Crocheting With Joyce and The SF Gals

"I take on inanimate objects and win!" Joyce Taylor

We had a great time learning a few basic crocheting stitches during our last meeting. Joyce brought books, several different samples of yarn, different crocheting and knitting needles, some of her completed creations and a beautiful openness of the labor and love that goes into each project. Some of her advice was to think about your project and purchase the correct yarn for the correct project. We were also introduced to bamboo and ergonomic crocheting needles and circular needles for knitting. One throw she shared with us had beautiful designs and stitch work. She called it her "phone blanket" because she created it while talking on the phone with her daughter while she was away at college. As we sat there in awe over her work and thinking it was so beautiful-and it truly was, that's when Joyce shared the above advice. She realized after all that time and work that she had put into creating her "labor of love" that she had used "cheap" yarn and she wasn't thrilled on the color. So, consider your project and try and foresee the outcome of its use so you purchase the write materials for your project. She showed us where on each wrapper of yarn it gave details that stated the needle size to use, the material and washing instructions and amount of how much was on the roll. Depending on what stitch you are doing, you might need to "check your gauge" to make sure you are using the correct stitch at the right time. Here are some books that she shared with us:

Knit and Purl- Knight

Beyond the Square- Edie Eckman

Leisure Arts Magazines (various knitting and crocheting ideas and projects)

There's definitely a small learning curve when it's your first time that comes with holding the yarn taut so you can stitch it correctly. I'm looking forward to starting a few projects after the baby is born. Sam has crocheted three scarves since our get together. Heather was plowing through her scarf that she was working on. Collen was working on a beautiful knitting project. Why don't you share a picture when you're finished! I know a few others were excited by the instant gratification of creating a chain that night! What a sweet time we had fellowshipping with one another! The salad was so yummy as usual! A special THANK YOU to the Dollhouse Girls for opening their home and sharing their sweet hospitality with us!!

Next month we're talking STRAWBERRIES! I'm still surprised at how many people have not gone out to the strawberry fields yet! Here's your chance!:) We'll be meeting at Favorite Farms at 10 am on March 21st. Our next meeting will be held at my home. All details are on our Savoir Faire group at www.classicallifeschooling.ning.com . Also, go to www.jewelrysupply.com to look into the crystals for our flip-flop project in April.

Blessings to you!

Amanda:)