In the spirit of lifelong learning and continuing with my aim to learn new skills in 2015, I was very happy to finally learn how to crochet a ripple. I followed the excellent Gentle Ripple How To tutorial on Linda's Crafty Corner blog.
I am such a slow learner where crochet is concerned, that it took me a few attempts to master the decrease stitch. But I persevered as I really wanted to make a ripple something.
I must be a tight crocheter. This was starting to look more like a rug than a soft blanket! In the end I decided to turn this into a baby scarf. I think I am a tight crocheter, especially when I am concentrating on something new. I broke the cardinal rule and didn't make a swatch. If I make another blanket I will go up to size 5mm crochet hook and do two rows per colour.
Thanks, Linda for the very clear phototutorial/
Hi Una, wow what a cute scarf you made. You did a great job with the ripple stitch.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the weekend.
Julie
I think it is wonderful. I always have to go up a size with knitting needles and crochet hooks. I must be tight with everything.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Good for you for trying the ripple, Una! I am afraid of crochet, and have only ever done a single chain around the outside of a knitted hat.
ReplyDeleteWell done on your first ripple! It's great to do once you get into a rhythm.
ReplyDeleteThat looks so sweet! I struggled with the ripple pattern at first - I made my first chain row too tight and everything puckered :-(
ReplyDeleteHowever, I found that if I used a larger hook and worked that initial chain VERY loosely it allowed enough 'give' to accommodate the increases and decreases of the following rows.
Well done, Una, for tackling something new and expanding your crochet repertoire! Bravo!! :-)
I love rippling! xx
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Una I'm pleased you found it useful, your scarf is lovely. :) xx
ReplyDeleteUna-- your scarf is beautiful-- I think you have successfully mastered that awesome stitch! I envy people who can crochet so beautifully--- I can't even hold the needle correctly let alone make a stitch!
ReplyDeleteVicki
Keep trying! It took me a long time to even hold the yarn correctly. I was holding it in my knitting hand to begin with. I persevered and am now as comfortable with crochet as with knitting.
DeleteCongratulations on learning a new skill! The ripple looks great.
ReplyDeleteI was always a tight crocheter too until I learned to consciously relax my tension. Here's a little tip - one way to loosen your crochet is to draw up a taller base loop than you normally do. (By "base loop" I mean the first loop you draw up after inserting your hook into the stitch below.) This gives a more willowy effect to the entire stitch.
Thanks, I'll definitely try that next time.
DeleteI think people often begin with tight stitches when they're learning. It's the nerves, and a desire to hold the needles/hook securely. I was a horribly tight knitter at first -- could hardly get my needle into the stitch, they were so tight! You will loosen up as you relax and feel more secure in crocheting. It's very pretty!
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