Welcome to Ten on the 10th!
I’m thrilled to begin joining nine other bloggers on the tenth of each month for ten great ideas that you can use – each for under $10!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission if you make a purchase using these links. The price you pay, however, will not be affected. Thank you for supporting To Work with My Hands. View my full disclosure here.
To kick things off this month, I’ve got a super fun product recommendation for you: the Leisure Arts Crochet Pocket Guide.
I learned to crochet over 40 years ago and have picked up skills here and there ever since. I’ve learned most new stitches and techniques from patterns I’ve followed for specific projects, but would have loved to have found a handy guide like this when I was just getting started.
Last year when I began teaching crochet classes, I knew I wanted something useful for my students. I looked for a simple, easy-to-understand guide that would be helpful for them outside of class time. That’s when I found the Crochet Pocket Guide on Amazon.
Construction
The guide is laminated with an accordion-type fold that opens up to a 12-page booklet. The design allows easy viewing of a single or multiple pages, and the laminated coating makes it durable and portable.
I’ve got lots of paper patten books that look like they’ve been through a war zone simply from the war and tear of traveling around in a soft-sided project bag. This one is made to last!
Contents
The guide begins with a brief explanation of yarn and thread sizes, followed by a listing of the abbreviations for the most common crochet stitches and instructions.
The bulk of the guide teaches you how to crochet 19 different stitches with written instructions and color-coded drawings. I especially like the color coding which makes it easy to see where new stitch steps are located within your work.
There’s also 3 pages dedicated to stitching tips that include joining, changing colors, and correct placement of various stitches.
Finally, the back page has a section that explains gauge, and a handy ruler is built right onto the edge of the guide for measuring your work.
Why I Love It
This guide is handy, durable, portable, and adequately explains basic stitches. It’s perfect for a student who needs reminders between classes, or for someone who’s learning to crochet without an instructor.
Another great feature is its economy. The guide is jam-packed with clear instructions and illustrations from cover to cover.
Most of all, I love how easy it is to grab for a quick reference. I keep my guide tucked into my project bag and use it for reference when I need to use a stitch that I haven’t used in a while, or to measure the gauge of my project.
Pros
- handy, portable size (8.1 x 4.4 inches)
- durable construction
- economical
- easy to understand written instructions
- clear illustrations
- generous basic instructions for common stitches
My Least Favorite Parts
Around 90% of the world’s population is right-handed, and here’s a prime example of how what is “normal” for the majority of people creates varying degrees of challenge for the other 10% of us.
Since I’m in the minority, I’m pretty attuned to the trait and will almost always notice when someone else is left-handed too. The guide’s illustrations quickly caught my attention when I noticed that they’re designed for right-handers.
As a seasoned crocheter, it didn’t pose a problem for me. It may, however, for a new learner who’s left-handed. (Simple solution = view the book in a mirror. This “mirror” technique of teaching face-to-face is what I use with my right-handed students.)
There’s also no discussion on how to hold the yarn or hook, which is something you should understand even before making your first stitch. That’s no problem if you have an instructor or are learning through video or online tutorials. You can learn these skills in a matter of minutes.
Finally, the foundational chain stitch isn’t addressed in this booklet either. Again, it can be learned quickly with good instruction. Nearly all of my students learn these basics (hook/yarn holding and crocheting a chain) within the first half of their beginning lesson.
Cons
- Illustrations assume student is right-handed
- no discussion on how to hold yarn and hook
- no instruction for the basic chain stitch
In Conclusion
Whether you’re just getting started, have been crocheting for a while, or are getting your interest piqued, the Leisure Arts Crochet Pocket Guide is a valuable addition to your project basket. It provides novice instruction as well as reference material for more experienced crocheters. After learning the skills in this guide, you’ll have no problem reading a wide range of pattern books for specific projects.
I LOVE to Crochet
Crocheting is my very favorite handcraft. It’s relaxing, rewarding, requires minimal materials, is inexpensive, and can be carried along most anywhere.
Working with yarn and hook forces me to sit down and rest, all while creating something beautiful. I’ve stitched away hundreds of hours on the couch, the road, in waiting rooms, and even on vacations.
I’ve made dozens of afghans and projects both for my own children and as gifts for family and friends, and have even been hired to crochet specific projects.
I love the minimal supply list. All you need is a hook, some yarn, a pattern (if you want one), and the desire to craft something beautiful.
Best of all, creating something with my own hands is simply rewarding. Having pieces that last for years – sometimes with lots of memories bound in the stitching – is a personal keepsake that becomes even more special with time.
What about You?
What are your thoughts on crocheting? Do you crochet? What are your favorite projects? Do you want to learn? Leave a comment below and let us know!
For more crocket inspiration, follow my Crochet board on Pinterest.
Now that you’ve got your crafty fix, be sure to visit these ladies who have more great ideas for you:
Live Creatively,
Hi! I learned to crochet with my Granny years ago, but it’s been awhile since I’ve picked up a needle! You make me want to try again. That guide would be priceless! Especially to jog my memory.
Hi Tammy,
If your memories are anything like mine, they’re priceless – and the great thing about crochet is it’s a lot like riding a bike: once you know, you never really forget. You may get a little rusty, but you can catch back up quickly. And for me, we’re headed into the time of year that crocheting is at its coziest! Hope you enjoy a few projects soon too!
The left-handed struggle is so real. I have never learned to crochet despite numerous attempts by family members to show me. (all right handed)
At this point, I have resigned myself to the reality that I will never crochet. I’m okay with this.
Have a great week.
Hey Lisa,
Glad to meet another lefty. Take heart – we’re supposedly the more creative lot, and there’s tons of ways to be creative! 🙂
I wish I knew how to crochet. I done needlepoint for years, but never crochet or knitting. I bet it’s a relaxing hobby and could produce so many cute and useful items. Maybe one day, I’ll take a leap and start this new endeavor. Thanks for sharing your hobby and your review.
Hi Carol,
You know, I say the same thing about knitting. I’ve never learned but it’s on my list.
Crocheting is relaxing and enjoyable. I’m glad you’ve been inspired to maybe consider taking it up.
Thanks for coming by. I loved participating in Ten on the 10th with you ladies! Have a great week!
Karen, I have never tried to crochet but my granddaughter was trying to teach herself! Now I can give her this guide if she is still interested. Perhaps she can teach me! My MIL crocheted and I have many of the doilies that she made. And a few months ago, I saw the most gorgeous crocheted tablecloth at a lunch that my church was having. That would make an amazing project!
Hi Jane,
That’s exciting. I love seeing kids get interested in learning to crochet.
My great aunt made lots of doilies and tablecloths. I marveled at the detail and incredible amount of work that went into them.
Personally, I prefer projects with yarn, rather than crochet thread, but I so admire the skill that goes into those projects. I’ve tried a few myself (monogram doilies that can be framed) and from that experience grew to appreciate just how amazing those projects are. They definitely require a good bit of patience and my hat is off to those who put the work into them.
Thanks for visiting, Jane. 🙂
Hi Karen,
What a great review and inspiration for everyone to give crocheting a whirl. I have dabbled in the art of crocheting all my life and I have way too many unfinished pieces. Maybe you have motivated me to get going!
Jemma
Hi Jemma,
Well, if unfinished pieces were a measuring stick, I’d be in trouble! I’ve got a few of those right now. That ecru afghan pictured above took 19 years to finish! I started it in 1997 when my mom was first diagnosed with cancer. It gave me something to do in the hospital and waiting rooms. Of course, I didn’t work on it consistently. It spent quite a few years just sitting. Last year I made it my goal to get it done! I picked it back up at the beginning of January and by month’s end it was finally finished. It’s nice and heavy and one of my favorites to curl up with.
My best advice: just have fun. When it stops being fun, put it down. Sometimes I get busy too and forget it until the day I get that urge to move those hooks and feel the yarn again. Then there never seems to be enough time – I don’t even want to put it down.
Thanks for coming by, Jemma. It’s nice to visit with you again. 🙂
Great resource book, Karen! I’ll have to send the link to my niece who is just starting out with crocheting and already is doing a fantastic job at it. Like you, I am a lefty and actually was taught right-handed years ago. Never thought about the mirror trick, great idea!
Hi Lisa,
This is really fascinating to me because I keep running into more and more blogging pals who are left-handed. I’ve done a little peeking around about the trait and, although statistics aren’t absolutes, a lot of what I read seems to indicate that lefties tend to be more creative. I know that isn’t always the case, but i found that interesting.
Interestingly, I do quite a few things right-handed. I guess it must go back to how I was taught as a child, but the most basic of things definitely require my left hand.
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa. It’s always nice to visit with you! 🙂
One of my best friends is a great crochet girls. She is always trying to get me on board. Now I will have a good resource to try it on my own. Thanks!
There’s no time like the present! 🙂
It’s really a fun and relaxing pursuit, Patti. Some try it and find it not to their liking, but those who do discover a lifetime hobby that’s great for creative expression.
Thanks for coming by.
How cool we’re both lefties – you know we think in our right mind!! I’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet but it never happened. My grandma tried to teach me but I never got past the chain. I remember her smiling and saying it’s okay you have other talents. Kind of a “Bless your Heart moment” However how that I’m wiser I may have to give this a try. Thanks for this it helped a lot.
I thought that was pretty cool too. I found out some really interesting things about lefties when I decided to do a little reading on the topic. It seems we do think differently than right-handers. Two of our boys are left-handed with me and they’re our most “determined” kids. Of course the fact that they’re males probably adds another dimension, but it’s interesting that there’s a definite difference.
I know people who say the same thing about crocheting. The chain works, but nothing seems to work past that. Sometimes it just doesn’t click, and that’s okay. I’ve had a few students who tried it out and decided it wasn’t for them, and I’ve had some who struggled, but had the desire to learn it anyway. It’s a lot like any other creative pursuit – it appeals to some, but not to others.
I always love a good “Bless your Heart” moment. I imagine your grandma was one amazing lady!
How fun! I used to crochet when I was a kid. I remember sitting with my Granny while she would crochet blankets. That really would be a fun thing to pick up again. What is the top picture that you are making? Looks like a pretty scarf.
Great review and very motivating. Thanks for sharing today. 🙂
Hey Stacey!
There’s some pretty fond and sweet memories with these Grannies and Grandma’s, isn’t there? It was mine who first taught me to crochet (an in-school class my 2nd grade year finished the work of “hooking” me – wow, what a pun, huh?)
There’s a really interesting story to that mauve piece. Quite a few years ago (when mauve was so popular) my mom asked her crocheting aunt to make an afghan for her. She chose that yarn and a pattern and gave it to her aunt. Somewhere along the way my great-aunt’s eyesight began to fail and she never finished the project. After her death, my mom got the yarn and pattern back and asked me to make it for her. I was a little stumped because you simply can’t pick up someone else’s work. Even with the same pattern, everyone’s work will be even slightly different.
So I did the unthinkable. I ripped the work out (horrid actions for the sentimental) and began again. It was just some diamond-patterned popcorn stitch squares stitched together, but that pattern gave me fits! It wasn’t particularly difficult, but something about it just wasn’t working. I got to the point of dreading the work, which is never good, so I put it aside.
Then, my mom got very ill with her final battle with cancer and passed away herself. That was nearly 7 years ago, and until last year the yarn just sat in my storage box. After a long while of not even picking up a hook, I decided last year I wanted to work on a new project and pulled out that yarn. I found an afghan pattern that I liked, and set to work. It’s still in progress. 🙂
(Just so you don’t think I’m the worst daughter ever, I did crochet my mom a couple of hats at her request after she permanently lost her hair. She wore them during those final weeks and I was thankful to have had the blessing of making something that brought her comfort.)