”, and remains a versatile art form that is both useful and ornamental with subspecialties forming like: broomstick lace, crochetknit, or crochnit,freeform,bead crochet and much more..More on these subspecialties another time.
Sources for this work come from “A Living Mystery the International Art and istory of Crochet” by Annie Loiuse Potter, and “Crochet History and Technique” by Lis Paludan.

My ad for webcam lessons

Hi,
I do have a website with a blog,Marie's Sewcrochetions but thought I'd try this venue out...I was just wondering, how many out there would like to learn to sew, crochet, croknit or already have some skill but would like to finish a project or learn more, to say, finish a long awaited gift item? Well, I have over 30 years of experience, am a BOCES instructor, BUT have an insomnia issue plus am a disabled RN (who does some babysitting)and have many hours that I can fit folks in for an hour of intensive learning...I have the webcam, you just need an hour in front of the computer, we will set up the time and supplies needed. Get this, only $15/hr! I have done my homework and found I am WAY less than most teachers who charge $45-$75 for the SAME SERVICE!! I accept check, money order or Pay Pal,& you can have 2-200 people sitting in front of the computer with you learning altogether, I don't mind!..And I have succesfully taught mother/daughter teams this way and several other folks, including one man and his wife (ahhhhhh)..and they are very satisfied, and are coming back to advance their knowledge (In one case the lady wants to learn "broomstick lace", another wants to learn filet (doily) crochet)... For the purpose of classes,normally, 8-1 hour sessions would be $120, but I will give you the price of only $40! I am very flexible as far as times we can meet for the sessions, including as late as 12MN to 1 a.m. or as early as 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. Y hablo espanol!..
So let me know and check out my site while you are at it...I also sell over 50-60 WELL researched websites for crafters for only $2.75...(frequently updated, unlike some other sites out there that you pay and get the 404 "not found" message)!
Not trying to sound negative, only honest...
God bless you,
Marie Raymond

More book reviews

More Crochet book, and booklet reviews
“From Knit to Crochet How to get the look and feel of knitting with crochet!”by Needlecraft shop with main editor being Bobbie Matela..my prejudice is showing because this176 pg softcover (comes in hardcover too) is one of my all time favorite books. Now in the back it does have a chart of abbreviations,some diagrams of crochet stitches,skill levels and standard yarn charts, but this book is meant for intermediate level & expert crocheters. Cost is about $20.95
“Bead Crochet” by Bethany Barry-is a 123 pg softcover book that is chock full of beautiful colorful pictures of the work one can create and makes I think anyone who loves jewelry just drool with desire to create these beautiful pieces and there are plenty of well explained directions that start off with background,diagrams,materials list and more so that even a novice would find this book easy to follow along. Also interestingly there are in the back yarn and bead resources along with a very helpful index and acknowledgements. There are overall 12 projects, but I believe anyone with desire & imagination can go off ad infinitim-cost is $21.95
3)”Crochet for Today”by Leisure Arts Publications(and therefore many contri
butors) is a softcover 144 pg book that has 14 pages devoted to instruc-
tions and diagrams. There are many easy to follow word directions in
this book, which is subdivided into topics like: afghans,all through the
house,gifts for all,just for fun,holidays,fashion corner,and babies.Abbr-
eviations are used and explained in the glossary, along with a few men's
being well placed in this timeless book. It is at least 10 years old and I
have seen it since in bth hard and soft cover. I paid $14.95 but it is sure-
ly more but well worth it!
4)”63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches-Leisure Arts, Design by Darla Sims. A
25 page booklet with diagrams, abbreviations,written directions and well
worth the price of $7.95 to have this and as the cover suggests: “Comb-
ine stiches to make throws,pillows,totes, and more!” An excellent book.
5)”Strawberry Shortcake-Afghans to Crochet”, a booklet of probably 20 pgs
that has 4 designs thereinof Strawberry and her friends to create into
afghans-has graphs,abbreviations,written directions, plenty of diagrams
and even close ups to see the intricacy of the work. Cost is $7.956)”How to Freeform Crochet” by Margaret Hubert. This fascinating book-
let, has 7 designs, but gorgeous color photos and goes into detail on
how to use the book,what “freeform” is compares it to “crazy quilting”
She even has a chart of sizing from womens x-small to 5x! All projects
require prior,solid crochet knowledge, and are intermediate level and
above. She has written directions,abbreviations and diagrams of stitch
guides. My favorite is the child's afghan, gorgeous! Cost $9.95.
7)”Fun*tastic Crochet Sweaters” 8 Designs by Ginny Alvord-Clark. This is
a softcover book produced by Jean Leinhauser and is 68 pages long.
The booklet is well written with color and black and white pictures,
along with diagrams, information about working with yarn bobbins,
working from charts,importance of guage,stitch guides,conversion
charts and abbreviations and symbols. Although none of the sweaters
are marked beginner to advanced, I believe they are mainly for inte-
rmediate crocheters. A very lovely book well worth having $12.95.
8)”Heartland Comforts” a crochetnit booklet designed by Darla Hassell
9 cozy projects from your heart to theirs is exactly what this18 pg book
promises. It walker tote,shawls,pillows and much more very beautiful
designs that the newbie to crochetnitting can follow the easy to under-
stand instructions. There contains a stitch guides, abbreviations and a
group of diagrams as well. Although the author uses the same colors in
all her works, one can easily see where your own choices would be
pleasing..Remember to purchase the double hook! Cost about $9.95
I know that I said I would include magazines too, but another time!

Crochet book reviews

The following is a conglomeration of some of the many crochet topic books in my library and I will give my honest appraisal of them:
1)The Crochet Answer Book by Edie Eckman- this is a fantastic little book from beginner to expert that has diagrams, abbreviations, (including symbols),yarn differences, stitch techniques,and truly does a decent job of trying to live up to what the subtitle suggests which is: “Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask”..there are many reference guides and resources in the back of the book as well...the price is $12.95 to $15.95 and well worth it.
2)Textured Crochet (Stitch Collection-More than 70 designs with easy to follow charts) by Helen Jordon...this little hardcover book certainly is absolutely beautiful in it's presentation-it has throughout full color pictures on virtually every page of the 90+ pages, it uses both common word and symbol crochet terminology to explain the various stitch methods-however in my professional opinion and through experience with beginning crocheters, this book is for those with some crocheting knowledge.-cost is approximately $17
3)Beautiful Crocheted Sweaters by Patricia Bevans-168 pg hardcover book that divides the 40 sweaters into single,double and single,combination,tunisian and applique patterns, plus each pattern is marked from beginner to advanced. It uses color pictures and has gorgeous patterns including some that normally would be considered the realm of knitting; “Fair Isle and Cable”),
She uses word abbreviations and instructions only,(book was written in 1992)in the back of book complex stitches are explained with diagrams. An excellent resource for ladies/teenage girls sweaters...cost approximately $19.95
4)100 Afghans to Knit and Crochet by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss-a hardcover book that delivers what it promises-sharp, concise, color photos of 100 afghans with instructions in word and abbreviations that are given their full definitions in the back of the book..a beginning crocheter would be able to do some of the afghans in here, but this is better for someone with some experience...a smart book as Bernat did a survey awhile back asking crocheters what their favorite projects to work on was and the large majority of respondents said afghans...it costs about $24.95
5)The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs (500 Classic & Original Patterns) by Linda P. Schapper-you know how most if not all good patterns you see have the reader create a “swatch” before beginning the project at hand? This 352 pg hardcover book is full of swatch size works so that the reader is able to discern well the fairly easy to quite complex designs contained in this magnificent book..it is comprable to an encyclopedia of sorts, just a very specialized type. I purchased this book after having a customer ask me to replicate a very unique stitch design in an afghan his wife had made years ago, and not only was the stitch impossible for me to duplicate, but I asked well-reknown designers and folks who had gone to college for fiber arts and none were able to answer the question..luckily, I found the stitch in an antiquated crochet book, and was able to please the client while I waited for this book to arrive. I am not certain this book would be desired in most hobbyist collections, perhaps only folks who do this for a living and/or instructors like myself would find this book a good investment...cost is $29.95
6)Big Hook Crochet (Over 80 beautiful projects made with bulky yarns and large-size hooks) by Carol Alexander..a soft cover [but probably also sells in hardcover] book that is a wonderful collection of easy to understand projects written in standard abbreviation and word instructions...Gorgeous,large pics, and as promised nothing smaller than a “k” hook is used.. Some of the benefits of this book, it has beautiful sweaters in plus sizes (which many books do not),back of book has two pages devoted to the explanation and diagrams of the stitches used, abbreviations, and other terminology that is useful to the beginner..has rugs,sweaters,childrens,vests,afghans,pillows,slippers,etc...no men's projects however...cost is $19.95
7)So Simple Crochet A Fabulous Collection of 24 Fashionable and Fun Designs by Melody Griffiths- this hardcover book has vests,tops,shawls,ponchos, scarves and sweaters that are very lovely and flirty...the directions are written in words with abbreviations and symols too with an explaination of these in the beginning of the book. Unique features of this book, besides having the patterns diagnosed as being beginner to advanced, have helpful tips and hints throughout. Has beautiful color pictures and some diagrams to help visualize the various designs, also has the bust/width and length measurements to avoid mistakes..in my opinion, although this book has items for beginners to make, it is more geared to crocheters with some experience....cost approximately $17.95
8)24 Hour Crochet Projects by Rita Weiss-a hardcover book that uniquely demonstrates projects for men, ladies, children and babies with a timetable (that is APPROXIMATE) in hours..the other original feature in the book is that there are many pics of most of the projects, and from different angles...the instructions are written in words and abbreviations and there is a reference guide in the back of the book..this book has many designs that beginners can do, and they look more difficult...price is about $16.95
9)Blue Ribbon Afghans from America's State Fair 40 Prize Winning Crochet Designs by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader-a hardcover book chock full of photos and instructions in words and abbreviations with references in the back of the book...also diagrams,special notes,along with brief historical synopses of different state fairs and write ups of the of the creators. The beginning of the book has a unique and detailed history of how the state fair got it's start...although there are mostly patterns for experienced crocheters, a few of the afghans were done by novices...cost is about $20.95
10)Crochet For Babies edited Bobbie Matela-this softcover (again probably also available in hardcover) book is a collection of 60 projects for babies to older toddlers that are highly original and are written by many different designers in word instructions with skill levels marked at the beginning of each pattern..in the back of the176pg book is abbreviations explained, plus diagrams of various stitches...this book has a variety of difficulty levels but I believe a novice could follow the patterns for at least 50% of the time without much problem..price is about $16.95
More book reviews later this week and also to come: unique crochet glass balls for any occasion,history of crochet,felting,how to create various size sleeves,flowers,a neat scrapbooking idea or two,some sewing ideas like how to calculate yardages for draperies, and much more!

Crochet beginnings

When I was in the fifth grade,I took a mini course called "how to crochet". There were a hnadful of fellow classmates and the project was a toilet tissue cover that was supposed to look like a poodle. At the completion of the course, my poodle won first prize, and to this day I am convinced that I won not necessarily because of my stitching technique (which incidentally was very good), nor the fascinating choices in color (the dogs body was bright red and his paws and hair were aqua blue)but because my poodle's hair stuck straight up, whereas my classmates all brushed their pup's hair down. In any event my love affair with crochet began at the tender age of 11. Through the years, I made various afghans and small projects, I also had learned to sew at about the same age as crochet since my grandmother was an accomplish seamstress and would have me sit with her after school each day and follow along as she made alterations on my grandfather's suit jackets,or her own dresses or made clothing for me. I was married and began having children young, and by the age of 22 I had graduated and was working as an R.N. I made many outfits for my children but got stuck and frustrated when trying to read and follow pattern directions for a sweater set for my younger son. I recall having to call my aunt Kathy (the only person I knew that also knew how to crochet) and ask her what "yo" meant...(it means "yarn over").After that incident,I borrowed books from the library and taught myself how to read crochet instructions. I took on increasingly challenging tasks, made an entire layette and wardrobe set for my youngest child, and in 2001, decided to start my own business after doing so informally at craft shows since 1994. "Marie's Sewcrochetions" was born as a natural combination of my loves for sewing and crocheting.

Marie's Sewcrochetions-about me

I have been sewing and crocheting for over 34 years now, and with 5 children ranging from ages 25 down to 7, I have a wide range of experience and am known for my adaptability,creativity,custom orders,progress pics and talent.I have not yet encountered a project that I could not do, therefore my challenge is if you don't see anything you like on my pages, send me a photo (via e-mail) or a website, and I will do it for you at a fair price. Also I love designing original works; like afghans,sweaters for all ages and styles, purses,nighties,dolls,puppets,doll clothing,ponchos,shawls,pet clothes,booties,winter accessories,kitchen goodies,bookmarks,etc...I offer "how to crochet" customized video tapes,I instruct on any level of sewing/crocheting or crochetknitting lessons via webcam. I believe that if you have a "gift", it should be passed along, after all, my grandmother taught me to sew,in nursing school I was a tutor,and I teach all levels of crochet at BOCES in Liverpool, NY.I have a philosophy that is: if I treat my customers with respect and give them favorable perks (i.e., discounts, free shipping with orders $100 or more,special, durable products) then they will come back to me, and that is wonderful! Also, I have done the research and found that my quality items are priced in some cases 30-40$ lower than comprable items on other crocheting and knitting websites!Tambien, puedo hablar el espanol.Sincerely y sinceramente,Marie