However, I have a confession to make. I have a very hard time with patterns and all crochet projects are based on patterns.. I start them with all good intent, but am soon lost, totally confused, frustrated and frogging (rip-it, rip-it) once again. A friend tells me it's because I've not had enough practice, which is absolutely true. She's kind enough not to add that I'm also impatient. And diagrams....don't even start me on diagrams.
I want patterns to be EXACT. Rather than have the sections in asterisks: i.e.,
Dc in next sc, ch 1, sc in center loop of next shell, * ch 1, 1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc in next sc between 2 shells of previous row, ch 1, sc in center loop of next shell, repeat from * across row, ending with 2 dc with ch 1 between in last sc, ch 1, turn.
I want them spelled out, at least for the first time through. And the instructions for the beginning and endings of rows always seem, to me, vague at best.
Okay, I'll admit part of my problem is, with shawls and scarves, I always want them wider and longer than almost every pattern written, so getting the starting count right is always a challenge. I don't care than I'm only 5'2" tall, I love LONG scarves and shawls that I can wrap for days.
I am a show-me learner. I know this about myself. What I'd really like is someone sitting by my side, showing me what to do when I start to become confused. However, every once in awhile a pattern comes along that I can follow. It's so exciting!! Last night, I started a vintage pattern for the Wilshire Shawl. I'm on the 10th row and doing fine. I'll admit, it started out a little bumpy, but I figured it out.
I'm not giving up. I shall figure out how to read patterns and someday wonder why I was having such a problem. But in the meantime, baby steps, baby steps...
Am I alone in my frustration? Are there others who are pattern challenged?
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I envy you your ability to crochet at all. It is such a beautiful craft. I'm a knitter and need two needles :) Patterns can be a pain, I agree and pulling out rows of stitches sounds familiar. But the joy of the finished article outweighs the irritation and frustration as well you know!! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendy. You make a very good point. The Virgo perfectionist in me all too often gets in the way of appreciating what I can, and have, accomplished. I'll work on that.
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