Learning a New Language

As things have slowly started to find their place in our new home, I'm beginning to long for that creative connection again.

Crochet is what's fascinating me at the moment. 

With so many yarn stores here in the Seattle area, going into one, without sounding too cliche',  is like being a kid in a candy store! 

Hand dyed yarns, linen and hemp are always what grabs my attention first. 

Then, it's the books and sites with patterns galore!

I get impatient and want to crochet the beautiful lacy shawl, or intricate afghan right away.

Then, I have to take a step back and remember that I am STILL teaching myself this craft and learning to do the basics must come first.

So, I look for the words..."Beginner's Guide" and "Easy." 

Hum, not always so! 

It's about Learning a New Language isn't it? 

I've used the words "YO" and "Cluster" before, but never in this context. :-)

This particular book has a pattern for a bookmark...lovely.  So I decided to give it a go, and yes, I am using the size 10 crochet thread and small steel crochet hook.  I simply love that look and want to learn to thread crochet.

Here's my bookmark...

Hum, it's a little more like a U-Shape, I think I forgot a side.

Looks like another piece I'll just have to use for an embellishment on a collage.

Then, I hear dishcloths are supposed to be easy, so I get a little book on dishcloths.

Of course I pick out the one that is the most involved, but I think it turned out OK and I loved the colors in this yarn.

Now, I'm back to the thread crochet, only this time I'm using a size 3 instead of a size 10 yarn,  so it's a little easier to follow for the first time.  This is supposed to be a pattern for pretty, lacy looking coasters yet with the bigger yarn it's a little bulkier so I think I'm going to use the new term my friend Judy taught me and call it a "mug matt." :-) 

And finally, I'd like to send out a big thank you to 

Cynthia at Galerie 46 for sending me a lovely "housewarming package" of home decorating and garden magazines from Germany and some yummy German Chocolate!  

Also, thank you to my friend Becky Shander for sending me this lovely nature inspired necklace she made as a welcome to my new, "happy raindrops" home.

  Thank you Becky! 

So, there you have it...

I've been a little stuck on crochet and learning the new language lately and that's been the extent of my creating. 

I look forward to stopping by to see what kind of creating each of you are up to! 

For those that are celebrating, have a safe and happy Independence Day! 

Becca