Crochet for beginners
Posted by: Edward in: Resources and ReferencesIf you are interested in learning crochet, there are plenty of free tutorials on the Internet. However, my caregiver learned crochet, before the days of Internet, through a book called “The Complete Encyclopedia of Needlework” by Th. de Dillmont. The book covers Macrame, Crochet, Needlepoint, Embroidery, Crewel, Applique, Knitting, Tapestry Weaving, Lace, Tatting, Sewing, Linen Work, Mending. What my caregiver has is the Second Edition in soft cover and recently we saw a new edition of the book at the “Fully Booked” bookstore at The Block in SM City North EDSA. The book is hardbound and costs around 700 pesos. My caregiver learned using crochet to make useful things through an old issue of an American magazine called McCall’s (probably ‘imported’ by her auntie who stayed in the US for a couple of years in the late 50s to finish her Masters and PhD in Education).
Now, people don’t need to buy expensive books, subscribe to magazines or get a masters degree or PhD to learn how to crochet. A simple keyword search on the Internet should lead you to a wide range of free resources. Although my interest in crochet is limited to messing about with the yarn while my caregiver is working, I find the following resources very entertaining and informative for learning basic crochet.
If you want a downloadable PDF file that you can print, a good resource is:
A Lesson in Crochet by Emma Chalmers Monroe from Needlecraft Magazine, Vol. VII No. 9 May 1916.
If you want pictures and videos, a good resource is:
Free Crochet Stitch Videos and Instruction - Basic Crochet Stitches
At the moment, my caregiver is trying to finish a hairpin lace crochet stole (which looks more like a berthe or a kind of lace draped over the shoulders). After that I hope that she will crochet me a vest or a hat. Or maybe a scrunchie for my tail. However, I heard her proudly telling her partner that she will instead crochet me a couple pieces of turds. Hmmmm ….
