So last weekend I taught my first in-person crochet class since Covid and talk about a trial by fire! Somehow 18 people managed to sneak into the classroom, even though we capped registration at 15, and I didn't stop moving for the whole two hours.

It went well, though! Maybe a tad chaotic, especially in the very beginning as I tried to just get everyone started working on something, but no one threw their yarn out a window and stormed out, ha ha, so it felt like a win.

Almost ALL of them were nearly brand new to crocheting, so that was an added challenge, and there were several kids, too, so I definitely had my work cut out for me. I was so thankful that no one seemed to leave frustrated, though. And my nervousness didn't last long either simply because there wasn't time for it!

It felt really great to be back in the classroom, too. I love seeing lightbulbs go off as students learn new things! A lot of times it's also something they've gotten frustrated with trying to figure out at home with books or videos and they just needed someone to say, "try it this way," to make it click. That's why I always recommend an in person class for new crocheters if it's at all possible!

It isn't always possible, though, of course, and sometimes even if the class goes great, the student sometimes goes home and everything they learned seemed to just fall out of their head!

Which is where having a resource page like the one I've been working on comes in.

Say hello to my brand new Crochet 101 page!

​www.crochetcetera.com/crochet101​

This is a beginner-friendly space where I've collected together all of the tips and resources I can think of that might be most helpful to someone who is brand new to crocheting—many of which I used in my own classrooms for years.

And while it's still a work in progress (you'll see a few "coming soon" notes), this is something that I've been meaning to do for a long time, so I'm really happy be able to share it with you!

I've already filmed new tutorials for the slip knot, chain, and single crochet, which are all up on the site now. (These are the things we practiced in class and also the things most likely to be forgotten!)

I'll also be filming new tutorials for the double crochet, half double crochet, and treble crochet, which will round out what I consider to be the basic crochet stitches. (Trebles aren't always taught at the beginner level, but I think they should at least be introduced!)

I'm also planning on writing a series of blog posts to dive deeper into some of the materials and tools that I use. (You know I'm going to gush about stitch markers, right!?) So if you have anything specific that you're curious about, hit reply and let me know!

In fact, I'd like to hear what you think about the new 101 page, too!

What do you wish you had as a beginner?

Or if you're teaching someone else to crochet, what questions do they ask?

I really love to hear your thoughts. And if you think I should go further with a Crochet 102 page later on—what do you think should be on it??

Oh, one more new thing! I also made a shoppable checklist for some of my favorite crochet supplies.

They're all affiliate links with Amazon, which I've never made any money off of at all, lol, but I keep using them because they're easy. So if you do make a purchase through one of these links, I might make a few pennies from the sale, at no additional cost to you.

I would much rather see you go buy all your crafting goodies from your local shops, of course, but, like learning to crochet from someone in person, that isn't always possible. I will say, though, that all of my favorite notions pouches and project bags have come from trunk shows and fiber events where I could buy them from the maker!

Although I really would like to try one of those Soolla Studio Bags...

Oh but I DID just get a brand new bag, ha ha! They gave me the sweetest thank-you gift for teaching the class at the library. Truman was very interested in the snack selection, ha ha. 🐾

This might just be my new beach sack! I have a similar cinch top backpack from Thirty-one that I use for the things I don't want sand in (book, crochet, phone) but I might have to swap this one in and see how I like it. It does have handles on top, too! (I tucked them in for the picture.)

And actually, I think I might just go have one of those snacks right now!

Cheers, y'all.

-Connie

P.S. Carson thought it was the funniest thing that the baby chickens were hanging out on top of the garden fence!