I like this video very much. My tip would be to pick something realy fun a fun yarn a fun hook a nice patern. This wil help you to finish projects. I am currently working on a version of you're shawl you remade from one of your grandma's shawls. Have a healthy day.
Another great tip for all who crochet.Keep watching Anja from Ophelia talks. You will learn sooo much but you will also be cheered up so much by her wonderful sense of humour and the relaxing and fun way she delivers it. She is Fab!!!! 😊😊❤❤
I also use little tags to remember hook sizes for projects. You know, those little white rectangle price tags that you tie onto items you're selling. I write the hook size for the project and if it's a pattern and not just a few-row repetition, I'll jot down the row/round number I left off on, as well.
My tip: I always put a stitch marker in the first and the last stitch of my row to make sure I get nice tidy edges. I enjoy watching and listening to you Anna. I am learning so much. 🌹❣️ So, a big " thank you" from me.
I am just a beginner, (although I had learned at age 12, and just didn't like it) Now, I decided to try again only 5 months ago. All your tips are absolutely fantastic, one I would ad, as a beginner, pick simple projects that are small, so you can feel you accomplished something successfully. I started with dish rags. Simply to work on learning the basic and simple stitches. Then I advanced to small projects, simple slippers, a small pouch, mug warmers etc. I still haven't tried a large attempt like a blanket, but my skill level has improved, as well as my love for the craft! I think smaller projects build your confidence. Anya you're an excellent teacher! Thanks for great tips!
I was a knitter for years, having been taught at school. My fingers have become arthritic so I gave up but one night decided to learn crochet from - you've guessed it - UA-cam videos! That was about 2 years ago when I was 70. I am addicted. I have yarn in every space in the house! Every tip is so useful - I learned the hard way about putting a note in with a work-in-progress! A little sticky nore goes in with them now :) And what you say about practice, practise, practise is so true. Thanl you so much for your videos - I love them, it's like having a crochet buddy in the same room.
I like you learnt via UA-cam and Haven’t looked back. I’m in my late 70’s and I have arthritis and am anaemic so I have to keep stopping what I’m doing for awhile before carrying on…so I crochet fora time (sometimes longer than I should 😅) and I love every moment. I used to get so frustrated when I needed to rest,now I think…time to do some crocheting. 🎉
My best tip: Your mood determines your tension. If I'm stressed, I tend to have a tight tension. Do several stitches until I'm relaxed, rip them out, then start again.😊
I'm a more experienced crocheter and I thought these were great tips for all skill levels! My tips are: - Always check your work against the photos of the final product, especially if you're not sure if it looks right. Compare everything, even going down to counting individual stitches in the picture, to make sure it's right. - Even if you're experienced, if you're trying a new technique (eg tunesian, mosaic, C2C) start with a small project like a cushion cover, coin purse or even just a practice swatch. This will help you practice and also decide if this type of crochet is enjoyable for you. Don't jump right into something ambitious like a blanket or piece of clothing. - If you're like me and struggle to finish projects because you get bored, make a rule that in order to start a new project you have to finish another one (my personal limit is 3 projects at one time). It might feel like a drag at the halfway mark, but it's so rewarding to finish a big project like a blanket, and it's great to know that there's less yarn piled up in your stash! - If you're feeling creative block, google google google. If you hear about an unfamiliar technique, google it. Browse Ravelry, google new yarns, just have fun doing research and getting inspired!
Excellent advice. I made the "mistake" recently of learning tunisian crochet and making a sweater out of the squares! Aagh...taking longer than I thought, so the idea is having different projects going is a good one.. Plus not tackling something too big to begin with... I will finish it though!!
I know those words, practice, practice, practice so well. My mom taught piano lessons for 10 years, my bedroom door was six feet from the piano. And we had an two teir organ right outside the kitchen archway. Mom made a curtain to keep the students from looking into the kitchen/dining room. I heard every note for 10 years. The most played songs were Chopsticks, Heart and Soul, and The Jazz Singer. They didn't realize that I was fed up listening to them. They were playing the song for five minutes, but I was hearing the song three to five times a day five days a week! Ahhhh! Okay enough about that, my tip that I learned when knitting was to count every two stitches, because it saves time. Also I put a stitch marker every 20 stitches so I can count 20, 40, 60 and so forth. If your new at knitting or crocheting, start by practicing scrubies, scrunchies, washcloths, dishtowels, then work up to a scarf, or baby blanket. Make a lot of small baby blankets to cover car seats in cold weather, no matter what country you live in. Women's shelters, children's hospitals, senior living facilities can always use lapghans, hats or head warmers of various sizes, mittens, scarves and shawls of all styles. For holidays make Santa's boot, Christmas trees, red or green bells for tree decorations or pins to wear to church or a party. Enjoy making things for yourself, but especially for others. God bless everyone.
Hello I just came across your video and subscribed. I have a question for you. I to learn to crochet and knit from my older sister at 11 y/o. Then started again at 20. Know I’m in my 60’s and started again. I’m learning more about straight edges and I started a blanket for my daughter and I have added stitches by mistake. Do you know how to correct this problem for me? And can you please explain how to reduce the extra stitches on the ends? Thank you for any advice you can give me.
When you're learning don't be afraid to 🐸 it back and start over if needed. No one is perfect when starting. Enjoy and relax. It will come with practice.
When I was just learning ,I made a habit of checking my work often,and it's much easier to take away one row where there's a mistake than to "ignore it after rows ,& rows of diligent work.Its kind of a "bite the bullet" sort of feeling when you're fairly new at it and it is tempting to try to be a smarty-pants and attempt to fudge it! But as I gained more experience and sense of pride in my projects I realized that it is not such a torture to remove a "sore thumb"mistake or leave it in and make it work..because #1..it WILL show ,especially in a repeating pattern like a blanket etc and # 2- I reached a point where I just wasn't going to tolerate anything but well done and correct crocheting of the pattern,it gets to be a matter of pride and in doing it the right way.Ive been crocheting for about 44 years now and as a teen I wanted desperately to learn to crochet( especially fine thread work & doilies!) Do back then there was no internet but the school library was my teacher and I taught myself - making loads of errors too but learning and not giving up! And I am proud of my skill level and abilities now,! I try to learn every type and style and manner of crochet...Thanks for the helpful tips,we teach each other!
I like tip number ONE , because is true and it works. I’ve picked up my old hook a week ago and and the more I practiced my brain is remembering what I knew once . I’m a new grandma now and I want to make blankets with Lots of love ! Thank you for your words of encouragement.
I am a learner and self taught. I’ve recently discovered that I was not being consistent when inserting my hook and placing the yarn over. Sometimes I would place the hook under the wool and others I would place the hook over the wool. Placing the wool over gave me a problem in following thru. Hence placing the hook under and over makes for easier and better tensioned stitches.
My favorite tip is the same as Kathy D's below. I use stitch markers all over the place. Say you're chaining four and you're going to end up needing to stitch into the third chain of the four. I mark that third chain right away. The ends of rows can be confusing. Use markers so you know where to put that stitch.
I have been crocheting for 60 years (taught by my grandmother when I was a tiny tot) and I think this is the best crochet tips video I’ve ever seen! Brilliant. Loved all your tips, especially the ones about testing/re-doing, and counting. I am currently making a kitty throw for my hubby (late Christmas present - I thought of doing it far too late in the day to get it done in time!) and I keep miscounting the number of stitches in each round of the squares - I’ve found that counting each side as I’ve completed it, helps me not to have to keep undoing large amounts of work. I only recently discovered stitch markers and bought some for my knitting, but these are coming in so handy for my crochet too. I look forward to seeing some of your other videos. You have a beautiful kitty, by the way! We have two, and they both like to be on my lap and when they are not sleeping (most of the time), they take a keen interest in my crochet. Perhaps I should teach them! They already have four built-in hooks on each front paw. They should be expert in no time.
Oh wow and please do check out some of my other videos. Thank you for watching Shoshi Platypus ! Anja xxx 💕🌈 Why not be part of our Facebook Group? You can ask to join here: facebook.com/groups/opheliatalkscrochet
@@OpheliaTalks Thank you! New subscriber to your channel. Sorry, not on Facebook, but will continue to follow your lovely videos here on UA-cam! I can see I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. Happy New Year!
My tip is I get an Altoids mint tin box. Glue a magnet upside down in the bottom. It holds sewing needles and metal safety pins. When you open it up they don't fall out. You still have room for stitch markers. You can paint or decorate the outside but I don't. LOVE MINE. Also to practice make a lap blanket add a trim around if irregular and donate to a nursing home or assisted living they will love it. A smaller finer yarn (no wool) blanket to hospitals for baby's. I cut index cards in half and punch a hole in it. I write my hook size, project (granny sq.), stitches ( ch.4, slip stitch, ch.2 in corners).
Thank you lovely Anja for sharing your tips. It's always really helpful to learn new ideas that make our crochet work better. I am still quite new to crocheting. I learned just 3 years ago from youtube tutorials and a learn to crochet weekly magazine here in Spain. I made steady but very slow progress and lots and lots of undoing and starting over. Like you say, it's all about practice. Crocheting is a lovely hobby and totally addictive. I enjoy your videos so much. You are so delightful and when you laugh I smile along with you. It's like having a friend in the living room with me. It's great feeling part of a community of like-minded people world wide all sharing photos of their work too. Thanks so much xx
I just recently got back to crocheting..my aunt taught me MANY years ago. I have arthritis in my hands and i do hold my hook like a knife.Tried the other way but just cant get the hang of it. Watching this video I am in awe of watching you crochet and not looking at your work! I have to pay attention to make sure im not skipping anything..lol.
This was so fabulous!! I also learned as a kid from my grandmother, I didn’t hate it but I was never really good at it, but throughout the years I have bought yarn and made things here and there! I have never met anyone that holds her yarn and hook the way I do, til I saw you! My best tip, watch lots and lots of videos, I am a visual learner and it has helped me tremendously!! Thanks for sharing!!
I taught myself to crochet from UA-cam videos when I was 62 years of age. I made 15 blankets my first year and then made a Mandala Madness. Was that enough practice Anja? I watched your video of a poncho and made 6 of them. I watched your video on the Campfire cardigan and made 6 of them!!
@@debashreeee dont give up! You will be so happy you didn't! I also was self taught from youtube and my first few things definitely were wonky looking, always looked messy to me and I always felt like everyone else's stuff was so much more neat and tight looking! It just took time and more practice of course and I also realized that I was focusing so much on my tension and crocheting so tightly. I assumed that was the reason mine always looked so sloppy but I was wrong.. once I began to loosen up my hands and tension, it made a world of a difference!
Wow! I'm 63 and made two One Ball Shawls by Marly Bird, have one on the hook. Two turtleneck dickies, by Brittanie D one still on the hook, a throw that is getting bigger than I thought it would be and is taking longer too. I like being able to make something and save money by not spending $15 dollars on a hat and scarf set. My blanket will help next year, I can cover up with it and turn the heat down in my room. It's already keeping me warm while making it. Now I'm going to make something to put over my shoulders. Have fun knitting or crocheting. God bless everyone.
My tip is to count stitches in groups of ten. For instance, if the row requires 48 stitches you count 1-10, then 1-10 and so on. Then you should count 8 stitches at the end. If you count 7 then you know you are short a stitch, etc. I do this because I find that I lose count more often when I'm counting through all the numbers. It's so much easier to keep track of 1-10 than 1-48, or whatever the number is. I hope that makes sense. Anyway, this has really helped me save time in the long run. Nothing is more frustrating (almost) than losing count especially if you do it a few times (or more) in a project. Thank you for the tips!
You’re the first crocheter I’ve found who holds the hook like I do! Everyone seems to hold it in the knife hold. (Which seems so awkward to me) Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise. 😊
I agree with you, when I started at the age of 12, I was terrible. But I didn’t give up. I have made lap blankets for my kids and grandkids. And friends along the way. I love crocheting, it is so relaxing to me.
Hi love your tips & I will add one "keep your hands & hooks clean" - just every so often - take a break & clean your hook & it will glide through the yarn much better & quicker !! I keep a notebook with what I crochet - Date started, pattern name, yarn, color, hook size & beginning chain number & who gets it as I do alot of baby afghans for grandson's friends & family !! Also let's me see what different kinds of crocheting I do !! Thanks again for the tips - love your kitty !! 💕💕
Hi Anya! I am a new subscriber and I love your channel. I am 72 years old and have been crocheting for 50 years. My friend took a night school crocheting class and I took a sewing class. The next day we taught each other what we had learned the night before. What I did, which I thought was very helpful, was I would practice each stitch until I had a large swatch of only one stitch until I could do that stitch without thinking about it. The swatch would be large (12 inches square or larger) and then my stitches became even and nice. I did not use a pattern until I could do all the stitches without thinking about them. This helped me so much. I love watching and listening to you. Thank you for sharing! 💓 Chris
Awesome advice! I've seen too many people complain on tutorials I've watched for amigurumi where they're upset that the eyes the maker uses are not the kind they wanted to use, saying "you should have said [this and that] at the beginning of the video!" They should have watched ahead, not Original Poster's fault.
I started crocheting 3 years ago, watching tutorials and making bootees and small baby things. Now I love making bigger projects, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your 10 tips and agree with them all. Thank you.
I use to be worried about having to start over and ripping my project back to the beginning, but I have found I'm a much better at crocheting now for having to do that... I can look at my project and actually see what my Stiches are and what I'm looking at...
I love your tips. Some I already do. I was surprised that you had crochet lessons at school! We didn't have sewing/woodworking until Jr. High and no needlework. A landlady I had back in the late 80s taught me how to crochet. I was in my 20s. Then I got busy with my career and picked it back up in the fall of 2019. That was fortuitous because we got stuck at home in 2020! I consider myself advanced beginner to intermediate. It was lovely to watch you chat with your kitty, Layla, sitting with you.
Hi .. i just started seriously doing crocheting as well .. i also had domestic classes in school which was compulsory and i sort of enjoyed it and did crochet some scarves using dc st and that was that .. and then i came across your channel and fell in love with your work and explanations and now I'm loving it .. i keep learning with you .. thanks for sharing and i love your accent and bubbly nature .. always puts a smile on my face .. I have a granddaughter Laila .. shes 5yrs old .. who lives in Perth Australia.. and at this very moment i am just finishing the final touches to the bag i crocheted by making a few granny squares using the pop corn stitch that i learned .. thank you again .. lotsa blessing and prayers from Johannesburg South Africa xxx
I'm very new to crocheting. I learnt a month and a half ago and am on my second project (Afghan). But what I found is when I have to make a huge starting chain (like over 200), it's a real chore to lose count and have to start again. Like when I'm wondering, was that 154 or155??? Then I need to start over with the counting. (And of course I always recount at the end to make sure.) This time, I put a stitch marker gently in every 10th stitch. It makes it super easy to recount, by 10s. Then when I start to crochet the next row,. I just remove each as I get to it. I found that was helpful to me.
I can’t believe you are crocheting without looking at it! Amazing, I can’t look away for a second or I will make a mistake lol . Btw love your videos I learn so much from you. Thank you 😊
I have been crocheting a very long time and you have given the beast tip list I have ever seen and heard!!!! Very natural and common without being obvious!
Oh.. they teach you to crochet in elementary schools? I'd never heard of that before.. so cool! Wow, I could watch you all day crocheting! I consider myself a decent crocheter but my goodness I wouldnt be able to completely crochet without looking at all! I know the stitches become muscle memory while yarning over and pulling through but you are able to find the next stitch without looking! I'd have my hook in the wrong stitch everytime! So talented, thanks for all your videos and tutorials. They've been helpful over the years! ♡
A vital tip I think is to check the ball yardage before you order your yarn if you are going to use different brand to that given in the pattern. i.e. I have two 100 gram balls of DK from different brands. One says it's 302 yards the other says 327 yards. So 10 balls of the longer yardage will be 3270 yards, but to cover that distance with the shorter yardage ball you will need 11 balls.
Your tips about starting chains and the first couple of rows were right on target for me. I am currently attempting my first garment (in a light colored yarn and in a very uncomplicated stitch). I remade my first 5 rows about 3 times. It was too tight and so the bottom of the panel looked ever so slightly pinched. I am already measuring it against my body....it is also simple panel construction....I need to keep it really really simple. However, so far....so good.
Thank you, now I know I’m not nuts about, certainly helps just feel right in my hand, a good metal hook that slides well and feels great in my hand just makes the whole project better
It’s nice to get different advice from different crocheters, because they don’t all tell you the same. So thanks! And I agree with you, practice makes perfect. 👌
I found your tips really useful. I’ve been knitting since I was a child, but never learned to crochet. However, I’ve always wanted to. I did initially take a few lessons to get started, but now I follow UA-cam tutorials in order to improve and to practice, practice, practice. I’m getting better, but still feel I need even more practice. TFS
How lovely is the Capelet 😊 . My dearesr friend is Welsh and she will absolutely adore this creatation, so l will make this for her . Thank you very much indeed . X
Really great tips Anja, thanks for sharing them. May I suggest to all crocheters to stretch and do hand and finger exercises each time they're done. It is very important for having healthy and strong hands and mustles. Thanks again
great tips, thank you Anja. My tip, guess already mentioned, but still thats how my skills improved with big steps within short time notice. From the moment on you feel you know the basics , don't be afraid to jump into the deep. If you find an intricate written pattern AND there is a step to step clear youtube tutorial going with that, just go for it. Your skills will improve so much quicker.
My fav tip is this... I love my Clover Amour hooks.....partly because each size has its own color. I also have two Furls Odyssy hooks... one red, and one purple.., So... When I start a new project, I take a picture of it and the hook... Thst way, I’ll never forget what size hook I am using... When I see a blue Clover , I know it’s N H-8... a brown hook, is a J-@9, etc. I keep my clovers, and a couple of Susan Bates regular hooks in a pretty Vera Bradley soft pencil case. THE Furls Odyssys are kept in their black bixes, in a Vera Bradley makeup bag..,along with some basic notions. I seldom leave a hook with a project, because I know how easy it is to lose them🙃.
thank YOU for your Wonderful useful tips xxx . I found that when I come at the end of a row & need to turn my work, I turn my hook to the other side of the yarn NOT twisting it, this gives a smoother edge :]
Thank you for such a great tips. I know crocheting about only 3 years and try to challenge myself with different stitches and patterns realised there is so much to learn about crochet. So I think a good tip is to challenge yourself even if it looks to hard to deal with.
Great advice I'm a beginner I haven't made anything yet I get confused with the turning chains I really enjoyed your video and and I'm doing what you said practice practice practice.thank you
Just keep at it and you'll get it. Watch tutorials closely and you can slow down the video speed if you need to. You can find it in the settings menu at the bottom of the video (gear symbol). Being frustrated is perfectly normal. Once you start to get the hang of it, it will be so much more rewarding for you. Good luck! ❤️🧶❤️
Great tips and if you’re not happy with your work it is far easier to undo than knitting! I have always loved knitting, but I must admit that crocheting is now taking over and I am inspired with your videos 😀
Thank you for having Kitty with you. I like that you can crochet and talk at the same time. I was, for a long time, impatient with myself when my crochet piece didn't begin right. Now that I am retired I can devote more time to crochet.
Does the school system in the UK still teach crochet (and woodworking) in school? I think that's such a stellar idea and wish the schools in the US did that.
love all your videos and tips I'm still stuffing up my corners when doing boarders on my blankets a bit, I hate the sides and trying to get a straight edge and need to learn to loosen my tension but am so excited to try lot of your projects that I know I'm going to bet better more I make :)
Wonderful tips. I especially can relate to the one about counting stitches. I probably over count my stitches, if possible. But, as I have had situations whereby I was crocheting along smoothly, having counted my stitches each row, then decide that it is no longer necessary, get a bit further along, only to find that somehow I had less stitches than a few rows before. Very frustrating indeed. It takes up more of my time, but I may always do more counting than necessary.
I Really enjoy watching Ophelia talks all your videos and your tutorials they are really good thank you so much for taking the time and showing us and teaching us what to do and how to do it...
I love your tips! I usually had problems at beginning & end of rows… also turning would make uneven edges( but I watched tutorials on it & now I can keep the edges straighter). I like the picture idea( hook size, yarn labels, etc.). There are also journals to record all your project info!
I can't say much because all I have made so far is a few random practice squares, one amigurumi cat, and half a second amigurumi cat of a different style. I keep hearing as a beginner to stay away from the varigated yarn, but I actually found it easier to identify my stitches with the varigated yarn because the color keeps changing and I can see where I just went. I broke another rule and my first cat was made using fine (#1) yarn with a 1.25mm hook. It was not as bad as I thought it would be though and for some reason, I found the tiny hook a bit easier to work with even though I expected it to be harder. Breaking another rule, the second cat I'm currently working on is with black #3 yarn. I didn't want to work with the black yarn for my second project, but my daughter wanted me to make a cat toy for our cat and wanted it to look like the other cat because the cat I am making it for doesn't like the other cat. The cat I'm making it look like is solid black. I stuffed catnip and valerian root inside the body with the stuffing. I have the body finished, and now I'm working on the ears, feet, and tail. The body doesn't look too bad, but I struggled a lot finding the stitches on the bottom after stuffing it. I used a ton of pieces of yarn to mark my stitches along the way as well. I'm hovering real close to the light, but still struggling with the ears. If you have any tips to help with finding the stitches to close up amigurumi after it has been stuffed, I'd love to hear them. It is really frustrating. The first cat has a messed up bottom because once the stuffing was in, I was fighting to get to the stitches and ended up with quite a few uneven stitches because it was hard to keep the right tension. The stitch marker also kept getting in the way which is why I switched to strips of yarn for the second cat instead of stitch markers. This bottom looks a lot better, but I still struggled a lot closing it up and ended up using a tapestry needle to help guide the yarn through the tight decreasing loops. Not sure if that is a good idea or not, but it seemed to help me a lot.
I teach people who r beginners n all ur tips r awesome n i preach them too..an i do them also..i keep 2 balls of yarn n my tote one for knitting n other for crocheting n my oldies music..my friends laugh at me but i am sooo happy to keep my hands busy n learning new stitches too . I do it on the bus..train ..park benches..its my companion n i am happy inside n outside my heart is smiling ..All of ur tips r Great ❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome Martha, thank you for watching. We have a Facebook group also, if you haven't already, please consider joining us there too, there's always lots of help and advice available, also a safe place.....Anja x facebook.com/opheliatalks/
Thank you, Anja! These tips are fantastic! How I wish I found you sooner, and I can't believe how much I've learned from you in just one month! Hope one day I'll be able to not have to look at my work while crocheting - that was awesome to watch you crochet and look at me while you were talking! I think one of my favorite tips was to watch a video in it's entirety before beginning the piece. I'm excited that my first blanket is your hexagon pattern, and thank you for the HiyaHiya hooks. I love them!
Thank you so much Dara. Yes to watch the instruction video entirely is so important. Great you are doing the Hexagon blanket. I am sure it will be amazing! Thank you for watching Dara Snyder ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
@@OpheliaTalks Anja, so sweet of you to take the time to reply to me. I have to admit that past day I've heard your voice saying "Practice to build muscle memory" over and over in my head. I believe that now is my top tip because I keep hearing it. I'm going to practice the puff stitch and foundation double crochet (haven't done either). I want my next project to be the Tarr Steps Sleeveless Cardigan!
My black cat likes to sit on my lap and purr while I crochet. I love this ( and her!), but when she sheds there is a problem! I solved this by using an old comforter on my lap for her to lay on. I purposely chose one that is striped on one side and floral on the other. I put it on my lap with the floral side up and she lays on that. I then fold the top part of the comforter over her and then place my crochet item over that part of the comforter. My cat is happy and no cat hair gets on my project. In warmer months I use s bed sheet and keep the wrong side down on my lap and fold the right side part way over her My
I had no idea that it was a required course in the UK (or Belgium where you're from I think). That's really nice! I only learned 2yrs ago and loved it instantly even though I had to find video tutorials for every single stitch, every time, many times until my muscle memory and my "stitch library" in my brain finally retained everything. At first I really thought I'd never remember which stitch was what but yep muscle memory was the key to everything and practice is the only way to build that memory. You Anja have been an inspiration to me since the very beginning of my journey. I started with dish cloths, then blankets (I don't wear scarves or shawls) and now I mainly make sweaters, cardigans, and tops. I learn something in each project that helps me improve for the next. I couldn't have learned without my Anja! You're just the neatest lady and I'll always be a subscriber.
Thanks. I love that your schools made you learn handy things and that everyone had to learn each one regardless of gender. Here in the US, we have eliminated cooking, sewing, and family care. I wish we had it back.
Great tips thank you so much. I also learned when I was very young from my grandmother's friend and my grandmother in Spanish. I then taught myself the stitches in English, how to read patterns and how to knit. I stopped for some years and picked it back up in 2018 and then a few years after I taught myself Tunisian Crochet and loom knitting. I think it's also very important to not give up. If it's frustrating or one section is giving you trouble take a break, look for some tutorials maybe and in the end many of the items crocheted with yarn can just be unravelled and made over. It helps to have a positive attitude and keep trying and I think sharing your work in positive groups helps alot too. My ex husband was Swiss and he also learn how to knit when he was in school. That is so nice and I wish I was taught woodworking and here in the US the schools I attended did not teach crochet or knitting. I do think it's a very useful skill. I keep a list in my google drive of all the projects I am working on and the ones I want to work on with links to the patterns and if any have deadlines or are urgent I put the deadline date and move them to the top of the list. I also have an inventory of my yarn and blanket kits I have but I need to update my spreadsheet with my yarn inventory. I also like to photograph all my completed crochet projects into an album in Facebook. When I remember I also create a project in Ravelry for that crochet project and I add all my notes there and also any pictures of the project. I add hook size and yarn used.
@@OpheliaTalks thank you, I am working on it but not everything is organized anymore. I bought way too much yarn since the pandemic happened and last winter. I still have plenty of yarn I need to put away more nicely as well as updating the spreadsheet but I am trying. :)
My grandma tried to teach me when I was little. I could make a chain, but didn't have the patience to learn. My mom could crochet, but couldn't read a pattern, she'd just make up her items as she went along, my sister is the same way, she was making dresses for dolls when she was 8 or 9. I found someone in UA-cam that finally made sense to me and learned about 6 years ago. I couldn't start our small, I had to start with a big afghan. My grandma helped me figure out what I was doing wrong and it turned out OK for starting out. I didn't like the plain aluminum hooks and wanted to make the handle thicker and discovered polymer clay. I took a year or so off from crochet to play in clay, but I'm back to crochet again. I've made several big blankets during the quarantine due to the virus. I'm immunocompromised so I don't leave the house much and I'm lucky enough to work from home. I get to crochet so much more now, especially when I run out of work. I'm lazy and don't like having to keep up with patterns so I typically use them for ideas and go from there. I've typically got 2-4 things going, drives my hubby insane, but the cats and I are happy. Speaking of cats, yours is beautiful. We have 4. Sheldon Cooper is almost 4, he's a tiny panther (don't call him a fast black house kitty, he gets offended). Lulu just turned 3, she's a Blue Point Siamese who is very talkative and likes to steal sticks, gives, hats, whatever strikes her fancy. Milo is a Seal Point Siamese who will soon be 2 and is a mama's boy who is slightly psycho, but he's my best friend anyway. The baby is 11 months old and is a Lynx Point Siamese named Angus MacGyver and he's the sweetest, funniest little guy. We also have a 8.5 lab /border collie mix named Chloe who is currently an inside doggy. Thankfully we have been letting her sleep inside at night due to the shower cold weather (she has arthritis and we can't stand for her to be cold and hurt or unhappy in general). When we got up this morning we saw that a huge one tree had fallen in the fenced area where her drug house is and right next to her house. She couldn't died last night. So we're Thandie sure was inside and safe and until the area is cleaned up and we get a new fence up, she's fingerboard to lay in the couch and watch TV with her kitties all day. I love your accent and how you can just crochet away and talk and not look at what your doing, I've still not managed that one. This was the first of your videos I've watched, I just loved it. We didn't learn things like crochet in school and weren't rewired to take Home Economics in high school to learn to cook and sew. My mom taught me to cook, but not to sew. I tend to be ditzy so we were both afraid I'd miss the material and end up stitching my hands with her sewing machine. I can sew a little by hand, but nothing to big. Now that I'm in my mid-40's I'm more interested in things like that so I'm starting to learn more things.
Glad you have picked up crochet again. And you know the main 3 words are: practice, practice and practice. Say hello to your lovely kitties and dog. Thank you for watching Crittermama ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
I love this! ❤️👍🏻🧶. Your tips are excellent and practical to be sure. I agree with all of what you say. In fact, I have made some of the same suggestions to other crocheters. Thank you for this!!
Oh thank you Mariza, welcome to the 'family', I hope you find lots of projects to make. We have a Facebook group also, if you haven't already, please consider joining us there too.....Anja x facebook.com/opheliatalks/
Those tips are very helpful. I used to work full time and full time parent. Both my children are in college now and my company has shut down do yo COVID. I did not know what to do with myself at home all the time. I have been trying to teach myself crochet through UA-cam. I actually completed my first blanket after restarting 3 times. I’m in my second and your tips have explained a lot. So thanks
Let me know your best tips below! Thanks! Enjoy the video! xxx
I like this video very much. My tip would be to pick something realy fun a fun yarn a fun hook a nice patern. This wil help you to finish projects. I am currently working on a version of you're shawl you remade from one of your grandma's shawls. Have a healthy day.
Another great tip for all who crochet.Keep watching Anja from Ophelia talks. You will learn sooo much but you will also be cheered up so much by her wonderful sense of humour and the relaxing and fun way she delivers it. She is Fab!!!! 😊😊❤❤
I also use little tags to remember hook sizes for projects. You know, those little white rectangle price tags that you tie onto items you're selling. I write the hook size for the project and if it's a pattern and not just a few-row repetition, I'll jot down the row/round number I left off on, as well.
Alexandra French Great idea!
Your kitty 🌹🌼😻 is so cute 🌹💗
Something about her is so pleasant and calming.
She’s crocheting with tea and a kitty cat, this is my weekend goal 🧶 🐈 🫖 💕💕
Thank you for watching Tabitha Freeman ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
One of my best tips is: Don't be afraid to be bad at something new
Honestly the best advice
Such a good philosophy.
@@vivlee3840 pppppppp
@Jessicarabbit 116 I might make a t-shirt or bumper sticker of this phrase, if that’s ok with you? For myself of course but not necessarily to sell.
@@mlburdei Absolutely! Go for it 💜
My tip: I always put a stitch marker in the first and the last stitch of my row to make sure I get nice tidy edges.
I enjoy watching and listening to you Anna. I am learning so much. 🌹❣️ So, a big " thank you" from me.
That's a great idea! Thank you for watching Fran S ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
I do that too!!
Stitch markers are your best friend.
I am just a beginner, (although I had learned at age 12, and just didn't like it) Now, I decided to try again only 5 months ago. All your tips are absolutely fantastic, one I would ad, as a beginner, pick simple projects that are small, so you can feel you accomplished something successfully. I started with dish rags. Simply to work on learning the basic and simple stitches. Then I advanced to small projects, simple slippers, a small pouch, mug warmers etc. I still haven't tried a large attempt like a blanket, but my skill level has improved, as well as my love for the craft! I think smaller projects build your confidence.
Anya you're an excellent teacher! Thanks for great tips!
I was a knitter for years, having been taught at school. My fingers have become arthritic so I gave up but one night decided to learn crochet from - you've guessed it - UA-cam videos! That was about 2 years ago when I was 70. I am addicted. I have yarn in every space in the house! Every tip is so useful - I learned the hard way about putting a note in with a work-in-progress! A little sticky nore goes in with them now :) And what you say about practice, practise, practise is so true. Thanl you so much for your videos - I love them, it's like having a crochet buddy in the same room.
I like you learnt via UA-cam and Haven’t looked back. I’m in my late 70’s and I have arthritis and am anaemic so I have to keep stopping what I’m doing for awhile before carrying on…so I crochet fora time (sometimes longer than I should 😅) and I love every moment. I used to get so frustrated when I needed to rest,now I think…time to do some crocheting. 🎉
My best tip: Your mood determines your tension. If I'm stressed, I tend to have a tight tension. Do several stitches until I'm relaxed, rip them out, then start again.😊
Thanks for sharing, Karen is always telling me the same thing!! Anja x
Watching you simultaneously stitch and talk into the camera was the best thing today. 😄
😊 thank you!
I'm a more experienced crocheter and I thought these were great tips for all skill levels! My tips are:
- Always check your work against the photos of the final product, especially if you're not sure if it looks right. Compare everything, even going down to counting individual stitches in the picture, to make sure it's right.
- Even if you're experienced, if you're trying a new technique (eg tunesian, mosaic, C2C) start with a small project like a cushion cover, coin purse or even just a practice swatch. This will help you practice and also decide if this type of crochet is enjoyable for you. Don't jump right into something ambitious like a blanket or piece of clothing.
- If you're like me and struggle to finish projects because you get bored, make a rule that in order to start a new project you have to finish another one (my personal limit is 3 projects at one time). It might feel like a drag at the halfway mark, but it's so rewarding to finish a big project like a blanket, and it's great to know that there's less yarn piled up in your stash!
- If you're feeling creative block, google google google. If you hear about an unfamiliar technique, google it. Browse Ravelry, google new yarns, just have fun doing research and getting inspired!
Thanks for sharing. Thanks for watching my video Camille and her Cosmetics and keep crocheting. Anja xxx💕🌈💕
Excellent advice. I made the "mistake" recently of learning tunisian crochet and making a sweater out of the squares! Aagh...taking longer than I thought, so the idea is having different projects going is a good one.. Plus not tackling something too big to begin with... I will finish it though!!
I know those words, practice, practice, practice so well. My mom taught piano lessons for 10 years, my bedroom door was six feet from the piano. And we had an two teir organ right outside the kitchen archway. Mom made a curtain to keep the students from looking into the kitchen/dining room. I heard every note for 10 years. The most played songs were Chopsticks, Heart and Soul, and The Jazz Singer. They didn't realize that I was fed up listening to them. They were playing the song for five minutes, but I was hearing the song three to five times a day five days a week! Ahhhh!
Okay enough about that, my tip that I learned when knitting was to count every two stitches, because it saves time. Also I put a stitch marker every 20 stitches so I can count 20, 40, 60 and so forth. If your new at knitting or crocheting, start by practicing scrubies, scrunchies, washcloths, dishtowels, then work up to a scarf, or baby blanket. Make a lot of small baby blankets to cover car seats in cold weather, no matter what country you live in. Women's shelters, children's hospitals, senior living facilities can always use lapghans, hats or head warmers of various sizes, mittens, scarves and shawls of all styles. For holidays make Santa's boot, Christmas trees, red or green bells for tree decorations or pins to wear to church or a party. Enjoy making things for yourself, but especially for others. God bless everyone.
This is the first video where a crochet youtuber is crocheting away without performing a tutorial. Love it!
Hi RaeRae, so glad you enjoyed my video, Anja x
Hello I just came across your video and subscribed. I have a question for you. I to learn to crochet and knit from my older sister at 11 y/o. Then started again at 20. Know I’m in my 60’s and started again. I’m learning more about straight edges and I started a blanket for my daughter and I have added stitches by mistake. Do you know how to correct this problem for me? And can you please explain how to reduce the extra stitches on the ends? Thank you for any advice you can give me.
I love she talks about doing crochet in primary school. I never had the option.
Lovely cat purring away 😂😂❤ 🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈 They absolutely love wool 🧶🧶
When you're learning don't be afraid to 🐸 it back and start over if needed. No one is perfect when starting. Enjoy and relax. It will come with practice.
When I was just learning ,I made a habit of checking my work often,and it's much easier to take away one row where there's a mistake than to "ignore it after rows ,& rows of diligent work.Its kind of a "bite the bullet" sort of feeling when you're fairly new at it and it is tempting to try to be a smarty-pants and attempt to fudge it! But as I gained more experience and sense of pride in my projects I realized that it is not such a torture to remove a "sore thumb"mistake or leave it in and make it work..because #1..it WILL show ,especially in a repeating pattern like a blanket etc and # 2- I reached a point where I just wasn't going to tolerate anything but well done and correct crocheting of the pattern,it gets to be a matter of pride and in doing it the right way.Ive been crocheting for about 44 years now and as a teen I wanted desperately to learn to crochet( especially fine thread work & doilies!) Do back then there was no internet but the school library was my teacher and I taught myself - making loads of errors too but learning and not giving up! And I am proud of my skill level and abilities now,! I try to learn every type and style and manner of crochet...Thanks for the helpful tips,we teach each other!
Cant believe your giving tips and talking to the camera while your crocheting at the same time! 😱 😂😂 Thanks for the tips 👍🧶🧵🧶
I like tip number ONE , because is true and it works. I’ve picked up my old hook a week ago and and the more I practiced my brain is remembering what I knew once . I’m a new grandma now and I want to make blankets with Lots of love ! Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Thanks for sharing, and congratulations! Anja x
I am a learner and self taught. I’ve recently discovered that I was not being consistent when inserting my hook and placing the yarn over. Sometimes I would place the hook under the wool and others I would place the hook over the wool. Placing the wool over gave me a problem in following thru. Hence placing the hook under and over makes for easier and better tensioned stitches.
My favorite tip is the same as Kathy D's below. I use stitch markers all over the place. Say you're chaining four and you're going to end up needing to stitch into the third chain of the four. I mark that third chain right away. The ends of rows can be confusing. Use markers so you know where to put that stitch.
So nice to watch, it’s like having a cup of tea and a chat with a friend!
I have been crocheting for 60 years (taught by my grandmother when I was a tiny tot) and I think this is the best crochet tips video I’ve ever seen! Brilliant. Loved all your tips, especially the ones about testing/re-doing, and counting. I am currently making a kitty throw for my hubby (late Christmas present - I thought of doing it far too late in the day to get it done in time!) and I keep miscounting the number of stitches in each round of the squares - I’ve found that counting each side as I’ve completed it, helps me not to have to keep undoing large amounts of work. I only recently discovered stitch markers and bought some for my knitting, but these are coming in so handy for my crochet too. I look forward to seeing some of your other videos.
You have a beautiful kitty, by the way! We have two, and they both like to be on my lap and when they are not sleeping (most of the time), they take a keen interest in my crochet. Perhaps I should teach them! They already have four built-in hooks on each front paw. They should be expert in no time.
Oh wow and please do check out some of my other videos. Thank you for watching Shoshi Platypus ! Anja xxx 💕🌈 Why not be part of our Facebook Group? You can ask to join here: facebook.com/groups/opheliatalkscrochet
@@OpheliaTalks Thank you! New subscriber to your channel. Sorry, not on Facebook, but will continue to follow your lovely videos here on UA-cam! I can see I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. Happy New Year!
My tip is I get an Altoids mint tin box. Glue a magnet upside down in the bottom. It holds sewing needles and metal safety pins. When you open it up they don't fall out. You still have room for stitch markers. You can paint or decorate the outside but I don't. LOVE MINE. Also to practice make a lap blanket add a trim around if irregular and donate to a nursing home or assisted living they will love it. A smaller finer yarn (no wool) blanket to hospitals for baby's. I cut index cards in half and punch a hole in it. I write my hook size, project (granny sq.), stitches ( ch.4, slip stitch, ch.2 in corners).
Great tips Sheryl, Anja x
Thank you lovely Anja for sharing your tips. It's always really helpful to learn new ideas that make our crochet work better. I am still quite new to crocheting. I learned just 3 years ago from youtube tutorials and a learn to crochet weekly magazine here in Spain. I made steady but very slow progress and lots and lots of undoing and starting over. Like you say, it's all about practice. Crocheting is a lovely hobby and totally addictive. I enjoy your videos so much. You are so delightful and when you laugh I smile along with you. It's like having a friend in the living room with me. It's great feeling part of a community of like-minded people world wide all sharing photos of their work too. Thanks so much xx
Wonderful tips from an intelligent lady, and the cat on your lap is a fun bonus!
My best tip is to learn crochet with UA-cam tutorials and you are most definitely the no.1 teacher. Thank you.
I always do a swatch with yarn I’ve not used before with various sized hooks to experiment to find what works best for the feel of the fabric I want.
OMG you crochet without looking at the blanket 🤩
I just recently got back to crocheting..my aunt taught me MANY years ago. I have arthritis in my hands and i do hold my hook like a knife.Tried the other way but just cant get the hang of it. Watching this video I am in awe of watching you crochet and not looking at your work! I have to pay attention to make sure im not skipping anything..lol.
My best tip for reading patterns was to go from comma to comma and read very very carefully. Thank you for your tips, I found them so refreshing.
Excellent! Thank you for watching René Taljaard ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
This was so fabulous!! I also learned as a kid from my grandmother, I didn’t hate it but I was never really good at it, but throughout the years I have bought yarn and made things here and there! I have never met anyone that holds her yarn and hook the way I do, til I saw you! My best tip, watch lots and lots of videos, I am a visual learner and it has helped me tremendously!! Thanks for sharing!!
You are so right! Count carefully at the start on a good foundation everything is possible.
I taught myself to crochet from UA-cam videos when I was 62 years of age. I made 15 blankets my first year and then made a Mandala Madness. Was that enough practice Anja? I watched your video of a poncho and made 6 of them. I watched your video on the Campfire cardigan and made 6 of them!!
Wow! I have just started to learn. I will not give up. 😊
@@debashreeee dont give up! You will be so happy you didn't! I also was self taught from youtube and my first few things definitely were wonky looking, always looked messy to me and I always felt like everyone else's stuff was so much more neat and tight looking! It just took time and more practice of course and I also realized that I was focusing so much on my tension and crocheting so tightly. I assumed that was the reason mine always looked so sloppy but I was wrong.. once I began to loosen up my hands and tension, it made a world of a difference!
Thank you L Bo😊
Wow! I'm 63 and made two One Ball Shawls by Marly Bird, have one on the hook. Two turtleneck dickies, by Brittanie D one still on the hook, a throw that is getting bigger than I thought it would be and is taking longer too. I like being able to make something and save money by not spending $15 dollars on a hat and scarf set. My blanket will help next year, I can cover up with it and turn the heat down in my room. It's already keeping me warm while making it. Now I'm going to make something to put over my shoulders. Have fun knitting or crocheting. God bless everyone.
My tip is to count stitches in groups of ten. For instance, if the row requires 48 stitches you count 1-10, then 1-10 and so on. Then you should count 8 stitches at the end. If you count 7 then you know you are short a stitch, etc. I do this because I find that I lose count more often when I'm counting through all the numbers. It's so much easier to keep track of 1-10 than 1-48, or whatever the number is. I hope that makes sense. Anyway, this has really helped me save time in the long run. Nothing is more frustrating (almost) than losing count especially if you do it a few times (or more) in a project. Thank you for the tips!
A good tip Indigo Moon, Anja x
I do this too and use stitch markers every 20.
You’re the first crocheter I’ve found who holds the hook like I do! Everyone seems to hold it in the knife hold. (Which seems so awkward to me)
Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise. 😊
I think its the other way around ha ha
What a wonderful video. I could listen to you all day! I've been crocheting for almost two years and I absolutely love it. Thank you x
You are so welcome! Glad I inspire you, Anja x
I agree with you, when I started at the age of 12, I was terrible. But I didn’t give up. I have made lap blankets for my kids and grandkids. And friends along the way. I love crocheting, it is so relaxing to me.
That is awesome Artie, keep crocheting! Anja x
I love this video. I am SHOCKED, Anya, that you have been seriously crocheting for only five years. Your creations are beautiful!
Thank you so much Judy! Anja x
@@OpheliaTalks 💗🌺
Hi love your tips & I will add one "keep your hands & hooks clean" - just every so often - take a break & clean your hook & it will glide through the yarn much better & quicker !!
I keep a notebook with what I crochet -
Date started, pattern name, yarn, color, hook size & beginning chain number & who gets it as I do alot of baby afghans for grandson's friends & family !! Also let's me see what different kinds of crocheting I do !! Thanks again for the tips - love your kitty !! 💕💕
Hi Anya! I am a new subscriber and I love your channel. I am 72 years old and have been crocheting for 50 years. My friend took a night school crocheting class and I took a sewing class. The next day we taught each other what we had learned the night before. What I did, which I thought was very helpful, was I would practice each stitch until I had a large swatch of only one stitch until I could do that stitch without thinking about it. The swatch would be large (12 inches square or larger) and then my stitches became even and nice. I did not use a pattern until I could do all the stitches without thinking about them. This helped me so much. I love watching and listening to you. Thank you for sharing! 💓 Chris
Awesome advice! I've seen too many people complain on tutorials I've watched for amigurumi where they're upset that the eyes the maker uses are not the kind they wanted to use, saying "you should have said [this and that] at the beginning of the video!" They should have watched ahead, not Original Poster's fault.
I started crocheting 3 years ago, watching tutorials and making bootees and small baby things. Now I love making bigger projects,
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your 10 tips and agree with them all.
Thank you.
You are so welcome! Thank you for watching Patricia Smithdorf ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
I count my rows and use stitch markers too. Saves me in the long run. I love my furls odyssey hooks.
Thank you for posting these tips. Love your colorful blankets and the sweet kitty 💕
Hope some were helpful. Thank you for watching AGoddess18 ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
I use to be worried about having to start over and ripping my project back to the beginning, but I have found I'm a much better at crocheting now for having to do that... I can look at my project and actually see what my Stiches are and what I'm looking at...
I love your tips. Some I already do. I was surprised that you had crochet lessons at school! We didn't have sewing/woodworking until Jr. High and no needlework. A landlady I had back in the late 80s taught me how to crochet. I was in my 20s. Then I got busy with my career and picked it back up in the fall of 2019. That was fortuitous because we got stuck at home in 2020! I consider myself advanced beginner to intermediate. It was lovely to watch you chat with your kitty, Layla, sitting with you.
How provident you took it back up in 2019, thank you for watching, Anja x
Hi .. i just started seriously doing crocheting as well .. i also had domestic classes in school which was compulsory and i sort of enjoyed it and did crochet some scarves using dc st and that was that .. and then i came across your channel and fell in love with your work and explanations and now I'm loving it .. i keep learning with you .. thanks for sharing and i love your accent and bubbly nature .. always puts a smile on my face .. I have a granddaughter Laila .. shes 5yrs old .. who lives in Perth Australia.. and at this very moment i am just finishing the final touches to the bag i crocheted by making a few granny squares using the pop corn stitch that i learned .. thank you again .. lotsa blessing and prayers from Johannesburg South Africa xxx
I'm very new to crocheting. I learnt a month and a half ago and am on my second project (Afghan).
But what I found is when I have to make a huge starting chain (like over 200), it's a real chore to lose count and have to start again. Like when I'm wondering, was that 154 or155??? Then I need to start over with the counting. (And of course I always recount at the end to make sure.)
This time, I put a stitch marker gently in every 10th stitch. It makes it super easy to recount, by 10s. Then when I start to crochet the next row,. I just remove each as I get to it. I found that was helpful to me.
I can’t believe you are crocheting without looking at it! Amazing, I can’t look away for a second or I will make a mistake lol . Btw love your videos I learn so much from you. Thank you 😊
I have been crocheting a very long time and you have given the beast tip list I have ever seen and heard!!!! Very natural and common without being obvious!
Thank you so much! Thank you for watching S. Armstrong ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
Oh.. they teach you to crochet in elementary schools? I'd never heard of that before.. so cool!
Wow, I could watch you all day crocheting! I consider myself a decent crocheter but my goodness I wouldnt be able to completely crochet without looking at all! I know the stitches become muscle memory while yarning over and pulling through but you are able to find the next stitch without looking! I'd have my hook in the wrong stitch everytime! So talented, thanks for all your videos and tutorials. They've been helpful over the years! ♡
So please that I could help you over the years and thank you for your support in watching the tutorials.❤
Oh my gosh, YES to the black yarn tip! The first thing I made was a black scarf. I still have it for a good laugh when I need one!!!
Oh my I just love your voice it’s so calming and you made your words so clear I really enjoy lesson to you
Thank you so much Diana! Anja x
A vital tip I think is to check the ball yardage before you order your yarn if you are going to use different brand to that given in the pattern. i.e. I have two 100 gram balls of DK from different brands. One says it's 302 yards the other says 327 yards. So 10 balls of the longer yardage will be 3270 yards, but to cover that distance with the shorter yardage ball you will need 11 balls.
Your tips about starting chains and the first couple of rows were right on target for me. I am currently attempting my first garment (in a light colored yarn and in a very uncomplicated stitch). I remade my first 5 rows about 3 times. It was too tight and so the bottom of the panel looked ever so slightly pinched. I am already measuring it against my body....it is also simple panel construction....I need to keep it really really simple. However, so far....so good.
Well done Mel, as long as you keep measuring, against yourself, or an existing garment you should be just fine, good luck, and thank you, Anja x
Lovely tips But the sneak peek in the duck color blanket is my favourite part. Thanks Anja
Thank you, now I know I’m not nuts about, certainly helps just feel right in my hand, a good metal hook that slides well and feels great in my hand just makes the whole project better
Rock on! Thank you for watching Beverly Ely ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
It’s nice to get different advice from different crocheters, because they don’t all tell you the same. So thanks! And I agree with you, practice makes perfect. 👌
Your tips would have been more helpful if you had demonstrated them at the same time . IT would help the beginner to remember them
I found your tips really useful. I’ve been knitting since I was a child, but never learned to crochet. However, I’ve always wanted to. I did initially take a few lessons to get started, but now I follow UA-cam tutorials in order to improve and to practice, practice, practice. I’m getting better, but still feel I need even more practice. TFS
How lovely is the Capelet 😊 . My dearesr friend is Welsh and she will absolutely adore this creatation, so l will make this for her . Thank you very much indeed . X
Thank you for the crochet tips! I like to keep a full detailed list of all the items and colors for each of my projects.
Really great tips Anja, thanks for sharing them. May I suggest to all crocheters to stretch and do hand and finger exercises each time they're done. It is very important for having healthy and strong hands and mustles. Thanks again
I agree with you.... practice, practice, practice. I love the beautiful colors on the blanket that you are working on. 😊
great tips, thank you Anja. My tip, guess already mentioned, but still thats how my skills improved with big steps within short time notice.
From the moment on you feel you know the basics , don't be afraid to jump into the deep. If you find an intricate written pattern AND there is a step to step clear youtube tutorial going with that, just go for it. Your skills will improve so much quicker.
My fav tip is this... I love my Clover Amour hooks.....partly because each size has its own color. I also have two Furls Odyssy hooks... one red, and one purple.., So... When I start a new project, I take a picture of it and the hook... Thst way, I’ll never forget what size hook I am using... When I see a blue Clover , I know it’s N H-8... a brown hook, is a J-@9, etc.
I keep my clovers, and a couple of Susan Bates regular hooks in a pretty Vera Bradley soft pencil case. THE Furls Odyssys are kept in their black bixes, in a Vera Bradley makeup bag..,along with some basic notions. I seldom leave a hook with a project, because I know how easy it is to lose them🙃.
Great tip, thank you for sharing with us. Thank you for watching Sandy Grogg ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
Absolutely love your tutorials ❤️
Practice 1/2 hr😆 as a beginner and totally obsessed it’s more like HOURS! Can’t get enough time! I dream colours 😳
Have fun with your journey! Anja x
thank YOU for your Wonderful useful tips xxx .
I found that when I come at the end of a row & need to turn my work, I turn my hook to the other side of the yarn NOT twisting it, this gives a smoother edge :]
Thank you for such a great tips. I know crocheting about only 3 years and try to challenge myself with different stitches and patterns realised there is so much to learn about crochet.
So I think a good tip is to challenge yourself even if it looks to hard to deal with.
@user-od6kw6np3i yes, that's a great tip, try to learn something new, not so much every day, but as often as possible! Thank you, Anja x
Thanks for the tips ! And yes: practice makes perfect! Eventually 😊
Great advice I'm a beginner I haven't made anything yet I get confused with the turning chains
I really enjoyed your video and and I'm doing what you said practice practice practice.thank you
Glad it was helpful! Anja x
Just keep at it and you'll get it. Watch tutorials closely and you can slow down the video speed if you need to. You can find it in the settings menu at the bottom of the video (gear symbol). Being frustrated is perfectly normal. Once you start to get the hang of it, it will be so much more rewarding for you. Good luck! ❤️🧶❤️
Great tips and if you’re not happy with your work it is far easier to undo than knitting! I have always loved knitting, but I must admit that crocheting is now taking over and I am inspired with your videos 😀
Thank you for having Kitty with you. I like that you can crochet and talk at the same time. I was, for a long time, impatient with myself when my crochet piece didn't begin right. Now that I am retired I can devote more time to crochet.
Wonderful! Thank you for watching Cheryl Hemminger ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
I've yet to make a garment that came out the right size--good tip to check sizing as you go.
Does the school system in the UK still teach crochet (and woodworking) in school? I think that's such a stellar idea and wish the schools in the US did that.
Our local schools teach woodcraft
Honestly? She can crochet 🧶 without seeing the stitches? I’m amazed. How does she do it? Maybe feels the V stitch? WOW 🤩
Wow! You crochet fast and without looking 😃I’m impressed 😎
Wow at your skill in talking and crocheting at the same time! Wow. Also that bag is gorgeous, do you have a video tutorial? Xxx
love all your videos and tips I'm still stuffing up my corners when doing boarders on my blankets a bit, I hate the sides and trying to get a straight edge and need to learn to loosen my tension but am so excited to try lot of your projects that I know I'm going to bet better more I make :)
I like the way you hold your project yarn hook e.t.c
Wonderful tips. I especially can relate to the one about counting stitches. I probably over count my stitches, if possible. But, as I have had situations whereby I was crocheting along smoothly, having counted my stitches each row, then decide that it is no longer necessary, get a bit further along, only to find that somehow I had less stitches than a few rows before. Very frustrating indeed. It takes up more of my time, but I may always do more counting than necessary.
I Really enjoy watching Ophelia talks all your videos and your tutorials they are really good thank you so much for taking the time and showing us and teaching us what to do and how to do it...
You are so welcome Nadine! I'm very glad they're so helpful to you, Anja x
I love your tips! I usually had problems at beginning & end of rows… also turning would make uneven edges( but I watched tutorials on it & now I can keep the edges straighter). I like the picture idea( hook size, yarn labels, etc.). There are also journals to record all your project info!
I can't say much because all I have made so far is a few random practice squares, one amigurumi cat, and half a second amigurumi cat of a different style. I keep hearing as a beginner to stay away from the varigated yarn, but I actually found it easier to identify my stitches with the varigated yarn because the color keeps changing and I can see where I just went. I broke another rule and my first cat was made using fine (#1) yarn with a 1.25mm hook. It was not as bad as I thought it would be though and for some reason, I found the tiny hook a bit easier to work with even though I expected it to be harder.
Breaking another rule, the second cat I'm currently working on is with black #3 yarn. I didn't want to work with the black yarn for my second project, but my daughter wanted me to make a cat toy for our cat and wanted it to look like the other cat because the cat I am making it for doesn't like the other cat. The cat I'm making it look like is solid black. I stuffed catnip and valerian root inside the body with the stuffing. I have the body finished, and now I'm working on the ears, feet, and tail. The body doesn't look too bad, but I struggled a lot finding the stitches on the bottom after stuffing it. I used a ton of pieces of yarn to mark my stitches along the way as well. I'm hovering real close to the light, but still struggling with the ears.
If you have any tips to help with finding the stitches to close up amigurumi after it has been stuffed, I'd love to hear them. It is really frustrating. The first cat has a messed up bottom because once the stuffing was in, I was fighting to get to the stitches and ended up with quite a few uneven stitches because it was hard to keep the right tension. The stitch marker also kept getting in the way which is why I switched to strips of yarn for the second cat instead of stitch markers. This bottom looks a lot better, but I still struggled a lot closing it up and ended up using a tapestry needle to help guide the yarn through the tight decreasing loops. Not sure if that is a good idea or not, but it seemed to help me a lot.
I teach people who r beginners n all ur tips r awesome n i preach them too..an i do them also..i keep 2 balls of yarn n my tote one for knitting n other for crocheting n my oldies music..my friends laugh at me but i am sooo happy to keep my hands busy n learning new stitches too . I do it on the bus..train ..park benches..its my companion n i am happy inside n outside my heart is smiling ..All of ur tips r Great ❤❤❤❤
That’s wonderful Alice, thank you Anja x
First time watching your video. Thank u for your patience teaching.
You are so welcome Martha, thank you for watching.
We have a Facebook group also, if you haven't already, please consider joining us there too, there's always lots of help and advice available, also a safe place.....Anja x
facebook.com/opheliatalks/
OMG I'm hypnotised by watching your crochet as you chat !
Oh thank you! Anja x
Thank you, Anja! These tips are fantastic! How I wish I found you sooner, and I can't believe how much I've learned from you in just one month! Hope one day I'll be able to not have to look at my work while crocheting - that was awesome to watch you crochet and look at me while you were talking! I think one of my favorite tips was to watch a video in it's entirety before beginning the piece. I'm excited that my first blanket is your hexagon pattern, and thank you for the HiyaHiya hooks. I love them!
Thank you so much Dara. Yes to watch the instruction video entirely is so important. Great you are doing the Hexagon blanket. I am sure it will be amazing! Thank you for watching Dara Snyder ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
@@OpheliaTalks Anja, so sweet of you to take the time to reply to me. I have to admit that past day I've heard your voice saying "Practice to build muscle memory" over and over in my head. I believe that now is my top tip because I keep hearing it. I'm going to practice the puff stitch and foundation double crochet (haven't done either). I want my next project to be the Tarr Steps Sleeveless Cardigan!
My black cat likes to sit on my lap and purr while I crochet. I love this ( and her!), but when she sheds there is a problem! I solved this by using an old comforter on my lap for her to lay on. I purposely chose one that is striped on one side and floral on the other. I put it on my lap with the floral side up and she lays on that. I then fold the top part of the comforter over her and then place my crochet item over that part of the comforter. My cat is happy and no cat hair gets on my project. In warmer months I use s bed sheet and keep the wrong side down on my lap and fold the right side part way over her My
Love it! Thank you for watching Joyce Sharretts ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
Very encouraging video. Thanks Anya. You are perfectly Right saying one needs practice, practice and practice just like maths. God bless you.
You are amazing. Crouching so fast while teaching us something. Truly a master
I meant crocheting
Thank you Claudia!!
I love the blue blanket in the back and the bag.
I had no idea that it was a required course in the UK (or Belgium where you're from I think). That's really nice! I only learned 2yrs ago and loved it instantly even though I had to find video tutorials for every single stitch, every time, many times until my muscle memory and my "stitch library" in my brain finally retained everything. At first I really thought I'd never remember which stitch was what but yep muscle memory was the key to everything and practice is the only way to build that memory. You Anja have been an inspiration to me since the very beginning of my journey. I started with dish cloths, then blankets (I don't wear scarves or shawls) and now I mainly make sweaters, cardigans, and tops. I learn something in each project that helps me improve for the next. I couldn't have learned without my Anja! You're just the neatest lady and I'll always be a subscriber.
Thanks. I love that your schools made you learn handy things and that everyone had to learn each one regardless of gender. Here in the US, we have eliminated cooking, sewing, and family care. I wish we had it back.
My favourite tip is learning to crochet with a kitty cat on your work hahaha. This is a lovely video!
Great tips thank you so much. I also learned when I was very young from my grandmother's friend and my grandmother in Spanish. I then taught myself the stitches in English, how to read patterns and how to knit. I stopped for some years and picked it back up in 2018 and then a few years after I taught myself Tunisian Crochet and loom knitting. I think it's also very important to not give up. If it's frustrating or one section is giving you trouble take a break, look for some tutorials maybe and in the end many of the items crocheted with yarn can just be unravelled and made over. It helps to have a positive attitude and keep trying and I think sharing your work in positive groups helps alot too. My ex husband was Swiss and he also learn how to knit when he was in school. That is so nice and I wish I was taught woodworking and here in the US the schools I attended did not teach crochet or knitting. I do think it's a very useful skill.
I keep a list in my google drive of all the projects I am working on and the ones I want to work on with links to the patterns and if any have deadlines or are urgent I put the deadline date and move them to the top of the list. I also have an inventory of my yarn and blanket kits I have but I need to update my spreadsheet with my yarn inventory. I also like to photograph all my completed crochet projects into an album in Facebook. When I remember I also create a project in Ravelry for that crochet project and I add all my notes there and also any pictures of the project. I add hook size and yarn used.
Wow @infinitelyzero, you're very organised, well done! Thank you for watching, Anja x
@@OpheliaTalks thank you, I am working on it but not everything is organized anymore. I bought way too much yarn since the pandemic happened and last winter. I still have plenty of yarn I need to put away more nicely as well as updating the spreadsheet but I am trying. :)
My grandma tried to teach me when I was little. I could make a chain, but didn't have the patience to learn. My mom could crochet, but couldn't read a pattern, she'd just make up her items as she went along, my sister is the same way, she was making dresses for dolls when she was 8 or 9. I found someone in UA-cam that finally made sense to me and learned about 6 years ago. I couldn't start our small, I had to start with a big afghan. My grandma helped me figure out what I was doing wrong and it turned out OK for starting out. I didn't like the plain aluminum hooks and wanted to make the handle thicker and discovered polymer clay. I took a year or so off from crochet to play in clay, but I'm back to crochet again. I've made several big blankets during the quarantine due to the virus. I'm immunocompromised so I don't leave the house much and I'm lucky enough to work from home. I get to crochet so much more now, especially when I run out of work. I'm lazy and don't like having to keep up with patterns so I typically use them for ideas and go from there. I've typically got 2-4 things going, drives my hubby insane, but the cats and I are happy. Speaking of cats, yours is beautiful. We have 4. Sheldon Cooper is almost 4, he's a tiny panther (don't call him a fast black house kitty, he gets offended). Lulu just turned 3, she's a Blue Point Siamese who is very talkative and likes to steal sticks, gives, hats, whatever strikes her fancy. Milo is a Seal Point Siamese who will soon be 2 and is a mama's boy who is slightly psycho, but he's my best friend anyway. The baby is 11 months old and is a Lynx Point Siamese named Angus MacGyver and he's the sweetest, funniest little guy. We also have a 8.5 lab /border collie mix named Chloe who is currently an inside doggy. Thankfully we have been letting her sleep inside at night due to the shower cold weather (she has arthritis and we can't stand for her to be cold and hurt or unhappy in general). When we got up this morning we saw that a huge one tree had fallen in the fenced area where her drug house is and right next to her house. She couldn't died last night. So we're Thandie sure was inside and safe and until the area is cleaned up and we get a new fence up, she's fingerboard to lay in the couch and watch TV with her kitties all day. I love your accent and how you can just crochet away and talk and not look at what your doing, I've still not managed that one. This was the first of your videos I've watched, I just loved it. We didn't learn things like crochet in school and weren't rewired to take Home Economics in high school to learn to cook and sew. My mom taught me to cook, but not to sew. I tend to be ditzy so we were both afraid I'd miss the material and end up stitching my hands with her sewing machine. I can sew a little by hand, but nothing to big. Now that I'm in my mid-40's I'm more interested in things like that so I'm starting to learn more things.
Glad you have picked up crochet again. And you know the main 3 words are: practice, practice and practice. Say hello to your lovely kitties and dog. Thank you for watching Crittermama ! Anja xxx 💕🌈
Great tips, Anja! I am a novel crochetter and need to learn from the best! :: And I am amazed as how fast you crochet! wow!! :)
I love this! ❤️👍🏻🧶. Your tips are excellent and practical to be sure. I agree with all of what you say. In fact, I have made some of the same suggestions to other crocheters. Thank you for this!!
Beautiful furgirl! Helpful tips! Thanks!
Thank you very much impunitythebagpuss! Anja x
I just found you and I’m staying for good! Love your tips, your videos, your personality, your cat and your crocheting 🧶 👍🏼
Oh thank you Mariza, welcome to the 'family', I hope you find lots of projects to make.
We have a Facebook group also, if you haven't already, please consider joining us there too.....Anja x
facebook.com/opheliatalks/
Loved all the tips. And enjoyed the way you teach us. I’m a Brazilian woman who loves chrochet. And I’m always here with you. 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you so much! Anja x
Those tips are very helpful. I used to work full time and full time parent. Both my children are in college now and my company has shut down do yo
COVID. I did not know what to do with myself at home all the time. I have been trying to teach myself crochet through UA-cam. I actually completed my first blanket after restarting 3 times. I’m in my second and your tips have explained a lot. So thanks
Thanks for sharing and thank you for watching Mindy Bragg ! Anja xxx 💕🌈