Okay, show of hands, how many of you are under a state mandated quarantine?
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| Image from Pixabay: Kaz. |
I hope you're all doing well. It's not easy being cooped up and feeling locked away from our support systems. Remember, you can always reach out to friends and family virutaly. Also, there are no rules about actually leaving the house. You're just not supposed to congregate and be within six feet of people you aren't already around on a daily basis inside your home.
This means you're free to go for walks outside. Don't add to the feeling of cabin fever by being afraid of going outside!
Another way to help boost your mental health is to learn something knew. As March is National Craft Month, a new crafting hobby might be just your thing! I recently took up crochet --Okay, a coworker went on vacation and didn't tell me what her program was, nor that I was filling in for her, and I learned on the fly how to crochet a basic chain--and I've been hooked (pun intended) ever since.
There are some really neat projects you can make with crochet! Personally, I'm most interested in the cute little creatures referred to as Amigurumi. But I was super intimidated by the books I checked out from my library (patterns are super weird looking) and decided to just watch simple YouTube videos to teach me the basics.
With some yarn provided by one of the library patrons that taught me how to crochet, I've started a blanket for my daughter. It's a little crooked, and I missed a few stitches here and there, but I think she'll love it once it's finished.
But if you're interested, here are a few of the other tutorials I've been watching and a couple of the projects I'm looking forward to starting!
B.Hooked
Crochet & Knitting [Username]. (2018, April 5). How to Crochet in the
Round: Starting Methods: Magic Ring, Chain Method. [Video File]. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7M133vWziI
Special Features:
YouTube
provides closed captioning and the ability to slow down the playback speed
(which makes it much easier to watch and attempt at the same time and requires
less pausing and replaying). I also like that I can make the video full screen
if I want to (which helps with the small details of crocheting). The video
creator also lists several links in the video description that lead to a
left-hand tutorial (which is very important with crochet! If you’re watching
the wrong handed tutorial you will be lost. Trust me.), a full video guide on
“crocheting in the round”, the creator’s blog and knitting channel.
Audience Recommendations:
This
tutorial was created for beginning crocheters, and as a beginner, I feel that
this is an adequate description. Crochet requires some honed fine motor skills
and patience. I would recommend ages 8+ if they’re intended to use the tutorial
to begin crocheting. However, I’m sure there are some younger kiddos that have
what it takes! The video itself doesn’t have anything vulgar or inappropriate.
Comparison:
Crochet Guru [Username]. (2012, December 6). Crochet Magic Circle-
Stitch Guide. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEq48ABHRZo&list=PLFNuxc-rxC7RMPLcjl_NGLXzq_cmRPuFR&index=3
I
actually watched this video first and fumbled and fumbled. Eventually I ended
up finding the video I used as the focus item for this because I really wanted
to know how to make a magic ring and I simply couldn’t figure it out with this
video. That’s not to say that this video is absolutely terrible. I really like
the way this creator takes the time to explain what a magic ring is and why
it’s used. She also has a section at the end that details tips for using the
magic circle. She also shows you what the written Magic Circle Pattern looks
like, which is important when you’re learning from a book or simply reading
through a shared pattern.
Top Five Current Favorites:
1. Crochet
Amigurumi Jellyfish (Quick & Easy!) Ideal for Beginners –okay so with
this one, I haven’t watched it all the way through. I stopped when I realized
that I didn’t know how to do the Magic Circle, but this is definitely a project
I want to work on and learn how to make!
2. Crochet
Amigurumi Jellyfish Keychain (SUPER FAST) Quick easy Crochet Project—I also
haven’t watched this one all the way through either, but it’s a shorter (and of
course smaller end product) or the first tutorial. I thought this one might be
more digestible with a little one in the house.
3. How
to crochet- Magic Ring (or Magic Circle) –this is another great tutorial
for how to do create a Magic Ring. It’s only three minutes long and the creator
does a great job of making her hand motions easy to follow and using key
crochet terms so that viewers learn both the terms and the motions by watching
this simple and short video!
4. How to Crochet -Easy
beginners Amigurumi Whale Tutorial –This is another tutorial I would like
to try!
5. 5 Tips For Improving Your
Amigurumi –These are great tips, and I might look up this YouTube creator
later for other projects.
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What crafty things have you been up to?
Also, a special thank you to all of you still working to keep our community healthy, safe, and fed!
