Teaching handicrafts

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • November 15, 2008 at 4:10 am
    mudagoose
    Member

    Hi Ladies,

    I would love for my 9 yr. old daughter, and myself, to learn crochet. I have seen The Mary Frances books and a book by Flora Klickmann for girls to learn this skill, but wondered if any of you have used these or if there are other books that you would recommend. I definitely need something for beginners and, hopefully, something that would inspire me. I don’t want to build us up for this and become easily discouraged because I don’t have a good “tutorial”. For those of you who have learned on your own or learned alongside your daughters, could you give me any suggestions?

    Thanks!

    November 15, 2008 at 7:14 pm
    Karen Smith
    Moderator

    I’m not a very crafty person but several years ago I wanted to learn to crochet to make an afghan for my son. I picked up an inexpensive booklet in the craft section at the store. The book is called Learn to Crochet in Just One Day by Jean Leinhauser. I found the directions and illustrations easy to follow. Once you learn the basics there are seven projects in the book including a doll dress, several different afghans, potholders, and a simple baby bonnet.

    I’m not sure how this book compares with the others you mentioned but for me it was just right.

    November 16, 2008 at 12:24 pm
    Gem
    Participant

    I learned to crochet as a girl from my grandma, and my daughter recently learned from myself and her grandma, so I have never practiced from a book, but I recently saw a book with some fantastic step by step photos for beginners. It was by Mary Jane Butters and it may have been called The Stitching Room. Google her and you will find her lovely website and can probably figure out which book it is and get it from the library.

    The photos were so large and clear and simple – I remember thinking how great it would be to have them as a model when learning to crochet.

    Mary Jane Butters is so amazing, and she gives lauds to homeschoolers all the time in her books and magazines. Farmgirls unite!

    Gem

    November 19, 2008 at 4:36 am
    cherylramirez
    Participant

    Whenever I need to learn a new handicraft skill I always go for children’s books. I find that the authors of theses books don’t try to impress you with how much they know about their subject.

    A series I HIGHLY reccommend is from Kids Can Press. So far I have collected their crocheting, embroidery and quilting instructional books. The directions are very well illustrated and directions are crystal clear. There are a lot of practical projects in these books that your daughter will enjoy.

    November 20, 2008 at 12:05 pm
    betzymom
    Member

    I just learned crochet with my children and I found you-tube instructions to be very helpful. When I am first trying out a new skill, I do much better to see what to do rather than try to decipher written instructions. Posts by tjw1963 are espcially good. She has a blogspot too with the written instructions.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • The topic ‘Teaching handicrafts’ is closed to new replies.