I don't know about you, but I am currently experiencing full on Christmas Crochet Panic. Every year I tell myself that I will start earlier. But as I develop my skills, my gifts get more ambitious and it all takes longer. So here we are at blogging time with neither the time nor the energy to research anything worthy of you.
Nick, knowing my dilemma, came home with a crochet kit. He was thinking that I could review it. At the same time he has been watching a TV show called 'The Toys that made us.' All this combined has sent me into a reflective mood.
What toys did you have as a child? I always felt hard done by as I never had a Barbie or a Sindy (the British version), instead I got kits. I made felt things, string things, Scraperboard pictures, and Airfix kits. We made candles, resin paperweights, and plaster-of-paris Beatrix Potter characters. I can remember the projects, the people who were with me and the places I made them. Now I am very grateful.
I value the hand made for the time, skill and thought that goes into the creation. I have kept many of the things that were given to me, but I often wonder what people think when they receive my handmade gifts and cards. Do they also value them? Or do they just think I am eccentric?!
There's something to be said for a kit. You don't have to make any decisions for starters! I'm not good at making decisions! You don't have to decide if this colour goes with that colour, or what size to make it, or what type of yarn to use. You just open the box and start! Of course you could make your own kit up for someone. That would be a wonderfully thoughtful gift.
Lets look at this kit. At just £3.99 you can't expect fabulous quality, but I'd challenge anyone to actually use the hook that's supplied!
After peering at it for some time, and measuring it I finally decided that it's a 3mm.
It's a curious thing because it claims it is unsuitable for children. Is that a way of avoiding any safety issues? You do have to be able to crochet at least at beginner level. It strikes me that it would be an excellent project for a student and teacher, or parent and child to use together. Despite being made in China the instructions are excellent and are definitely written by someone who speaks both English and Crochet! They are also in UK terminology.
I never learnt to crochet as a child. I remember learning to chain long rows of stitches and then working double crochet (SC) into the chain stitches. By which time I was thoroughly bored. My elder sister was the crocheter, she obviously had more patience than me! I think we had this Ladybird book. It is brilliantly written, leading the child consistently through the stitches, language and abbreviations. But my goodness is it dull!! I met a lady in Hobbycraft a few weeks ago who wanted to learn to crochet but didn't know where to start. I hope I set her off in the right direction. I tried to steer her past the Ladybird method and straight into producing something, no matter how humble.
The kit claims to make
two Jellyfish, but actually it would make four. I thought Jellyfish was a
weird thing to make, until I checked out Jellyfish on Ravelry and
realised how popular they are. I've obviously missed out on some
cultural reference here! So I also decided to leave off the eyes and mouth. Blame it on me growing up pre-SpongeBob! I will eventually make four and hang them around a craft ring to make a mobile.
Just in case you think I've reached crochet burn out, let me tell you that I have lots of wonderful ideas for next year. I've already picked out a personal project with the new Scheepjes Bamboo/cotton yarn, which is nothing like the bamboo yarns I've used in the past. I have a number of patterns planned which will definitely include a lampshade and a large rug. On the research front I have been inspired to look further into texture and colour techniques.
It only remains for me to send you my very best wishes whether you are burning the winter yule log or celebrating in the summer sun.
Seasons Greetings
and
Happy New Year!
fastening off...
