Bag 'o tricks

So, as mentioned before, I was interested in learning to knit. I sort of learned a bit then read up on crochet and decided that sounded more forgiving and therefore much more fun. I remember making granny squares with my Mom when I was a kid but have no recollection as to how I did it. Today, at my nephew's game, I asked mom if she remembered how to crochet. She said "If I had a hook in my hands I think I could remember." I then said "Maybe I'll go pick one up after the game." She said "No! I have some at home." I then accused her of not knowing where on earth they were. She insisted she knew exactly where and that they were in a little bag somewhere.

Well, she was right. She found this bag (a gift from a friend)...



















Filled with this stash...
















And this incredible little treasure, circa 1959...


Mom and I sat on the edge of my bed and she showed me how to chain stitch. We decided it's best to practice chain stitches for a while then learn new stitches every few days. It's really all about getting used to positioning the hook and yarn in your hands and getting the tension just right. Mom showed me a few different stitches and they all seemed reasonably simple. I just have to remember them all. Here's the product of my first few minutes of chain stitching.








So far I'm right, I prefer crochet to knitting. It feels so much more natural to me. I may have to make this a habit.