While working on the C2C moss stitch blanket and the waffle stitch hat, I decided to search for other C2C stitch variations. They are out there. But my heart still desired beginning with a chain.
I stumbled upon a video celebrating the life of Melanie Ham. Why had I not come across her videos before?! Tears watching this documentary. https://youtu.be/4btY1aacgto So many more videos to watch.
SECRET ONE
One of the first that was suggested by YouTube was Beginner Cotton Crochet Dishcloth Tutorial - Easy. One phrase was one of the secrets for me: "Let the hook do the work." Miraculously my chains seemed to be easy and even. But, that first row of single crochet was still wonky. I made two washcloths. I liked the pattern. Not real comfortable with borders, but I tried. BUT most importantly I STARTED WITH A CHAIN!! Woohoo!
So I was checking out other stitch patterns for making a dishcloth. I found this tutorial by Daisy Cottage Designs for an
Easy Crochet Baby Blanket. Since she gave the multiples, I thought I'd try it as a dishcloth. This is in my top five favorite dishcloths. Quick and easy!
SECRET TWO
Oh my! Another phrase: "I like to crochet into the back bump of the stitch". This phrase was the finishing touch for beginning with chain stitches for me! The photo below is a different pattern but shows the "crochet into the back bump". Can you tell which is my starting row and which is my ending row? I love the benefit of the "finished" look of crocheting into the back bump. And...it's easy too!
I later found this as a
written pattern on the Daisy Cottage Designs blog. Note that up to this point, I could only do crochet from a video tutorial. Patterns didn't always make sense. But I found that if I follow the video with the written pattern it makes sense and is a great reference when not near the internet. I have also found that I understand certain pattern writers better than others. I did purchase her All Access Pass to her .pdf patterns. You will find that most pattern writers with publish a free pattern on a blog but it is mixed with advertising. They offer ad-free .pdf patterns for a fee. I love the All Access Pass as I get every pattern she has plus the new ones as they come out.
Lessons Learned:
- I CAN crochet beginning with a chain.
- Let the hook do the work - Melanie Ham
- Crochet into the back bump - Lauren Brown of Daisy Cottage Designs
- Pay attention to the tips given in the tutorials.
- I'm not that crazy about borders....yet.
- Dishcloths multiply like rabbits!
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