I wonder if I can crochet again?

[pengillian101]

I certainly would love to. I gave away all my yarn, crochet hooks, bags and patterns - & etc. - after my stroke and my left side went to hell and back again and around the corner.

I'm right handed and think I could still hold the yarn in my left fingers - what say you crocheters - am I dreaming? I ---slowly type--- use my left fingers.

And where in the world would I even start to shop online for yarn, patterns, etc.?

I have two new grand nephew babies in the family and I'd like to make some fun things for them, just like I used to do for their parents.

Any and all help would be very appreciated! :-)

[kcass1954]

1. I'd certainly give it a try. I'm not a professional, but that might help

your motor skills. Start with a hook that's just a little bigger - maybe H or I - and a skein of cheap yarn, and try making 10-12" squares using single and double crochet stitches. And when you're ready to do a real project, check out this website for tons of free patterns - http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/index.php .

Do you have Joann's or Michael's nearby? They both have yarn and related supplies. And if you sign up for their email newsletters, you'll get coupons (usually 40-50% off).

[pengillian101]

5. Thanks for the encouragement!

Great patterns! I'm on my first project. A simple pillow. It's going better than I thought :-)

Just for fun, I've been looking at old crochet patterns. Here's a "groovy site" that hasn't been updated in 10 years. But she posted some great old patterns from early 1970's.

Here's a dress and cap that was popular. Lots of 'groovy' links at the site.

http://web.archive.org/web/20001202235400/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/41-111hat.html

[lisa58]

2. Yes you can - your brain will rewire as you try...

...it will be slow at first, but I bet you'll get blankets made for your new grand nephews.

You can shop online to get everything you need at:

Annie's Attic
Hershners
Lion Brand

They all sell kits as well as yarn and supplies separately.

Most yarn companies have their own website with patterns - lots of them are free and can be downloaded right away.

I'm sure everyone else in this group will have great info for you.

Try it, and don't allow yourself to get frustrated - it sounds like you've been through enough - time to do something you love.

Let us know how you do.

lisa58

[bicentennial_baby]

4. I've been reading about creating new neural pathways

via learning or re-learning a handcraft. Fascinating

[pengillian101]

6. Thanks for the encouragement!

I'm on my first project. A simple pillow. It's going better than I thought :-)

Just for fun, I've been looking at old crochet patterns. Here's a "groovy site" that hasn't been updated in 10 years. But she posted some great old patterns from early 1970's.

http://web.archive.org/web/20001009132130/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/21-20.html

[pengillian101]

7. Thanks for that!

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm on my first project. A simple pillow. It's going better than I thought :-)

Just for fun, I've been looking at old crochet patterns. Here's a "groovy site" that hasn't been updated in 10 years. But she posted some great old patterns from early 1970's.

Lots of 'groovy' links at the site.

http://web.archive.org/web/20001202235400/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/41-111hat.html

[pengillian101]

8. Thanks, lisa58!

I directed my response to you incorrectly earlier. Yes, it's going better than I thought.

I am making a simple pillow to start in single crochet. Just a couple hours went by quick and it looks good - straight edges and all.

Next pillow, I was thinking to match an afghan I made decades ago, and still use because it is so beautiful. It's done in a basket-weave crochet stitch and for the life of me, I couldn't recall how to do it.

Voila - what a great thing youtube is. Instant pics and live reminder instructions.

Thanks for your encouragement!

I am intrigued once again with crochet, thanks to you all. :hi:
**********************

Just for fun, here's a hippy's old crochet site. Fun stuff. I used to crochet non-stop and made many clothes, gifts, furnishings, etc. Wow, what odd fashions we thought were all that. I never did care for granny squares.


http://web.archive.org/web/20001202224800/

http://web.archive.org/web/20001001175017/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/pants.html

[lisa58]

10. That's great news - I'm so glad you're enjoying it...

...Thanks for posting the links, I love the websites. I actually bought the pattern of the big poncho and pants on ebay a couple of years ago (which is another good place to browse patterns). I never made it because I always want to lose 10 pounds before I make something for myself (it's probably 20lbs now) and now the big ponchos are out of style (I guess they'll come back again someday).

I never even think of YouTube for instructions, I'll have to check that out.

Oh, and one more thing, I'm with you on the granny squares!

[pengillian101]

11. Oh, and one more thing, I'm with you on the granny squares!

Truly, did anyone ever think this was cute? ;-)

http://web.archive.org/web/20010306050619/

[lisa58]

12. ...and that isn't even the worst - though it is very close!

[eShirl]

3. crochetville forums is a great resource

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/

free patterns, crochet-a-longs, and lots of fellow crocheters of all abilities and backgrounds

[pengillian101]

9. Wow, what a great site!

Thanks so much :hi:

[Warpy]

13. If I can knit a sweater with one hand in a cast

I think you'll manage crochet.

I used to jam the non working needle between my knees and knit backwards, since it was my right hand in the cast.

I did a whole sweater that way, usually a 2 week project that took 6 weeks and then the cast finally came off.

[snappyturtle]

14. I just went into Etsy and found 2390 entries for crochet patterns!

Most I saw were very reasonably priced. Take a peek:

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=supplies&search_query=crochet+patterns

[pengillian101]

15. Thanks for the link!

Wow, just look at some of those finished pieces and the prices they are asking.........thousands of dollars for crocheted items called art (not craft).

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=crochet+

Oh, by the way, a pal of mine happened upon a knitter who had bags and bags of yarn she was happy to give away. Guess she doesn't knit anymore. I have 3 tall kitchen bags of new yarn to use. Yippy, skippy! And, ha, she said she had much more when I run out of yarn. Oh my, if I should live so long :-)