Annie’s Craft Classes, I’m Learning to Crochet!!
I’m trying to do something that doesn’t involve the computer. Seriously, I live with this laptop on my knees. I need some off-line time! I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review a class from Annie’s Crafts. With such a great selections of classes to choose from, it was hard to decide! Knitting, crochet, beading, sewing, quilting and even jewelry making!! I finally chose crochet because I didn’t have the patience or time to learn from my Grandma Jones, the queen of crochet, I regretted that now. Turns out Annie’s on-line class is the next best thing!! Perhaps even better, because when I get frustrated I can turn off the computer and come back later and no one has hurt feelings! Talk about a win, WIN situation!
Learn to Crochet is taught by Ellen Gormley, from the second Ellen appears on the screen you can tell she has patience and a passion for crochet. Ellen speaks clearly and slow enough to follow along without having to hit pause every 2 minutes!!
Ellen starts the class with instructions about selecting your yarn. Turns out this is a really important step. I admit it, I am stubborn and I tend to do what I want, regardless of the suggestions from the experts!! Ellen suggested that you learn to crochet with a light color yarn. Ohhh Ellen, why? When this olive green is sooo pretty!! Yea… well… turns out you really CAN’T see the stitches that well in a dark color.
Ellen touches on every aspect of crochet, from finding the end of the yarn to the stitches. At one point Ellen says “Sometimes you can find the end of the yarn easily and sometimes you can’t”
Ohhhh sooooo true!!! Check out my rats nest of knots while I tried to find the ends. Yea…. I’m going with ‘sometimes it’s not’
Another suggestion that Ellen makes is to practice for 5 minutes at a time so you don’t get frustrated and give up. VERY smart advice. My first few attempts were not great at ALL. I would crochet a couple of rows and pull it out and start over. To the left are a couple of my first attempts.
I was so frustrated not being able to see my stitches I decided to take Ellen’s advice and bought a lighter color yarn.
I have to say this is MUCH easier to work with!! Look at those stitches!! Oh Ellen, you are so smart!!
Now before you get all excited I have to zoom out and show you the whole swatch. It makes me giggle when I look at it, I think there are a couple of stitches in there I think I totally invented, but, all in all I’m really excited!!
Crocheting is rather addicting!! I find I can’t wait to pick it up and practice again! I can see why my Grandma enjoyed this so much!!
Things that are truly helpful with Annie’s classes are, first if I have a question I can ask an instructor who will get back to you with an answer ASAP!! I LOVE that!! Next favorite feature is the notes area. I can type a note that stays with my class. For instance I wanted to pick up at a certain time in the video, I typed the time in the notes area and ta-da I picked up right where I left off last time. I also made notes about which stitches I need to practice with the most. Which stitch I enjoyed the most.
The learning to crochet class comes with 5 projects that are in PDF form and I can download and print out if I want. (Not that I feel ready to try anything other than this amazing blanket for a Barbie doll. Just agree with me… it’s a Barbie blanket. AND BARBIE will LOVE it!!
Since the class is mine, I can watch and re-watch and then watch again ANYTIME I WANT TO!!! I can pause and rewind whenever I need to do. The instructor shows crocheting from the front and from above. Making it very easy to follow along. Ellen crochets slow enough to follow, but not so slow that your bored. Truly perfect for learning.
Ellen shows each of the stitches a couple of times. Ellen shows crocheting with your right hand and then again for left handers.
Annie’s Craft Classes are discounted by 50% but, just for a short time so if you have always wanted to learn a craft do it NOW!!!
Join any of Annie’s classes and you get 20% off all products!! Again, just for a limited time. SO HURRY!! Enter EYHCl20 at check out.
http://youtu.be/qcHDMULFRKE
Take a look at some of the other class previews on YouTube
Eventually I’ll be making a this hat. Complete with the flower! Aren’t those CUTE!?!?
I give Annie’s Craft Classes 2 very enthusiastic thumbs and a crochet hook UP!! WAY UP!!
Thank you for reading! I hope to see you here tomorrow too!
Connie
Disclosure: I have received complimentary/free products for the purpose of this review and or any banners on this site. The opinions are 100% mine. I have not been influenced in any way. I am disclosing this in accordance with Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Peanut Butter And Whine.
20 Comments
brenda dwyer
really nice work your doing here! I wish you all the luck in the world with it…me myself, not so much, lol..I dont have the patience anymore or the coordination to do this i tried it years ago…just wasnt happening, maybe if I was a righty instead of a lefty it wouldnt be such a challenge!
Susan Smith
Sounds fun, I haven’t learned how to crochet yet, taking lessons online sounds great, as you can do it when you want to.
Nena Sinclair
Crochet is so beautiful! Unfortunately, I have a badly crippled hand from an accident, so it’s not an option for me. I do love it, though!
Sue Hull
I think I’m going to learn how to crochet instead of knitting. I’ve been wanting to learn how to knit for yrs but it’s a little harder than I thought. I’m going to need to go to an actual class to learn knitting. I’m going to check out the crochet video. That’s a cute Barbie blanket.My nieces would love that. My sister makes beautiful quilts and my youngest sister is an artist,just as a hobby.I’m not artistic at all. I know I could learn to crochet. Thank you for the idea 🙂
Kitty
Crocheting looks like a cool hobby! My aunt loves it!
Alicia K
i want to learn to crochet! how cool!
Connie Gruning
I can’t believe how easy it is to follow the class on line!! Annie’s really has talented teachers!
ANN*H
I didnt know that the darker colors where harder to find the ends . Never thought of that.
The first time I tried to knit a vest I used navy blue yarn. It turned out okay but I never wore it . I gave it to someone who would wear it. thanks for the learning
Lisa Brown
You did a decent job of your crocheting. I am not that good and don’t have much patience with it, but I keep working on it.
ANN*H
I tried this in high school – did so so but I never really liked to knit. I would rather sew my quilts . thanks for the info
Connie Gruning
Quilting! You have lots of patience! Quilts are so beautiful. I still have one very old one that was torn up I framed some of it, that way I could keep it forever.
Veronica Vasquez
I’m not really crafty, but this sounds great for those who are! 🙂
Connie Gruning
I can’t believe how addicting this is. I can’t wait for a slow download so I can do a couple of stitches. LOL!!
Diane K. Brimmer
Thanks for sharing. I always love a new project.
Connie Gruning
Somehow I knew you would be a crocheter. Do you knit too??
Laura
I love crafting, I’ve been trying to learn to crochet and knit on and off for a long time, right now I’m focused on knitting mostly.
Connie Gruning
I think knitting will be my next class. But first I will master this crocheting! I WILL. I think …. no … I will!! LOL!
Donna Martin
i’m not so good with this crafty thing..but my mom is so good
Connie Gruning
I’m the opposite. I am NOT the crafty one in the family and my daughters….WOWOWOW!! So talented!
Mya Murphy
I’m not very crafty and have no desire to do this, but keep up the good work 🙂