It seems that the craft of crochet is on the upswing, and that makes me happy. I learned how to crochet at camp when I was 16. I don’t even remember who taught me, but whoever she was, she taught me just the basics. The rest I learned on my own, first by looking at crochet books, and more recently by using YouTube videos. Recently, I realized that my technique is slightly off, most likely because I’m a lefty and whoever taught me wasn’t a lefty. Oh well. The vast majority of my projects still look nice. The main difference is that it takes me longer to make a stitch than it does most people. At this stage of the game, I doubt that I can change. 😉
This past year, I haven’t been crocheting as much, but recently I’ve gotten back into it. It’s both challenging, good for the brain cells, and so relaxing.
I was fascinated by a pattern that a lot of women in the Facebook crochet groups were talking about last year: the Virus shawl by Julia Marquardt. “Virus”, I wonder why she called it that? But in spite of the name, I decided to make one. Julia wrote the pattern in German, and it was translated into English. It came as a written pattern of row by row instructions, and it also had a visual pattern of the stitches. Perhaps because the English pattern was a translation, I found it very difficult to follow. When I started out, I needed to use both the written and the visual pattern. But even that wasn’t enough in the beginning. I googled “virus shawl left-handed”, and I found some videos that showed me row by row what to do. Till I got familiar with the pattern, I had to watch the video in addition to using the pattern. I’ve never had to do that before.
I would classify the virus shawl pattern as intermediate level – not because the stitches are difficult, but because the pattern is challenging to interpret and follow till you get the hang of it.
The first shawl that I made is in autumn colors, and I made it for myself.
The yarn I used was Red Heart’s Unforgettable, a 4 ply 4 weight yarn with built-in color changes. The autumn colorway is Polo. I believe I used a size 5.0mm hook (though the yarn says a 6, hmmm). According to the pattern, the shawl can be made with 3 ply, lighter weight yarn with a 4.0mm hook.
Since I had gotten the hang of the pattern, I decided to make another one that I had intended to give away.
The second one is in shades of pink and purple, and the yarn was Unforgettable Petunia.
They are both nice and cozy.
I’m on to a different shawl pattern that has 11 different colored yarns, actually mercerized cotton thread, and an interesting variety of three dimensional stitches. Stay tuned for that one in a few weeks.
Any new or experienced crocheters out there?
I love those autumn colors! My grandma tried to teach me to knit & crochet when I was a kid and I didn’t have the patience to learn. I wish I had stuck with it… perhaps it’s not too late? 🙂 Really enjoy your blog.
Thank you so much, Linny, for taking the time to comment and for your kind words! I really appreciate it. No, it’s definitely not too late to learn to crochet! There may be groups in your area where someone could show you the basics. And truly, the YT videos are great. You don’t live near Boston, do you? If you do, I’ll show you 🙂
No, I’m in Pittsburgh but that would be fun:)
Well, Pittsburgh is a bit of a drive, lol, Linny. I used to get to go to Pittsburgh on business. I am a focus group moderator, and I used to do focus groups for Stouffer’s and Giant Eagle there. It’s a very nice city!
Oh wow, you are a woman with many talent, Allison! Both looks amazing! I wish I know how to knit, sew or anything that has to do with needles and threads but I am hopeless. LOL!
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Thank you, Shireen xo My grandmother and great aunt were both experts when it came to sewing, embroidery and crochet so maybe I inherited a little something from them 😉
Allison……the shawls are beautiful. As a crocheter my self, I do know how much work goes into making these shawls. Being left handed it is very hard to crochet. My mom taught my best friend how to crochet using a mirror in front of them. She is left handed too. With today’s technology there are so many YouTube videos with step by step instructions. Everyone should learn!!! It’s so relaxing and to see your project finished is so nice and rewarding. Have a beautiful weekend. 🙋🏻💐(We are a family of crocheters! My grandmother, my mom, me, my daughter and now my granddaughters! Crocheting keeps me connected to both my mom & grandmother whose memories continue thru crocheting.)❤️
Thank you, DiEtta! Yes, even us lefties can learn, though I am having a heck of a time learning how to knit! And I agree with you 100% about connections to family through crocheting. I’m eager to see a photo of your broomstick lace project when you’re finished. My Lost In Time shawl is coming along but it sure does involve a lot of counting, and then the pattern stops giving the number of stitches once you get to the next repeat, doh!
Just beautiful – the shawl with the autumn colos is just gorgeous!!!
Thank you so much, Rachel! The autumn color shawl is my favorite too. And thanks for taking the time to weigh in xo
Beautiful! I so wish I had learned to crochet. I love the autumn colored one the best but both are really quite lovely!
Thank you, Sandy! The autumn colors are my faves too. I’ll be curious to see what you think about the new pattern I’m making now 🙂
You have talent Allyson! I have always wondered how to crochet! I like the ones you made. Maybe do a givewaway?
sorry about the typos, including your name, Allison. I am on lunch break, sneaking in all blog posts commenting….
no problem!!
Thank you, Kathryne. Crocheting is so relaxing, it’s a fun hobby. Each one took me about 3 months to do since I work on them in my spare time. I’ll have to think about the giveaway, hmmmm.
I think they are both incredible. I love the purple one because I love purples but you can see the intricacies better on the fall colored one. You do good work!!!
Thank you, Marcia!
I never learned how to crochet, but I’d like to. The shawls are beautiful!
Thank you, Cindy! It’s never to late to learn. I still have to learn how to knit