Hello Fellow Crocheters!
Welcome to my crochet blog, where we embark on a creative journey with yarn and hooks. Whether you're just considering picking up crochet or have already started your adventure, I'm thrilled to have you here.
Crocheting is a beautiful form of textile art, a craft that allows you to create unique and wonderful projects with your own hands. In this blog post, I'll share five invaluable tips that will help you along your crochet journey, from managing your time to mastering essential techniques. So, let's dive in and explore the world of crochet together!
Number 1
Set realistic time-frames
Believe it or not, unless you were an expert crocheter/crafts-person in a past life, you will NOT finish these ‘Beginner Friendly 30 minute Projects’ or ‘One hour Crochet Projects’ in the time-frame provided!
Crochet is a skill that takes a lot of time and a lot of patience. Posts that advertise small, time-scale frames slightly irritate me because they set unrealistic expectations on brand new crocheters. I understand when you first start your project you want to finish it and show off to the world the beautiful project that you have carefully handcrafted.
However, setting unrealistic time frames for your projects can turn the craft from something that is meant to be mindful, calming and peaceful, into a pressured, frustrating and joyless chore! This can leave you feeling downhearted and unworthy of becoming an expert crocheter.
When I first started crocheting I practiced appliques. Some of the patterns that I followed would consist of around 30 different stitches and even this could take me an hour!
Remember why you started crocheting; to have time to yourself, learn a new skill and create projects that you are proud of. Patience is a skill on its own, mastering this, and crochet will never turn into a chore!
Number 2
Selling Crochet
Crochet is a popular craft because once you learn the basics the world is your oyster. With just 3 simple stitches you can make an endless list of beautiful projects. Once you get confident with crochet you may think about selling your projects.
If you are in the U.K, or based in the EEA and intend to sell within EEA you will need to ensure you meet the safety standards. This is demonstrated with a UKCA or CE mark. This is a certification mark that indicates compliance with safety and environmental protection standards.
Amigurumi, toys or anything with ¨play value¨need to be UKCA CE marked before you can sell. A quick Google search will tell you all you need to know if you want to pursue this route.
I am definitely not an expert with this and I will be honest, I did feel out of my depth when looking into this however, you may not!
You may have friends who have gone through this process and can help you along the way. A quick google search will help you learn more about the process on how to make your toys legal to sell.
Number 3
Keep a nail file on you!
There is nothing more annoying than when you are sitting down all ready to go and your nail keeps catching on every fiber! All it takes is a slight bit of unevenness on your nail for it to get extremely irritating, not only that it can pull strands from your project which can leave it looking messy and not giving you that clean finish you want with your project.
There is no need to get a special nail file you can grab one from anywhere but I do sell them here in craft essentials as I just find that they are that important!
Number 4
A Notebook is essential!
As your crochet skills develop you will want to try new things however you may still want to go back to some projects. You may want to repeat them or perfect them to gift them to a friend or family member. Speaking from personal experience there is nothing more annoying than forgetting how to make it!
You may not be able to find the original pattern, so use a notebook! Your toxic trait might be telling yourself you will remember but I can almost guarantee you won't! 
Keep a notebook on your person and write as you go. Write in a way you can read and use as a reference. It doesn't need to be anything fancy. A cute little notebook to jot down your patterns, ideas and inspiration is a must have for any crocheter.
I do offer a notebook on my website if you want to take a look, this notebook that I sell qualifies for a 25% discount once you get to the checkout 🙂 Just remember that a notebook is personal to you and needs to be something that resonates with you.
Number 5
Take breaks and have fun!
When you find something a bit difficult or you are feeling a little bit frustrated, take a break! Grab a drink, get a biscuit and take some time away before you go back.
Every single crocheter I know has at least a dozen half finished projects in their home and they are not afraid to say so!
Conclusion
Like I have mentioned throughout my post, crochet should be fun! Starting a new craft is sooo exciting, getting all your materials, researching endless amounts of patterns, colours and tools is one of my favourite parts of crocheting, so make sure it is yours as well!
There is nothing more fun than getting lost in a yarn shop and spending your budget on quality colourful yarn that just makes you happy!
Crochet is a craft where you can express yourself through colour, fashion and creativity. It also has so many therapeutic benefits such as mindfulness, relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. These benefits can contribute to a positive sense of self-expression and well-being.
Keep it exciting and enjoy your new craft 🥰
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