I love to teach Learn to Crochet classes at my local independent yarn store, The Galt House of Yarn. It is a really great experience and one I hope I don’t ever have to stop. (Of course things have been paused due to COVID-19, but I am planning for the future and am trying to get some WIPS done to have more project options for teaching.) The course usually spans 3 classes, one per week over 3 weeks. On the last night after the all the lovely ladies (I have only had ladies thus far, even though men are absolutely welcome) after they have completed their cowl we have a bit of an inspiration session.
I usually bring two HUGE bags of different projects I have completed over the years that cover as many different types of crochet techniques as possible. That said, I feel that the important part of the “show and tell” is to encourage these ladies with the scope of possibilities they now have. To show them just how much you can do with chaining, single crochet and double crochet. There is usually general feeling by many ladies in the course that they are still so inexperienced that they could never do anything that looks really beautiful with only these three stitches. Well, I feel it is my mission to disprove that narrative!!!!
And so here is a list of my favourite crochet blogs (in addition to my own little corner of the world I am trying to grow) and with each listing is a brief listing of the type of patterns you can find here and if the blog has patterns that newly skilled crocheters can undertake to conquer.
Without further ado…
- Mama in a Stitch – Level: Learn to Crochet / Easy – lots of fantastic free patterns that are simple yet beautiful. Lots of easy and stylish clothing. I do have to say that this is my most favourite blog / designer. Her projects are both easy and beautiful. Her patterns are well written with lots of step by step instructions and pictures. I have done a great many projects from this designer.
This is the Chai pillow from Mama in a Stitch. It is reasonably quick and very easy, but just looks very elegant. Change up the colours for different styles and looks! Just learned to crochet, this is a fantastic pattern to try! - Lilla Bjorn – Level: Intermediate and Advanced – a number of free patterns and lots of patterns using advanced techniques like overlay crochet and mosaic crochet (a bit of Corner2corner crochet as well). Very beautiful projects. Clothing and lots of mandalas, blankets and cushions. This is my second favourite and quite frankly it was hard not to say this was a co-#1 with mama in a stitch. Her patterns are well written with lots of step by step instructions and pictures.
- Hooked on Homemade Happiness – Level: Easy and Intermediate – Lots of easy and free patterns for accessories and sweaters / tops. I love the clothing options on her site and well written patterns.
- Make and Do Crew – Level: Easy and Intermediate – lots of great free patterns that are simple and beautiful. Clothing and accessories. Lots of C2C crochet if you are interested in that technique. This is a fantastic blog to grab some patterns to move forward with after the Learn to Crochet class.
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This shawl is from Mama in a Stitch. I made mine larger by continuing in the pattern for longer. Of course… that meant I needed more yarn! As you can see the rooms in my house now share utility as we are all home due to COVID-19. My office printer; the cat; the kids train set and of course my crochet! Daisy Farm Craft – Level: Easy and intermediate – lots of free gingham and plaid patterns for blankets and baby sweaters. Do you love blankets? This is the place to go! The designer has lots and LOTS of blankets. Many are ready for you to try after the Learn to crochet class and some will challenge you to move further to develop your crochet skills. Don’t worry she has lots of step by step instructions and videos.
- Hopeful Honey – Level: Intermediate and Advanced – lots of free clothing patterns. I love her patterns they are so stylish and innovative. Some techniques are more advanced, but some patterns are very easy, but by looking at the picture you would never know it!
This is the Malia Cowl from Yarn and Chai. This is a bit more advanced, but once you get the hang of it, it works up very nicely. Great gift idea! - All About Ami – Level: Beginner through Advanced – some nice easy and intermediate patterns that are free. She designs amigurami, cardigans, hats, scarfs and other things too.
- Whistle and Ivy – Level: Easy and intermediate – lots of free patterns for little figures, household accessories and clothing accessories.
- Moogly – Level: Easy, intermediate and Advanced – a huge wealth of free patterns, tutorials, tips and techniques at this blog. Lots of clothing, accessories and other things too.
- Sewrella – Level: Easy and intermediate – lots of free patterns for little figures, household accessories and clothing accessories.
- Yarn and Chai – Level: Intermediate and Advanced – a great wealth of hats, cowls, scarves and blankets. Very beautiful work but the technique can be challenging at times. A great place to grow your skills!
This is the Banksia Shawl. The designer is Look at What I Made. - Stitching Together – Level: Easy and intermediate – lots of free patterns for little figures, household accessories and clothing accessories.
- Kristen Holloway Designs – Level: Intermediate – Beautiful free easy and intermediate patterns. Lots of clothing accessories.
- Look At What I Made – Level: Intermediate – home of the famous Sophie’s Universe Blanket and the Banksia Shawl. She has a few other very pretty free patterns.While we are waiting for the end of the social distancing, why not try as few of the sites above to give you something to do. Not to mention, Anne of the Galt House of Yarn is still shipping orders from her online store! Not to mention…have you seen some of the new yarns she has brought in! If you haven’t, you have got to check them out.
Enjoy,
