Introduction Post

[alafaye]

Hello!

Bit of a belated introduction, but I made it. My main hobby is reading just about anything I can get my hands on, but I do have crafts. I learned how to cross stitch as kid, but fell out of the habit. I picked up a kit as an adult, but then found out that I forgot how so I never finished it. And then I found small craft starter kits and finally relearned cross stitch and have since done several items. I actually just finished one today. My crafting as an adult started more with small kits geared toward kids, but which I found easier to do and I'll usually pick them up just as small projects to keep myself busy. I've done sun catchers, plastic cross stitch, ornaments, and some small painted wooden items. And this year I learned how to crochet (and learned the difference between crochet and knitting) so I've got that going on.

Project one: cross stitch of a cat that I got for Christmas

Project two: purple-green scarf I'm making for my sister. I actually...I picked up the yarn ages ago without knowing what I was doing, only that it was soft and pretty. I thought maybe I'd try out making bracelets or something. I had put it into a ball and never kept the wrapper for it. When I first decided this year to try crochet, I didn't know what needle I needed and so got a smaller one than I actually needed. So bit of a late start and I ended up learning I can't count stitches (I end up just paying attention to my project which is working out better for me) which meant that I ended up with a wonky square that my sibling now uses for a coaster. But I finally have four inches of the scarf!

Project three: a white scarf for myself. Using natural wool. Bit of a mistake I think >.> Natural fiber is definitely harder to work with than acrylic. But it was soft and pretty and I was excited that I'd learned how to crochet! And rather than single stitch, I'm alternating single stitch with double stitch for fun and it's coming out really pretty I think.

Photos under the cut if anyone is interested.





This is last week's progress



And today's. On top of a lap table that I got for Christmas that is already paying for itself for my cross stitch projects; highly recommend it.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Hey, that's some nice looking cross stitch and hurrah for a lap table. That sounds very useful.

[alafaye]

Thank you! And it is so so useful.

[moth2fic]

I never managed crochet. But then I never got much beyond very plain knitting and didn't even enjoy it though I have been known to buy pretty wool and then wonder what to do with it... You seem to have plenty of skills and lots to enjoy! You'll definitely enjoy your lap table - I use mine for all sorts - laptop, crafts, writing Christmas cards... Hope we'll hear more about your progress! And yes, with photographs please.

[alafaye]

I don't know that I'll ever manage knitting, but it does look interesting. But the crochet is at least enough for me. I do like being able to choose any number of kits to keep my hand busy, lol. OMG yes I know there will be so many uses for it. Much looking forward to it. And I'll try to keep up with the photos :)

[smallhobbit]

That's very pretty cross stitch. Glad you're enjoying your crotchet too.

[alafaye]

Thanks. And yes. So excited :D

[badly_knitted]

Loving the cross stitch, that's me in a nutshell. Adulting is HARD!

Great progress on your crochet. I've dabbled a bit but mostly on granny squares. I've always ben more of a knitter, but I love to see other people's crochet projects.

Lap tables are among the most useful things anyone can have.

Always love to see pictures of what people are working on!

[alafaye]

It is hard! Funny enough I had this pattern on my wishlist and my sibling bought it for me without knowing it!

I'm excited to also try facecloths in the future, but I don't know what a granny square is. I actually had no idea what the difference was and I can't say why I ended up choosing crochet, but here I am. I look forward to seeing everyone's knitting projects.

I'm really glad to finally have one.

[badly_knitted]

Must have read your mind!

There are lots of different ones, but this sort of thing...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HS1XnSiP_us/TqGLVAHhUxI/AAAAAAAAE3M/7nZa6OLmfUA/s1600/granny%2Bsquare%2Btute%2B060.JPG

They're really very different techniques, but both have their advantages and disadvantages.

One day I will get some pictures of my knitting posted, I hope.

[alafaye]

Oooo. I want to try that.

I look forward to your photos!

[badly_knitted]

They're quite fun to do, and great for using up oddments of yarn. Shouldn't be difficult to find some granny square patterns online.

[alafaye]

I definitely learned during the pandemic that there are a lot of free patterns online. I'm definitely going to start looking!

[badly_knitted]

Have fun! By next winter you could have a lovely crocheted blanket.

[darkcedars]

Facecloths/dishcloths are a great way to practice. I often make a square that's a "dishcloth" to practice a stitch or a technique to see if I like it.

[alafaye]

Oh good idea. I'll keep that in mind, but it might be nice to make my own face cloths too. Excited.

[froodle]

That green and purple scarf sounds gorgeous!

[alafaye]

Thanks!