For all those who have just taken up crochet – whether you have crocheted in the past and have been “away” from it for a while, or you have just begun to learn the art – I want to talk to you today about the sorts of things you might like to consider when deciding what to make.  At this stage in your crochet life, you don’t want to be getting yourself into bother by choosing projects with too much shaping, or by choosing intricate patterns that you are not yet familiar with.

I want you to really enjoy your craft, so you need to be relaxed and at peace as you do it.  The rhythm of the hook in your hands as you create the pattern is really very therapeutic, but only if you are able to relax into it.  You will do your best work and get the most enjoyment out of it, if you crochet easy – that is, relaxed and peaceful.

So what sort of easy crochet projects should you look at?  The best starter projects are those which can be made from basic square or rectangular shapes crocheted in basic stitches.  You can do all sorts of things with work such as this.  Just to get your creative juices flowing, here are a few I have thought of:

• A simple ‘tote’ made of 1 rectangular piece, lined with something sensuous, colorful, cute, or otherwise interesting, with a pair of handles, perhaps in wood, or bamboo, or anything else that takes your fancy

• Ditto in a much smaller version, but lined with a light, washable plastic or terylene (shower curtain material), and including a clasp – would make a lovely make-up purse

• A scarf in soft, fine yarn – do it on a big hook and make it light as a feather

• You could make some pretty pot holders in a good cotton yarn – easily washable and always handy – just remember to pad them so they are heat-proof!

• How about a lovely bookmark, crocheted quite tightly, in a silky yarn with a soft sheen – you could put some pretty embroidery on it

• Or how about making a simple stuffed toy with various rectangles and squares for some little person you love?

Okay, now it’s your turn.  What wonderful things will you think up?  What wonderful things will you make?  I am sure you will easily find something that you will really love to do – whether it is for yourself or to give away as a special gift to someone who is special to you.  I hope you enjoy all of the creative process and that you will crochet easy as you go!

While you are here, have a really good look at what is available for you – lots of things to help you at each stage of your journey with crochet.  The most important resource, though, is the book, “The Official Guide To Crochet”, which comes with some really great extras.  This book is a ‘must have’.