"The Craft Group" plus...

"I want to learn how to crochet" said Harriet. "I have NO idea how to crochet" said Harriet. "If you run a crochet class, I'll join it" said Harriet. "I'll probably never be able to do it it" said Harriet. Well... ta da! Harriet bought the most beautiful quality cotton from Bendigo Woollen Mills . ...and succeeded in learning to crochet and made this wonderful rug for herself. Well done Harriet. (And a big Hurray!  for Kay who was so great at teaching the Beginners Crochet Class!)

A Patons pattern. Super soft yarn. 2 cosy throw rugs made by the beautuful Wendy.

Question: What is the right way to hold a crochet hook? Answer: There is no right way to hold it! That's not very helpful, I know. Kay taught our beginner crochet class and wow did we see interesting ways to hold a hook! We made some conclusions: 1) Holding a crochet hook does not feel natural at first and you need to chain, chain, chain until you get into some sort of natural hold. 2) Many people have filed away in the recesses of their mind,  a childhood memory of learning to crochet. Trying out different methods is a good idea (rather than doing what one person tells you). You will find that one way seems more possible than others and it may just be because that is how you tried it as a child. 3) If you chain chain chain, you will start to think more about the chain and yarn and less about your fingers - they will start to look after themselves. 4) Constantly relax your hand and arm muscles. If you don't consciously do this you will get aches you'd rather do wi...

Three-activities-in-one for a 7 and 10 year old staying here on holidays. 1. Go to the beach and collect sea glass. It's better than collecting shells because it is actually removing rubbish from the ocean but feels like you are finding treasure! 2. Make fun pictures with the glass. The possibilities are endless! 3. Give them a little digital camera and get them to take creatice shots of their masterpieces.

If you are an ambitious sock knitter, then this is the sort of 'next step' project for you! Janelle found this project on Ravelry. (You may have to set up a free account to see it.) Every day before Christmas, Janelle received another small part of the sock pattern. Each day another part of the festive sock pattern was revealed. From the crazy toes to the wise owls, there were many fun challenges. One sock was knitted toe to top and the other was knitted top to toe. Amazing job Janelle! The small price you paid for this Jo Price design/pattern was worth it! SEE THE RAVELRY LINK HERE

Hey sis... It's my sister's birthday today so here is a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her! She is, amongst other things (kind, caring, adventurous), a great blanket knitter.  She knows I love blue and so she made me this knitted blanket. She uses a circular needle and off she goes. Enjoy your day Jeanette!

Just like a good coffee is addictive... so is crochet! The crochet bug has hit us big time at The Craft Group. Kay is teaching basic BASIC beginners crochet to some ladies who are fantastic at crafts but somehow missed out on learning how to crochet. Elly is a paper craft guru but thought she'd see if she can remember how to crochet. The result... So Cute! A crocheted Mug of coffee as a pin cushion is  a great little project and of course Elly's is just perfect! It looks like a cup of coffee to me but you could add a tea bag and make a cup of tea! Click HERE for a free pattern of the above tea cup from  the amigurumi.today website.

I have a dear friend who has a 'word' each year. Kind of a theme for her year. Something to remind her of her goals. Something to help her remember what is important. At The Craft Group we have a 'word' too! The word for 2018 is "Thankful" Pam shared a great song about being thankful. Here it is! 10,000 Reasons

There are some ladies in our midst with a deep dark secret... they can't crochet. We have had many crochet projects over the years and these select few otherwise crafty ladies stood by and admired the projects but apologised that they were too busy to join in this time. But ... because we are so kind and accepting ... confessions were made, situations understood and an Absolutely Beginners Crochet Class is about to begin.  No judgement ;) No discrimination. Just lots of giggles and patient tuition! To start with... we are learning how to hold your hook and yarn, make a slip knot and make a chain. I will add some links here soon for our cyber friends to learn along with the group. Get ready by finding some 8 ply yarn and  a size 4mm hook (also called an 8). Have fun!

After a lovely break over Christmas and summer,  The Craft Group is gathering again tomorrow for our Enrolment morning tea. So watch this space for new and inspiring projects!