We All Need to be Lifelong Learners!
Are you a crocheter who is a lifelong learner? Are you seeking to expand your skills and delve into the endless possibilities of crochet? If not, this blog post is tailor-made for you.
We’ll explore topics that go beyond the mere creation of beautiful pieces, focusing on fostering a mindset of continuous learning in the captivating world of hooks and yarn. From embracing novel stitches and staying abreast of evolving trends to connecting with dynamic crochet communities and chronicling your unique creative expedition, this post aims to guide you in becoming a crocheter who thrives on perpetual growth.
Let’s Dive In!
Tip # 1: Explore New Stitches and Techniques
So, you know those basic stitches you love? How about giving something new a shot?
Cables are like a crochet rollercoaster, lace patterns are a bit of a yarn ballet, and Tunisian crochet is like a secret crochet handshake – trust me, it’s awesome once you try it!
I get it, trying new techniques can be a bit overwhelming, but no worries! You have me at your back to learn from! Over the weeks and months coming I will be your guide.
I have all the plans to focus on introducing you to new techniques and more.
Plus, you will have the opportunity to learn live from me too. So, keep watching!
Tip #2: Stay Updated with Trending Patterns and Styles:
Now – let’s talk about how the crochet world is always changing, evolving, and staying faster than you think!
New trends and styles are coming at us seasonally and sometimes even monthly! Dive into the latest patterns and see what tickles your creative fancy. Here are some ways to shake it up with what is trending and hot at the moment:
- Maybe play around with funky color combos
- Give unconventional yarns a spin
- Tweak those traditional patterns to whip up something one-of-a-kind that speaks to you and your style
- Purchase a pattern from a new designer that looks completely out of your league (I would bet that it is simpler than you think)
- Ask your teen / Young adult kids to look at patterns in a crochet magazine, Etsy, or even Ravelry, and try out something that they pick out for you.
Being open to what’s hot and trendy in the crochet scene keeps those creative juices flowing like a river of yarn. It’s all about embracing the now and adding your spin to it.
Tip # 3: Join Crochet Communities and Workshops
Did you know that there is a lot of learning power in a crochet community? Have you found your crochet fam yet?
Whether being inspired at in-person meet-ups or hanging out in online groups and forums, connecting with fellow crocheters is like tapping into a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration.
Plus, hitting up live workshops or jumping into online classes (maybe even joining MY Zoom sessions!) gives you some killer structured learning opportunities.
Being part of this crochet squad creates a supportive environment that’s perfect for continuous growth and learning. So, reach out, connect with your fellow yarn enthusiasts, and let’s keep this crochet community vibe strong and thriving! And you just may find your Crochet BFF too!
Tip #4: Document and Reflect on Your Crochet Journey
Here’s a cool idea for you – consider keeping a crochet journal or setting up an online blog to chronicle your crochet journey.
Use this space to:
- jot down your projects
- note the challenges you faced
- celebrate those sweet triumphs
- and even write about why something didn’t turn out the way you thought.
It’s like creating a personal record of your growth as a crocheter. Taking a trip down memory lane by reflecting on your past work offers insights into areas for improvement and lets you revel in the progress you’ve made.
This is something I wish I had done all those years ago when I got started in my crochet adventures!
It’s a great way to track skills learned, favorite patterns, and ideas for future projects, too!
Remember, the journey of lifelong crochet learning is not just about acquiring skills but also about embracing the joy of sharing and growing together within the crochet family.
I am so glad you are a part of my journey!! I am a crochet lifelong learner too!
Tell me in the comments
- What has resonated with you in this post?
- Have you done any of these things?
- What worked?
- What are you willing to try?
I want to hear it all!
My New Year resolution is to go beyond my comfort zone of what I know to crochet. I dislike making dolls because of the piecing, stuffing, and sewing. I am now working on two bears for the Mother Bear project. I love the look of crochet cables and want to learn so bought a book. I also have a crochet a stitch day calendar. I have yet to try a stitch but am eager to do so. Over the 55 years of crocheting, my go to fun is to make granny squares to make blankets to donate. Have donated many over the years.
Hi Anna! I am so glad you posted! I am so glad you have chosen to step out of your comfort zone! That is something I am trying to do this year too!
I will be doing a couple of blog posts soon on cables and also offer a class later this year on cables so watch for it! Cables are so much fun once you understand how they work!
I enjoy learning new stitches and techniques.
Hi Carleen! I am so glad you popped in and posted!
I will be blogging and doing videos on both new stitches and techniques as well as classes coming up! So stay tuned!
Tell me some techniques you would like to learn!
I love the idea of trying new techniques and expanding my skills. Also, since I like to give handmade gifts, the idea of staying up on current trends is essential. I want to give gifts they’ll actually use or wear.
Hi Audrey! YAY for wanting to expand your skills! Stay up on current trends is a good thing too! :). So glad you weighed in.
I’m a lifelong learner. My mother taught me to crochet the chain, and single crochet as that is all she knew. I loved it and wanted to do more, so went to my Zayre department store and found a book and learned more stitches. That was 55 years ago, and now, with the internet, YouTube, etc the changes are endless. It seems like every day someone, somewhere is reinventing the crochet wheel! And the yarns today are nothing like they were then. A few years ago thru my job, I learned tons about natural fibers, weights, etc. It’s an evolution of the world we love. To take a ball of yarn, thread, whatever, and make it into something beautiful, useful, caring, to me touches my soul.
Hi Jane! Thanks so much for chiming in! And I agree with you, in my 50 years of crochet, so much has changed, and with the internet, we can learn even more! It used to be just me and my Nonna!!:)
Learn something new. Alter the pattern you have.
HI Louise! Thanks for chiming in! Are these the things that resonated with you? If so, I am so glad that they did! Let me know if you use them! 🙂
I have done it all. I miss the CGOA Conferences which provided opportunities to satisfy all the steps.
Hi Anna! I am so glad you checked in! I agree I miss the original Chain Link Conferences. I haven’t been a member for quite a few years now, and I keep hoping something will pop up that gives us that same vibe again!
I am definitely a lifelong learner! I love to attend crochet events and classes and learn as much as I can. I also will learn from magazines and books as well. If I walk away having learned one or two skills from a class it is so worth it!! Then it is up to me to put what I’ve learned to use together with my already learned crochet skills and let those creative ideas flow. Since Covid I have not yet gotten back to any formal crochet groups that meet or gone to any conferences but hope to soon, I really miss being with fellow crocheters and the excitement in the air of all that is new and fresh in the yarn and fiber industry.
HI Karen! I feel you on that missing being with fellow crocheters! I did finally join a local group here. But the large events and all the excitement are what boost me!!